Ask questions via Twitter. Tweet any question to @AskFiLife and we will respond with an answer. More.

FiLife - In partnership with The Wall Street Journal

Your Financial LifelineTM

In partnership with The Wall Street Journal
 
 

Disclaimer

FiLife is a great place to get your finances in shape, and the expert advice in the community can help you address specific or general problems. But very often you’ll also need one-on-one advice from a professional, especially since rules and laws maybe specific to your state or country. Remember that investments and other financial transactions come with risk, and you should consult an independent, qualified professional before making financial commitments.

Stop Showing this Message

Question

Francisco
Staff

Francisco asked about a year ago in Annuities

Annuities with a Failing Company (ex. AIG)

Can you please tell me what happens if I have fixed annuities with AIG and AIG doesn't survive the economic storm we are having? do I lose all the money? or do I still get something back?

thanks.

Was this question interesting?

Yes

(0)

No

(0)

Permalink | Abuse

FiLife Recommends

Answer this Question
  • Share:
  •  

1 Answer

Sort by:
Michael Kitces
FiLife Contributor
Reply

Francisco,
Generally speaking, a fixed annuity is part of the general account of the insurance company and may potentially be at risk in the event that the company fails.

However, the bailout of AIG should help to preserve the assets of those with insurance and annuity contracts with the company. Furthermore, nearly all states provide a state guaranty fund that will insure at least $100,000 of annuity cash value (more in some states). You can check into your state's laws for more information on this.

If your annuity is significantly higher than $100,000, the excess can be at risk if the company truly does fail though. However, with the recent government intervention to preserve AIG, and the fact that some parts of the company appear to be at least partially insulated from the failure of other parts of the company, I would try to gather more information from AIG itself before moving the funds too hastily. Especially if you have surrender charges on the annuity. If the company really does fail, you may still recover some or all of your annuity, but it will depend on how the company's assets are divided and whether or how much in debt the company really is.

On the other hand, if having the funds at risk in any way isn't tolerable for you and it will help you sleep at night, move the money if that's what's necessary. Just be cautious about exit charges, and if possible you might explore utilizing a 1035 exchange to move the annuity to another annuity on a tax-free basis.

I hope that helps a little!

Is this helpful?

Yes

(1)

No

(1)

Permalink | Abuse

Answer this Question

Generic User Image

Ask a Question

140 characters

Tips

  • Be specific and clear.
  • Be courteous and thoughtful.
  • Share some details about your situation (age, relationship, etc)

Login or Join

or login with

Ask a Question

140 characters

Expert Partners

Stacker Poll of the Day

What age should you start your child's allowance?

Avg 8.5
 
Avg 8.5
 
246 responses