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TIAA Life Insurance Overview
TIAA stands for Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association, and while it is best known for serving educators and nonprofit institutions, it is not limited to teachers. The company has ceased accepting new applications for individual life insurance and continues to service existing policies only, with no credible indications of a re-entry into new life sales (see TIAA life insurance support and Fitch Ratings).
The company’s finances are strong — TIAA carries top-tier financial strength ratings (A.M. Best A++, Fitch AAA, Moody’s Aa1, S&P AA+, all Stable) — and its customer service offering includes dedicated life insurance servicing for existing policyholders and multiple ways to get in touch. See TIAA’s ratings and rankings for current details.
The Life Insurance Factors we Analyzed
Customer Experience
TIAA no longer accepts new life insurance applications, but existing policyholders can manage claims, beneficiary updates, loans and more through TIAA’s service channels. For complaint performance, consult the National Association of Insurance Commissioners resources: the NAIC Complaint Index explains that 1.00 equals the industry average and values below 1.00 indicate fewer complaints than expected (how the index works).
TIAA does not appear in the J.D. Power individual life insurance study, as it is closed to new life sales. However, J.D. Power evaluates TIAA in retirement plan participant satisfaction, a core area of its business; see the latest U.S. Retirement Plan Participant Satisfaction Study for comparative insights.
Coverage and Rider Information
TIAA is not selling new individual life insurance policies. If you already have a TIAA policy, coverage amounts, term lengths and riders remain governed by your contract. Many in‑force contracts include features such as an accelerated death benefit rider, subject to eligibility and state approvals. New applicants should consider other carriers for quotes.
TIAA historically allowed term‑to‑permanent policy conversions per contract provisions, and that flexibility applies only to existing term policies; no new life insurance is being issued.
Life Insurance Coverage Features
TIAA Life Insurance Overview: Financial Strength, Availability and History
TIAA maintains very strong financial strength — among the highest in the sector — with ratings of A++ (A.M. Best), AAA (Fitch), Aa1 (Moody’s) and AA+ (S&P), all with Stable outlooks (current ratings; Fitch affirmation). Better Business Bureau profiles provide supplemental complaint visibility but are not regulatory ratings. TIAA has ceased to accept new policies for individual life insurance and continues to service existing contracts; rating agencies describe TIAA‑CREF Life Insurance Company as in run‑off with no public plans to resume new sales.
- In business for over a century
- S&P Financial Strength Rating: AA+
- Moody’s Financial Strength Rating: Aa1
- A.M. Best Financial Strength Rating: A++
- Licensing footprint: 50 states and Washington, D.C.; closed to new life insurance sales (servicing existing policies only)
The Competition
*All information accurate as of Nov. 10, 2025.
The Bottom Line
TIAA remains a strong, highly rated institution, and existing life insurance policies continue to be serviced according to contract terms. Because TIAA is closed to new individual life insurance sales, it is not an option for shoppers seeking new coverage; prospective buyers should compare active carriers. For in‑force policyholders, servicing and claims support remain available through TIAA.
TIAA offers reliable servicing for existing policies, outstanding financial strength, and solid customer support, but it has wound down new life insurance offerings and has not indicated plans to resume new sales.
TIAA Life Insurance FAQ
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