Ashlyn Brooks is a finance writer with more than half a decade of experience, known for her knowledge in areas such as taxes, insurance, investing, retirement, finance news, and banking products.
Mariah Posey is an auto, home and life insurance editor and writer for Bankrate.com. She aims to make the insurance journey as convenient as possible by simplifying industry lingo and implementing thoughtful content design to provide readers clear answers to their questions.
Mariah Posey is an auto, home and life insurance editor and writer for Bankrate.com. She aims to make the insurance journey as convenient as possible by simplifying industry lingo and implementing thoughtful content design to provide readers clear answers to their questions.
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At a glance
2.2
Rating: 2.2 stars out of 5
Bankrate Score
Score breakdown
Life
Rating: 2.2 stars out of 5
2.2
Cost & ratings
Rating: 2.7 stars out of 5
2.7
Coverage
Rating: 1.5 stars out of 5
1.5
Support
Rating: 2.5 stars out of 5
2.5
Bankrate scores are objectively determined by our editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors consumers should consider when choosing financial products and services.
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Bankrate's take
Colonial Penn Life Insurance Company offers whole life insurance, including a guaranteed issue policy option, and focuses primarily on serving customers over 50. The carrier may not be the right choice for younger shoppers looking for a variety of policy options.
Offers guaranteed acceptance life insurance
Colonial Penn’s simplified issue product LifeChoice is only available in New York
Insures individuals between the ages of 50 and 85 in the majority of states across the U.S.
The company has had a higher-than-average NAIC complaint rating for the past three years
Colonial Penn life insurance
Colonial Penn life insurance may be an option worth considering, according to Bankrate’s analysis, especially for shoppers over age 50 looking for life insurance.
Colonial Penn primarily offers guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance. If you’re looking for term life insurance or other types of life insurance, you’ll have to choose another insurance provider.
Guaranteed Whole Life: Colonial Penn offers guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance, which is a type of permanent life insurance policy that doesn’t require any medical questions or exams. This policy remains in place for life, as long as premiums are paid, and features fixed rates.
Coverage is offered to those aged 50-85 in most states.
Benefit amounts range from $1,000 to $25,000. This coverage limit is considerably low, so whether or not Colonial Penn is the right company for you depends on how much coverage you need. For Colonial Penn’s guaranteed acceptance policies, the maximum coverage amount depends on your age and state.
The guaranteed acceptance policy includes a limited benefit period of two years starting from policy activation. If the insured dies from non-accidental causes within these first two years, beneficiaries will only receive a portion of the benefit, depending on which state they live in, but not the full death benefit amount.
Simplified Whole Life: For applicants in the state of New York, Colonial Penn also offers a simplified issue whole life product called LifeChoice. While it doesn’t require a medical exam, a short medical questionnaire is required to determine eligibility. This fixed-rate policy remains in place for life, as long as premiums are paid.
Males ages 50–73 and females ages 50–75 residing in NY are eligible to apply for coverage.
Benefit amounts are available up to $25,000.
Pros and cons of Colonial Penn life insurance
As with all carriers, there are potential perks and drawbacks to consider with Colonial Penn life insurance. Here are some of the key points our insurance editorial team identified.
Pros
Offers no-medical-exam life insurance options
Rated A (Excellent) by AM Best for financial strength
Customer service is available in Spanish and English
Cons
Policy types are very limited
More complaints filed with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners than other companies of its size
Low coverage limits with all policy types
Colonial Penn life insurance riders
Colonial Penn’s life insurance rider options are sparse, but you may be able to include endorsements such as:
Accidental death benefit rider: This rider provides additional coverage ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 if the insured dies due to a covered accident.
Accelerated death benefit rider: This option allows policyholders to access up to 50 percent of their benefit early if diagnosed with a qualifying illness. Colonial Penn offers three early payout options for this rider: heart attack and stroke, cancer or terminal illness. When combined with its permanent whole life policies, this rider is known as its Living Insurance product.
Colonial Penn customer satisfaction
Getting a good rate is only one consideration when shopping for life insurance, especially when you consider that life insurance quotes do not vary as much between carriers as home or auto coverage. Third-party ratings can give you an idea of whether insurers have historically had the financial strength to meet their claims obligations or whether their customer service is up to par. Reviewing J.D. Power studies and AM Best ratings may be a good place to start.
Colonial Penn was not included in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Individual Life Insurance & Annuity Studies or the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Group Life Insurance Study, but the AM Best rating for its parent company (CNO Financial) is A (Excellent). AM Best measures a company’s financial strength, and a high rating indicates a historical ability to meet financial claim obligations.
Colonial Penn insurance customer complaints
Aside from financial strength, Bankrate also looked at customer complaints filed with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Among other duties, the NAIC tracks the number of complaints filed against an insurance company and gives that company a complaint index score based on its market share. The NAIC uses 1.00 as its baseline index and tracks complaints by product type. This means that an insurer with a complaint index lower than 1.00 receives fewer complaints than expected for its size and vice versa.
Colonial Penn's life insurance offerings have scored well above the 1.00 baseline for the past three years. There has been some improvement, however. In 2021, the company fielded a score of 25.03, considerably above the average. 2022's score was 21.94. In 2023, however, the rate dropped to a more acceptable 7.76. Although this is still much higher than the NAIC baseline, indicating more complaints than average, it may show that the company has responded to poor ratings by working to improve the quality of its customer service operations.
NAIC Complaint Index life insurance product
Line chart with 3 data points.
The chart has 1 X axis displaying Year. Data ranges from 2021-01-01 00:00:00 to 2023-01-01 00:00:00.
The chart has 1 Y axis displaying Score. Data ranges from 7.76 to 25.03.
End of interactive chart.
The takeaway from these ratings? You may want to do your own research and speak to other policyholders to see what their experience has been with the company's customer representatives.
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Whole life insurance combines life insurance with an investment component.
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Colonial Penn life Insurance reviews may have you wondering if this is the company for you. If you’re looking for a type of life insurance policy that Colonial Penn doesn’t offer, then you may want to compare quotes and coverage options from some (or all) of the companies below.
Colonial Penn vs. State Farm
While Colonial Penn does not offer term life insurance, State Farm won a 2025 Bankrate Award for the Best Term Life Insurer and Best Universal Life Insurer. The provider also sells universal and whole life insurance, along with auto, business, health and home insurance products. State Farm offers a 24/7 payment line, a network of local agents and an easy-to-use mobile app.
MassMutual earned a 2025 Bankrate Award for Best Whole Life Insurer. The company earned this title in part due to its high AM Best financial strength score, high coverage capacity and numerous whole life policy riders. The carrier also sells term life insurance, along with universal and variable life policies, which Colonial Penn does not offer. If you’re looking for a whole life insurance provider with a high coverage capacity, you may want to check out MassMutual.
Nationwide offers a wide range of life insurance riders, a high J.D. Power score and an accessible network of local agents. The company also writes term life, variable life and life insurance for children. Nationwide life insurance policies enable you to add a long-term care rider, which can help pay the costs of home or nursing home care.
The insurance market can be complicated, but Bankrate's insurance editorial team used our unique perspective to bring readers the information they need to make educated decisions when shopping for a policy.
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Is Colonial Penn a good insurance company?
Since 1972, Bankrate has been a trusted voice in the financial services industry (at that time, we were a print publication known as the Bank Rate Monitor). Fast forward to today, where our insurance editorial team uses our real-world insurance expertise to conduct unbiased reviews of the largest carriers by market share.
Colonial Penn Life Insurance was founded more than 60 years ago by philanthropist Leonard Davis, the co-founder of AARP (American Association of Retired Persons). It has a demonstrated history of writing insurance policies for older adults. If you are looking for coverage with a payout that is on the low side and does not require a medical exam, it may be worth considering. Based on its most recent NAIC ratings, the company appears to be working to improve its customer service functions, which may have been a sticking point for policyholders in the past.
Colonial Penn may not be a good choice for you if you are looking for term insurance or other types of permanent coverage other than guaranteed issue. The company's limited offerings give individuals little choice of policy type and may not work for your individual needs.
What are real-life customers saying about Colonial Penn?
To get a glimpse at what real-life customers think of Colonial Penn Life Insurance, we turned to Trustpilot and Quora for firsthand accounts. Notably, most life insurance reviews tend to focus on aspects like the application process, customer service and policy management rather than the claims process since many policyholders may not engage with the claims process directly. This is due to the likelihood of life insurance claims being handled by beneficiaries, who might not be the same person as the policyholder.
Reflecting Colonial Penn's NAIC scores, a significant portion of the online feedback skews negative. However, it's important to remember that individual experiences can vary widely. Each policyholder's situation is unique, and what might be a drawback for one might not hold the same weight for another. Specifically, Colonial Penn's guaranteed life insurance products could be a suitable option for those who might not qualify for traditionally underwritten policies due to age or health considerations. It's always a good idea to conduct your own research, reach out directly to the company for more information and consider your specific needs and circumstances before making a decision.
Trustpilot
On Trustpilot, Colonial Penn Life Insurance users shared a mix of experiences. Overall, many customers seem not to understand how guaranteed issue policies work and become disappointed, highlighting the importance of reading your policy details and asking questions before buying.
Trustpilot user 1
Apr 20, 2021
Decided to take advantage of their…
Rating: 1 stars out of 5
“Decided to take advantage of their ‘look n' see no obligation’ offer and wish I'd researched them beforehand. Too many complaints about this company ranging from product disappointment to billing or even trying to collect on a claim. Ended up deciding not to buy from them. We were well within the 30-day review period, they'd already charged the account yet getting out of dealing with them is the pits. Fail to establish a paper trail and chances are you'll regret it. Once they have your payment method you may have a difficult time getting your money back.”
Quora users shared varied opinions on Colonial Penn Life Insurance, highlighting some concerns about the value and terms of their policies. They touched on the specifics of guaranteed issue policies, including waiting periods for benefits and the potential decrease in coverage value over time. These insights suggest a need for careful consideration and a thorough understanding of policy details before making a decision.
Quora user 1
Mar 1, 2024
Depends. Their no med/guaranteed premium...
“Depends. Their no med/guaranteed premium does not pay the first two years. If u die in that time frame your beneficiary only receives a return of premium. After year five u have paid more into the policy than the face value death benefit. If u drop it u lose the coverage. If u keep it you are being ripped off. So the only way to make it work is to die between years three and five. Otherwise, the insurance is garbage.”
For those considering Colonial Penn for their insurance needs, here are some key contact details and resources to help you get started or manage your existing policies:
Mailing address: Colonial Penn Life Insurance Company, Life Claims Dept., P.O. Box 1918, Carmel, IN 46082-1918
New York residents: Bankers Conseco Life Insurance Company, Life Claims Dept., P.O. Box 1918, Carmel, IN 46082-1918
State availability
Colonial Penn’s life insurance policies are available in all 50 states, but policies in New York are underwritten by Bankers Conseco Life Insurance Company.
Colonial Penn tools and benefits
Colonial Penn does not offer policy management through a mobile app, but the following perks may be of interest.
Online bill pay: Through Colonial Penn’s web portal, policyholders can make online payments, download forms, file claims and contact customer service.
Online quotes and applications: Colonial Penn offers an online platform for customers to easily obtain quotes and submit insurance applications. This digital approach simplifies the process of choosing and applying for life insurance policies.
No medical exam requirement: One of the standout features of Colonial Penn's policies is that they do not require a medical exam. This is particularly beneficial for those seeking quick and hassle-free insurance approval.
30-day free cancellation period: Colonial Penn provides a 30-day free cancellation period. This feature offers customers the flexibility to review and decide if the policy meets their needs (if it doesn’t, customers can receive a full refund).
Online policy management: Managing a policy with Colonial Penn is streamlined and user-friendly. Customers can log in to their accounts to view coverage amounts, update cash value or change beneficiaries, loan information and payment history, as well as submit address changes, thereby offering a comprehensive and easy-to-navigate customer service experience.
Frequently asked questions about Colonial Penn
To file a life insurance claim with Colonial Penn:
Your beneficiary will submit a form called "Claimant's Statement For Life Insurance Death Benefits." The provider typically includes the form in the insurance policy documents, but you can also request one by mail or phone or download one at the Colonial Penn website. Colonial Penn enables a beneficiary to submit the claim form, along with the death certificate and any other required paperwork, online or by fax or mail.
Within one to two weeks, Colonial Penn will then assign the claim to a claims associate. In some cases, the associate may request additional documents, such as estate or trust paperwork. After receiving all required documents, the claims associate will determine eligibility for benefits within one to two weeks. Bear in mind that claims time frames vary depending on many factors, such as state regulations and how soon you submit claim documentation.
Once approved, Colonial Penn and Washington National customers will receive payment by mail. Bankers Life customers may receive contact from an agent to arrange payment delivery.
If your beneficiary has any questions during the claims process, they may find it helpful to contact Colonial Penn directly. You may also want to let your beneficiary know where your life insurance documentation is stored prior to your passing.
It depends on the type of coverage you are looking for. If you are someone who has struggled to get affordable life insurance from other providers, Colonial Penn’s guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance may suit your needs. However, if you need over $50,000 in life insurance coverage or are looking for term life insurance, Colonial Penn life insurance may not be worth it. Additionally, the company received an outsized number of complaints for its individual life product, so the company may not be ideal for those who value exceptional customer service.
Colonial Penn has maintained a partnership with the American Heart Association (AHA) since 2020. This partnership aims to support the AHA’s Healthy for Good campaign, which encourages heart-healthy habits like eating well and regular exercise. In 2022, Colonial Penn was honored by the AHA for its donations for the AHA’s 2024 Impact Goal, which is designed to make quality health care accessible to more people and to promote cardiovascular health overall.
At Bankrate, we're committed to providing comprehensive reviews across a wide range of insurance companies. However, assigning a Bankrate Score to every insurer is not always possible. Factors such as the diverse ways policies are underwritten by different carriers, especially in the life insurance sector, can make applying a uniform rating system challenging. Life insurance, with its highly individualized rates based on personal health and lifestyle, further complicates the ability to broadly determine affordability and value. For these reasons, some companies, including Colonial Penn, may not have a Bankrate Score. It's important for consumers to delve into the specifics of each policy and insurer to find the best fit for their unique needs and circumstances.
Ashlyn Brooks is a finance writer with more than half a decade of experience, known for her knowledge in areas such as taxes, insurance, investing, retirement, finance news, and banking products.
Mariah Posey is an auto, home and life insurance editor and writer for Bankrate.com. She aims to make the insurance journey as convenient as possible by simplifying industry lingo and implementing thoughtful content design to provide readers clear answers to their questions.
Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions.
Key Principles
We value your trust. Our mission is to provide readers with accurate and unbiased information, and we have editorial standards in place to ensure that happens. Our editors and reporters thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate. We maintain a firewall between our advertisers and our editorial team. Our editorial team does not receive direct compensation from our advertisers.
Editorial Independence
Bankrate’s editorial team writes on behalf of YOU — the reader. Our goal is to give you the best advice to help you make smart personal finance decisions. We follow strict guidelines to ensure that our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. Our editorial team receives no direct compensation from advertisers, and our content is thoroughly fact-checked to ensure accuracy. So, whether you’re reading an article or a review, you can trust that you’re getting credible and dependable information.
How we make money
You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey.
Bankrate follows a strict
editorial policy, so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers.
We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and useful tools to you by explaining how we make money.
Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within listing categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage, home equity and other home lending products. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range, can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service.
Insurance Disclosure
This content is powered by HomeInsurance.com, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 8781838) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate.com. HomeInsurance.com LLC services are only available in states where it is licensed and insurance coverage through HomeInsurance.com may not be available in all states. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
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