Gerber Life Insurance stands out for its focus on family-oriented policies. From coverage for children to plans for adults and seniors, Gerber Life provides options that are easy to understand and apply for. This article examines what Gerber Life Insurance is, the types of policies it offers, its benefits, and what customers have to say about it. By the end, you’ll know if Gerber Life is a good fit for your family’s needs.
Table of Contents
Company Background
Gerber Life Insurance was established in 1967 as a subsidiary of Gerber Products Company. It is famous for baby food. The goal was to expand the Gerber brand into financial services, with a focus on life insurance for families.
In 2007, Nestlé acquired Gerber Products, including Gerber Life. In 2018, Nestlé sold Gerber Life to Western & Southern Financial Group for $1.55 billion (Wikipedia). Western & Southern, a trusted financial services company based in Cincinnati, now oversees Gerber Life.
Headquartered in White Plains, New York, with operations in Fremont, Michigan, Gerber Life has over $63 billion in life insurance in force. They serve millions of policyholders across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Their long history and family focus make them a recognizable name in the insurance world.
Types of Insurance Offered
Gerber Life offers a range of life insurance products to meet various needs. Here’s a breakdown of their main offerings:
Term Life Insurance
Through its Fabric platform, Gerber Life provides term life insurance. These policies provide coverage for a set period, ranging from 10 to 30 years, with coverage amounts varying from $100,000 to $5 million. Term life insurance is ideal for temporary needs, such as paying off a mortgage or supporting children until they become independent.
- Key Features:
- Premiums stay the same as long as they’re paid.
- No hidden fees.
- 30-day money-back guarantee is available, with the option to cancel at any time.
- The online application typically takes around 10 minutes, with instant approval often available.
Whole Life Insurance for Children
The Gerber Life Grow-Up® Plan is a whole life policy for children from birth to age 17 (Gerber Life). It provides lifelong coverage that doubles at age 18 at no extra cost. For example, a $50,000 policy becomes $100,000 when the child turns 18.
- Key Features:
- Builds cash value over time, which can be borrowed against (up to an 8% interest rate).
- Premiums are locked in at childhood rates, starting at pennies a day.
- Guaranteed insurability allows more coverage as an adult without a medical exam.
- Over 75% of applications are approved instantly.
Family Plan Term Life Insurance
This 20-year term policy covers the insured, their spouse, and children under one plan. It’s designed for families wanting comprehensive protection with predictable costs. Premiums remain level as long as they’re paid.
Family Plan Whole Life Insurance
Similar to the term plan, this whole life policy covers the entire family. It offers lifelong protection and builds cash value. Premiums are fixed, providing long-term stability.
Accident Protection
This accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) policy pays a lump sum if the insured dies or is injured due to an accident. It’s a supplemental policy to enhance other coverage.
Gerber Life Insurance College Plan
This plan combines life insurance with a savings component for college expenses. It’s a whole life policy for children up to age 17, with fixed premiums and cash value growth.
| Policy Type | Coverage Period | Key Benefits | Best For |
| Term Life (Fabric) | 10–30 years | Affordable, flexible, no medical exam | Temporary needs (e.g., mortgage, child-rearing) |
| Grow-Up® Plan | Lifetime | Doubles at 18, cash value, guaranteed insurability | Parents planning for children’s future |
| Family Plan Term | 20 years | Parents planning for their children’s future | Families seeking short-term family coverage |
| Family Plan Whole Life | Lifetime | Covers the entire family, fixed premiums | Long-term family protection |
| Accident Protection | Varies | Pays for accidental death/injury | Supplemental coverage |
| College Plan | Lifetime | Life insurance + college savings | Parents saving for education |
Key Features and Benefits
Gerber Life’s policies have several standout features:
- No Medical Exam: Many policies, primarily through Fabric and for children, don’t require a medical exam. This makes coverage accessible for those with health concerns.
- Family Coverage: Plans like the Family Plan Term and Whole Life cover multiple family members, simplifying insurance management.
- Cash Value Growth: Whole life insurance policies accumulate cash value, which can be accessed through loans or withdrawals, providing financial flexibility.
- Guaranteed Insurability: Children’s policies allow additional coverage as adults without health checks, ensuring future protection.
- Locked-In Premiums: Premiums for whole life policies stay the same, providing cost predictability.
- Easy Application: Online applications, primarily through Fabric, are quick, with many approvals in seconds.
These features make Gerber Life appealing for families seeking straightforward, family-focused insurance.
How to Apply
Applying for Gerber Life Insurance is simple and user-friendly:
- Term Life via Fabric:
- Visit Fabric.
- Click “Get Started” or “Get a Quote.”
- Answer basic questions about age, health, and coverage needs.
- Get instant approval if eligible, no medical exam needed.
- Choose a payment method and finalize the application.
- Children’s Whole Life (Grow-Up® Plan):
- Go to Gerber Life.
- Select the Grow-Up Plan and answer four simple questions for a quote.
- Apply online or call 800-704-3331 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. ET).
- Select from various payment options, including EasyPay, for up to 10% savings on monthly premiums.
Customer support is available to guide you through the process.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Gerber Life has a loyal customer base, but experiences vary:
- Positive Feedback:
- Customers appreciate the straightforward application process, particularly for children’s policies.
- No-medical-exam options are a significant draw.
- Family plans are seen as convenient and cost-effective.
- Negative Feedback:
- Some reviews note higher-than-average complaints, often about customer service or claim delays.
- The lack of a mobile app for policy management is a downside for tech-savvy users.
- Some believe premiums are higher compared to those of competitors.
Reading multiple reviews can help you decide if Gerber Life meets your expectations.
Comparison with Other Insurers
Gerber Life shines in certain areas but has limitations:
- Strengths:
- Specializes in children’s life insurance, a niche few competitors focus on.
- No-medical-exam policies are widely available.
- Fabric’s online platform offers a modern, quick application process.
- Weaknesses:
- Higher complaint rates compared to some competitors.
- Lack of a mobile app lags behind tech-forward insurers.
If digital tools or top-tier customer service are priorities, you may want to explore other providers. However, for family-focused or children’s policies, Gerber Life is a strong contender.
Tips for Choosing Life Insurance
Selecting the right life insurance involves careful thought. Here are some tips:
- Know Your Needs: Calculate coverage based on your debts, income replacement, or future expenses, such as college.
- Set a Budget: Ensure premiums fit your financial plan.
- Compare Policy Types: Term life insurance is more affordable for temporary needs; whole life insurance offers lifelong coverage and savings.
- Check Riders: Look for add-ons like accidental death coverage for extra protection.
- Evaluate Flexibility: Policies with options to increase coverage without exams are valuable.
- Research Providers: Read reviews and check ratings for reliability and service.
- Seek Advice: A financial advisor can clarify complex options.
FAQs
- What’s the difference between term and whole life insurance?
Term life insurance covers a set period, while whole life insurance lasts a lifetime and builds cash value. - Can I get insurance without a medical exam?
Yes, Gerber Life offers no-exam policies, especially for children, through Fabric. - Is Gerber Life only for kids?
No, they also offer policies for adults and seniors. - How much does it cost?
Costs vary. For example, Fabric’s term life insurance starts at $7.85 per month for a 25-year-old female with $100,000 coverage. - Can I cancel my policy?
Yes, with a 30-day money-back guarantee for Fabric’s term life insurance and flexible cancellation options. - What if I miss a payment?
Missing a payment may cause a lapse, but a grace period often allows reinstatement.
Conclusion
Gerber Life Insurance offers a range of family-focused policies, from the Grow-Up® Plan for children to term life through Fabric. Their no-exam options, fixed premiums, and cash value growth make them appealing for families seeking simplicity and long-term security.
However, higher complaint rates and the absence of a mobile app suggest room for improvement. When choosing insurance, assess your needs, compare providers, and review customer feedback. Gerber Life’s website (Gerber Life) and Fabric platform (Fabric) are great starting points to explore your options.
