Life Insurance Questions

To find the answers you are looking for quickly and easily, click on one of the topics below. If you do not find the information you need, email your question to Gerber Life and one of our representatives would be happy to assist you.

About The Grow-Up® Plan

About the Term Life Plan

  • What is term life insurance?

    Term life insurance is one of the most popular types of life insurance because it provides protection for a specified period of time – a "term” – and can cost less than other types of life insurance. Our Gerber Life Term Life Policy is available for a duration of 10, 20 and 30 years, choose the duration that works best for you and your family.

  • Will my premium payment go up each year?

    Absolutely not. The amount you agree to pay when your coverage starts stays the same throughout your policy's term.

  • What happens at the end of the term?

    At the end of the term your policy coverage ends.  If you decide your family is still in need of coverage, you can renew your policy agreement at the premium rate for your age at that time – with no physical exam. This is a large benefit for those whose health may have changed during the policy term.

  • Why do people choose term life insurance?

    Term life insurance is popular because it’s one of the most affordable ways to protect your family financially after the loss of a parent or family provider.  Term provides coverage for just the number of years you select, so it costs less than other types of life insurance.  Family left behind as “beneficiaries” would have money available to pay bills, cover final expenses, or pay for future expenses such as a child’s education.

  • Is a medical exam required?

    No medical exam is necessary in most cases. Coverage is dependent on answers to health questions.  A physical may be necessary for cause or for applicants ages 51 and older who apply for more than $100,000 of coverage.  In almost all other circumstances, Gerber Life’s customers will not need a medical exam.

  • How important is reliability when choosing a life insurance company?

    Financial reliability is a critical consideration when choosing a life insurance provider. You want to know that the company you choose will be there when needed. Gerber Life has a long history of being there, and is conservatively managed to ensure long-term growth and financial stability.
    A.M. Best, the impartial reporting firm that rates insurance companies on financial stability and ability to meet financial obligations, has awarded Gerber Life an “A” (Excellent) rating, most recently in January 2023. It refers only to the overall financial status of the company and is not a recommendation of specific policy provisions, rates or practices of the company. This rating is the third highest awarded out of thirteen possible categories.

About the Whole Life Plan

  • What is whole life insurance?

    Whole life insurance provides permanent life insurance coverage for your entire life, as long as you pay your monthly premium, and builds cash value over time. By comparison, term life insurance offers protection for only a specified period of time and typically does not build cash value.

  • Why do people choose whole life insurance?

    One of the key benefits of whole life insurance is having life insurance for your lifetime. You can lock in a relatively affordable premium rate that will never increase for as long as you own the policy, making your payments predictable and easier to plan your budget. Whole life insurance builds cash value over time, providing an extra financial safety net for the unexpected.

  • What is “cash value”?

    After the initial policy years, each time that you pay your premium, the insurance company sets aside a small amount, which builds up over time as the policy’s cash value. The longer you hold the policy, the more cash value the policy builds. If a need arises, and as long as premiums are paid, you could borrow against the available cash value* to help cover lost income, rent or mortgage payments, education costs, or other expenses. Or, you can turn in the policy later on and receive the available cash value.

    *policy loan interest rate is 8%. Loans may impact cash value and death benefit.

  • What coverage amounts are available?

    The Gerber Life Whole Life Policy offers coverage from $25,000 to $300,000** to fit various needs and budgets. Choose a coverage amount that works best for you. Find out what your premium rates can be with a free quote.

    **Higher coverage amounts available up to $1 million for those who qualify. Call one of our friendly representatives for rates, 1-800-425-7542.

  • Will my whole life insurance monthly premium payment go up each year?

    No, the amount you pay when your coverage starts is the same amount that you‘ll pay throughout the life of your Gerber Life Whole Life Policy. The sooner you apply, the lower your lifetime premium rate, since premiums are based on your age when your policy starts.

  • Can I borrow from the cash value of my whole life insurance policy?

    As long as premiums are paid, you can borrow against the available cash value that has built up in your Gerber Life Whole Life Policy.

    *policy loan interest rate is 8%. Loans may impact cash value and death benefit.

  • Do I have to pay back money that I borrow from the policy?

    That’s your choice. You could pay back the borrowed money plus accrued interest, to make your policy whole. Or, if you chose not to pay it back, then the money borrowed plus accrued interest will be deducted when the policy's death benefit is paid or the policy is cashed in.

  • Is a medical exam required?

    A medical exam is not necessary in most cases. Coverage is dependent on answers to health questions. A physical may be necessary for applicants who are age 51 and older and apply for more than $100,000 of coverage.

  • Can Gerber Life cancel my whole life insurance policy?

    No. Once coverage begins and for as long as premiums are paid, Gerber Life cannot cancel your Whole Life insurance policy. You are the only person who could cancel the coverage.

About the Accident Protection Plan

About the Guaranteed Life Insurance Plan

  • What kind of insurance is Gerber Life Guaranteed Life Insurance?

    Guaranteed* Life Insurance from Gerber Life is whole life insurance for adults between 50 and 80 years old (50 and 75 in New York). The coverage can last a lifetime once approved, regardless of profession or health.

    *Guaranteed coverage requires that applicant is a U.S citizen residing in the US or permanent legal guardian. Total limit of all combined Gerber Life Guaranteed life policies is $25,000.

  • What is whole life insurance?

    Whole life insurance does not have a specified time period of coverage. You can own the policy for a few years or for the rest of your life, as long as you pay the premiums. Whole life insurance also builds "cash value." Cash value is money that is set aside by Gerber Life for your policy, which can be borrowed against if needed.* The longer you own the whole life policy, the more cash value you have in your policy.

    *Policy loan interest rate is 8%. Loans may impact cash value and death benefit.

  • What are the coverage amounts for a Guaranteed Life Insurance policy?

    Gerber Life offers a wide range of Guaranteed Life coverage options from $5,000 to $25,0001. Coverage is available in $1,000 increments. Our friendly representatives can help you determine the coverage that best suits you and your family.

    1 South Dakota residents, maximum coverage of $15,000.

  • Doesn't Social Security help pay for my final expenses?

    If you qualify, Social Security will only pay $225 toward your final expenses. Guaranteed Life Insurance from Gerber Life can be a smart choice to help offset these high costs.

  • Will my Guaranteed Life Insurance premium payments go up each year?

    Absolutely not. With Gerber Life, the amount you pay when your Guaranteed Life coverage starts is the same amount that you'll pay throughout the life of your policy. The only time your premiums may change is if you decide to increase your coverage or the frequency of your payments.

  • What is a graded death benefit limitation?

    The Gerber Life Guaranteed Life Insurance policy comes with a graded death benefit limitation. It applies to the first two years of coverage when the policy is issued. For applicants age 50-80 (50-75 in New York) who die (for any reason other than an accident as defined in the policy) within the first two years of coverage, the death benefit will equal 110% of earned premiums. The full death benefit amount is only payable after the first two years of coverage (one year in ND).

    After the two-year Graded Period, if the insured dies for any reason, the full face amount of the policy will be paid to the beneficiary. If the insured dies by suicide within two years from the Issue Date, the only amount payable will be the premiums paid for the policy plus 10% interest, less any debt against the policy.

  • Are the Gerber Life Guaranteed Life Insurance benefits tax-free?

    Under current Federal law, the benefits are not generally subject to Federal tax if paid to a named beneficiary. Please consult your tax advisor; in some cases, estate or inheritance taxes may apply.

  • Is a medical exam required?

    No medical exam is necessary for the Gerber Life Guaranteed Life Insurance policy. If you are a U.S. citizen or legal alien between 50 and 80 years old and become approved, your coverage is guaranteed regardless of profession or health.

  • Can Gerber Life cancel my policy?

    No. Once coverage begins, and for as long as premiums are paid, Gerber Life cannot cancel your Guaranteed Life Insurance. Only you have the option to cancel the coverage.

  • What if I change my mind after receiving my Guaranteed Life Insurance policy?

    After receiving your Guaranteed Life Policy you will have 30 days to examine and accept your Guaranteed Life Insurance whole life coverage. If you decide that you no longer want the safety and coverage that your policy offers, simply return it for a full refund of all premiums that have been paid.

About the Gerber Life Insurance College Plan

  • What is the rate of return?

    The rate of return varies depending upon your specific policy, its duration, and your billing frequency. For further details about your specific policy's rate of return, please call us at 866-503-4487.

  • What happens if I stop paying? How much would I get?

    The amount you'd get back depends on when you stop paying and surrender your policy. If you are past your policy's midway point (for a 10-year policy, the midpoint is about five years), you would get back all of the money you paid in.

  • What about taxes?

    The Gerber Life Insurance College Plan will generate some taxable income, Gerber Life Insurance will send you a statement (Form 1099) to file with your taxes. Please consult your tax advisor, in some cases, estate or inheritance taxes may apply.

About Gerber Life Insurance Company

  • Is Gerber Life affiliated with Gerber Products?

    Gerber Life was founded in 1967 by the Gerber Products Company, we share a common heritage and values in caring for the millions of families who place their trust in us. Today, Gerber Life is a member of Western & Southern Financial Group Inc., one of the strongest life insurance groups in the world. With $63 billion of life insurance in force as of December 2022, you can count on us.

  • How long has Gerber Life Insurance Company been in business?

    Gerber Life Insurance Company was founded in 1967.

  • How large is Gerber Life Insurance Company?

    Gerber Life, which does business in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, has more than $63 billion of life insurance in force as of December 2022 and insures more than 3.7 million policies. Source: Gerber Life 2022 Annual Statement.

  • How does Gerber Life Insurance Company stack up against other insurance companies?

    In January 2023, A.M. Best, the impartial reporting firm that rates insurance companies on financial stability and the ability to meet financial obligations, awarded Gerber Life, for the 21st consecutive year, an “A” (Excellent ability to meet ongoing financial obligations) rating.  This rating is the third highest awarded out of 13 possible categories. The rating refers only to the overall financial status of the company and is not a recommendation of the specific policy provisions, rates or practice of the company.

  • Where is the company located?

    The home office of Gerber Life Insurance Company is located in White Plains, New York. The Operations Division, responsible for issuing all policies and processing benefit payments is in Fremont, Michigan.

  • What is the origin of the Gerber Baby logo?

    You can read the full history of the Gerber baby logo here.

About Purchasing Gerber Life Insurance

  • Where is Gerber Life insurance available?

    Gerber Life is a licensed insurance company in all 50 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. It is important to note, however, that some Gerber Life policies are not available in all areas. To find out more, refer to the specific policies descriptions elsewhere on the site, or email your specific question. A customer service representative will reply within 24 hours.

  • How do I know what coverage I need?

    The answer will depend on many factors and only you can determine what is right for you or your family members. For help, click here to learn more about the available options.

About Gerber Life eService

  • What is eService?

    Gerber Life eService allows policy owners to manage their policies wherever and whenever they choose (with an internet connection, of course).

  • What can I do in eService?

    When you enroll in eService, you can:

    • Pay your premiums
    • Apply for a loan
    • Review your payment history
    • Update your contact information (phone, address, email)
    • Update your billing and payment preferences
    • Change your beneficiaries

About eService Enrollment

About eService Billing & Payments

About eService Features

Request More Information

Would you like more information about Gerber Life insurance policies that can help to financially protect your family? Click below.

Request Information

Or call us at

1-800-704-3331

1-800-704-3331

for more information

 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET

Request More Information

Would you like more information about Gerber Life insurance policies that can help to financially protect your family? Click below.

Request Information

Or call us at

1-800-704-3331

1-800-704-3331

for more information

 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET

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