In comparing Penn Mutual vs Northwestern Mutual, you have one of the most dynamic whole life insurance companies against the old guard.
Penn Mutual offers some of the best dividend paying whole life insurance in the U.S.
Northwestern Mutual has consistently been the leader in whole life insurance sales for the better part of the last decade.
Both companies are highly rated. Penn Mutual has a total Comdex ranking of 92 out of 100, while Northwestern Mutual has an industry leading Comdex ranking of 100.
Northwestern Mutual is a captive company, which means only agents under the Northwestern Mutual banner may sell the company’s whole life policies.
Penn Mutual is a non-captive company, which allows outside agents to offer Penn Mutual’s policies to their clients.
Below is a snapshot of the two companies head to head. But at the end of the day, the best whole life insurance company for you will be the one that best meets your specific needs and goals.
![]() |
|
|
---|---|---|
Comparing ⟶ | Penn Mutual | Northwestern Mutual |
Year Founded |
1847 |
1857 |
Company Structure |
Mutual |
Mutual |
Pricing |
$ $ $ | $ $ $ |
Types of Policies: |
||
Term Life |
✓ | ✓ |
Whole Life |
✓ | ✓ |
Universal Life |
✓ | ✓ |
Final Expense |
✗ | ✗ |
Ratings: |
||
A+ |
A++ |
|
A+ |
AA+ |
|
Aa3 |
Aaa |
|
✗ | AAA |
|
93 |
100 |
|
Not Accredited |
Not Accredited |
|
0.09 |
0.02 |
|
IBUSA's Overall Score |
||
Company Review |
If you are interested in an Penn Mutual illustration, please give us a call today. We can help you design the best whole life insurance policy to meet your specific goals and objectives, whether your focus is on death benefit protection, or high cash value accumulation.