- AIG Life Insurance Overview: AIG has a long history and operates globally, offering competitive term rates and flexible products, but struggles with customer satisfaction.
- Who is AIG Best For?: AIG is ideal for healthy individuals seeking affordable, flexible term life insurance, especially those with certain health conditions, and comfortable managing policies online.
- Key Strengths: AIG stands out for its highly flexible term options, including 18 different lengths up to 35 years, and its ability to underwrite applicants with health issues more favorably.
- Key Weaknesses: Customer service is a major downside, with poor satisfaction scores, frequent complaints, and delays in claims processing, creating a frustrating experience for beneficiaries.
- AIG Life Insurance Reliability and Customer Service: While AIG's financial strength is solid with high ratings, customer support issues, slow claims, and negative reviews on platforms like Trustpilot highlight ongoing service challenges.
AIG Life Insurance Overview
If you’ve been shopping around for life insurance, AIG’s name has popped up on your radar. This is a company with serious history (we’re talking over 100 years in the game) and global reach that spans more than 80 countries. Their life insurance arm now operates under the Corebridge Financial brand after a 2022 spinoff, though you’ll still see the AIG name in marketing materials and products.
Here’s the deal: AIG offers solid term life rates and tons of flexibility, but its customer satisfaction scores are rough. If you’re someone who values rock bottom premiums and doesn’t mind a potentially frustrating service experience, they might work for you. But if hand-holding and responsive support matter, you should look elsewhere.
AIG Life Insurance didn’t rate high enough to make our list of the best life insurance, but read on and learn if it may be right for you.
Who is AIG Best For?
AIG makes the most sense for a specific type of buyer. If you’re relatively healthy and want competitive term life rates with flexible term lengths, this could be your match. It’s also a solid pick for anyone with health conditions that typically attract higher premiums elsewhere, since AIG’s underwriting can be more forgiving in specific niches. Budget-conscious millennials who are comfortable managing their policy online and don’t anticipate needing much hand-holding will probably do fine here. Just keep your expectations realistic about the customer experience.
Key Strengths
AIG stands out for having one of the most flexible term life products in the industry. Their Select-a-Term policy offers over a dozen term lengths, ranging from 10 to 35 years. That 35-year option is honestly rare to find, and it’s perfect if you want to lock in rates for an extended period. Their pricing tends to land in the top 5 to 10 nationally for healthy applicants, especially those between 35 and 55. They also shine when underwriting people with certain health conditions. If you have controlled diabetes, heart issues, or you’re a tobacco user, AIG’s proprietary lab scoring system sometimes delivers better rates than competitors.
Key Weaknesses
Customer service is a real pain point here. In the 2024 J.D. Power U.S. Individual Life Insurance Study, Corebridge ranked dead last among 21 companies with a score of 575 out of 1,000. Ouch. There’s also a higher-than-average volume of complaints filed with state regulators, and Trustpilot reviews paint a pretty bleak picture, with an average rating of 1.2 out of 5 stars. Many customers report frustrating experiences trying to get claims processed or simply reach a helpful representative.
AIG Life Insurance Affordability
When it comes to pricing, AIG generally offers competitive life insurance rates, especially for term life insurance. Their Select-a-Term product consistently ranks among the more affordable options for healthy non-smokers in their 30s through 50s. For context, a 30-year-old male in excellent health might pay around $13 to $15 per month for a 20-year, $250,000 term policy at preferred plus rates.
Whole life coverage through their guaranteed issue product is more expensive since it doesn’t require health questions or exams. This type of policy offers coverage ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 for applicants ages 50 to 80. Because there’s no underwriting, premiums are higher than for traditional whole life products.
AIG doesn’t publicize multi-policy discounts the way auto insurers do, but it offers some savings opportunities. If you pay premiums annually instead of monthly, you can avoid processing fees. Their no-exam underwriting programs (AU+ and SimpliNow) help speed up the process and potentially save you the hassle and cost of scheduling a medical exam.
Riders are available, but they will increase your premium. The Terminal Illness Rider comes at no extra cost on many policies, which is nice. Other riders, such as the Accidental Death Benefit, Waiver of Premium, and Child Term Rider, carry additional fees that vary by coverage amount and policy type.
AIG Life Insurance Coverage Options
AIG offers a comprehensive menu of life insurance products. Here’s what you’re working with.
Term life insurance through the Select-a-Term product provides coverage amounts from $100,000 up to over $1 million (some sources indicate up to $2 million depending on underwriting). The standout feature is the 18 different term length options. You can go as short as 10 years or stretch out to 35 years, with options at every year between 15 and 30. This level of customization is uncommon in the industry. Most competitors offer only the standard 10-, 20-, and 30-year options.
Their Quality of Life Flex Term policy adds living benefits to the product, allowing you to access a portion of your death benefit while alive if you are diagnosed with a chronic, critical, or terminal illness. This “living benefits” approach can provide financial relief during a health crisis rather than making your family wait until you pass away.
Permanent coverage includes indexed universal life insurance with minimum face amounts starting around $50,000 or $100,000, depending on age. These policies link cash value growth to the performance of stock or bond indices while providing downside protection. AIG’s Secure Lifetime GUL 3 provides guaranteed death benefit protection even if the cash value drops to zero.
For final expense coverage, they have both guaranteed issue and simplified issue whole life products. Guaranteed issue policies range from $5,000 to $25,000 for ages 50 to 80 with no health questions, though they come with a two-year waiting period for full benefits. Simplified issue covers $5,000 to $35,000 with some health questions but no exam.
Conversion options exist for term policyholders who want to switch to permanent coverage without additional medical underwriting. The window and specific permanent products available depend on your term length and how long you’ve held the policy.
AIG Life Insurance Reliability
Financial strength matters a lot when you’re buying a product that might not pay out for decades. AIG’s numbers are reassuring on this front.
The company holds an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best, the primary rating agency for insurance companies, indicating a strong ability to meet ongoing policy obligations. S&P Global has upgraded its rating to A+ (Strong), while Moody’s assigns an A2 rating (Good). Fitch also gives them an A+ rating with a stable outlook. These ratings were reaffirmed or upgraded throughout 2024 and 2025, reflecting AIG’s improved financial position since restructuring after the 2008 financial crisis.
Corebridge Financial manages over $393 billion in assets and maintains approximately 4 million life insurance policies in force across the U.S. as of mid-2025. The company trades publicly on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker CRBG and continues to operate, with AIG maintaining roughly a 20 to 25 percent ownership stake.
The company’s history dates back to 1919 when Cornelius Vander Starr founded what would eventually become AIG. That’s over a century of operating experience across global insurance markets. American General, the entity issuing most policies, has been around since 1926.
One caveat here: while financial strength ratings are excellent, the NAIC Complaint Index for American General Life shows higher-than-expected complaint volume relative to their market size. Some sources report an index of around 2.48 for specific product lines, indicating complaints exceed the industry average by more than double.
AIG Life Insurance Customer Service
Let’s be honest: customer service is where AIG struggles. The data here isn’t pretty.
Phone Support
Representatives are generally available Monday through Friday. Hours vary by department, but life insurance customer service can be reached at 888-517-9797 from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time. For quotes, the line at 800-294-4544 operates Monday through Thursday 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Pacific, Friday 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific, and Saturday 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM Pacific. The claims hotline is 800-888-2452.
Wait times and quality of service are where things get dicey based on customer feedback. Reviews frequently mention being transferred multiple times, receiving inconsistent information, and struggling to reach anyone with authority to resolve issues. The J.D. Power score of 575 out of 1,000 ranks them at the bottom of the list of insurers for overall customer satisfaction.
Digital Support
The Corebridge mobile app scores 2.9 out of 5 stars on the iOS App Store (though with limited reviews). User complaints cite slow loading, Face ID issues, and occasional login problems. The app offers useful features, including balance tracking, beneficiary management, and contribution adjustments for retirement accounts.
Their website includes an online portal for policyholders to view policy details, update beneficiaries, and make payments. A term life calculator helps estimate coverage needs. However, getting instant online quotes isn’t really possible, since you need to connect with a representative.
Third Party Ratings
The Better Business Bureau situation is complicated. Corebridge Direct (the retail arm) holds an A+ rating from BBB and has been accredited since 2009. However, Corebridge Financial, as a corporate entity, has an F rating from BBB due to failure to respond to 28 customer complaints and leaving 11 complaints unresolved as of late 2025.
Trustpilot shows a 1.2 out of 5-star rating based on 111 reviews. Common themes include delays in claims processing, poor communication, difficulties with fund transfers, and unresponsive support teams.
One independent survey from Insure.com found that 85% of Corebridge Direct customers reported satisfaction with customer service, a notably more positive figure than other metrics suggest. This discrepancy may reflect differences between the sales experience and post-purchase support.
AIG Life Insurance Claims Process
Filing a claim with AIG follows a fairly standard process but includes some features worth noting.
To initiate a claim, beneficiaries can complete an online death claim form or call customer service. Within 24 hours of notification, a claims team member contacts the beneficiary to authenticate identity and discuss required documentation.
For policies with benefits totaling less than $15,000, payments by check typically ship within 5 business days of receipt of proof of death. Allow another 3 to 5 days for mail delivery.
For claims exceeding $15,000, a claims packet is sent to all beneficiaries within 5 business days of initial notification. This packet includes all necessary forms and instructions. Once complete documentation arrives in good order, most claims are processed within five business days.
Some claims require investigation and take longer to resolve. If anything is missing or incomplete, the company notifies beneficiaries within five business days and follows up on outstanding items.
Beneficiaries can receive payouts as a lump sum or in installments over a designated period, with potential interest payments if installments are selected.
Customer reviews of the claims experience are mixed. Some beneficiaries report smooth processing, while others describe significant delays and communication breakdowns. A common complaint is having to submit documentation or receive inconsistent explanations for delays repeatedly. Reviews on Consumer Affairs and Trustpilot include multiple accounts of claims sitting unresolved for months.
The living benefits riders are worth mentioning here. Terminal illness riders allow acceleration of up to 50% of the death benefit (capped at $250,000) with a small administrative fee. Chronic illness and critical illness riders provide similar access to funds during qualifying health events.
AIG Life Insurance Application Process
Getting coverage through AIG works a couple of different ways, depending on the product and your health profile.
You can start the process online by requesting a quote through the Corebridge Direct website or by calling 800-294-4544. Once you submit a quote request, expect a callback almost immediately since instant online quotes aren’t available for most products.
For term life, AIG offers its Agile Underwriting+ (AU+) program, which is a lab-free, no-exam option. Over 60% of term applications now qualify for this accelerated underwriting path. Eligible applicants typically fall between the ages of 18 and 59 and seek coverage up to $2 million. If you qualify, you could receive a decision and policy delivery within 24 to 48 hours.
Their SimpliNow Choice platform provides another accelerated path with options for either a scheduled telemedical interview or a self-completed electronic interview. In the best-case scenario, you could be approved and have your policy within hours. However, some applicants report that SimpliNow unpredictably declines healthy applicants for vague reasons.
Traditional underwriting with a medical exam remains an option and may be required for older applicants, higher coverage amounts, or complex health histories.
Guaranteed-issue whole life policies have the most straightforward application process, since there are no health questions or exams. You provide payment info and can have coverage approved in minutes. The tradeoff is a two-year waiting period before full benefits kick in.
The company’s Flex Points program (launched in 2024) allows applicants to improve their rate class by meeting four or more health-related conditions. This replaced their earlier Health Credits system.
One frustration worth noting: the website experience can feel fragmented. Quote tools sometimes redirect between the new Corebridge site and older AIG pages. Some online tools lag behind what’s available through a licensed agent.
Pros & Cons of AIG Life Insurance
After digging through the data, here’s where AIG lands.
Pros
The term life flexibility is genuinely impressive, with 18 different term lengths and the ability to go out to 35 years. That’s unmatched by most major competitors. Pricing for term products is competitive, particularly for healthy applicants in the sweet-spot age ranges. No exam underwriting options make coverage accessible without the hassle of scheduling labs and waiting for results. Living benefits through their Quality of Life products and various accelerated benefit riders provide valuable options for accessing funds during a health crisis rather than only at death. Financial stability is rock-solid, with strong ratings from all major agencies. The company’s flexible underwriting can deliver favorable rates for applicants with certain pre-existing conditions that might get penalized elsewhere.
Cons
Customer service consistently ranks poorly across virtually every metric. The J.D. Power last-place finish isn’t a fluke, since complaints to regulators are also high. Claims processing has earned significant negative feedback, with reports of delays and poor communication causing real hardship for beneficiaries during difficult times. The online experience feels disjointed, and you can’t get instant quotes without talking to someone. Whole life and final expense products are relatively limited compared to term offerings. The BBB’s unresolved complaints raise questions about responsiveness. Premium increases at renewal on term policies have frustrated some long-term customers.
Our Verdict & Rating for AIG Life Insurance
AIG presents a classic tradeoff between price and service. Their term life products are genuinely competitive, offering some of the best rates and most flexible options you’ll find from a major insurer. The 35-year term, the no-exam underwriting paths, and the living benefits riders all represent meaningful innovations that can benefit the right buyer.
But the customer experience data is hard to ignore. Ranking dead last among 21 insurers in J.D. Power’s study, earning an F from the BBB for unresolved complaints, and accumulating harsh reviews across multiple platforms suggest systemic issues with service delivery. For a product that might not pay out for decades, that’s concerning. You’re betting that if something goes wrong, you’ll be able to navigate what appears to be a frustrating support system.
The financial strength ratings provide reassurance that AIG can pay claims when validated. They’re not going anywhere, and they have the capital to meet obligations. The question is whether the process of actually receiving those benefits will match the seamless experience you’d hope for during an already difficult time.
Who Should Consider This Company
AIG makes sense for budget-conscious shoppers prioritizing low premiums over service experience. Healthy applicants seeking competitive term rates with unusually flexible term lengths will find genuine value here. Anyone with certain health conditions (diabetes, heart issues, tobacco use) where AIG’s underwriting tends to be favorable should absolutely get quotes from them. Self-sufficient buyers who are comfortable managing policies online with minimal support will probably do fine.
Who Should Consider Another Provider
If responsive customer service matters to you, shop elsewhere. Families who anticipate needing guidance or support during the claims process should consider insurers with stronger satisfaction scores. Anyone uncomfortable with a company that has significant unresolved complaints at the BBB level might sleep better with a different provider. Shoppers seeking robust whole-life products as their primary coverage should consider companies specializing in permanent insurance. Consider a provider like Banner, or comparing rates with Ethos.
Methodology
Our scoring weighs five factors based on their importance to most life insurance buyers:
Stability (20%): Financial strength ratings, years in business, and balance sheet health determine whether the company will be around to pay claims.
Coverage Options (10%): Variety of products, customization options, and available riders determine the level of flexibility.
Affordability & Value (30%): Premium competitiveness relative to market, available discounts, and overall value proposition.
Claims Process (20%): Stated procedures, timeline transparency, and actual customer experiences with claims.
Customer Service (20%): Accessibility, responsiveness, digital tools, and third-party satisfaction metrics.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to your questions about AIG life insurance.
Yes, AIG Life Insurance offers competitive term life rates with flexible options, making it a good choice for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize low premiums.
AIG has strong financial ratings from agencies like AM Best and S&P Global, indicating it is financially stable and capable of paying claims when due.
AIG’s customer service ranks poorly, with frequent complaints about delays and unresponsive support, and their claims process has mixed reviews, with some beneficiaries experiencing delays and difficulties.
Relatively healthy individuals seeking flexible term options, especially those with certain health conditions, and those comfortable managing policies online are best suited for AIG’s offerings.
The main drawbacks are poor customer service ratings, complaints about claims processing delays, a disjointed online experience, and limited overall product options for permanent life insurance.
