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Prudential Life vs. Pacific Life: Which is better?
Choose between a cheaper rate or a more comprehensive set of riders.
These big-name insurers are on par when it comes to financial strength and customer engagement. Pacific Life is the budget-friendly option, while Prudential has a longer list of available riders.
What's in this guide?
Life insurance products with Prudential and Pacific Life
 Prudential |  Pacific Life | |
|---|---|---|
| Term |  | |
| Whole | | |
| Universal | | |
| Variable | ||
| Variable universal | | |
| Indexed universal | | |
| Final expense | ||
| Survivorship | | |
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Costs
Your life insurance provider will give you a rate based on your age, gender, occupation and lifestyle. Of these insurers, Prudential has slightly higher rates, so you might save on your monthly premium by choosing Pacific Life.
If you’re a healthy nonsmoker, here’s what you might be charged monthly for a $250,000, 20-year term life policy.
| Gender | Age | Prudential | Pacific Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 20 | ||
| Male | 30 | ||
| Male | 40 | ||
| Male | 50 | ||
| Male | 60 |
| Gender | Age | Prudential | Pacific Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Female | 20 | ||
| Female | 30 | ||
| Female | 40 | ||
| Female | 50 | ||
| Female | 60 |
*Based on sample rates from Policygenius, August 2019.
Policy riders
Prudential Riders
- Waiver of premium rider
- Accelerated death benefit rider
- Accidental death benefit rider
- Serious illness rider
- Estate planning rider
- Cash value rider
- Disability income rider
- Additional death benefit rider
Pacific Life Riders
- Waiver of premium rider
- Accelerated death benefit rider
- Conversion rider
- Child rider
- Long-term care rider
Financial strength
As a policyholder, you want to be able to count on your insurer’s financial stability. Both insurers score top ratings with the major agencies, meaning they have the cash reserves to pay out claims.
Of the 23 insurers surveyed in J.D. Power’s latest life insurance study, Prudential is ranked eighth and Pacific Life ranked ninth. They both earned an “about average” rating for their customer service — so there’s room for improvement.
| Prudential | Pacific Life | |
|---|---|---|
| A.M. Best | A+ (Superior) | A+ (Superior) |
| Moody’s | Aa3 (High quality) | A1 (Good) |
| Standard & Poor’s | AA- (Very strong) | AA- (Very strong) |
| Fitch | AA- (High quality) | AA- (High quality) |
| J.D. Power | 3 out of 5 circles or “about average” | 3 out of 5 circles or “about average” |
Customer reviews and reputation
Prudential has an D- rating with the Better Business Bureau while it’s in the process of resolving complaints. The BBB records 69 complaints in the past three years, most of which related to billing issues and claims. Customers award the company 1 out of 5 stars — but these reviews reflect the company as a whole, and not just its life insurance department.
Pacific Life has an A- rating with the BBB for its customer service and interaction, but just 1 out of 5 stars with customers. The BBB has three recent complaints on file.
Bottom line
The key differences between these insurers lie in their rates and riders. Prudential has higher rates, but a longer list of riders to choose from — including an estate planning rider, which is ideal for wealthy individuals.
To find coverage that best caters to your needs, compare life insurance providers.
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