The Most Important Word in Annuities is TRUST

Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship. Those in the financial services industry know that when individuals place their financial security in the hands of an insurance company, they seek the assurance that promises will be kept. But trust isn’t built overnight, it’s earned through consistent actions that reinforce reliability. Strengthening trust goes beyond client relationships — it includes partnering with trusted carriers that accelerate your business.

Building Trust in Annuities

Annuities are valuable financial tools that offer opportunities for growth, protection against market risk, and dependable sources of retirement income. With a wide range of annuity options designed for different goals, they often come with various features and riders to navigate. Regardless of the specific product, clients entrust their savings into these solutions, making trust in their provider essential. Several key factors contribute to building and maintaining that trust:

• Financial Stability – Consumers need assurance that the carrier will fulfill obligations, even decades later.

• Transparency – Annuity products can appear complex, making clear and honest communication crucial in fostering confidence.

• Service & Support – The way a company interacts with policyholders can reinforce — or erode — trust over time.

• Regulatory Compliance & Ethics – A strong ethical foundation reassures policyholders that their interests come first.

Benefits of Working with a Trusted Annuity Carrier

Selecting the right annuity provider is about much more than product features — it’s about safeguarding your reputation for long-term success. While financial professionals recognize the importance of credibility, it’s also important to realize how much a provider’s reputation can influence various aspects of their practice. A trusted insurance carrier may offer far-reaching benefits, including:

• Increased Sales Confidence – Financial professionals may feel more confident in their recommendations when they trust the carrier’s reliability.

• Faster Sales Cycle – A strong reputation may ease objections to help shorten the sales cycle, while responsive support can contribute to faster, more confident decisions.

• Higher Client Retention – When clients trust their provider, they may be less likely to surrender policies, which can lead to more stable commissions and stronger relationships.

• Lower Compliance Risk – A reputable carrier tends to prioritize ethical practices and transparency, which can help reduce compliance challenges.

• Long-Term Growth – Partnering with a trusted brand can enhance your credibility, helping to generate more referrals, repeat business, and sales growth.

American Equity Tops Newsweek’s Most Trustworthy Companies List

Establishing trust in annuities requires more than just promises; it demands ethical practices, financial strength, and customer satisfaction. Recently, Newsweek recognized American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company as the #1 Most Trustworthy Company in Insurance.¹ 

This ranking was based on an independent survey of over 70,000 participants evaluating companies across 23 industries on trust in advertising, fairness to employees, and overall reliability. Industry recognition like this underscores the importance of upholding high standards across the board.

Customer Service — A Key Driver of Trust

Exceptional customer support is vital to building trust. When David Noble founded American Equity in 1995, he felt that many companies had drifted from the core principals of service and relationships. So, he built American Equity on a commitment to service and strong
partnerships.

Since then, American Equity has invested heavily in its customer support infrastructure to ensure that financial professionals and contract owners receive timely, knowledgeable assistance. 

To strengthen relationships, regional teams of internal and external wholesalers work closely with financial professionals to provide local support. For those requiring a higher level of assistance, a dedicated Concierge Service team delivers specialized business support, ensuring that their financial professional partners have the tailored solutions they need to succeed.

Operational efficiency is just as critical. Processing service requests quickly and issuing contracts within 24-48 hours, when in good order, are top priorities. American Equity’s streamlined processing is reflected in MyApp™, an advanced eApp system designed to eliminate errors and accelerate contract issuance. The system features a built-in pre-suitability tool called EZ Suit™. 

Together, these innovations have resulted in a less than 1% NIGO rate, less than 8% suitability review rate, and a 42% faster completion time than paper applications. 

Further technology investments provide 24/7 access to product information, policy details and self-service capabilities through secure customer portals. Customer feedback is continuously gathered to refine products and services — ensuring that evolving needs are met.

A Commitment to Integrity & Financial Strength

From its earliest days, American Equity has championed integrity as a fundamental value. Mr. Noble instilled what he called the ‘mother-in-law principle’—meaning if he couldn’t explain a product clearly enough for his mother-in-law to understand, then it wasn’t something he would sell to anyone. This core value remains in place today under the leadership of American Equity’s current CEO, Jeff Lorenzen, who worked closely with the founder and has carried forward the same commitment to transparency.

Over the past three decades, American Equity has built a reputation as a carrier that puts people first and has grown to become a leading provider of fixed index annuities. This reputation is underscored by American Equity’s ‘A’ (Excellent) Rating from AM Best, reflecting its strong financial position and ongoing commitment to stability.² 

Building a Future of Trust

In an industry where trust is paramount, providers with strong financial practices and high customer service standards stand out. American Equity, with its decades-long reputation and industry recognition, serves as an example of what it means to be a trusted carrier.

As the industry evolves, transparency, reliability, and ethical business practices will remain the benchmarks of success 

Start building a future of trust with American Equity today by visiting american-equity.com/agent-resources to learn more.

1 Source: newsweek.com/rankings/worlds-most-trustworthy-companies-2024

2 A.M. Best has assigned American Equity an “A” (Excellent) rating, reflecting their current opinion of American Equity’s financial strength and its ability to meet its ongoing contractual obligations relative to the norms of the life/health insurance industry. A.M. Best utilizes 15 rating categories ranging from A++ to F. An “A” rating from A.M. Best is its third highest rating. For the latest rating, access www.ambest.com. Rating effective 11/27/2024.