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Is AARP reputable? Do you know of a better Life insurance company?

Besides the fact that I am still grieving for my husband who passed on January 22, 2010, I have been consumed with concern about another issue in which I would like to obtain knowledge. Does anyone know if AARP is reputable for their benefits specifically their life insurance policy. I don't want to start paying premiums and then have my 2 sons find out later that they don't/won't pay for the remainder of my funeral expenses. I don't even know how it works. If I were to start paying premiums and died after just 6 months or a year or more would I be covered for the full amount? Is there another life insurance company that anyone has or knows about that's better? I need to get this straightened out before anything should happen to me because I want to be buried next to my husband when my time comes, the plots are already prepaid for the both of us. I want to have one less thing to worry about right now. I don't want any more stress in my life than need be. I know those of you who answered my posts already understand how it is going through this grief. So, I want to express to everyone who replied before that I really appreciate your condolences. God bless, Simba

Public Comments

1. Google: Best life insurance companies smart money magazine They have a review of the best. Stick to term and avoid whole life. Why not set up a savings account instead of paying a company premiums. That is always the best option. Make your 2 sons the beneficiaries which will predeceed (override) anything in a will. Do you have you will in place? Go get the book "Quicken Wills and Trusts" from your library or bookstore. Read everything you can about it and perhaps even make your own will. Take this to a lawyer and have him review it - or make another one. Either case - you will be more prepared and it will save you time and money with the lawyer. /
2. AARP does not provide the insurance, they merely endorse the company that does offer the life insurance. The company is New York Life which is a highly respected carrier.
3. AARP is a club. They are not licensed to sell insurance. They will refer you over to an insurance agent, or an insurance company, that IS licensed to sell insurance. "They" don't have their own policy. Every year, the company they recommend, ghanges. You should probably talk to a local, independent agent/broker in your area, who can help you walk through this. Don't try to do it on line. Sorry for your loss.
4. Look online for a website that shows ratings of top life insurance companies. When I was looking for life insurance, I found that Northwestern Mutual and New York Life had the top rating. AARP recommends insurance but they don't underwrite insurance themselves. They probably get a commission for referrals. I would call a local independent insurance agent and get information about insurance policies where you live and ask about the different types of insurance and tell him why you need it, how much you can afford for premiums.
5. Avoid Judy's advice. You don't set up a savings account because what happens if you only put once deposit into that account? AARP is not an insurance company. The receive money from the sale of insurance made to their members. Just call an insurance broker and have them show you multiple companies.
6. Shop around ... talk & listen to several agents including independent agents. Sorry for your loss but plan ahead for YOUR needs and wishes. If you are healthy, get a whole life or universal life policy (there are several kinds of universal life) If you have a health issue, there are *Guaranteed Issue* policies usually up to $10,000 in death benefits. However, with these policies, if you die in the first two years (generally), your heirs will only get back the premiums that you paid in plus some small interest. You can also purchase more than one policy. Bottom line: talk to several agents and talk about your needs.