Life Insurance is a booming business. The first insurance company in America was formed in 1732 in Charleston, South Carolina. This company only provided fire insurance. Today, more than one hundred and fifty companies offer life insurance of various types and cater to an individual or family's various needs.

The Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, or MetLife is America's largest life insurance company. It has acquired Traveler's Life and Annuity, General American Insurance and New England Financial.

The New York Life Insurance Company was formed in 1841, in New York City. It was called The Nautilus Insurance Company. It is presently the largest mutual life insurance company in the United States.

The New York Life Insurance Company is known as the company of firsts. It was the first insurance company to insure people with disabilities. It was the first American life insurance company to pay a cash dividend to the insured. It was also the first Insurance Company to issue policies to women at the same rates as men.

One should do thorough research before deciding on a life insurance policy. Confirm that the premiums are guaranteed and will not increase as time passes. Also, check that the life insurance policy has a terminal illness rider. One of the most important things in a life insurance policy is whether the premiums can be waived.

If the buyer or the insured becomes too ill to work, the company can waive off the future premiums. Also, one should do some background research on any life insurance company being considered.

All major life insurance companies have an online presence. It is suggested that you check these sites and get several quotes before deciding on what company to go with.