The Standard Index Select Annuity – Locked‑In Growth with Flexible Terms
At Diversified Insurance Brokers, our focus is on products that deliver growth within a protective framework—and the Standard Index Select Annuity from The Standard Insurance Company does exactly that. Designed with flexibility in mind, this fixed indexed annuity (FIA) offers 5-, 7-, and 10-year term options and multiple index crediting strategies tied to benchmarks such as the S&P 500®. For pre-retirees and retirees who want participation in market upside without exposure to market loss, this product creates a disciplined structure for accumulation while preserving principal. In today’s volatile rate and equity environment, that combination of growth potential and downside protection has become increasingly valuable—especially for those transitioning from accumulation to income planning.
The Standard Index Select Annuity fits squarely within a broader retirement income framework. Many clients approaching retirement are shifting away from pure market exposure and instead prioritizing predictable growth and income durability. Indexed annuities are often misunderstood, so we encourage clients to explore educational resources such as Is an Indexed Annuity Safe? and How Do Indexed Annuities Work? to understand how principal protection and index crediting truly operate. Unlike variable annuities, indexed annuities do not directly invest in the market. Instead, interest is credited based on index performance—subject to caps, spreads, or participation rates—while a contractual floor protects against negative returns during downturns. This structure makes the Standard Index Select particularly attractive to conservative investors who still want equity-linked upside.
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Term flexibility is one of the defining strengths of the Standard Index Select. A 5-year option may suit those nearing required minimum distribution (RMD) age or anticipating liquidity needs. A 7-year contract can strike a balance between competitive caps and moderate commitment. A 10-year option often provides the strongest crediting potential for clients comfortable with a longer surrender schedule. Understanding surrender charges and liquidity provisions is critical, and we recommend reviewing guidance like Annuity Surrender Charges Explained and Annuity Free Withdrawal Rules before making a decision.
Crediting strategies inside the Standard Index Select typically include annual point-to-point methods and other structured approaches that reset each contract year. The annual reset feature is particularly valuable: once interest is credited, it becomes part of the protected principal base and cannot be lost due to subsequent market declines. This “lock-in” effect compounds over time and can materially enhance long-term accumulation compared to remaining fully exposed to volatility. For clients evaluating whether indexed annuities outperform alternatives, we often compare them alongside Fixed Annuity vs CD strategies and traditional bond allocations.
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While the Standard Index Select is built primarily for accumulation, many clients integrate indexed annuities into a broader lifetime income framework. Some choose to ladder contracts to create rolling liquidity windows, while others combine FIAs with immediate income annuities or deferred income products. To better understand how indexed growth can translate into retirement cash flow, explore Lifetime Income Annuity Strategies and How Is Annuity Income Calculated?. Strategic coordination between accumulation vehicles and guaranteed income streams is often the difference between a good plan and a resilient one.
The Standard Insurance Company brings strong financial ratings and decades of experience to the annuity marketplace. However, carrier strength is only one part of the equation. Contract design, renewal rate history, and index methodology all matter. That is why Diversified Insurance Brokers compares the Standard Index Select against more than 75 leading carriers rather than recommending any single product in isolation. In certain scenarios, products like those featured on our Current Annuity Rates page or specialty designs discussed in Best Fixed Indexed Annuities may provide better alignment depending on client goals.
Tax deferral is another powerful advantage. Interest credited within the annuity compounds without annual taxation, allowing gains to build more efficiently over time compared to taxable brokerage accounts. For high-income earners or retirees managing capital gains exposure, this feature can significantly improve net outcomes. Clients considering repositioning brokerage or CD assets often review Rollover IRA to Annuity strategies or 1035 exchange options to move funds tax-efficiently.
Want to build flexible, protected growth into your retirement? Let’s connect.
Diversified Insurance Brokers partners with over 75 top-rated carriers, including The Standard. We’ll help you compare term lengths, crediting strategies, surrender schedules, and how this product integrates into your long-term income strategy. Whether you’re five years from retirement or already drawing income, we can evaluate if the Standard Index Select aligns with your objectives—or if another design may offer stronger caps or income multipliers.
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FAQs: The Standard Index Select Annuity
What is The Standard Index Select Annuity?
The Index Select Annuity from Standard Insurance Company is a fixed-indexed annuity that offers a choice of 5-, 7-, or 10-year surrender-charge term durations with a mix of index-linked and fixed interest crediting options. It is designed for conservative investors seeking growth potential while protecting principal. [oai_citation:0‡Standard](https://www.standard.com/brokers-advisors/annuities/traditionalisa?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
How does interest crediting work with Index Select?
You may allocate your premium between a fixed-interest account or one or more index-linked accounts (often tied to the S&P 500). When the selected index performs positively, you receive credited interest based on formula terms (caps, participation rates, or spreads). If the index performs poorly, your account value does not lose value due to market decline — you simply receive no indexed credit for that period. [oai_citation:1‡Immediate Annuities](https://www.immediateannuities.com/annuity-brochures/standard-index-select.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Is there a fixed interest option instead of the index?
Yes. Index Select provides a fixed-interest account option so you can choose a more stable, predictable return instead of risking index volatility. [oai_citation:2‡Annuity Resources](https://www.annuityresources.com/review/the-standard-index-select-annuity-7/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
What are the surrender-charge terms?
Your contract term can be 5, 7, or 10 years depending on which version you select. Withdrawals or surrender during that period — beyond any allowed penalty-free amounts — may trigger surrender charges or market value adjustments. After the surrender period ends, you may have full access without penalty. [oai_citation:3‡Standard](https://www.standard.com/brokers-advisors/annuities/traditionalisa?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Are there penalty-free withdrawals or liquidity options?
Many versions of Index Select allow limited penalty-free withdrawals (often a set percentage annually) once the first contract year is complete. This gives some liquidity while still preserving the long-term structure of the annuity. [oai_citation:4‡Annuity Resources](https://www.annuityresources.com/review/the-standard-index-select-annuity-7/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Is my principal protected from market downturns?
Yes. Because this is a fixed indexed annuity, your premium and any previously credited interest are protected from losses, even if the linked index declines. Your balance won’t drop due to market performance, although credited interest may be zero for that period. [oai_citation:5‡United States of America](https://www.ubs.com/fixed-indexed-annuities?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Can I add a lifetime income or other benefit rider?
Depending on state availability and contract version, optional riders — such as lifetime income, enhanced death benefit, or other features — may be available for an additional cost. These riders convert accumulation value into income or provide added protections. [oai_citation:6‡RetireGuide](https://www.retireguide.com/annuities/companies/the-standard/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Who is the Standard Index Select Annuity best suited for?
This annuity is a good fit for individuals who want to grow retirement savings with some upside tied to market performance while retaining principal protection and predictable downside safety. It’s particularly appealing for those planning a multi-year horizon and seeking flexibility between fixed and indexed interest options. [oai_citation:7‡Annuity Resources](https://www.annuityresources.com/review/the-standard-index-select-annuity-7/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
About the Author:
Jason Stolz, CLTC, CRPC and Chief Underwriter at Diversified Insurance Brokers (NPN 20471358), 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. Visitors who want to explore current annuity rates and compare options across multiple insurers can also use this annuity quote and comparison tool.
