Foresters Financial Services Company Review
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Kristen Gryglik
Licensed Insurance Agent
Kristen is a licensed insurance agent working in the greater Boston area. She has over 20 years of experience counseling individuals and businesses on which insurance policies best fit their needs and budgets. She knows everyone has their own unique needs and circumstances, and she is passionate about counseling others on which policy is right for them. Licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire,...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Mar 21, 2024
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UPDATED: Mar 21, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
What’s New in 2021 for Foresters Financial Services Company?
How Has Covid-19 Affected Foresters Financial Services?
Despite the pandemic, Foresters Financial Services remains strong throughout 2020. In fact, they went above and beyond to let customers know that they care about them and understand the hardships they might face during the difficult time.
Foresters Financial created a grant program called Caring Through Crisis (CTC) to deliver customers with grants to help them overcome any struggles they might face during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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New Products or Changes
Foresters Financial recently launched an app called Foresters Mobile Quote for customers to download from their affiliated app store to their smartphone. The app allows customers to manage their services, payments, and more from their phones.
Foresters Financial Services in the News
In an effort to prioritize the growth of their fixed life insurance policies, Foresters Financial recently sold the Foresters Financial Holding Company, Inc. to Nassau Financial Group, L.P. along with the Foresters Life Insurance and Annuity Company.
2021 Latest Foresters Financial Services Reviews
The Foresters Financial Services Company offers life insurance, mutual funds, and annuities. Life insurance policies range between 10 and 30 years, but you can get a more exact estimate when you get a quote from the company. Quotes, however, are not offered on Foresters’ online platform.
Instead, you have to get in contact with an agent directly, which customers often complain about. According to the Better Business Bureau, customer complaints primarily focus on the lack of communication from the company.
Many customers find that they cannot get a hold of an agent even during emergency matters. Customers also complain about the duration it takes to get checks from the company.
Are you looking at Foresters Financial Services for your life insurance AND retirement needs?
Yes, life insurance can be used as a vehicle to prepare for retirement.
….but I bet you are wondering if they’re the right pick for you.
Foresters Financial specializes in retirement planning, so purchasing a policy from them could be your ticket to an early and comfortable retirement.
…or is it? Find out now!
Quick Guide / Table of Contents:
- Foresters Financial History
- Financial Stability
- Products Overview
- Life Insurance
- Annuities & Retirement Planning
- Mutual Funds
- Educational Planning
- Employer Benefit Planning
- Quotes
- Pricing
- Pros
- Cons
- Bottom Line
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Forester Financial Services History
Forester’s Financial Services is more than just a company… it’s a fraternal organization.
Way back when, it was a charitable society that provided medical assistance to those in need.
If you’re a potential Foresters Insurance policyholder, I’m sure you’ll be glad to hear about their benevolent roots.
This venerable group, founded in England, eventually blossomed into the popular North American insurance company it’s become today.
Foresters Financial Services has a niche. They specialize in insurance products, that aim to set policyholders up for a wonderful retirement.
Sounds pretty good right? Let’s see…
Financial Stability
I’m interested in Foresters Insurance but can I trust them with my money?
Smart question! Let’s take a look now.
In all honesty, there’s a lot to like about Foresters Financial, but as with most insurers, it’s not all roses.
I will say, however, that Foresters Insurance is a VERY stable company.
They’ve been in business in North America since 1874!
So I guess for starters, any company that manages to stick around for well over a century, likely knows what they’re doing.
No to mention the fact that they maintain a consistent “A” financial rating across the board. Let’s take a look now:
Foresters Financial Isn’t Messing Around!
With a 140-year track record, Foresters Insurance is a force to be contended with.
Another interesting point to mention is that Foresters Financial Services is a fraternal benefit society. Which means that it’s more than just a business for the people involved.
You aren’t dealing with corporate shareholders, you’re buying insurance from members.
To top it off, Foresters Financial has more than one million members in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
…and if you are looking for assurance that they’ve got cash, you’ll be happy to hear they have assets of almost $12 billion, total funds under management of $28 billion and a surplus of $1.9 billion.
All figures are in Canadian dollars as of December 31, 2014.
Foresters has also maintained an “A” (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best for the past 17 years.
Whooo weee!
…and that’s not all. Foresters Insurance subsidiaries, Foresters Life Insurance Company, and First Investors Life Insurance Company, also have “A” ratings.
This brings us to their products!
What EXACTLY does Foresters Financial Services have to offer.
Well in a nutshell – a LOT!
Products Overview
Hmmm – so, what sort of insurance do they sell?
LOTS of it, including Life Insurance – obviously my favorite topic.
Performing research for this series of reviews has been really interesting!
I’ve enjoyed learning the details of all the products this particular insurer has to offer.
If you have been checking out Forester Financial Reviews you can see they provide a wide range of insurance products, with a focus on maximizing your assets for retirement.
Let’s take a look at their options right now! They may have a product that perfectly suits your needs…
…OR they may not.
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Foresters Financial Life Insurance
I decided to start with Foresters life insurance products. Why?
Because this is my area of greatest experience and expertise.
Before I get started, I will add a disclaimer.
If you’re looking to buy ANY kind of life insurance – it’s VERY important for you to employ the services of an independent agent.
(That is, unless you want to spend more money than you should!)
Independent agents aren’t tied to a company, so they’ll shop around for the BEST life insurance company for YOU and your personal circumstances.
I’ve personally saved clients 10’s of thousands of dollars, by simply picking the right company for a particular need. This is where you can really save some serious cash.
Now back to the products:
Term Products
“Your Term” Level Term
10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 guaranteed level terms are offered.
Foresters may also include the following coverage at no additional charge:
- Common Carrier Accidental Death Rider: Designed to provide an additional death benefit if you die of accidental injuries that occur while riding as a fare-paying passenger on a common carrier, such as a plane, bus or train.
- Family Health Benefit Rider: Can pay a benefit for limited family health expenses that may occur as a result of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes.
- Accelerated Death Benefit Rider:Provides an option to accelerate a portion of the eligible death benefit and receive a payment if the insured is diagnosed with a covered illness, which may include critical, chronic, and terminal illnesses.
Foresters also includes a Charity Benefit provision that can help you make a difference in your community:
- When a claim is paid to the beneficiary(ies), Foresters will pay an additional 1% of the face amount to a registered charitable organization if designated by the owner. The payment is made as a donation in the name of the insured.
- The Charitable Benefit provision is automatically included with your certificate at no additional premium. It does not increase your premiums, nor does it impact the value of the death benefit.
Level Term
Level Term Life Insurance is insurance that provides pure protection for a limited period of time. The proceeds paid to your named beneficiary are generally free from federal income tax.
Foresters Life Insurance and Annuity Company offers term life insurance in three term periods: 10, 20, and 30 years.
One of the main benefits is Guaranteed convertibility: This allows you to convert your existing level-term policy to a permanent policy, at your “attained age” (your age at the time of the conversion) regardless of your health in the future.
You will not have to answer any health questions, take a medical exam or a blood test.
Prepared Accidental Death Insurance
Foresters Prepared Accidental Death Term insurance offers simple, affordable accidental death protection up to $300,000.
This policy also offers several optional riders that can greatly enhance your benefits:
- Disability Income Rider (Accident Only): Becoming unable to earn an income can have a severe impact on you and your family. Disability income protection can provide you with a regular monthly income benefit so total disability due to an accident won’t lead to financial disaster.
- Waiver of Premium Rider (Accident Only): Can protect your valuable insurance coverage during total disability due to an accident.
- Return of Premium Rider: You may get back all of the eligible premiums you’ve paid, if you outlive the term of your certificate.
Whole Life Products
Plan Right Whole Life
If you’re looking for coverage until the day you die, whole life insurance is one of your options.
The PlanRight Whole Life Insurance has the following benefits:
- Provides lifetime life insurance coverage (up to age 121)
- Guaranteed level premiums
- Your beneficiary will generally not owe any income taxes on the benefit4
Advantage Plus Whole Life
Whole life insurance may be used to build cash value that can be borrowed against for things like financing businesses or further education.
Advantage Plus has lifetime death benefit protection, guaranteed cash value, and guaranteed premiums, with premium payment options of either a 20-pay or pay to age 100.
- Provides lifetime life insurance coverage (up to age 121)
- Guaranteed level premiums payable for either 20 years or to age 100
- Allows you to borrow and use the insurance as collateral for a loan (this will reduce the death benefit1)
- Generally provides an income tax-free death benefit
PLUS: Foresters New Charity Benefit provision will pay an additional 1% of the base face amount to a designated registered charitable organization, automatically included in the contract at no additional premium
Interest Sensitive Whole Life Insurance
This is a permanent whole life insurance policy that provides life insurance coverage along with income tax-deferred accumulation value.
- Lifetime of protection: up to age 121. Your death benefit will never decrease as long as there are no outstanding loans.
- Fixed premium: Your premiums will stay at the same level as long as the policy is in force, regardless of economic conditions or the state of your health. Premium payments stop at age 100.
- Accumulation Value: Grows at a guaranteed minimum interest rate plus the potential of a company-declared excess interest rate, all income tax-deferred.
- Access to your Accumulation Value: Subject to policy provisions, policy loans provide access to your Accumulation Value for any reason at any time.
- Faster growing Accumulation Value: The deduction of current cost of insurance charges, which are generally lower than the guaranteed maximum rates, allows for faster and higher Accumulation Value growth.
- Option to suspend premiums: This will slow the growth of your Accumulation Value.
- Income Tax-Free Death Benefit: Benefits paid to beneficiaries are not subject to federal income tax.
- Income Tax-Deferred Growth: Tax deferral allows the Accumulation Value to grow more quickly and to higher levels than if they were currently taxed.
Universal Life Products
Smart Universal Life
Universal Life is similar to whole life in that it provides life insurance coverage and cash accumulation.
The premium you pay is used to cover the monthly costs for the insurance. If you pay more than the premium due, excess cash is accumulated as cash value and earns monthly interest and grows over time, typically on a tax-deferred basis.
You can then withdraw it as cash or use it to pay premiums.
Here are the benefits:
- Lifetime life insurance protection
- You can purchase riders that offer protection for other needs, such as total disability or accidental death
- Typically tax-deferred growth on cash value
- Premium flexibility within maximum and minimum limits
- Withdraw funds to pay for premiums, or surrender for cash
- Borrow and use the insurance as collateral for a loan
- Death benefit is generally free of income taxes
Variable Universal Life
This is another permanent life insurance policy option. You can build cash value on an income tax-deferred basis. This policy gives you death benefit protection and the potential for monetary growth.
This particular product has an investment component which means there is some risk attached.
- Flexible premium payments.
- Control over the policy: You can increase or decrease the face amount of insurance in the Policy as your needs change. You can also choose between two death benefit options and a variety of investment sub-account options.
- 10-year no-lapse guarantee. Your policy will remain in force during the first 10 policy years as long as the minimum monthly (no-lapse) premiums are paid.
- Cash value accumulation. You can choose from a variety of investment sub-accounts with portfolios of stocks and/or bonds.
Variable Products
ISP CHOICE
ISP Choice is another permanent life insurance product with an opportunity to build cash value within a variety of professionally managed investment sub-accounts.
- Fixed premiums
- Fixed premium payment period.
- Guaranteed insurance amount.
- Variable insurance amount.
- Cash Value: You can invest your premiums in a selection of diversified sub-accounts and/or the fixed account.
ISP 10 Express
This is a limited payment, variable life insurance product that offers a 10-year premium payment period. It provides you with all the advantages of permanent life insurance protection.
This product is only available for sale in NY.
- Fixed premium.
- 10-year payment period.
- Guaranteed insurance amount.
- Variable insurance amount
- Cash value.
Single Premium Variable Insurance
This product is intended for those who want to make a single premium payment in exchange for permanent life insurance protection. It also provides you with the opportunity to build cash value within a variety of professionally managed investment sub-accounts.
- A single premium.
- Permanent insurance protection.
- Variety of sub-accounts.
- Professional management. Professional portfolio managers closely monitor the investments in each SPVL sub-account.
My Take on Foresters Life Insurance
Well, as you can see, Foresters Life Insurance has a VERY comprehensive offering of Term and Permanent Products.
If you read any of my articles, you already know how I feel about Whole Life Insurance.
It’s my firm opinion that Term Insurance works best for most Americans.
If you are looking for a permanent option because you’re older or want to be covered for life, I prefer Guaranteed Universal Life.
That being said, Foresters Life Insurance does have a very interesting line of permanent products that cater to retirement.
Always Consult an Independent Insurance Agent
In a nutshell, Foresters Life Insurance has a great offering, and if you don’t mind some risk, they have a good selection of investment options.
If you’re in the market for a life insurance policy to help with your retirement needs, then Foresters Financial MAY be the way to go.
That being said, you should give us a call. We have access to dozens of the BEST life insurance carriers in the business.
Underwriting guidelines vary from company to company and there is no exception with Foresters Financial. Word on the street is that they are one of the more lenient companies, but you never know.
Each insurer approaches medical concerns in a different way.
The best way to get the cheapest rates is to comparison shop – with a qualified, experienced, independent agent.
But that’s not all! Foresters has much, much more…..
Foresters Financial Services: Annuities & Retirement Planning
You mentioned that Foresters Financial is focused on retirement planning. What sort of products do they offer in this area?
Annuities, IRAs – or Mutual Funds are vehicles for this…
Foresters Financial also offers several options for people planning their retirement. Annuities and IRAs can help you generate income before or after retirement, depending on the product.
This is what they have to offer:
First Advantage Fixed Deferred Annuity
Unlike other types of annuities, your money is in a fixed deferred annuity that is guaranteed to grow at a guaranteed minimum interest rate.
Unless you make a withdrawal, your account value will never go down.
First Choice Variable Deferred Bonus Annuity
This variable deferred annuity offers you a bonus on premium or purchase payments made into your annuity contract.
Build retirement assets over a long period of time and once annuitized, you receive a steady source of guaranteed income when you retire.
First Choice Variable Deferred Annuity
Looking to accumulate retirement assets? Then this annuity is for you. Accumulate tax-deferred assets through a variety of investment sub-accounts and a fixed account.
When you are ready to retire, the annuities can transfer the Accumulation Value of your assets into guaranteed income payments.
First Advantage Income Immediate Annuity
With a one-time premium payment, you can purchase an immediate annuity. This will provide you with guaranteed lifetime income.
In most instances, immediate annuity payments are sent to you starting one month after you buy your annuity.
Flexible Pay Longevity Annuity
This deferred income annuity allows you to create a future income stream.
Multiple purchase payments are made, after which you will begin to receive guaranteed monthly income for the remainder of your life.
Single Pay Longevity Annuity
This deferred income annuity provides guaranteed future income in exchange for a single purchase payment.
After your payment is made you select a future income start date. At the end of the “deferral period,” you will begin to receive guaranteed monthly income payments for the rest of your life.
Traditional IRA
Anyone under the age of 70½ with earned income or a spouse without earned income is eligible to make contributions to a Traditional IRA.
A major incentive for opening an IRA is to reap the tax benefits it offers.
Roth IRA
Roth IRAs are tax-advantaged retirement accounts. All contributions are made with after-tax dollars and grow tax-deferred.
If you are over age 59½ and your account has been opened for at least 5 years, your distributions will be tax-free. Certain income limitations do apply with regard to contribution eligibility.
Rollover IRA
A special type of traditional IRA into which you can “rollover” or transfer assets from a former employer’s retirement plan when you change jobs or retire so you can maintain the tax-deferred status of those assets.
It’s important to consider all options when moving money from an employer-sponsored retirement plan.
Mutual Funds
I heard that Foresters Financial offers Mutual Funds. That might bring in some extra cash when I retire, right?
Yes, they do – and yes they might…
Looking to invest in your future.
Then you might be interested in Foresters Financial Mutual Funds.
Mutual Funds offer a way for investors to pool their income to invest in diverse assets. The goal is to offset risk and make a profit.
Foresters Financial’s niche is long term investing, which means that people planning for retirement should check this out:
Mutual Funds Equity
Equity, or stock funds, invest primarily in companies of varying sizes (small caps, mid-caps, large caps), and can be domestic, international, or both.
Highest risk and highest reward:
- Covered Call Strategy
- Equity Income
- Global, Growth & Income
- Hedged U.S. Equity Opportunities Fund
- International, Long Short Fund
- Opportunity
- Real Estate
- Select Growth and Special Situations.
Taxable Bonds
Taxable bond funds invest in securities issued by corporations and by the U.S. and foreign governments, including government agencies, as well as mortgage-backed bonds and asset-backed bonds.
The interest income from these bond funds is taxable at both the federal and state level. Taxable bond funds can be the best choice if you seek current income.
First Investors taxable bond funds:
- Limited Duration Bond
- Government
- Investment Grade
- Floating Rate
- Strategic Income
- International Opportunities Bond
- Fund For Income.
Mixed Assets
Also known as “Balanced Funds,” these types of portfolios are a mix of stocks, bonds, and cash, and are a suitable option if you want total return and diversification.
First Investors mixed asset allocation funds:
- Total Return
- Balanced Income.
Tax Exempt
These funds mainly invest in securities issued by municipalities to finance public projects such as bridges, schools, and highways. The primary benefit of investing in municipal bonds is their tax-exempt status.
Depending on where you live, you may be able to invest in municipal bond funds that are “triple tax-exempt” (exempt from local, state and federal government taxes).
First Investors municipal bond funds:
- Tax Exempt Income
- Tax Exempt Opportunities
plus these 12 single state funds:
- California Tax Exempt
- Connecticut Tax Exempt
- Massachusetts Tax Exempt
- Michigan Tax Exempt
- Minnesota Tax Exempt
- New Jersey Tax Exempt
- New York Tax Exempt
- North Carolina Tax Exempt
- Ohio Tax Exempt
- Oregon Tax Exempt
- Pennsylvania Tax Exempt
- Virginia Tax Exempt
Money Market
Money market funds invest mainly in securities known for their high credit quality and therefore tend to have the lowest level of risk as well as the lowest level of potential return on your money.
An example is the First Investors Government Cash Management fund.
This fund attempts to maintain a constant share price of $1.00, however, this share price is not guaranteed.
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Educational Planning
I’ve got kids to consider. A college education is going to cost a lot. I better get planning.
Foresters Financial has that covered too!
If you are a parent or guardian planning for further education, then boy do you have some thinking to do.
Foresters offers some great tools to achieve this goal:
529 College Savings Plan
With their flexibility and high contribution limits, 529 Plans are an excellent choice for many families trying to save for future education expenses.
Individuals can open a 529 Plan account for any beneficiary, including themselves, and enjoy tax-deferred growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified higher education expenses such as tuition, books and room and board at any accredited institution.
The contribution limits vary depending on the plan, but in some cases it can be over $250,000.
Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)
The money in Coverdell education savings accounts also grows tax-deferred and may be withdrawn tax-free if used for qualified education expenses – but these can also include the costs of private elementary and high schools.
IRAs
A Roth IRA can help fund your retirement and your child’s college education if you start early enough.
Custodial Accounts
Custodial accounts, known as UGMAs (Uniform Gifts to Minors Act) and UTMAs (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act), let you put money or other assets in trust for a minor child and, as trustee, manage the account until the child reaches 18 or 21, depending on your state.
That money can then be used for college, if parent and child agree.
Employer Benefit Planning
Foresters Financial also has products geared toward employers setting up benefits for their employees.
The main categories of businesses they service are as follows:
They also provide an electronic payroll investing center.
Financial Advisory Services
Foresters Advisory Services, LLC offers the Premier Program, which is a fee-based, mutual fund wrap fee advisory program.
Their services include a comprehensive suite of investment advice designed to be a component of your long-term financial plan throughout various phases of your life.
Once again you can see the focus on retirement here.
Quotes
Great! Well I’ve seen enough. I want to get a quote.
Let’s look into this process now.
Even if you’re not fully sold on an insurance company, it doesn’t mean getting a quote is a waste of time.
On the contrary, comparing multiple quotes is probably the best way to save money on insurance…
…especially when it comes to life insurance!
Since each company has different underwriting, you never know which provider will give you a sweet offer.
Did you know life insurance companies are starting to use Accelerated Underwriting? If you are young and healthy you may want to think about this.
It’s not the same as guaranteed issue:
Accelerated underwriting allows qualified applicants to purchase a regular term life insurance policy that doesn’t require a paramedic to visit the applicant’s home to collect blood, urine and vital signs. It also doesn’t require the applicant’s physician to submit a written statement about the applicant’s health history or provide copies of the applicant’s medical records. Eliminating these steps drastically speeds up the approval process.Accelerated Underwriting Makes Life Insurance Easy, Investopedia
How Does Foresters Financial Stack Up?
Unfortunately, not all companies make getting a quote quick and easy.
Rather than offering simple online quotes, you’ll need to speak directly with an agent in order to get an idea of the cost.
In lieu of the “Get a Quote” portion of an insurance website, Forester’s has a “Find an advisor/agent”.
Which means you can either:
- call an agent directly, or
- fill out some general info and wait for an agent to contact you
Ugh.
This is my least favorite way to obtain a quote. I like a simple and easy online process that will give me an idea of what the insurance is gonna cost.
You May Have to Deal with a Captive Forester Financial Agent
Which means you will not have the benefit of comparing other insurance companies.
The fact is, a Foresters agent has one goal and that’s to match you with a Foresters policy. (Term Products can be sold by independent agents)
That may or may not be the right decision for you.
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Pricing
Unfortunately, we can’t compare their prices to other companies because you need to speak with an agent to get a quote.
Foresters Financial is also a fraternal organization, so they keep some information under wraps.
However, if Forester Financial Reviews are any indication, I expect their rates are competitive.
While I didn’t see anyone jumping for joy over their low prices, I did see quite a few that were upset about rising premiums.
Fraternal groups are organizations that promote brotherhood and unity among men while engaging in sanctioned activities as a whole. One of the benefits of being involved in a fraternal group is that you may be able to purchase an insurance policy that is available to the group. These policies provide varying protections for members of these groups. What Is a Fraternal Insurance Company?, Sapling
So you’ll have to use your imagination and researching skills here.
Unless you decide to give a Foresters agent a call.
Pros
- Financial stability
- Fraternal member benefits
- Great for retirement planning & long term investment
- Large selection of insurance products
Financially Stable
If you opt for this company you have nothing to worry about in this department.
With over 140 years of service and an emphasis on charitable giving, I feel happy to recommend them in this area.
Fraternal Member Benefits
When you’re a Foresters Financial policyholder, you are also considered a member of the Order.
Not only does that sounds cool, but it also provides unique benefits that would be hard to find anywhere else.
These benefits include:
- Everyday Money: A free helpline that offers advice and reassurance for any of your financial issues. It’s a great resource for members in debt, for members with legal issues, and more.
- Membership Matters: A member e-newsletter to inform you on important topics, such as health, financial wellness, and community events that can benefit you and your loved ones.
- Community Grants: Every year, Foresters invests millions of dollars into the Foresters Community Grants Program.
- Orphan Benefit: In the event that both you and your spouse were to pass away, this member benefit would provide each of your children with up to $900 per month.
- Terminal Illness Loan: Members who become terminally ill are eligible to receive a large interest-free loan.
While these aren’t ALL the benefits that Foresters Financial members are welcome to, you get the idea. Foresters Financial takes care of their own.
This is one of the biggest upsides to receiving insurance from a group that you are a member of.
Retirement Niche & Long Term Investment
You know what else is great about Foresters Financial? They have a heavy focus on preparing their policyholders for retirement.
This company also features insurance products, which offer a ton of investment opportunities if you are so inclined.
Furthermore, their annuities & IRAs can help supplement your social security income after you’ve retired.
You’ll still bring in an income despite your retried status! Not a bad deal, eh?
Provide a Fantastic Selection of Insurance Products
Whether you are:
- old or young
- looking for an investment, or
- permanent OR term insurance
Foresters Financial has you covered.
They really do offer a lot of options and if you are thinking about your retirement this company will be especially interesting.
Cons
- Possible abrupt increase in cost of premiums
- Customer service (no replies) and tardy when processing claims
- Quote process
- You deal with captive agents for most of their products
Abrupt Increase In Cost of Premiums
When it comes to premiums, you’ll see a lot of people complain about the cost of their policies rising abruptly.
In general, the complaints about prices are coming from people who have had their policy for over 30 years and are finding it hard to keep up with permanent insurance.
Sadly they are surprised by how much is needed to maintain their policies.
Poor Customer Service & Tardy Claims
To be honest this isn’t a huge problem for Foresters.
According to the Better Business Bureau, they’ve only had 23 complaints filed in the past 3 years.
Unfortunately, they were recently downgraded from an A+ to an A- for failing to deal with a few of those complaints.
But frankly, they do a pretty good job overall.
The majority of the online discontent seems to stem from their customer service.
Sure, reading Forester Financial Reviews can help you weigh your options. That being said, there is a lot of negativity on the internet.
So please don’t rely too heavily on a few bad reviews.
On the other hand, if nine out of ten reviews take issue with a particular problem you should take note.
So, what are peeps knocking Foresters Financial for?
Customer service. Keep in mind that customer service is probably the most common complaint for insurance companies.
On a similar note, there seems to be a high number of customers that have issues with their claims. Specifically, being ghosted by the company after filing a claim.
Ideally, an insurance company should get back to you ASAP when you make a claim. This is not necessarily the case with Foresters Financial.
Quote Process
Foresters Financial does NOT offer quick and easy quotes.
This one of my biggest frustrations with insurance companies. It’s wonderful to get a starting point before you speak with an agent, but Foresters doesn’t offer this option.
You have to call one of their agents to get a quote. It’s as simple and time-consuming as that.
Forester Financial Agents Are Captive (mostly)
Captive agents have one goal… To sell their company policy.
And you’ll need to work with their captive agents if you are interested in their whole life and other retirement products.
However, if you want quotes on their Term Life Insurance products, Independent Agents can help!
Foresters obviously has a great selection, so they can find something customized – but they will NOT provide you with other options.
Once again, please contact an independent agent TODAY. Especially if you have a Foresters quote. My bet is we can beat them.
Read more: Foresters Insurance Company: Insurance Rates and Reviews
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The Bottom Line
So what’s your final word, Chris? This is a lot of info!
Check it out!
Forester Financial is a wonderful company.
…but there are a few things to take note of if you are considering them for your insurance needs:
- They have a long list of products that are designed with a heavy focus on retirement planning
- Foresters Financial is extremely stable and will be there when you need them
- As a fraternal organization, they offer several unique member benefits
- If customer support and speedy claims are important you to you, you may be disappointed
- They don’t offer a quick online quote; instead, you’ll need to contact an agent directly
- Their agents have one goal – and that’s to sell you a Foresters Policy
- Don’t expect the cheapest rates
If you have time, why not get a quote? Foresters Financial definitely has some unique advantages.
…BUT right after you speak to them, give us a call!
Call Huntley Wealth NOW
If you been looking through Forester Financial Reviews, you can stop now! We’ve got the intel.
If you call us today, we won’t pressure you to buy a policy from us…
…but we will help you find the best insurance company for you and your unique needs.
My bet is when you are done talking to one of our agents you will gladly work with us.
Our experts know the industry inside and out.
We also specialize in high-risk applicants, so fear not! We will find you the BEST and least expensive coverage possible.
Be a Superhero – Protect Your Family!
We’ve seen it all!
Let’s face it, buying a policy can be a complicated process, but it’s an essential one if you want to protect your family.
Real life superheroes are the moms and dads that plan for the future.
The ones that know life happens when you least expect it.
Bulletproof your family by calling us today!
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Kristen Gryglik
Licensed Insurance Agent
Kristen is a licensed insurance agent working in the greater Boston area. She has over 20 years of experience counseling individuals and businesses on which insurance policies best fit their needs and budgets. She knows everyone has their own unique needs and circumstances, and she is passionate about counseling others on which policy is right for them. Licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire,...
Licensed Insurance Agent
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