Pacific Life Insurance Company has earned an A+ (Superior) rating from AM Best and an AA- from S&P, backed by over 155 years in the insurance business. A consistent top-10 annuity seller, Pacific Life is known for its competitive fixed index annuities, strong income rider design, and a product lineup that covers nearly every annuity category.
This review covers Pacific Life’s financial strength, full product lineup, and contact details.
Is Pacific Life a Good Annuity Company?
Yes, Pacific Life is one of the strongest and oldest annuity companies in the United States. It holds an A+ (Superior) rating from AM Best and operates under a mutual holding structure, meaning it answers to policyholders rather than outside shareholders. Founded in 1868, it is a top-10 U.S. annuity writer with particular strength in fixed index annuities and income (SPIA) products. For buyers who value a long track record and a top financial-strength rating, Pacific Life belongs on the shortlist.
Pacific Life at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Legal Name | Pacific Life Insurance Company |
| Headquarters | Newport Beach, California |
| Founded | 1868 |
| Company Structure | Mutual holding company structure |
| AM Best Rating | A+ (Superior) |
| S&P Rating | AA- (Very Strong) |
| Moody’s Rating | A1 |
| Comdex Score | 95 out of 100 |
| Total Assets | $175+ billion |
| Products Offered | Fixed Annuities, Fixed Index Annuities, Variable Annuities, Income Annuities |
| States Available | All 50 states + D.C. |
| Minimum Premium | $10,000 (varies by product) |
Pacific Life’s Financial Strength
Pacific Life has maintained an A+ from AM Best and AA- from S&P for decades. Its Comdex score of 95 places it firmly in the top tier of U.S. annuity carriers. Founded in 1868 as Pacific Mutual Life, the company has operated through every major economic cycle, including the Great Depression and the 2008 financial crisis, without a significant ratings change.
The company’s $175+ billion in total assets and its conservative investment philosophy make it a strong candidate for anyone placing a large premium, $100,000 or more, into a long-term annuity contract.
A 150-Year History (and a Famous First Customer)
Here is a fact almost no annuity review mentions: Pacific Life was founded in 1868, and its very first policyholder was Leland Stanford, the railroad magnate and California governor who went on to found Stanford University. Company history notes that proceeds from a Pacific Life policy helped keep the university financially afloat after Stanford’s death. More than a century and a half later, Pacific Life remains organized under a mutual holding company, so like New York Life and Nationwide it is run for the benefit of policyholders rather than Wall Street. That long-term orientation, paired with an A+ (Superior) rating, is the real story behind the brand.
What Types of Annuities Does Pacific Life Offer?
- Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs), Pacific Life’s fixed annuity products provide guaranteed credited rates across multiple terms. Available through independent agents.
- Fixed Index Annuities (FIAs), Pacific Life’s Pacific Expedition and Pacific Index series offer index-linked growth with a floor of zero and optional income riders for lifetime withdrawals.
- Single Premium Immediate Annuities (SPIAs), Pacific Life’s Pacific Income Provider delivers immediate guaranteed lifetime income. Competitive payouts for both single-life and joint-life structures.
Pacific Life also offers variable annuities for clients seeking market participation alongside optional death benefits and living benefit riders.
Pacific Life Fixed Annuity and MYGA Products
Pacific Life’s fixed annuity products are sold through independent agents and financial advisors. Current rates vary by term and premium amount. For a live rate comparison, request a quote from My Annuity Store.
Pacific Life Fixed Index Annuity Products
Pacific Expedition
One of Pacific Life’s flagship FIA products, the Pacific Expedition offers a range of index strategies, including S&P 500 point-to-point, multi-index, and performance-triggered options, with a guaranteed zero floor. An optional income rider is available for guaranteed lifetime income in retirement.
Pacific Index Foundation
A straightforward FIA for clients who want simple, low-cost index crediting without complex rider structures. Suitable for accumulation-focused buyers with a 7–10 year time horizon.
Pacific Secure Income
An income-focused FIA designed for clients approaching retirement who want to build a guaranteed income base. Includes a deferral bonus on the income account value for each year income is not taken. Download the Pacific Secure Income brochure (PDF)
Who Is Pacific Life Best For?
- FIA buyers who want a highly rated, established carrier with a deep product lineup and flexible index crediting options.
- Income planners who want to use a deferral-bonus income rider to build guaranteed retirement income over 7–12 years.
- High-net-worth accumulators with $100,000+ who want a carrier that has proven stability across multiple economic downturns.
- SPIA buyers looking for immediate income from a carrier with a Comdex score of 95+.
Pacific Life Pros and Cons
Here is a balanced look at Pacific Life’s strengths and limitations for annuity buyers:
Pros
- Strong financial backing with an A+ (Superior) AM Best rating
- Offers MYGA products with guaranteed rates and predictable returns
- Offers fixed index annuities with growth potential tied to market indexes and downside protection
- Available through independent agents, allowing side-by-side comparisons with other carriers
Cons
- Rates vary by product and term, so comparison shopping is always recommended
- Product availability varies by state, so not all products may be offered where you live
- Surrender charges apply during the contract term, which limits liquidity
Frequently Asked Questions About Pacific Life
Is Pacific Life a safe company for annuities?
Pacific Life holds an A-range AM Best rating (A+ (Superior)), which indicates a strong ability to meet ongoing policyholder obligations. State guaranty associations provide backstop protection up to state-specific limits. Coverage limits vary by state; see NOLHGA.com for details. Always verify both the current rating and your state’s coverage limits.
What types of annuities does Pacific Life offer?
Pacific Life offers MYGAs, fixed index annuities, variable annuities, immediate annuities through independent agents and financial professionals. Product availability, rates, and features vary by state. Use our rate comparison tool to see what’s currently available from Pacific Life and competing carriers.
How do I buy an annuity from Pacific Life?
Pacific Life annuities are sold through licensed insurance agents and financial advisors. My Annuity Store is an independent platform that can quote Pacific Life alongside 90+ top annuity companies so you can compare rates, terms, and financial strength ratings in one place. Request a free quote or call 855-583-1104 to get started.
Contact Pacific Life
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | www.pacificlife.com |
| Customer Service | 1-800-800-7681 |
| Mailing Address | Pacific Life Insurance Company 700 Newport Center Drive Newport Beach, CA 92660 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. PT |
Compare Pacific Life: My Annuity Store compares Pacific Life alongside Athene, MassMutual, Nationwide, and 90+ top annuity companies. Get a free comparison quote or call 855-583-1104.
Further Reading: RILAs & Annuity Shopping
Resources relevant to Pacific Life’s product lineup and how to shop for annuities:
- Registered Index Linked Annuity (RILA) Guide, Pacific Life offers RILA products. Learn how RILAs work and how they compare to traditional FIAs.
- The 9 Best Places to Buy an Annuity Online, How to compare Pacific Life against other top carriers through an independent broker.
- Security Benefit Strategic Growth Annuity Review, How a competing accumulation-focused FIA stacks up against Pacific Life products.
Related: FIA Sales Leaders: Complete Indexed Annuity Market Data (2015-2025)
Related: FIA Sales Leaders: Complete Indexed Annuity Market Data (2015-2025)
