Two recent trends have impacted the life insurance industry. Most notable is the increased availability of annuities. This provided insurance companies with a larger source of income and gave consumers more retirement savings options beyond the standard financial services and investments.

Additionally, the Internet allows consumers to easily compare life insurance products and prices from different companies. This competition also helps keep premiums down.

Aside from these trends, the life insurance industry continues to be a driving force in the U.S. economy. For example:

• Life insurance companies have invested nearly $4 trillion in our economy.*
• The life insurance industry is one of the largest providers of workplace retirement plans, like pensions and 401(k)s.**
• By 2006, life insurance companies owned almost $600 billion in government bonds, which helped grow America’s economy and pay for the construction of roads and bridges.*
• Life insurance companies play a large role in financing office buildings, apartments and shopping centers by owning nearly $300 billion in commercial mortgages.*
• The Boulder Dam, Sears Tower and Empire State Building were all funded by life insurance companies.**
• The life insurance industry now focuses on helping America become less dependent on outside energy sources by funding renewable energy projects.**

Additional Information
Make sure to check out other important insurance topics, including:

• Coverage Types
• Tips for Choosing Coverage
• Industry Information
• Glossary of Common Insurance Terms

*American Council of Life Insurers tabulation of 2005 National Association of Insurance Commissioners data
**“Protectors & Investors: America’s Life Insurers,” American Council of Life Insurers, 2007