Americo Financial Life and Annuity Insurance Company (often referred to simply as Americo) is a prominent insurance provider based in Kansas City, Missouri. It serves as the lead operating company for the Americo Life, Inc. family of companies.With a history tracing back over 100 years, Americo specializes in life insurance, annuities, and Medicare Supplement products, positioning itself as one of the largest independent, privately held insurance groups in the United States.

Corporate Overview and History

Americo Financial Life and Annuity Insurance Company was originally founded in 1946 as The College Life Insurance Company of America before rebranding. Today, it operates under the umbrella of Americo Life, Inc., a holding company that manages a diverse portfolio of insurance subsidiaries.

According to Americo's corporate history, the group has grown significantly through the acquisition of other insurance carriers. This strategy has allowed them to consolidate blocks of business and expand their product offerings. The company is headquartered in Kansas City, MO, and is authorized to conduct business in the District of Columbia and all U.S. states except New York.

Key Subsidiaries and Affiliates

Americo Life, Inc. controls several subsidiary insurance companies. As detailed on their contact page, these affiliates include:

  • Great Southern Life Insurance Company: Founded in 1909.

  • United Fidelity Life Insurance Company: A key component of their life insurance division.

  • National Farmers Union Life Insurance Company: Provides additional coverage options within the group.

Financial Strength and Ratings

Financial strength ratings are essential for consumers to assess an insurer's ability to pay future claims.Americo has consistently maintained strong ratings from independent credit rating agencies.

AM Best, the global credit rating agency specializing in the insurance industry, has assigned Americo Financial Life and Annuity Insurance Company a Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent). As reported in a recent AM Best press release, this rating reflects the company's solid balance sheet strength, adequate operating performance, and favorable business profile. The "A" rating is a strong indicator of the company's stability and reliability in meeting its contractual obligations to policyholders.

Annuity Products

Americo offers a range of annuity products designed for retirement accumulation and income generation.These are primarily focused on fixed and fixed-indexed strategies.

Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGA)

The company's flagship fixed rate product is the Platinum Assure series.This is a single-premium deferred annuity that offers a guaranteed interest rate for a specific period, typically ranging from 2 to 7 years. According to AnnuityAdvantage, these products are designed for investors seeking capital preservation and steady, predictable growth without market risk.

Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIA)

For those seeking growth potential linked to market performance, Americo offers the Americo Elite 5 and Ultimate One Index series.

  • Market-Linked Growth: These annuities credit interest based on the performance of an external index (such as the S&P 500), subject to caps and participation rates.

  • Principal Protection: As described on Americo Annuity, these products provide downside protection, ensuring that the account value does not decrease due to market downturns.

  • Bonus Products: Some versions of the Ultimate One series include a premium bonus, which adds a percentage to the initial investment immediately upon issue.

Life Insurance Products

Americo is widely recognized for its portfolio of simplified-issue life insurance products, which are often marketed through independent agents for specific needs like mortgage protection and final expense planning.

Mortgage Protection

Americo offers term life insurance products designed to help families pay off mortgages in the event of a breadwinner's death. These policies often include Living Benefit Riders, which allow policyholders to access a portion of the death benefit early if they are diagnosed with a critical, chronic, or terminal illness. Americo's life insurance page highlights that these riders are frequently included at no additional upfront cost.

Final Expense Insurance

The Eagle Premier series is a whole life insurance product designed to cover funeral costs and other end-of-life expenses.

  • Simplified Underwriting: These policies typically feature an "instant decision" eApplication process, eliminating the need for medical exams.

  • Coverage Options: Applicants can qualify for different tiers of coverage (e.g., immediate full death benefit or graded benefits) depending on their health history.

Contact Information

Policyholders and agents can contact Americo through the following channels:

  • Headquarters: 300 W. 11th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105.

  • Customer Service Phone: (800) 231-0801.

  • Website:www.americo.com

The company also maintains an online portal where policyholders can manage their accounts, view policy details, and download necessary forms.