GuideOne Insurance Review: A Complete Overview

🔹 Basic Company Overview
Key Aspect | Details |
Full Company Name | GuideOne Insurance |
Year Founded | 1947 |
Founders | Founded by The GuideOne Insurance Company, with a focus on providing insurance solutions to businesses and individuals. |
Headquartered Location | West Des Moines, Iowa, USA |
Company Mission Statement | “GuideOne exists to protect the financial well-being of individuals, families, and businesses with trustworthy insurance services.” |
Vision and Core Values | Vision: To be a leading provider of comprehensive insurance solutions. Core Values: Trust, Integrity, Service, and Accountability. |
Parent Company | GuideOne Insurance remains independent, with no parent company. |
Subsidiaries | No notable subsidiaries or spin-offs. |
Number of Employees | Approx. 500 employees (including agents, claims processors, and customer support personnel). |
Revenue (latest available) | $1.5 billion in annual revenue (2020). |
Global or Regional Presence | GuideOne is primarily regionally focused in the U.S., serving individuals, small businesses, and non-profit organizations. |
Public or Private Company | Private |
Stock Market Symbol | Not publicly traded. |
🔹 Company Reputation & Recognition
- Customer Satisfaction Ratings: GuideOne Insurance enjoys positive customer feedback, especially for their quick response times, customer-centric policies, and personalized insurance plans.
- AM Best / Moody’s / S&P Ratings:
- AM Best: A- (Excellent), showcasing solid financial strength.
- Moody’s: Ratings are not publicly available.
- S&P: Ratings not listed.
- AM Best: A- (Excellent), showcasing solid financial strength.
- Industry Awards and Recognitions: GuideOne has received several industry awards for customer service and innovative insurance solutions over the years.
- Trustpilot or Google Reviews Overview: GuideOne has a 4.1/5 rating on Trustpilot, with customers generally praising their friendly agents, effective claims handling, and timely responses. A few complaints exist about premiums and coverage exclusions.
- BBB Rating (Better Business Bureau): The company has an A+ rating with the BBB, indicating a strong record of handling complaints and customer satisfaction.
- Notable Partnerships or Endorsements: GuideOne partners with various non-profits, churches, and small businesses, providing specialized insurance policies tailored to these sectors.


🔹 Eligibility Criteria
- Who is Eligible:
- Individuals: GuideOne offers life and health insurance to individuals.
- Groups: Provides group insurance policies for businesses and non-profit organizations.
- Individuals: GuideOne offers life and health insurance to individuals.
- Age Limitations:
- Typically offers coverage from ages 18 to 65. Some plans extend coverage for people up to 80 years.
- Typically offers coverage from ages 18 to 65. Some plans extend coverage for people up to 80 years.
- State Availability: Available in most U.S. states, though some products may be limited to certain regions.
- Citizenship or Residency Requirements: Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
- Minimum Health or Financial Conditions: There are no significant financial prerequisites for individual policies, though certain health requirements may apply, especially for life insurance.
- Documents Required to Apply:
- Proof of identity
- Social Security number
- Health records for life and disability insurance
- Income verification for business policies
- Proof of identity
🔹 Types of Insurance Offered
- Life Insurance: GuideOne offers both term life and whole life insurance options, providing coverage for individuals and families.
- Auto Insurance: GuideOne provides auto insurance for individuals, but their offerings are not as extensive as some competitors like Geico or State Farm.
- Health Insurance: The company offers a variety of health insurance plans, including options for individuals and small businesses.
- Homeowners Insurance: GuideOne Insurance provides coverage for homeowners, though the product is more focused on smaller properties and non-standard housing.
- Renters Insurance: Available to renters to cover personal property and liability.
- Disability Insurance: Offers short-term and long-term disability insurance to provide income protection during periods of illness or injury.
- Long-term Care Insurance: Available as a rider to certain life insurance policies or standalone policies.
- Travel Insurance: Not offered by GuideOne.
- Business/Commercial Insurance: GuideOne provides commercial policies tailored to small businesses and non-profit organizations.
- Pet Insurance: Not available.
- Boat/Motorcycle/RV Insurance: Not offered.
- Umbrella Insurance: Provides extra liability coverage through umbrella policies, helping to protect from unforeseen financial burdens.
🔹 Plan Details
- Plan Categories:
- Basic: Essential coverage at lower premiums for individuals seeking basic life and health insurance.
- Premium: Comprehensive policies with added features like critical illness coverage or long-term care.
- Basic: Essential coverage at lower premiums for individuals seeking basic life and health insurance.
- Policy Terms and Conditions: Policies are clearly outlined with transparent terms and conditions. Coverage varies by state and type of policy.
- Waiting Periods: Policies may have a waiting period of up to 60 days for certain life insurance benefits or long-term care claims.
- Coverage Limits: Coverage typically ranges from $50,000 to $1 million, with higher amounts available for specific policies.
- Exclusions and Restrictions: Common exclusions include pre-existing conditions, self-inflicted injuries, and claims due to illegal activities.
- Add-ons or Riders Available: Includes riders such as accidental death, critical illness, and waiver of premium options.
- Premium Payment Options: Available monthly, quarterly, or annually.
- Discounts Offered: Multi-policy discounts, safe driving discounts (for auto insurance), and healthy living discounts (for life insurance).
🔹 Application Process
- How to Apply: Apply online through GuideOne’s website, via phone, or through an insurance agent.
- Time Required for Approval: Approval times vary, typically between 1-2 weeks for life insurance, while disability and business insurance may take longer due to underwriting processes.
- Medical Exams: Life insurance applicants may need to undergo a medical exam, particularly for larger policies.
- Online Quote Tools: GuideOne offers instant online quotes for life and health insurance policies, providing a quick estimate based on your personal details.
- Pre-approval or Instant Policy Options: Some short-term life insurance policies may offer instant approval based on specific eligibility criteria.
🔹 Claims Process
- How to File a Claim: Claims can be filed online or via the GuideOne mobile app. Claims can also be submitted through an agent or by calling customer service.
- Time Taken to Settle Claims: Claims typically take 7-14 business days to process, but may vary based on the complexity of the claim.
- Required Documents for Claims:
- Claim forms
- Medical records (for life or disability insurance claims)
- Death certificate (for life claims)
- Claim forms
- Claim Denial Reasons: Claims may be denied for non-payment of premiums, policy exclusions, or fraudulent activity.
- 24/7 Claim Support Availability: 24/7 claim support is available via phone and the mobile app.
- Mobile App or Online Claim Tracking: The GuideOne app allows you to track your claim status, submit documentation, and receive updates.
🔹 Customer Support
- Contact Methods: GuideOne offers customer support through phone, email, and live chat.
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST.
- Mobile App Features: The GuideOne app offers convenient features such as policy management, claims tracking, and premium payments.
- Local Agents or Offices Availability: GuideOne has agents available in multiple locations across the U.S.
- Multilingual Support: Support available in English and Spanish.
🔹 Financials & Legal
- Underwriting Company: Policies are underwritten by GuideOne Insurance.
- Regulatory Compliance: Complies with state regulations and industry standards.
- Licensing State-wise: GuideOne is licensed in all 50 U.S. states.
- Claim Payout Statistics: GuideOne typically pays out over $500 million in claims annually.
- Recent Legal Issues or Lawsuits: No major ongoing lawsuits or legal issues reported.
🔹 Technology and Innovation
- AI or Machine Learning Use: GuideOne Insurance utilizes AI in its claims process to speed up approvals and reduce fraud.
- Mobile App Rating and Features: The GuideOne app is rated 4.2/5 and allows users to manage policies, submit claims, and track claims status.
- Digital Policy Management: Offers a fully digital experience for policy management.
- Telematics for Auto Insurance: Not offered by GuideOne.
- Online Tools and Calculators: Provides tools for life insurance and premium estimations.
🔹 Market Position and Competitors
- Market Share: GuideOne Insurance holds a modest share of the U.S. insurance market, focusing more on life and disability insurance.
- Top Competitors: State Farm, Geico, Progressive, MetLife.
- Comparison with Leading Competitors: GuideOne stands out for its specialized coverage for small businesses and non-profits, but it lacks broader coverage options compared to larger insurers.
- Unique Selling Points (USPs): Specializes in providing tailored insurance solutions for small businesses and non-profits.
🔹 Reviews and Testimonials
- Real Customer Stories: Customers appreciate GuideOne’s responsiveness and personalized service. Claims are generally handled smoothly, with customers praising the support agents for their helpful attitude.
- Complaints and Resolution Rate: 85% of complaints are resolved within 30 days.
- Social Media Presence and Engagement: GuideOne Insurance is active on social media, providing updates on policies and educational content.
🔹 Final Evaluation
Pros:
- Comprehensive life and disability insurance.
- Strong reputation in customer service and claims handling.
- Affordable premiums and flexible policies.
Cons:
- Limited offerings in auto and home insurance.
- Not as competitive in the large commercial insurance space.
Who Should Consider This Company:
- Individuals seeking affordable life insurance.
- Small businesses and non-profit organizations.
Who Might Want to Avoid It:
- People looking for auto or homeowners insurance with more variety.
Expert Recommendations:
GuideOne is an excellent choice for those needing specialized life and disability insurance. Ideal for individuals and small businesses, but may not be suitable for those seeking broader coverage options.

