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Policygenius review
Last updated:
Calculate the coverage you need, compare providers and buy a policy — all on one site.
finder.com's rating: 3.5 / 5
★★★★★
- Get a quote if… you want to compare quotes from multiple providers.
- Choose a different provider if… you’re looking for tailored results one might receive from a single, dedicated insurer.
18 to 85
Issue Age
$50,000 to $10,000,000
Coverage
Depends on provider and policy
Medical Exam Required
Details
| Free quote | Phone, Online |
|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $17.82/month |
| Policies | Term, Whole, Universal, Quality of Life, Variable |
| Coverage maximum | $10,000,000 |
| Term lengths | 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 years |
| Riders | Accelerated death benefit rider, Accidental death benefit rider, Child rider, Critical illness benefit rider, Guaranteed insurability rider, Long-term-care rider, Return-of-premium rider, Spouse rider, Term insurance rider, Waiver-of-premium rider |
| Medical exam required | Depends on provider and policy |
| Available states | All 50 states |
| Issue age | 18 - 85 years old |
Pros
- Get the coverage amount and term that's right for you.
- Choose between term or whole life insurance.
- Easy online application process.
Cons
Expert review
Review by
Rhys Subitch
rhys.subitch@findercrew.comRhys Subitch is a writer and editor at Finder who tackles topics across the site. With half a decade of experience researching, editing and writing for a Fortune 500 company, university and several independent publications, Rhys brings readers the most up-to-date and curated info on all things finance.
Expert review
When you’re looking to compare and apply for life insurance all at once, Policygenius may be a good solution. The number of insurance providers it works with are limited though, and you may not find the tailored results you’re looking for. Your needs are wholly unique and you should always compare your life insurance options thoroughly before settling on a provider.
What types of life insurance coverage does Policygenius offer?
Policygenius doesn’t provide coverage directly. The insurance providers it partners with each offer different levels and types of insurance.
Though not directly listed as available, Policygenius gives a general comparison of the following types of life insurance:
- Term life. Most policies cover you from 10, 20 or 30 years. Once the coverage ends, your premiums can increase depending on the provider. Outliving the policy means no you won’t see a payout.
- Return of premium term life. If you outlive your policy, you’ll be paid back the premiums that you’ve paid over the years.
- Whole life. Premiums are typically higher than a term policy, but coverage is permanent as long as you stay on top of your payments. Policies can also gain cash value.
- Universal life. A type of whole life that gives you the option to change your premium throughout the life of your policy. Lowering premiums and borrowing from the cash value can decrease the value of the payout.
- Variable life. This type of permanent policy allows you to invest your payments in subaccounts, allowing you to earn dividends.
- Variable universal life. A combination that brings you the ability to change your premiums from universal to the subaccounts of variable life.
- Accelerated life. This type of policy can be purchased in just a few weeks, without having to take a medical exam.
What riders can I add to my insurance policy?
You can add riders to your policy, at a cost, and some insurers offer more than others. Here are a few riders you may want to look for:
- Accelerated death benefit rider. A terminal illness diagnosis that gives you less than 12 months to live, slightly more in some states, could get you access to some or all of your benefit.
- Accidental death benefit rider. An additional amount is paid if your death is caused by an accident.
- Child rider. Generally small amounts of coverage for your children — adopted, step or biological — can be bought using this rider.
- Critical illness benefit rider. Pays out a lump sum benefit if you suffer a critical illness, such as a stroke.
- Guaranteed insurability rider. Allows you to purchase additional insurance at specified dates without having to take a medical exam.
- Long-term-care rider. Allows you to pull money from your death benefit to cover care expenses if you’re diagnosed as chronically ill.
- Return-of-premium rider. Reimburses you for any premiums paid if you outlive the term of your policy.
- Spouse rider. Pays out a death benefit if your spouse dies.
- Term insurance rider. Adds additional insurance to your permanent policy for a specified amount of time.
- Waiver-of-premium rider. If you become disabled or have to move to an assisted-living facility, you could be relieved of your premium payment.
How can I get a low rate?
Each insurance provider has its own standards and criteria used to underwrite policies. For example, some insurers may consider a DUI or DWI more serious than others.
A few factors are constant across the board. While they may be weighted differently, here are some of the qualities that are assessed when determining your risk profile:
- Recent bouts with a serious illness. You may want to wait to apply if you’ve recently gotten past a serious illness or medical condition. Providers have different standards of what recent is — one could say a few months while another says five years — so make sure you consult with the insurer or an agent.
- Family health history. There’s not much you can do about your family’s health. One option is to search for a provider that doesn’t consider it as heavily. Still, your other health and lifestyle information may still be scrutinized.
- Your health criteria. Weight, cholesterol, psychiatric diagnoses and serious medical conditions can also affect your premiums. Your risk profile may not be rated as high if you can manage conditions with medication, therapy or other treatment.
- Tobacco or alcohol use. Frequency and when you last used often impacts how heavily these are weighted. It should be noted that even occasional tobacco use can result in much higher premiums.
- Driving or criminal convictions. The frequency of the convictions and the time since the last one are considered when evaluating your risk under these criteria.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Allows you to compare several policies you could be eligible for using a two-minute quote form.
- Offers a calculator that lets you get an idea of just how much life insurance you need.
- Guides you through the application process with its customer support team.
- No need to give up identifying information to get a quote.
Cons
- Online quotes aren’t always available for all providers.
- The methodology behind which companies are suggested isn’t clearly provided.
- It’s not clear which types of life insurance the quotes are for outside of the basic term and whole life.
How does Policygenius compare?
Policygenius reviews and complaints
On TrustPilot, customers rave about Policygenius’ customer service and the simple, straightforward process. The policy-matching service gets a 9.8 out of 10 TrustScore, with an “excellent” 5 star rating from 94% of 840 reviewers.
Over at the Better Business Bureau, Policygenius receives an A rating and is accredited by the organization. However, two out of three reviews were 2 star, which Policygenius promptly addressed.
How does Policygenius protect my data?
Policygenius collects and uses personally identifiable information (PII) to optimize its services to you, to offer tailored products and services, and to help underwrite and provide accurate insurance quotes and policies.
This information is stored using encryption mechanisms, including HTTPS and SSL protocols, and TLS encryption standard or better.
How do I get a quote and sign up?
- Go to Policygenius’ homepage and click the Life button.
- From there you’ll provide some personal information, including your gender, birthdate, ZIP code, citizenship and whether you are married. Then click Next.
- You’ll then be asked some general health questions. After answering, click Get My Quotes. If you answered yes to any of the treatment- and medication-related questions, click Next, and you’ll be taken to another screen where you can provide further details.
- After completing all of the health-related questions, you’ll be asked to provide your email address so you can save your progress. You will then be able to view your quote, which you can further customize.
- If you’re happy with the policy options, click Next: Pick An Insurer. From there you will be presented with options from multiple providers. If you need help making a selection, there is live chat help available from the page.
- To continue with a provider and start the application process, click continue next to your desired provider and policy. Policygenius will then guide you through the application process.
I’ve signed up. What happens next?
Once you’ve completed the application and are approved, register your online account with the provider to take full advantage of your policy. There you can manage your policy and possibly set up auto-pay to ensure payments are made on time.
How do I file a life insurance claim with Policygenius?
Strictly speaking, you don’t. Policygenius is a comparison site, not a provider.
You’ll need to contact the provider you select to find out how to file a claim. Each has its own specific requirements, so it’s important to understand the process before you begin.
What other services does Policygenius offer?
A selection of other insurance types are available for comparison on Policygenius including:
- Disability
- Health
- Renters
- Pet
- Auto
- Jewelry
- Travel
- Identity theft
- Homeowners
More about Policygenius
Policygenius is a comparison site that lets you calculate how much life insurance you may need, compare providers and purchase your policy. Its service is free and makes money through commissions from the insurance companies you compare on its site.
The company was formed in 2014 under the belief that insurance companies have trouble engaging customers digitally, which creates an unpleasant experience all around. Policygenius is partnered with over 20 insurance providers as of this writing.
Frequently asked questions
Life insurance ratings
★★★★★ — Excellent
★★★★★ — Good
★★★★★ — Average
★★★★★ — Subpar
★★★★★ — Poor
Our experts analyze life insurance companies to help you to find the strongest possible policy and premium for your family’s needs. We assess their financial strength, customer satisfaction, policy features and riders. We then give each insurer a score between one and five stars that reflects their offering and reputation in the industry.
