Royal Neighbors of America Insurance Review & Complaints: Life Insurance (2024)

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Founded in 1895, Royal Neighbors of America is a women-led organization providing life insurance and annuities. A membership society, they have chapters across the nation.

What is Royal Neighbors of America?

Royal Neighbors of America was founded in Council Bluffs, Iowa in 1895 by a group of women looking to create a fraternal benefit society focused on women and children. They were among the first to offer life insurance to women, a had group who had previously been considered uninsurable. The name was chosen to represent the nobility of helping neighbors.

The company was a strong supporter of the Women’s Suffrage Movement, and in 1927 built a new home office in Rock Island, Illinois. In the following decades, their membership grew, and the established multiple charitable programs and a scholarship program for their members, one of the membership benefits still offered today.

Membership is available by two methods: purchasing a Royal Neighbors product, or paying a $20 per year annual fee. Member benefits include a variety of discounted services and access to a member relief fund and scholarships. There are no requirements for application.

Royal Neighbor operates 300 chapters across the United States and continues to operate from its home office in Rock Island, Illinois.

What insurance products are offered?

In addition to a variety of life insurance products from whole life insurance policy options to term life insurance plans, the insurance organization also offers a selection of annuity products.

Whole Life

There are four types of permanent whole life available from Royal Neighbors.

The Essential Whole Life policy is available with face amounts starting t $25,000. A number of riders can be added to this product, including accelerated death benefits, accidental death, guaranteed insurability, and waivers for cancer and disability.

They also have a youth whole life plan that is issued for minors and can include a guaranteed insurability rider as well as an accelerated death benefit. (For more information, read our “What is an accelerated death benefit rider?“).

The Royal Legacy Single Premium product can be issued between the ages of 45 and 80. A lump-sum payment of at least $10,000 is required, with a guaranteed death benefit that is higher than the premium paid.

Simplified Issue Whole Life can be issued between the ages of 50 and 85, with death benefits between $5,000 and $25,000. This product requires no medical exam and is designed for those seeking to plan for final expenses later in life.

Universal Life

SecureLife Universal Life is the Royal Neighbors universal life insurance product, offering flexibility in premiums and death benefits as well as cash accumulation. The same riders offered on the standard whole life insurance policy are also available with this universal product.

The website does not list issue ages or death benefit amounts for this policy.

Term Life

Royal Neighbor offers their JETerm term life insurance coverage with a variety of term lengths, but the website offers very little detail on the policies. Again, multiple riders can be added and term life policies can be renewed or converted.

Annuities

Royal Neighbors has three types of annuities available to help provide retirement income:

• Single-Premium Deferred
• Flexible-Premium Deferred
• Single-Premium Immediate

Are the insurer’s rates competitive?

Royal Neighbor, like many similar insurance carriers, does not offer online quoting. They do have an estimate on their page of $25 per month for a $25,000 whole life policy, based on a 30-year-old female non-smoker. That estimate doesn’t say which state the estimate is for, and no other details are offered.

Like most membership organizations, the personal touch is emphasized here; so potential members are urged to contact a representative for rates and more information on policies. While it is common, many insurance shoppers prefer the option to receive a quote online and avoid potential solicitation.

How are claims filed?

While there is no dedicated claims information on the page the member forms page does have a link to report the death of a member. That link takes the visitor to a simple form that allows the claim to be filed quickly. The quick links at the bottom of the site also list this page, but there is no link, which forces the visitor to seek the form out with some effort. This may simply be a website mistake that needs addressing.

Ease of Filing a Claim

Royal Neighbors of America Insurance offers a streamlined and user-friendly claims filing process. Policyholders can file claims conveniently through various channels, including online submission through the official website, over the phone, or using mobile apps. This multi-channel approach ensures ease of access for customers, allowing them to choose the most convenient method for them.

Average Claim Processing Time

One of the strengths of Royal Neighbors of America Insurance is its efficient claim processing. The company is known for its prompt handling of claims, aiming to provide quick resolutions to policyholders. The average claim processing time is relatively short compared to industry standards, providing reassurance and support to customers during challenging times.

Customer Feedback on Claim Resolutions and Payouts

Customer feedback regarding claim resolutions and payouts is generally positive for Royal Neighbors of America Insurance. Policyholders appreciate the straightforward and transparent claim settlement process. The company strives to ensure fair and timely payouts, which align with the expectations of their customers.

The positive feedback reflects the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and maintaining a high standard of service in claims handling.

Mobile App Features and Functionality

Royal Neighbors of America Insurance offers a feature-rich mobile app that enhances the overall customer experience. The app provides a range of functionalities, including the ability to access policy information, view payment history, submit claims, and communicate with customer service.

The intuitive design and user-friendly interface make managing insurance needs convenient and efficient for users on the go.

Online Account Management Capabilities

The online account management system by Royal Neighbors of America Insurance empowers policyholders with easy access to their policy details and account information. Through a secure online platform, customers can manage their policies, make payments, update personal information, and track the status of their claims.

This digital tool enhances customer control and engagement, providing a seamless experience in managing their insurance policies.

Digital Tools and Resources

In addition to a robust mobile app and online account management, Royal Neighbors of America Insurance offers a variety of digital tools and resources to assist policyholders. These include educational materials, calculators, and informative resources accessible through their official website.

These digital tools are designed to provide policyholders with valuable insights, guidance, and knowledge to make informed decisions regarding their insurance coverage and financial planning.

Does the insurer have positive ratings and consumer reviews?

Royal Neighbors of America has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), with only four complaints on file in the past three years. One of those four was closed in the past 12 months.

There are five Google reviews for an overall 4.2-star rating, however, the one-star review that brings the overall down appears to be an unsubstantiated fear of having been scammed because the agent “had a strange name”. This review does not add anything of substance to the overall picture. That said, the positive reviews also contain very little information.

We were unable to find much else in terms of reviews. This is a fairly common scenario for membership societies like Royal Neighbors. What we did find appears to favor a positive impression of this organization.

What’s the bottom line?

Royal Neighbors of America is likely to appeal to those who like the idea of being part of a membership society and value the benefits of membership higher than getting the best price on life insurance. They do appear to have a good reputation, as well as a long history, and there are many membership perks. Without more information on the products and pricing, however, we are unable to give a true recommendation.