Principal disability insurance review

Principal is one of the oldest and largest insurers in America. Their reputation for excellent underwriting practices and customer service earns them one of our highest rankings.

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Tim TorresReviews EditorTim Torres is a former reviews editor at Policygenius, where he specialized in life insurance, homeowners insurance, auto insurance, and more. His work has also appeared in PC Mag, Tom's Guide, Tech Times, and elsewhere.

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Policy Details

Product name

N/A

Elimination period

30 days, 60 days, 90 days, 180 days, 365 days

Benefit period

2 year, 5 year, Age 65, Age 67, Age 70

Definition of disability

Own Occupation, Not working; True Own Occupation via rider

Guarantee

Guaranteed Renewable and non-cancelable

Partial/residual disability

Available via rider

Built-in features

  • Benefit update rider. Allows future increases to the coverage without evidence of medical insurability.

  • Capital sum benefit rider. An additional lump sum benefit paid if you lose use of a hand or foot or sight in one eye.

  • Future benefit increase rider. Automatically increases the monthly benefit for the first six years the policy is in force, unless declined.

  • Presumptive disability benefit rider. Pays the benefit, regardless of ability to work, if you lose sight, hearing, speech, or both hands or feet.

  • Supplemental health benefit. Pays an additional lump sum benefit if disabled due to a critical illness.

  • Transplant surgery benefit. Pays a benefit if disability arises out of transplant.

  • Waiver of premium. Premium waived while on claim.

Available riders 

  • Rehabilitation benefit. Pays an additional benefit if insurer participates in a rehabilitation program.

  • Regular occupation. Changes the definition of disability to True Own Occupation.

  • Residual disability and recovery benefit. Pays a benefit if you are still working and experience a loss of income. Also pays for vocational training.

  • Social insurance substitute. Part of the monthly benefit could be reduced if you qualify for social security disability insurance.

  • Transitional occupation rider. An own occupation variation that pays a full benefit even while working in another occupation, until you make more than pre-disability.

Available riders may vary by state and individual application.

Ratings

One of the largest financial services companies, Principal offers best in class underwriting and customer service.

  • Evaluation: 4.75 / 5 

  • Contract: 4 / 5

  • Application process: 5 / 5

  • Customer service: 5 / 5

  • Underwriting: 5 / 5

Company Info

  • Founded: 1897

  • A.M. Best rating: A+

  • BBB rating: A+