An insurance company's financial strength is an important consideration when choosing a policy. By choosing a financially strong company you will have comfort knowing that the company will most likely be able to pay your claims or be able to pay your life insurance benefits.

For this reason insurance companies are given ratings. These ratings are administered by independant companies. They are sort of like a report card on various aspects of a company's finacnial strength.

Best's Insurance Reports is an expample of an independant insuance rating company.

Best's A++, A+  (Superior)

A++ is the highest grade an insurance company can achieve. Companies with a Best's A++ or A+ have a superior proven ability to meet their financial obligations with their policy holders.

Best's A   (Excellent)

Companies in this classification also have an excellent financial performance. Not as strong as an A+ company but still more than capable of meeting their financial obligations.

Best's B+   (Very Good)

Again, going down the list....these companies have shown a "Very Good" ability to meet their financial obligations to their policy holders.

Best's B   (Good)

Insurance companies with a B show a good ability to meet their obligations, but not as strong as the previous grades.

Best's C+   (Fairly Good)

Again, a fairly good overall performance.

Best's C   (Fair)

And finally, a C means the insurance company has achieved a fair ability to meet their financial obligations.