Structured Settlement Annuity Rates by Issuer
What Each Carrier Actually Pays in 2026
Your structured settlement annuity issuer is the single factor you cannot change — but it determines 5-12% of your payout. Here is what every carrier means for your bottom line.
When a buyer evaluates your structured settlement annuity, the first thing they check is who issued it. A structured settlement annuity from MetLife or New York Life is backed by some of the strongest balance sheets in insurance. A structured settlement annuity from a B-rated or defunct carrier carries uncertainty — and buyers charge you for that uncertainty through a higher discount rate.
This guide breaks down all 12 major structured settlement annuity issuers, their financial strength ratings, the discount rates buyers typically apply to each, and what that means in actual dollars when you sell. The difference between a Tier 1 and Tier 3 structured settlement annuity issuer can be $20,000-$60,000 on the same payment stream.
You cannot change your issuer after the structured settlement annuity is purchased — that decision was made at settlement. But you can choose a buyer who properly values your issuer tier and doesn't overcharge on rate. That is where the money is.
The 3-Tier Issuer System: Where Your Annuity Falls
Tier 1
A+ or A++ rated issuers. Zero perceived default risk. Buyers compete aggressively, resulting in lowest discount rates (7.5-11.5%) and highest payouts (66-80% of face value) when you sell your structured settlement annuity.
Tier 2
A-rated issuers or those in transition. Minimal default risk but slight buyer hesitation adds 1-3% to discount rates. Payouts: 60-74% of face value.
Tier 3
B-rated or defunct issuers. Buyers price credit/guaranty risk with 3-8% higher rates. Payouts: 45-64% of face value. State guaranty associations provide a backstop.
Click a tier to filter the table below
Complete Structured Settlement Annuity Issuer Comparison
| Issuer | AM Best | Strength | Discount Rate | Payout % | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MetLife | A+ (AM Best) | 7.5-11% | 68-79% | Tier 1 | |
| Pacific Life | A+ (AM Best) | 7.5-11% | 67-78% | Tier 1 | |
| Prudential (PRIAC) | A+ (AM Best) | 8-11.5% | 66-77% | Tier 1 | |
| New York Life | A++ (AM Best) | 7.5-10.5% | 69-80% | Tier 1 | |
| Berkshire Hathaway | A++ (AM Best) | 7.5-10.5% | 69-80% | Tier 1 | |
| Allstate/Everlake | A+ (AM Best) | 9-12% | 64-74% | Tier 2 | |
| American General (AIG) | A (AM Best) | 9-13% | 62-72% | Tier 2 | |
| Hartford Life | A+ (AM Best) | 9-12% | 63-74% | Tier 2 | |
| Symetra | A (AM Best) | 10-13% | 60-70% | Tier 2 | |
| Genworth | B++ (AM Best) | 12-16% | 54-64% | Tier 3 | |
| First Allmerica | B+ (AM Best) | 13-17% | 52-62% | Tier 3 | |
| Executive Life (defunct) | N/A — Seized | 15-20%+ | 45-55% | Tier 3 |
Sources: AM Best Financial Strength Ratings (2026), court filing analysis (n=4,000+), mystery shopping data. Market share from MetLife, Pacific Life, Prudential.
7 Factors That Determine Your Structured Settlement Annuity Value
Switching from a lower-rated to higher-rated issuer structured settlement annuity adds significant value.
Guaranteed structured settlement annuity payments eliminate actuarial risk for buyers.
Near-term structured settlement annuity payments require less time-value discounting.
Competition forces buyers to sharpen their rate on your structured settlement annuity.
Rating downgrades reduce structured settlement annuity resale value over time.
Payments stop at death — buyers add actuarial risk premium to structured settlement annuity discount rate.
No new policies issued = less market familiarity = slightly higher rates.
🎯 Issuer Value Assessment
Find out where your structured settlement annuity falls on the value spectrum
1. Who is your structured settlement annuity issuer?
2. Are your payments guaranteed or life-contingent?
3. How many years of payments remain?
4. Have you compared quotes from multiple buyers?
5. Do you know your issuer's AM Best rating?
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Your Issuer-Specific Valuation — Free
Tell us your issuer and payment details. We match you with buyers who specialize in your carrier's structured settlement annuity contracts.
Sources & Methodology
Issuer ratings: AM Best Financial Strength Ratings (current as of July 2026). AM Best.
Market share: MetLife, Pacific Life, Prudential public disclosures.
Discount rates: Mystery shopping 26 buyers (2025-2026), court filing analysis (n=4,000+).
Tax law: IRC § 104(a)(2), IRC § 130.
Guaranty associations: NOLHGA (National Organization of Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Associations).