Before I get into my AIG Direct review, let me clarify that I'm independent life insurance agent who is very familiar with their call center operation.
AIG Direct seems to be everywhere on TV and is quickly becoming a household name. In this article, I'll cover:
1. Who they are.
2. Where they fall short.
3. Why you can do better.
Who is AIG Direct?
Lets start with who they are because that isn't obvious on any of their advertisements. AIG Direct is a marketing arm of Matrix Direct who is owned by American General whose parent company is AIG. Did I confuse you? It confuses everyone I speak with. In a nutshell, you are contacting American General for life insurance rates.
American General is a great life insurance company. They have a strong financial rating and are in SOME cases the best option. However, life insurance isn't one size fits all. Every life insurance company will look at you differently and the key in finding the best rate is finding a life insurance company that will look most favorably at your situation.
AIG Direct DOES NOT search the market for the best rate.
Where does AIG Direct fall short?
- Selection of life insurance companies. AIG Direct doesn't take the time to find the best option on the market. American General IS their best option. You're better off finding an independent agency who isn't married to a specific company. We replace AIG Direct policies all the time because we can significantly reduce their premiums.
- Incompetent for health impairments. Many of our clients come to us because they were declined by AIG Direct and American General. In most cases, we're able to find them affordable coverage. We're impaired risk specialists and will take the time to do the research and call our underwriters on your behalf BEFORE we proceed with an application. It's not the consumers fault when they get declined - your agent just used the wrong company for your risk.
- AIG Direct is a high volume call center. Think of your AIG Direct "agent" as someone in a cubicle, reading from a script and under pressure to meet their sales quota. I visited their operation in San Diego years ago and met some of their call center agents. Trust me when I say you're merely a number to them. You won't ever hear from your agent again.
You can do better
An independent agency like Root Financial isn't married to any company. We represent over 60 life insurance carriers and often times replace AIG Direct policies with much less expensive options.
We choose to spend the time researching your best options and answering ALL your questions until you are comfortable applying for coverage. As opposed to AIG Direct's model of mass production and scripted sales.
Since we spend so much time up front, we only work with those serious about purchasing life insurance. If you are serious about protecting your family, please don't hesitate to contact us.
