Best Life Insurance for Inmates in 2025 (Check Out the Top 10 Companies)

Top Pick for Inmates: State Farm

17,760 reviews

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4.1

Table of Contents

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Company Facts

Full coverage for Inmates

$115/mo

A.M. Best Rating

B

Complaint Level

Low

Pros & Cons

• One of the largest insurance companies in the US
• High levels of customer satisfaction
• Affordable rates for people with a speeding ticket or an accident on their record
• Wide variety of discounts available
• Rideshare insurance

• High rates for drivers with poor credit scores
• No gap coverage
• Options like new vehicle replacement, vanishing deductibles, and accident forgiveness are not available

» State Farm Life Insurance Review

17,760 reviews

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Best Coverage for Inmates: Erie

1,814 reviews

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4.3

Company Facts

Full coverage for Inmates

$140/mo

A.M. Best Rating

A+

Complaint Level

Low

Pros & Cons

• Affordable Premiums
• Good Customer Service
• Wide Coverage Options
• Easy Claims Process
• Local Agent Availability

• Limited Availability
• Mixed Customer Reviews
• Regional Coverage Areas

» Erie Life Insurance Review

1,814 reviews

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Best Terms for Inmates: Allstate

11,413 reviews

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4.0

Company Facts

Full coverage for Inmates

$110/mo

A.M. Best Rating

A+

Complaint Level

Low

Pros & Cons

• Multiple coverage options
• Various discounts
• Additional savings programs

• Lower than average customer service ratings
• Higher than average auto insurance rates

» Allstate Life Insurance Review

11,413 reviews

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State Farm, Erie Insurance, and Allstate offer the best life insurance for inmates, with a starting monthly rate of $100.

State Farm is known for its simplified plans, which require no medical exams for inmates. Erie provides customizable death benefits through lump sum or structured payouts. Lastly, Allstate offers a variety of term lengths, ranging from 10 to 30 years, which applicants can choose based on their budgets.

Here are the best life insurance for inmates from which you can choose and their outstanding features.

Our Top 10 Company Picks: Best Life Insurance for Inmates

Company	Rank	Bundling Discount	A.M. Best	Best For	Jump to Pros/Cons
	#1	17%	B	Customizable Plans	State Farm
	#2	25%	A+	Family-Focused Coverage	Erie
	#3	25%	A+	Flexible Terms	Allstate
	#4	10%	A+	Easy Application	Progressive
	#5	5%	A+	Long-Term Protection	The Hartford
	#6	20%	A	Family-Oriented Plans	Farmers
	#7	25%	A	Affordable Rates	Liberty Mutual
	#8	20%	A+	Comprehensive Coverage	Nationwide
	#9	13%	A++	Accessible Coverage	Travelers
	#10	9%	A++	Premium Coverage	Chubb

This life insurance guide is meant for you who are seeking the best and most affordable coverage. Enter your ZIP code to start comparing rates as soon as possible.

#1 – State Farm: Top Overall Pick

Pros

• Simplified Issue Policies: No medical exam is required, making qualifying inmates to get the coverage easier. Check this policy in the State Farm insurance review.
• Policy Continuation During Short Sentences: The beneficiaries will receive the payout if the premiums are paid if the inmate had an active policy before incarceration.
• Convertible Term Coverage: If the term policy was bought before incarceration, they may be able to convert it to whole life later for lifelong coverage after their release.

Cons

• No Policies Available for Current Inmates: State Farm does not offer life insurance to life insurance for incarcerated persons, like most insurers.
• Possible Premium Increases After Release: Inmates face higher premiums if they continue or request coverage after release.

#2 – Erie: Best for Family-Focused Coverage

Pros

• Affordable Whole Life Plan: Erie insurance offers permanent life insurance has fixed premiums, ensuring the family receives a guaranteed payout.
• Customizable Death Benefits: Lump sum or structured payouts for beneficiaries to help them with financial matters after the policyholder’s passing.
• Cash Value Accumulation: Families can borrow in whole-life policies as it build cash value over time.

Cons

• No Policies for Current Inmates: Erie does not offer policies to incarcerated individuals.
• Medical Exam Requires: Erie requires a medical exam, which may be difficult for high-risk applicants to qualify.

#3 – Allstate: Best for Flexible Terms

Pros

• Variety of Term Lengths: Allstate insurance provides data on policies ranging from 10 to 30 years, which individuals choose according to their financial situations.
• Policy Continuation: If an individual purchases a policy before going to prison, their coverage remains active as long as premiums are paid.
• Optional Add-Ons: Critical illness and accidental death are the other options to help additional benefits for the families.

Cons

• No New Policies for Current Inmates: Incarcerated individuals cannot avail of the policies like any insurers.
• Limited Availability for Whole Life Insurance: Focus on term insurance and fewer permanent insurance options.

#4 – Progressive: Best for Easy Application

Pros

• Fast and Easy Online Application: The online application allows applicants to compare quotes and apply in just a few minutes.
• No Medical Exam Requirement: Through its partnership with eFinancial, it offers simplified issues policies, so those with criminal records can easily qualify.
• Third-Party Provider: Progressive insurance partners with multiple insurers to increase the likelihood of providing policies to high-risk applicants like inmates.

Cons

• No Direct Underwriting: Progressive does not issue the life insurance plan directly, so approval depends on third-party insurers.
• Premiums Variations: Higher premiums with criminal records.

#5 – Hartford: Best for Long-Term Protection

Pros

• Permanent Life Insurance Protection: The Hartford insurance review highlights the whole and universal life policies for a lifetime so long as plans are paid.
• Coverage Continuation: The purchased policy prior to incarceration can remain active.
• Guaranteed Death Benefit: Provides financial benefits for families through its payouts in life insurance plans.

Cons

• Limited Availability for High-Risk Applicants: Former inmates may face higher rates or even policy denials in their applications.
• Policy Restriction: The incarcerated applicants could not avail of the policies.

#6 – Farmers: Best for Family-Oriented Plans

Pros

• Flexible Death Benefit Option: Families can get a lump sum or structured payouts after the policyholder’s passing.
• Convertible Term Plan: If the policyholder buys a term plan prior to incarceration, they can convert it to a whole-life plan.
• Spouse and Child Riders: Farmers’ insurance review states that optional riders allow the policyholder to add their children and spouse.

Cons

• Policy Limitations: Like most insurers, incarcerated applicants cannot get the plans in Farmers.
• Medical Assessment: Some policies mandate underwriting and health screening, which may disqualify high-risk applicants.

#7 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Affordable Rates

Pros

• Competitive Policy Pricing: Liberty Mutual offers the most affordable $125 monthly rate.
• Flexible Term Plans: Liberty Mutual insurance provides term lengths ranging from 10 to 30 years, enabling applicants to get coverage suitable for their budget.
• Strong Financial Stability: It ensures the beneficiaries receive the payouts proven by its A rating from AM Best.

Cons

• Whole Life Option Restriction: It primarily centers on term life insurance, and those who want a whole life plan may need to look elsewhere.
• Fewer Add-Ons: Compared to competitors, it offers fewer riders and add-ons.

#8 – Nationwide: Best for Comprehensive Coverage

Pros

• Comprehensive Riders Option: The Nationwide insurance review provides critical illness, disability, and long-term care riders to maximize coverage.
• Coverage Continuation: The policyholder can maintain its plan even during incarceration when it has been bought before.
• Ensured Death Benefits: Whole and universal life policies provide an ensured payout for beneficiaries upon the policyholder’s death.

Cons

• No New Policy for Incarcerated Applicants: Nationwide does not offer life insurance to currently incarcerated applicants.
• Expensive Premiums: Former inmates applying after being released may encounter higher rates due to criminal record.

#9 – Travelers: Best for Accessible Coverage

Pros

• Specialized Inmate Life Plan: This plan is designed to accommodate the unique risks for inmates, which are hard to find elsewhere as most policies exclude inmates in the standard policy.
• Nationwide Accessibility: Travelers Insurance Review claimed it has a nationwide reach, meaning the inmate’s plan can be applied across different jurisdictions and states.
• Dynamic Features: Alterable life insurance guidelines based on correctional policies, such as the size of the facility, the health of the inmate population, and other factors.

Cons

• Complex Claims Procedure: The process requires approval and takes longer as additional documentation from the facility is needed.
• Criminal Activity Exclusion: Inmate’s death due to their criminal activities or result in conditions of incarceration (fight, riot, or suicide) could be excluded from coverage’s benefits.

#10 – Chubb: Best for Premium Coverage

Pros

• Comprehensive Coverage: Chubb’s insurance review offers robust coverage that correctional facilities can depend on for multiple types of claims, such as inmate health needs.
• High-Quality Claims Response: Efficient burial insurance for inmates and other related claims, including medical care and accidental death, are processed quickly, ensuring timely support.
• Worldwide Presence: Chubb has access to global insurance solutions if specialized coverage is needed, like on international components.

Cons

• Complex Plan Terms: Complex conditions require more time to navigate and may even require legal experts to understand what is and isn’t covered.
• Lengthy Applications: Because of its level of flexibility, the application process is longer than other providers.

Life Insurance Rates for Inmates

Getting the best life insurance for inmates may be a little challenging, but the table below shows the minimum and full coverage rates for your reference.

Inmates Life Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider & Coverage Level

Insurance Company	Minimum Coverage	Full Coverage
	$100	$110
	$120	$130
	$130	$140
	$115	$125
	$125	$135
	$121	$132
	$110	$120
	$105	$115
	$126	$136
	$117	$127

Allstate has the lowest rates in minimum and full coverage, which is $5 less compared to our top overall pick, State Farm.

Now, let’s check all the discounts these insurers offer that you may be eligible to lower your premiums.

Life Insurance Discounts From the Top Providers for Inmates

Insurance Company	Available Discounts
	Limited, Often Based On Overall Health And Lifestyle Rather Than Being A Specific Inmate-Related Discount.
	Offers Competitive Rates But Typically No Specific Discounts For Inmates.
	May Offer Basic Coverage With Potential For Discounts On Home And Auto Bundles, But Specific Inmate Discounts Are Not Common.
	Known For Various Discounts, Though Typically Not For Inmates. Discounts Are Often Based On Factors Like Homeownership Or Multi-Policy Bundling.
	Offers Standard Discounts Like Multi-Policy Or Safe Driving, But No Direct Discounts For Inmates.
	Provides Discounts For Good Driving Records And Bundling, But Inmate-Specific Discounts Are Unlikely.
	Provides Discounts For Bundling And Safe Driving, But Does Not Typically Offer Discounts For Inmates.
	Known For A Range Of Discounts, Including Bundling, But No Specific Discount For Inmates Is Advertised.
	Generally Offers Discounts For Seniors, Good Drivers, And Bundling, But No Specific Discounts For Inmates.
	Offers Discounts For Multiple Policies And Good Driving, But Inmate-Specific Discounts Are Not Commonly Advertised.

Unfortunately, these providers do not offer direct savings options for inmates. However, you can consider other options, like bundling your insurance with other types, such as auto, home, and health.

Take a look at the table of average guaranteed issue life insurance rates below to see how this may impact your budget for inmate life insurance premiums.

Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance Monthly Rates Based on Age, Gender, and Policy Amount

Guaranteed issue coverage is only available to applicants 50 or older, but a few insurance companies will offer these policies to those as young as forty.

Shop around to find the best life insurance company that offers 30-year terms.

Can you buy life insurance for inmates?

Yes, you can buy life insurance for people in prison, but you may have a hard time finding a provider willing to cover such a high-risk individual.

Since life insurance for inmates poses a great risk to the insurance provider, you cannot find policies with traditional companies. You must shop for multiple quotes to find affordable high-risk life insurance companies.

Learn more about the insurance companies near you with our free insurance reviews. Learn more about buying insurance for someone other than yourself by reading, can you buy life insurance for someone else?

What types of life insurance can inmates buy?

State insurance laws can restrict life insurance for inmates, and most insurance companies have their own regulations regarding life insurance with a criminal record.

For that reason, most life insurance companies will only offer guaranteed issue life insurance policies to inmates. Guaranteed life insurance policies cover burial and other final expense insurance for inmates and often come with other limitations.

For example, most guaranteed issue policies are only available to people over 50 and provide coverage up to $25,000, which may not be enough for your family.

If you had life insurance coverage in place before being sent to prison, your coverage will still apply as long as your premiums are paid and you don’t die committing a criminal act.

Unfortunately, your choices are quite limited if you don’t already have coverage in place.

Inmates can choose to purchase accidental death & dismemberment coverage but realize that it does not provide death benefits if they die of illness, disease, or as a result of a pre-existing medical condition.

Buying Life Insurance for Felons

Life insurance for inmates is not easy to find, but it’s not impossible to get coverage as a felon.

Your criminal history will impact your life insurance quotes for inmates, but some providers offer guaranteed life insurance for convicted felons.

Factors Affecting Life Insurance Rates for Inmates

Regarding the type of life insurance available, felons face a few restrictions when qualifying for life insurance coverage. Inmates can expect to pay higher premiums, but shopping online for high-risk life insurance allows you to compare quotes and find more affordable life insurance for inmates.

Not all insurers will issue life insurance policies to inmates; if they do, policy premiums will be high. If you need to purchase high-risk life insurance policies for inmates, reducing as much risk as possible is important.

You may qualify for a high-risk policy depending on the nature of the crime and your risk category.

An attorney or someone with the power of attorney can argue on your behalf. If they can prove that your family and other dependents will suffer financially after your death, you may qualify for high-risk life insurance for inmates.

Be aware that this kind of coverage comes with higher premiums but can give you the level of coverage you need to keep your family comfortable after your death. Check this life insurance guide to get the best life insurance for Felons. 

Case Studies: Life Insurance for Inmates

Let us understand why life insurance is essential from different cases and perspectives.

Case Study 1: John’s Burial Expenses

John, a long-term inmate, wants to ensure that his family is financially protected in the event of his passing. With the help of an attorney, John explores guaranteed-issue life insurance policies that cover burial expenses. Despite facing higher premiums, John finds an affordable policy that provides peace of mind for his loved ones.

Case Study 2: Accidental Death & Dismemberment Coverage for Mark

Mark, a felon with a history of dangerous activities, is interested in obtaining life insurance coverage that protects his family in case of accidental death or dismemberment. Despite being limited to this specific type of coverage, Mark discovers an insurer specializing in high-risk individuals and secures a policy tailored to his needs.

Case Study 3: Finding Affordable Coverage for Sarah

Sarah, an inmate with a clean record prior to her conviction, seeks life insurance coverage that extends beyond burial expenses. Aware of the limitations imposed on inmates, Sarah diligently compares quotes from multiple high-risk life insurance providers online. She identifies an insurer offering more affordable rates and broader coverage options through careful research.

There you have it. We hope this helps you find the life insurance you deserve. Enter your ZIP code to start comparing the life insurance for prisoners.