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Prudential Life Insurance

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6.1

Overall Score

LAST UPDATED: September 18th, 2023

Regardless of what stage of life an individual may be in, a Prudential life insurance product can help build a strong financial foundation. Prudential carries term, universal, and variable life insurance policies that are customizable to meet individual needs.

The insurance provider stands out for offering survivorship policies that insure two people under one policy.

Prudential has high financial strength ratings, which indicate that it is able to meet its claims obligations.

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Prudential was founded in 1875 and is headquartered in Newark, New Jersey. It is a global insurance company that also offers financial services.

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The Good

  • Financial Strength Ratings
  • Positive Customer Reviews
  • Life Policies Available
  • Customizable Life Insurance
  • Online Tools

Financial Strength Ratings

Moody's, A.M. Best, Fitch, and S&P have all awarded Prudential with high ratings regarding their financial strength. These high ratings indicate Prudential's ability to meet its claims obligations, which is especially important for death benefit payouts to beneficiaries.

Positive Customer Reviews

Prudential life insurance reviews on BestCompany.com are largely positive. Reviewers mention competitive pricing, satisfaction with coverage, and good experiences with company representatives. These positive Prudential reviews and ratings show that it is a trustworthy insurer.

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Customer Review: Syl from North Port, Florida

"Prudential has always been responsive to make a change to my life insurance policy. My agent has been courteous, knowledgeable and helpful. I would recommend this company for their professionalism and they go to take care of my family."

Life Policies Available

Prudential's life insurance products and services include term life insurance and three permanent policy options: universal life insurance, variable universal life insurance, and indexed universal life insurance coverage.

Prudential also offers survivorship indexed universal life insurance and survivorship variable universal life insurance policies. These survivorship policies cover two people and pay the death benefit when both of the insured have passed away. However, the policy does not pay the death benefit until both of the insured individuals have passed away.

Many of Prudential's term policies include a conversion option and an accelerated death benefit. The conversion option allows policyholders to convert their policy into a permanent one according to the terms set out in the policy.

The accelerated death benefit allows the policyholder to receive the death benefit early if they become terminally ill. Depending on the kind of policy you choose, you can add riders like a disability waiver of premium to enhance your policy.

A nice feature of permanent life insurance is the cash value accumulation. The cash value can be used at any point, which makes it a living benefit. Each of Prudential's universal policy types grows the cash value in different funds. Each policyholder can choose an investment option or several based on the terms of the insurance policy.

Considering both the survivorship and universal life policies, Prudential offers nine different permanent policy plans. Remember your permanent coverage will last a lifetime as long as you make the premium payments.

If you're looking for a term life policy, universal life, or a survivorship insurance product, you can find good insurance policy options through Prudential. Ask questions about the underwriting for its policies.

Customizable Life Insurance

Prudential offers several personalized and customized life insurance policies, which makes it easy for consumers to find life insurance coverage that fits their situation.

Some of the policy's customizable features include the ability to choose between level or variable death benefits and level, variable, or dynamic premiums. This is great for consumers because it offers them flexibility to adjust their policy terms as their needs change over time. You can also add coverage and protection through optional riders.

Customers choosing a term policy may be able add the following riders to their policy depending on the plan type:

  • The Living Needs BenefitSM 
  • Accelerated Death Benefit
  • Waiver of Premium
  • Accidental Death Benefit
  • Children's Protection Rider

Customers choosing a universal life policy can add the following riders to their policy depending on plan type and state:

  • The Living Needs BenefitSM
  • BenefitAccess Rider
  • Enhanced Disability Benefit
  • Children Level Term Rider
  • Accidental Death Benefit
  • Waiver of Monthly Deductions
  • Overloan Protection Rider
  • Enhanced Cash Value Rider
  • Guaranteed Policy Split Rider
  • Estate Protection Rider

Possible riders for an indexed universal life policy include:

  • The Living Needs BenefitSM
  • BenefitAccess Rider
  • Enhanced Disability Benefit
  • Children Level Term Rider
  • Accidental Death Benefit
  • Enhanced Cash Value Rider
  • Overloan Protection Rider
  • Guaranteed Policy Split Rider
  • Estate Protection Rider

Rider possibilities for a variable universal life insurance policy include:

  • The Living Needs BenefitSM
  • BenefitAccess Rider
  • Accidental Death Benefit
  • Children Level Term
  • Enhanced Disability Benefit
  • Enhanced Cash Value
  • Overloan Protection
  • Rider to Provide Lapse Protection
  • Estate Protection Rider
  • Guaranteed Policy Split Rider

These rider options allow customers to purchase insurance coverage specific to their needs.

Online Tools

Prudential provides several types of tools and informative guides to make your life insurance process easier. Some of the calculators provided are a life insurance need calculator, payment option APR calculator, and more.

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The Bad

  • No Whole Life
  • Limited Customer Service
  • Unknown Information

No Whole Life

While Prudential offers a variety of life insurance policies and riders, it does not offer a whole life insurance policy. If you're interested in that kind of permanent life insurance, you'll need to purchase coverage from another life insurance company.

Limited Customer Service

Prudential's customer service is not available 24/7. The support hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. ET. These hours are specifically for people with group life insurance through Prudential.

If you have purchased an individual life policy, you can use your online account to view your life insurance policy. Assistance accessing your account is available via phone Monday to Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. ET.

Prudential also does not have a customer chat box option where customers can immediately speak with a representative on the site.

Unknown Information

Policies usually contain exclusions, limitations, reductions in benefits, and terms for keeping them in force. Work with a life insurance agent to be sure you understand the terms of the policy you buy. Once you go to their life insurance page, you can get a quote, contact a professional, or have a professional contact you.

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The Bottom Line

Prudential is a large life insurance company that has built an impressive reputation over its many years in business. It offers great term policy and universal life insurance options. If you're looking for either kind of these policies, Prudential offers good options that can be customized to meet your needs. It also offers survivorship indexed and variable universal life policies for couples.

Unfortunately, unlike some competitors, they do not offer consumers a whole life insurance policy. Customers interested in a whole life insurance policy should look elsewhere.

Prudential has high financial strength ratings and great coverage options, which makes a Prudential life insurance policy worth considering. Customers interested in a term insurance or universal life insurance plan should consider Prudential.

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Star Rating

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3.5

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50 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

40%

4 grade

22%

3 grade

8%

2 grade

2%

1 grade

28%

Sentiment Criteria

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Quality

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Justin Vance Lehi, UT

My policies are good values for term insurance. Happy to pay the monthly cost for peace of mind. My universal life has only grown by the minimum guaranteed interest rate each year and isn’t performing as well as I had hoped. At least it’s covered the cost of insurance.

5 years ago

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Luke Swierczynski Franklin, MI

When my wife and I were exploring life insurance policies to fit our retirement portfolio with our financial advisor we were between Prudential and Ohio National. Prudential had a very competitive offer for the space which is why our FA had us looking at them but the rider policy we attempted to add in addition to the whole life insurance policy was not granted at the amount we were seeking so we had to go with their competitor.

2 years ago Edited January 31, 2022

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Ashley Pleasant Grove, UT

We bought our life insurance through Prudential because of the low cost and because of the dependable name of Prudential. We are non smokers are in our early 50's so Prudential quoted us an incredible rate for what we needed at this time in our lives. We were very happy with the agent we are working with and feel very confident in referring others to Prudential.

4 years ago

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Mark E Hackensack, NJ

I have had a Life policy with Prudential for many years. Recently I had a call with a rep to discuss options and we came up with a better policy to suite my needs. I hope not to use it for many years, but hopefully it will serve its purpose when the time comes and the company will pay the beneficiaries without a hassle

3 years ago

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Syl North Port, FL

Prudential has always been responsive to make a change to my life insurance policy. My agent has been courteous, knowledgeable and helpful. I would recommend this company for their professionalism and they go to take care of my family.

4 years ago

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Anonymous

I’ve been with prudential since I got out of the military every 5 years the price goes up a bit though my debt goes down a bit as well so slowly I will lower my coverage to just make sure that my family will have enough to take care arrangements and any debt I have left.

4 years ago

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Craig Orem, UT

Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! After having a terrible experience with another life insurance company finding Prudential was a very pleasant experience. I was able to get a huge policy for a very low premium. It takes a lot of stress off my plate knowing that my family will be taken care of if something was to happen to me.

4 years ago

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Jennifer Ogden, UT

Our Prudential life insurance policy has been wonderful. We pay much less than other people we talk to for more coverage. Billing and service is very easy and helpful. The process of signing up and obtaining the policy was much easier than I could have imagined. If you need life insurance coverage, look into Prudential!!

4 years ago

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Kristiane R Durfey Pleasant Grove, UT

We currently have prudential life insurance and feel that it is a good company. Their premiums and policies offered were competitive with other companies and it is nice to know that we have insurance and will be covered if and when something happens. Haven't had to use it yet so I don't know how they are at collecting on the policy but we don't intend to find out anytime soon. Fingers crossed.

5 years ago

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Brody B Orem, UT

Great coverage, easy to sign up, very knowledgeable agents. The policy I was issued a few years ago was the easiest life insurance policy I have ever gotten. The process was much faster than others I have done in the past. I was able to get more coverage for less money which was also a plus.

5 years ago

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Lindsey B Orem, UT

We have had term life insurance from Prudential for many years and have always been very happy with them. The price we pay for our policy is well below bids from other providers and the policy value is higher as a bonus. We will ALWAYS use Prudential for our life insurance needs.

5 years ago

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Jeff B Orem, UT

I have had a Prudential Life Insurance policy for many years and overall my experience has been great. My only negative interaction was when I moved and my new zip code caused issues with billing. My policy was then suspended and it took some work to get them to realize the mistake and reinstate the policy. I do feel however that they were helpful in resolving the issue. I shopped this policy with other companies and Prudential gave me more coverage for the same price with others. Great Company!

5 years ago

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noela lary Palm Desert, CA

Prudential may have good Insurance Policies to sell but what you don't have to pay for that coverage , you will pay greatly in the frustrations in trying to get your claim paid. I went thru great difficultly the start when calling the Claim Department from too long of hours on hold as they do not have anyone to handle the calls they get. In some cases I got disconnected while on hold, before I made contact and after talking with a customer rep and no one called me back so I have to call back and go thru the entire story all over again to the next rep as I they could not get me back to the person I had talked to, when the call got dropped. I also found that all and I mean all the employees I spoke with whether a case worker or whom ever gave me conflicting information on the process and procedure to get the attention to filing the claim. They all need to get retained and should know there job and company policies or not be allowed to handle calls or work in claims department, Oh and I was promised by many of the employs that they would return a call to me but did not. Pandemic or no Pandemic fix this department or perhaps this is Prudential's intention to delay claims to be processed for payment. Hoping that a person will give up and go away. It took us almost 5months to get them to pay. No problem I have told everyone I know not to even get a policy from Prudential and save your self the pain of the end of the time to get the policy pay out which is what it is intended to complete.....

2 years ago

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Bob M Westford, MA

My Dad is 93 years old and has been a long time customer of Prudential. I am his Power of Attorney (POA) and previously had on-line access to his account, which was recently removed by the company. I need this access, especially during these Covid times, to get tax forms for dividends he receives as he is in an assisted living community where I cannot visit him. I just got off my 2nd call with this company this week. This one lasted more than 90 minutes due to long wait times and the need to speak with three different people. Two days ago, it was 30 minutes with two other people. After the first call I was asked to fax them a copy of the POA document and was told that the issue would be resolved "within a matter of hours" after they received it. It was not, hence today's call. The last person I spoke with told me that they normally do not grant on-line access to POAs, which completely contradicts what I was told a few days ago. I was then told that I would need to call back next week to see if this situation would change following a review of the POA document by their legal department. I decided instead to ask about the steps needed to cancel the contracts that my Dad has with them. I then called my Dad to explain the situation to him and he agreed that he no longer wants to do business with this company.

3 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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jason suiter Brentwood, TN

All the reviews I am reading as I look for a place to leave a review are about their insurance offerings. I believe the measure of a company is the service provided for the purchase. Prudential is at this moment and has been for the past three months holding up and trying to discourage my family claiming the benefits from my fathers passing from Covid in October. This is a small policy divided up between siblings. The feeling I get is that Prudential has a plan to make this hard enough that we will just go away and they can keep our small policy. Horrible customer service. Horrible dealings with grieving loved ones. Do not put your surviving family members through this. Find an insurance company that will take care of you loved ones.

3 years ago

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Royal A. Brown III

Too expensive especially as get older. I had $200K SGLI which converted to PGLI - the retired military plan - increasing term - went from $300 month to $460 when I hit 79 and will jump to $900 month at 75 which will be unaffordable for $200K coverage. I will look for an investment vehicle which will grow for less and still leave my wife with enougth coverage. I have subsequently dropped this coverage.

4 years ago

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Jazzy Beverly Hills, CA

I am so dissatisfied with the way this ridiculous life insurance company handle my application for new life insurance. They took me through a very unnecessary process just to decline my application. I am disabled due to migraine headaches from a traumatic head injury. Accidents happen. An insurance company shouldn't have the freaking right to decline someone due to their life status. I feel it's a form of discrimination. All of my Lab results were normal. They actually prolonged my application for no good reason. It should be against the law for an insurance company to deny someone life insurance due to being disabled at a young age. This company is really ridiculous!! Stay away from them if you're in my shoes. We all deserve to be able to take care of family in the event if our passing. No excuses and no exceptions! Just ridiculous!

4 years ago

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Bryan Washington Lacey, WA

My Dad served our country for many of years in the military. He left my sister and step mom and me life insurance with multiple company's,farmers,vertrians affairs and Prudential. He missed one payment about 2 years before he passed no company gave us a hard time for this other than Prudential, they keep giving us the run around over the phone. I would strongly suggest using any other life insurance than Prudential. Farmers was great and actually helpful and reached out Prudential was noy.They are a bad company with bad morals. Would never wish anyone to have to go threw this they went as far as to say were making sure your Father didn't commit fraud.54 years on this planet Did alot for his church and the army And hasnt ever been to jail or even had a speeding ticket in 20 plus years. Long story short I appreciate everything my Dad did for us....We all meet the maker one day and Prudential is not worth the stress for your kids or whomever your leaving life insurance for if you have one with Prudential do a favor for your family and switch to a more reputable company for them I hope this helps people sincerely Bryan Washington.

5 years ago

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James M Connolly Hagerstown, MD

PRUDENTIAL STOLE 33 YEARS I'm a disabled, diabetic, heart patient who survives on Social Security and food stamps. Just after my first daughter was born I bought a modest life insurance policy from Prudential. From 1986 until now I never missed a monthly payment. Twice along the way I needed to take out small loans against the policy, about $3k total. Both times I was informed the loans need not ever be repaid. The loans plus interest would be deducted from settlement when I passed away. In fact they encouraged me not to pay them back. They advised me to enjoy the benefit for being a long time loyal client, but really they just wanted the interest to grow. After over twenty years of "no contact" from Prudential they sent a demand letter for immediate payment of interest. Within the week "Heather" from Prudential called me. She told me her records indicated no one from Prudential had reached out to me in, literally, decades and wanted to apologize and find out if there was anything she could do for me. I told her about the demand letter and my financial situation. She promised this was some sort of error and she would correct it as soon as she hung up. She did not. Three days later The notice of cancelation arrived. Subsequent calls to Prudential have been fruitless. I explain it to them only to be bounced to someone else to start all over, 5 times then disconnected. Can someone help me understand how this is acceptable. Why would they ignore me for decades then change their own rules, without notice, then backstab a loyal client? It seems to me they must have access to my medical records and know I'm getting closer every day to needing the death benefit. I'll bet they search for ways to terminate the older clients before settlement comes due. These people played me for 33 years and I hope to maybe protect someone else from this predatory business behavior. Please repost this everywhere you can. Any constructive advice or ideas will be greatly appreciated. I was hoping Prudential would find a corporate conscience and do the right thing. I would like my family to have enough money to dispose of my remains and maybe split a pizza.

5 years ago

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Tina Taylor Ebensburg, PA

We have had this insurance for many years. The agents are professional and very helpful. We bought our sons' good policies at birth and now they have a great start as young adults.

3 years ago

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Scott Orem, UT

I had a small term policy through Prudential that has since expired. I thought it was a good product during the time I had it but have since found much better options. Prudential may have made changes since but I would still look elsewhere.

4 years ago

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Brennan Orem, UT

Decent policy for a decent price. I found that Prudential offered competitive policies but didn't have the same level of service that I found with the policy I got to replace this one. If you go with Prudential you won't be disappointed but there are better options out there.

5 years ago

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janalee sanders Valley Center, CA

we were with Prudential several years ago and were quite pleased. our rep was a very nice man who always took the time to answer any questions that we had. we always felt that he was being open and honest with us. we were able to get the coverage that was right for us at a price that we felt was fair.

5 years ago

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Ann Bailey Lehi, UT

We have several life insurance policies through Prudential Life. They have always been good to communicate, give loans when needed, and offer great term, and whole life rates.

5 years ago

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Kristin G Pleasant Grove, UT

My husband and I have our life insurance through Prudential. They are a very reliable company that has been around for many years. I would highly recommend them because their customer service is very helpful and friendly.

5 years ago

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Jack Roberts Boston, MA

Worst insurance company to deal with for a life claim , originally paid claim, I deposited The check and received a stop payment on it from my bank. Customer service is awful at times I thought I was speaking to representatives from outside the US The policy was in a trust I sent all required documents and they kept asking for something else. Not very accommodating

3 years ago

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Carrie Still Portland, OR

We have been with this company for 20 years and never a late payment EVER. They just sent a notice that my husbands premium went from $42.00 a Month to $443.00. We called and they told us the rates went up because he is turning 60 and they no longer want to insured us. And yes they actually said that out loud. That's more the a car payment. They know people on fixed incomes can't afford that but they sure took our money for 20 years with no problem.

4 years ago

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John Ashburn, VA

This is about a Prudential Annuity...Worst company ... period. I am a corporate executive for a Fortune 500. I purchased an annuity which fully matured...is taking months to recover MY MONEY...countless calls, call transfers, promises to resolve...impossible to tell the whole story but this is the worst company ... period....not the worst financial sector company...the worst company ... period. Clueless

5 years ago

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Patrick Curry Salt Lake City, UT

Love the rates and ease of use of their sites to track our policy. We were offered a great rate and it's been very beneficial to us and will help our children in the future.

3 years ago

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Lori Salt Lake City, UT

We have been happy with our term life insurance policy with Prudential. It is pretty cheap considering the coverage for me and my husband. I don't know a whole lot about other companies but the process was very easy.

4 years ago

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Witherow Arab, AL

This has been the worst company to deal with. You can not get anything done with them unless you have a fax machine. Trying to get a simple address change after a move has been unsuccessful. They refuse to make the change and continue to send private information to an old address.

5 years ago

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Andrey Highland Park, IL

I was denied Life Insurance online account for no reason. Customer service refused to assist me with the access. I am at risk to lose my policy if I do not set up an online payment option

2 years ago

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Michael bass Elkview, WV

I’m on STD. And have had no luck with a call back from my claim manager, have called for days. The slowest company I’ve ever seen for processing a claim I give them a👎🏻Down

5 years ago

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Richard Oldenburg Tehachapi, CA

Totally paid program that started at $0.25 as a child. The $500 policy is now over $3,000

6 years ago

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Dan Mackintosh

It is a good quality company that I can depend on. It will be there when needed.

6 years ago

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Irene Schmigiel Buffalo, NY

Had one really bad situation with them years ago. Since then, I find it hard to really trust any insurance company.

6 years ago

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Jeferson Paris Fort Lauderdale, FL

Thanks God I did not use my life insurance to provide any feed back but I do receive periodic information and the company seems fine.

3 years ago

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marlene bennett Salt Lake City, UT

Prudential is highly rated as a life insurance company and while I was with them I was able to save money on my plan

5 years ago

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Kent Lehi, UT

I have a life insurance policy with Prudential. Customer service is poor at best and trying to access my funds in the whole life policy was a bad experience.

5 years ago

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Faith San Antonio, TX

My son died 3 months ago. They're still giving me the run around to pay out. Frankly, I think they're just trying to come up with a reason to deny it.

5 years ago

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BOB BURN

had for many years when my wife passed away payment was immediate no hassle

6 years ago

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Dre35 West Valley City, UT

Great rates! We've used Prudential for our term insurance for over 10 years, and we won't change!

3 years ago

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Amy Boren American Fork, UT

we got quotes for and additional policy but the numbers were not what we were wanting so we decided against the policy.

4 years ago

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S Suguturaga Orem, UT

The company provides various policies for different situations at a good price point.

5 years ago

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Shane Rodney Mesa, AZ

Responsibly priced insurance for peace of mind for our family.

5 years ago

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Bill A

Good overall customer service and sales folks are good

6 years ago

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Dennis Wick

Decent coverage at a decent price. Could use better customer service

6 years ago

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Elizabeth Prothro Albuquerque, NM

Fair pricing and good reliability and follow through.

6 years ago

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Grant American Fork, UT

Prudential Life Insurance is a company that I trust because of its reputation and integrity.

5 years ago

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Joanne

Had a whole life policy and ended up losing $

6 years ago