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.
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At a glance
3.4
Rating: 3.4 stars out of 5
Bankrate Score
Score breakdown
Life
Rating: 3.4 stars out of 5
3.4
Cost & ratings
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
5.0
Coverage
Rating: 2.5 stars out of 5
2.5
Support
Rating: 2 stars out of 5
2.0
Bankrate scores are objectively determined by our editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors consumers should consider when choosing financial products and services.
About Bankrate Score
Bankrate's take
Policyholders seeking term, whole, or universal life insurance and who appreciate the guidance of a financial representative might consider Guardian Life as their company of choice.
Available nationwide
A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best
Offers term, whole and universal life insurance policies
Term life insurance quotes are available online
No mobile app for life insurance policyholders
Customer service is not available 24/7
New
What’s new with Guardian?
On June 15, 2023, Guardian Life Insurance introduced an enhanced critical illness employee benefit insurance product. It offers employers more options to ensure the comprehensive well-being of their employees and their families at every stage of life.
Guardian life insurance review
Every year, Bankrate carefully evaluates insurance providers to guide our readers through the intricate world of insurance. Based on our extensive research, our Guardian life insurance review finds that the company’s offerings seem especially suited for individuals who appreciate a mix of standard life insurance coverage with options for more robust coverage through riders. Guardian’s suite of products ensures that many individuals will be able to find a solid fit for their financial needs.
Guardian life insurance doesn't offer one-size-fits-all solutions; it provides a tailored approach to meet the diverse needs of policyholders. Throughout Guardian’s range of offerings, you can find term life insurance if you are seeking coverage for a specific period and two permanent insurance types —whole and universal life — if you are in need of a lifelong coverage solution.
Term: Guardian's term life insurance offers a cost-effective solution for individuals seeking substantial coverage over fixed periods of 10, 20 or 30 years. Ideal for those who prioritize short-term financial protection without the long-term commitment of permanent policies, this type of insurance caters especially to younger individuals, new families or those on a budget. With Guardian's added advantage, policyholders may transition to a permanent policy later on. Given the company’s stellar track record of over 160 years in the industry, Guardian stands as a reliable choice for term life insurance needs.
Permanent: Guardian's permanent life insurance policies offer both whole and universal life options for individuals aiming for lifelong coverage with the added benefit of cash value accumulation.
Whole: Whole life insurance from Guardian provides guaranteed coverage for a policyholder's entire lifespan, as long as premiums are paid. Note that “entire lifespan” means a maximum coverage age of 95 to 121 years in terms of life insurance. One of the distinct features of whole life insurance is its ability to accumulate cash value, which can be leveraged for policy loans or other financial needs. As a mutual life insurance company, Guardian further enhances the value proposition by potentially providing dividends, offering an avenue of other financial opportunities for policyholders.
Universal: Shifting to universal life, while it also includes features such as permanence and cash value, it stands out in its adaptability. Guardian's universal life insurance policy permits policyholders to adjust their monthly premiums within set limits, catering to those seeking a degree of flexibility amidst fluctuating financial circumstances. This makes it a useful option for individuals who anticipate varying income streams or financial commitments over time.
Pros and cons of Guardian life insurance
Guardian Life Insurance offers a variety of life insurance products with strong financial backing. However, like any insurer, it has its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
Operates in all states and the District of Columbia
Offers term, whole life and universal life insurance policies
A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best
Term life insurance quotes available online
Cons
No mobile app for life insurance policyholders
Above-baseCustomer service is not available 24/7line NAIC complaint index
Does not offer auto or home insurance
Guardian life insurance riders
Guardian offers a long list of riders for its different policy types. A few options you may want to consider include:
Waiver of premium rider: This rider allows your policy to remain in force in the event you become disabled and can’t work.
Guaranteed renewability clause: This rider allows term life policyholders who have been diagnosed with a serious or terminal disease near the end of their existing term to renew their policy if they no longer have other coverage options.
Accidental death rider: This rider adds a specified cash benefit to the policy’s normal death benefit in the case of accidental death or dismemberment, depending on the nature of the injury.
Accelerated terminal illness rider: This lets individuals with terminal illnesses access part of their death benefit during their lifetime.
Charitable benefit rider: Guardian will add an extra 1% to your death benefit (capped at $100,000) to be paid to a charity of your choice, at no extra cost, beyond what's given to your beneficiaries.
Guardian customer satisfaction
In the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Individual Life Insurance Study, Guardian ranked thirteenth in the market, with an overall customer satisfaction score of 784 out of 1,000 points, with the study average being 790. J.D. Power bases its rankings and ratings on performance factors such as communication, customer interaction, product offerings, premiums and statements.
Another valuable ranking comes from AM Best, which provides financial strength ratings for insurers. A company’s history of financial stability indicates that they have historically been able to pay claims without issue, which may give you some peace of mind for future claims, although circumstances can change. Guardian’s A++ (Superior) is the highest rating AM Best provides and may give policyholders peace of mind that the insurer is likely to reliably pay out death benefits.
Guardian insurance customer complaints
When evaluating insurance providers, understanding the nature and volume of complaints lodged against a company can offer potential policyholders a clearer picture of service quality. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) serves as a key resource in this regard. It publishes an annual national complaint index report that tracks the complaints filed against insurance companies across various product types. A score is derived from this, with the baseline set at 1.0. This baseline represents the average number of complaints for a company. A score below this indicates fewer complaints than the average, while a score above suggests a higher-than-average complaint volume.
For 2023 — as consistent with the years prior — Guardian scores significantly under baseline. The company secured a 0.09 company complaint index score for individual life insurance, indicating significantly fewer complaints than the industry average. This is notably well below the standard baseline of 1.0, highlighting Guardian's commitment to meeting its policyholders' needs and addressing concerns promptly and effectively.
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 0.07 to 0.09.
End of interactive chart.
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Whole life insurance combines life insurance with an investment component.
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3 variations of permanent insurance: whole life, universal life and variable life include investment component
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This advertising widget is powered by HomeInsurance.com, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 8781838) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. 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.
Although Guardian may be considered one of the best life insurance companies according to Bankrate’s research, it may be a better fit for some than others. If you’re not sure if Guardian is the right company for you, these other companies may be worth considering:
Guardian vs. Mutual of Omaha
This provider might be a good choice if you are looking for strong digital tools combined with high customer satisfaction and numerous product types. Like Guardian, Mutual of Omaha offers term life, universal life and whole life insurance policies. The provider sells term life policies to people aged 18 to 80. The Mutual of Omaha website enables you to get online quotes for term life and whole life products.
Besides life insurance, Mutual of Omaha also offers dental insurance, disability insurance, critical illness insurance, long-term care insurance and cancer, heart attack and stroke insurance. Mutual of Omaha ranked fourth in the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Individual Life Insurance Study, with an overall customer satisfaction score of 805 out of 1,000.
With the highest score in the J.D. Power study, a network of local agents and as Bankrate’s 2024 Award winner for best term life insurer, State Farm could be a solid insurer for many individuals. The provider sells term life, universal life and whole life insurance policies, but does not offer online quotes. Guardian offers term life policies that feature 10-, 15-, 20- and 30-year terms, while State Farm only offers 10-, 20- and 30-year terms. However, State Farm allows policyholders to keep their term life policies in place up to age 95.
Unlike Guardian, State Farm offers one-stop shopping for your insurance needs. In addition to life insurance, State Farm sells homeowners insurance, car insurance, commercial auto, condominium, identity restoration, rental property, renters insurance and business insurance. The insurer also offers retirement plans, including traditional and Roth IRAs, and banking services such as checking and savings accounts.
MassMutual ranked above the industry average in the 2023 J.D. Power Individual Life Insurance Study, with a customer satisfaction score of 809 out of 1,000, which earned the company third place. MassMutual offers a comprehensive range of life insurance products, including term, whole, universal and variable life insurance. Notably, MassMutual provides a high degree of customization with numerous riders, such as waiver of premium, guaranteed insurability and accelerated death benefit riders.
MassMutual also distinguishes itself with a strong digital presence, featuring a highly rated mobile app for policy management, and an array of financial tools and calculators on its website. The company’s A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best underscores its reliability. However, MassMutual’s life insurance policies typically require medical exams, and some products are not available in every state.
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 Guardian a good insurance company?
Guardian Life Insurance, as a mutual company, positions itself as deeply dedicated to its policyholders. Its product portfolio is robust, spanning from term insurance to more permanent options like whole and universal life. This array of offerings underscores the company’s commitment to cater to the diverse insurance needs of the population. Moreover, ratings from third-party agencies like J.D. Power and AM Best highlight Guardian’s positive customer experience and solid financial strength.
Beyond just its insurance products, Guardian makes noteworthy efforts in corporate sustainability. Its active involvement in community support, from health initiatives to financial empowerment, paints a picture of a company that's not just about business, but also about making a tangible difference. While the company doesn’t offer a mobile app for policyholders, it has a vast array of tools designed to aid customers in their financial journey, making Guardian stand out as an option in the life insurance market.
What are real-life customers saying about Guardian?
In an effort to provide more insight into Guardian Life's customer experiences, we examined discussions from Reddit, Quora and Trustpilot. However, we found that most conversations centered around Guardian’s other product offerings rather than its life insurance products. In forums where life insurance was discussed, the focus was often on general opinions about the value of life insurance rather than specific experiences with Guardian.
From the interactions that did mention Guardian's services, the overall consensus indicated issues with timely responses, claim denials or representatives not following up at all. While these experiences may not reflect every customer's experience, they can provide an indication of how your life insurance policy might be managed and handled. It’s important to consider these perspectives while also conducting further Guardian insurance reviews to help determine if Guardian’s life insurance products meet your specific needs.
Guardian company details
Here are a few ways to get in touch with Guardian Life:
Company headquarters address: 10 Hudson Yards New York, NY 10001
State availability
Guardian offers life and health insurance in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., though specific product availability may vary. While there's no agent lookup on their website, you can input your details for a callback from a Guardian financial representative.
Guardian tools and benefits
Beyond its comprehensive life insurance products, Guardian offers a suite of tools and benefits designed to enhance policyholder experience and financial well-being. From innovative financial planning resources to specialized coverage options, Guardian ensures its members receive holistic support in their insurance journey.
Products
Disability Insurance: Guardian's disability insurance provides financial protection by replacing a portion of your income in case you're unable to work due to an illness or injury.
Vision Insurance: Guardian's vision insurance ensures affordable access to quality eye care, covering regular eye exams and prescription eyewear.
Accident Insurance: This coverage offers financial support following an unexpected injury, helping policyholders manage unexpected medical costs and recovery needs.
Tools
Retirement calculator: This tool offers insights and strategies to help policyholders prepare effectively for their retirement years.
Oral health quiz: This quick assessment gauges your dental health and offers recommendations for care improvement.
Mental wellness scorecard: This interactive assessment is designed to help employers evaluate how well their organization is supporting the mental well-being of their employees and provides personalized suggestions and resources.
Frequently asked questions about Guardian
Guardian is deeply committed to corporate sustainability and community support. The company focuses on three primary areas: health and wellness, financial empowerment and economic opportunity. In the past year alone, Guardian employees volunteered over 10,000 hours and contributed to more than 1,800 charitable causes across the country. Through a partnership with the Dental Lifeline Network, Guardian has provided more than $70 million in donated dental services to 38,000 individuals, including 4,000 veterans, the elderly, those with disabilities and those who are medically fragile.Guardian has also committed $1 million to The American College Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality to support upward mobility and wealth-building in underserved communities. This includes scholarships for students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and tailored financial education programs for Black women.
To start an individual life insurance claim, you must call (866) 452-4542. If you have Guardian life insurance offered through an employer, the Guardian website enables you to search the database by employer name or find your policy’s group ID number.
To submit a claim, you must supply the deceased's physician’s name and address, medical documents and Social Security number, and have a copy of the death certificate. If the deceased died as the result of an accident, you might also need to submit hospital records, a medical examiner’s report, a police or incident report and prescription drug records.
Guardian Life Insurance is a mutual company, meaning it's owned by its customers. This distinguishes it from other firms that might be investor-owned and prioritize stockholder profits. Guardian's unique structure ensures that it remains accountable to its policyholders first, emphasizing its commitment to securing the futures of individuals, businesses and communities in life, health and wealth. Its guiding principle is to focus on what's vital for its customers, both in the present and the years to come.
In the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Individual Life Insurance Study, Guardian insurance scored below average, earning a score of 784 out of 1,000 and ranking thirteenth overall. The company also received an A++ (Superior) rating from AM Best, which underscores the company’s superior financial stability and assurance to policyholders. Beyond these ratings, Guardian's dedication to customer satisfaction is markedly positive. Its complaint index score for individual life insurance stands at a mere 0.08, significantly below the industry's average baseline, underscoring its ability to meet policyholders' needs and resolve concerns.
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. Life insurance rates are highly individualized based on personal health, lifestyle and other factors, making it challenging to apply a uniform rating system. Also, variations in underwriting practices and policy options prevent us from determining a standardized score for every company. For these reasons, it's important for consumers to research 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.
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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