Key takeaways
Ladder ranks #1 for affordability among major life insurance carriers, with average rates of $11 monthly.
— QuoteYeti editorial team
- 02 Customer experience ranks #2 based on J.D. Power scores, NAIC complaint data, and online sentiment.
- 03 Coverage breadth scores #2 — see the coverage section below for which add-ons set Ladder apart.
Ladder ratings
How much does Ladder cost?
Ladder life insurance costs applicants $11 monthly on average, or $132 annually — Term — varies widely compared to the national average. Actual rates vary significantly based on your profile, location, and coverage selections. Use the cost-by-category table below to see how Ladder typically prices different applicant profiles.
Avg monthly
$11
Avg annual
$132
vs. national avg
Term — varies widely
Rates by category
| Category | Minimum coverage | Full coverage | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-risk applicants | $9 | $11 | #1 |
| Average applicants | $11 | $13 | #1 |
| Higher-risk applicants | $15 | $18 | #2 |
Ladder earns #2 overall in our life rankings — the kind of performance that rewards a closer look, not a coin flip.
Ladder reputation
Ladder ranks #2 in QuoteYeti's customer experience study for life insurance. The score blends J.D. Power survey data, NAIC complaint ratios (0.28 versus an industry-wide 1.00 average), and member sentiment from public review sources. Customers consistently praise Ladder for responsive service and smooth claims experiences.
Step 01
Buying process
Buying coverage from Ladder is a strong experience for most applicants. The quoting process is entirely digital, completed in minutes online.
Step 02
Policy management
Day-to-day policy management at Ladder is straightforward, with self-service through both the mobile app and web portal. Members typically rate the digital experience as competent if not standout.
Step 03
Claims experience
Claims handling at Ladder is consistently strong, with NAIC complaint data well below the industry average and J.D. Power scores reflecting member satisfaction. For straightforward claims (windshield repairs, minor incidents), most applicants report fast resolution. Complex claims requiring extensive investigation can take longer.
Independent industry ratings
Independent ratings from major financial-strength and customer-satisfaction agencies:
| Source | Score | Overview |
|---|---|---|
| AM Best Financial Strength 1 A.M. Best Insurance-industry credit rating agency since 1899. A++ is the highest financial-strength grade. | A+ (via Allianz) | Superior ability to meet financial obligations |
| S&P Global Financial Strength 2 S&P Global Standard & Poor's Global Ratings. Insurance financial-strength grades from AAA (strongest) to D. | AA (via Allianz) | Very strong capacity to meet financial commitments |
| J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction 3 J.D. Power Consumer satisfaction surveys with 12,000+ policyholders annually. Scores run 0–1000; above 800 is considered excellent. | Not surveyed | Not included in J.D. Power's claims study |
| NAIC Complaint Ratio 4 NAIC National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Their complaint index is 1.0 = average; lower is better. | 0.28 | Substantially fewer complaints than expected for company size |
Ladder discounts
Ladder offers 2 discounts to help reduce your premium:
| Discount | Average savings | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy Lifestyle | Variable | Non-tobacco use and clean medical history qualify for preferred rates |
| Annual Payment | Up to 4% | Pay full annual premium upfront |
Ladder coverage options
Ladder offers a comprehensive coverage menu typical of major life insurance carriers, with several add-ons that set it apart from competitors. The table below details the main add-ons available.
| Add-on coverage | What it covers | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| LadderUp | Increase your coverage as your needs grow | Adjust upward without medical underwriting (within limits) |
| LadderDown | Decrease your coverage as your obligations shrink | Save money as your mortgage shrinks or kids leave home |
| Accelerated Death Benefit | Access to a portion of your death benefit during terminal illness | Standard on all Ladder policies |
Pros and cons
Ordered by impact. The top item in each column is the one we'd weight heaviest in a recommendation.
What's working
- Top pro Adjust coverage up or down anytime without re-applying or re-underwriting
- Up to $8 million in term coverage available online
- No medical exam required for many applicants
- Backed by Allianz, a financially strong global insurer
- Apply and get coverage in as little as a few minutes
What's not
- Top con Term life only — no permanent options
- Coverage upper limits depend on age and underwriting
- Less established history than legacy carriers
- Online-first — less hand-holding for complex situations
Our verdict
The bottom line
Ladder earns an overall score of 4.42/5 in QuoteYeti's life insurance provider rankings. The carrier ranks #2 nationally, with particular strength in affordability.
Ladder is best suited for applicants who prioritize the lowest possible rate. Term life only is the most common drawback to weigh against the strengths.
As always, compare quotes from multiple insurers before committing. The right carrier depends on your specific profile — driving record, claims history, location, and coverage needs all shift the math.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ladder a good life insurance company?
Ladder is a legitimate life insurance carrier with a financial-strength rating of A+ (via Allianz). It ranks #2 overall and #1 in affordability in QuoteYeti's editorial comparison of major life insurance providers.
How much does Ladder life insurance cost?
Ladder averages $11 monthly ($132 annually) — Term — varies widely versus the national average. Your actual rate depends on your profile, location, and coverage choices. Use the cost-by-category table above to see how Ladder typically prices different applicants.
What discounts does Ladder offer?
Ladder offers 2 primary discounts, including Healthy Lifestyle, Annual Payment. See the full discount table above for eligibility and average savings.
Does Ladder have good claims handling?
Ladder's NAIC complaint ratio is 0.28 (1.00 is the industry average, so lower is better). This is well below the average — meaning fewer customer complaints relative to volume. J.D. Power claims scores rate Not surveyed.
Should I choose Ladder or a competitor?
Ladder is strongest for applicants who want the lowest rates. Compare quotes from at least three carriers — Ladder's rates and offerings vary significantly based on your specific profile, and the carrier that fits best can differ for applicants in different situations.
How we rated Ladder
QuoteYeti's life insurance rankings are designed to surface where each carrier actually wins and loses. We don't accept payment for ranking placement, and our methodology is published in full so you can audit how we reach our conclusions.
60%
Cost
We compare quotes across multiple applicants profiles, measuring how competitively each carrier prices its policies against local and national competitors. Data is normalized to comparable coverage levels.
30%
Customer satisfaction
We analyze customer feedback from J.D. Power member studies, NAIC complaint ratios, AM Best ratings, and public review sources to assess overall service quality and claims handling.
10%
Coverage breadth
We evaluate each carrier's coverage menu, scoring the variety of available endorsements, unique features, and gap-filling options.