Is CL Life a Good Insurance Company?
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Is CL Life a good insurance company? At Diversified Insurance Brokers, we guide clients toward insurers that provide reliability, clarity, and value. CL Life Insurance Company, established in 1948, specializes in fixed annuities and final expense life insurance. Though not a household name, it’s known for a conservative approach, solid financial reserves, and responsiveness—traits worth considering for certain retirement strategies.
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Company Overview
CL Life has been issuing life and annuity products for decades with a focus on stability and conservative investing. Based in Fort Worth, TX, the company has built a reputation for personalized service, careful underwriting, and a focus on meeting policyholder obligations. While it may not offer the breadth of products of larger carriers, its niche focus can be an advantage for clients who value simplicity and dependability.
Products Offered
- Fixed Annuities – Typically multi-year guaranteed annuities (MYGAs) with stable, predictable rates.
- Final Expense Life Insurance – Simplified underwriting, smaller face amounts intended to cover end-of-life costs.
Strengths
- Long-established company with consistent track record.
- Conservative financial management and claims-paying focus.
- Personalized customer service and underwriting response.
- Specialist in final expense coverage—a good fit for aging clients.
Considerations
- More limited product lineup than national carriers.
- Lack of indexed or flexible annuity features—mostly straightforward MYGAs.
- Less brand recognition, requiring due diligence into financials.
Bottom Line
Is CL Life a good insurance company? CL Life offers a conservative, specialty approach with strong underwriting and personalized service—especially suited for clients seeking straightforward MYGAs or final expense life insurance. At Diversified Insurance Brokers, we can help you compare CL Life with other providers to ensure you’re getting the right match for your retirement or legacy goals.
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FAQs: Is CL Life a Good Company?
What are CL Life’s financial strength ratings?
CL Life is rated **B++ (Good)** by AM Best, and **A- (Stable)** by KBRA. However, AM Best has placed its rating under review with developing implications as of September 2025.
How long has CL Life been in business and who owns it?
CL Life (originally founded in 1978) is relatively new under its current ownership. It was acquired by Crestline Management, and more recently Crestline itself is being acquired by Rithm Capital, which may affect its future operations.
What kinds of annuity products does CL Life offer?
They offer several fixed deferred annuity products. Examples include the “Sundance” MYGA line, “Tarrant Trail,” and short‐term fixed annuities (2- or 3-year terms). Some include features like renewal rate bailout, penalty-free withdrawals (10%) after year two, free look periods, etc.
Where is CL Life available?
CL Life is not available everywhere. Licensing is limited to a small number of states (e.g., Texas, Virginia, Ohio, Oklahoma, Arizona, others) depending on product. If you live outside those states, its products may not be accessible.
What are the pros of using CL Life?
Pros include competitive fixed annuity rates, relatively transparent product disclosures, low complaint index (few or no customer complaints reported in many states), and good capital support from Crestline Management. If you want short-term fixed growth and prioritize stability + predictability, CL Life can be a solid option.
What are potential drawbacks or risks?
Because the company is smaller and newer in its current form, there’s less long-term track record compared to legacy insurers. The AM Best rating being under review is something to monitor. Minimum premiums tend to be higher. Also, limited product variety and state availability may pose constraints. If you want indexed growth, income riders, or a wide selection, you might find more from larger carriers.
Is CL Life a good fit for someone seeking guaranteed income?
Yes—but only under certain conditions. If your priority is guaranteed fixed income with minimal risk and you don’t need fancy riders or features, CL Life’s fixed annuities can work. But if you need lifetime income riders, index-linked upside, or more flexibility, you’ll want to compare with other companies too.
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About the Author:
Jason Stolz, CLTC, CRPC, is a senior insurance and retirement professional with more than two decades of real-world experience helping individuals, families, and business owners protect their income, assets, and long-term financial stability. As a long-time partner of the nationally licensed independent agency Diversified Insurance Brokers, Jason provides trusted guidance across multiple specialties—including fixed and indexed annuities, long-term care planning, personal and business disability insurance, life insurance solutions, and short-term health coverage. Diversified Insurance Brokers maintains active contracts with over 100 highly rated insurance carriers, ensuring clients have access to a broad and competitive marketplace.
His practical, education-first approach has earned recognition in publications such as VoyageATL, highlighting his commitment to financial clarity and client-focused planning. Drawing on deep product knowledge and years of hands-on field experience, Jason helps clients evaluate carriers, compare strategies, and build retirement and protection plans that are both secure and cost-efficient.
