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Best Life Insurance Companies in Berkeley

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2023
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Avail Insurance Solutions logo
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License Verified:

License: 0G89287

California Department of Insurance

Avail Insurance Solutions

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6023 College Avenue, Oakland, CA 94618
  • Life Insurance

Business Description

Avail Insurance Solutions provides personal and commercial insurance coverages to Berkeley residents. It offers life insurance, umbrella insurance, auto insurance, condo insurance, and health insurance. In addition, it handles commercial liability coverage, business owners' policies, and worker's compensation insurance. The independent brokerage shops multiple A-rated insurance providers to find the most suitable coverage for its customers. Its partner carriers include Safeco Insurance, Stillwater Insurance Group, Mapfre Insurance, and Mercury Insurance. Avail Insurance Solutions is a Bay Area Certified Green Business.

License Verified:

License: 0G89287

California Department of Insurance

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (46)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Brignole & Ghiri Insurance logo
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License Verified:

License: 0515724

California Department of Insurance

Brignole & Ghiri Insurance

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4685 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609
  • Life Insurance

Business Description

Brignole & Ghiri Insurance is an independent agency that helps Berkeley clients shop for life insurance policies. These include term life, whole life, and universal options, depending on their needs. In addition to life insurance, the company helps clients secure coverage of their properties through homeowners', renters', condos, earthquake, flood, and umbrella insurance solutions. Business owners can also rely on this team if they need surety bonds, workers' compensation, and general liability insurance.

License Verified:

License: 0515724

California Department of Insurance

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (134)
Google
4.0 / 5 (4)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
David E. Quan Agency, Insurance Brokers, Inc. logo

License Verified:

License: 0G09898

California Department of Insurance

David E. Quan Agency, Insurance Brokers, Inc.

1767 16th Street, Oakland, CA 94607
  • Life Insurance

Business Description

David E. Quan Agency, Insurance Brokers, Inc., is an independent insurance firm that serves clients in the Berkeley area. It offers comprehensive life insurance plans to help customers ensure that their family's future is protected. Its policies include whole life, universal life, and term life insurance. The agency also provides risk protection packages for renters, recreational vehicles, commercial properties, and commercial umbrellas. It has been in operation since 1955 and continues aiming to deliver unique and honest service to every customer.

License Verified:

License: 0G09898

California Department of Insurance

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (10)
Google
4.3 / 5 (6)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Harold L Lee & Sons Inc logo
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License Verified:

License: 0B17071

California Department of Insurance

Harold L Lee & Sons Inc

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1654 Solano Avenue, Albany, CA 94707
  • Life Insurance

Business Description

Founded in 1888, Harold L Lee & Sons Inc. is an insurance brokerage that serves clients in Berkeley. The family-owned agency partners with multiple insurance carriers, such as Aetna and Cigna, to offer a range of insurance solutions, including life insurance, business insurance, and identity protection. The agency has an office in Northern and Southern California, and its staff can speak English and Chinese. Its CEO and chairperson, Sandra K. Lee, is the first woman CEO of the firm. She is also a registered nurse.

License Verified:

License: 0B17071

California Department of Insurance

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Health & Integrative Insurance Solutions, Inc. logo
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License Verified:

License: 0K90194

California Department of Insurance

Health & Integrative Insurance Solutions, Inc.

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2022 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704
  • Life Insurance

Business Description

Health & Integrative Insurance Solutions, Inc., has been serving individuals, families, and small employer groups in Berkeley since 2012. It is owned by Ezra Herzog, who is an independent broker and advisor with a professional background in financial planning. Herzog helps clients in securing the life insurance coverage that meets their needs. He also offers assistance with health insurance plans and Medigap policies. Moreover, his other services include group health insurance and employee benefits, such as vision care and disability insurance.

License Verified:

License: 0K90194

California Department of Insurance

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (78)
Google
5.0 / 5 (12)
Judy Francis logo
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License Verified:

License: 0568789

California Department of Insurance

Judy Francis

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3581 Mount Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette, CA 94549
  • Life Insurance
  • Health Insurance

Business Description

Judy Francis is an insurance agent for State Farm. With almost a hundred years of experience in providing personal and business insurance, State Farm now proudly has 19,000 agents across the country. As part of its team, Judy offers her services to the residents of Berkeley. Her focus is on life, auto, home and property insurance. She also offers coverage for pets and businesses. In addition, Judy is knowledgeable about banking and mutual funds.

License Verified:

License: 0568789

California Department of Insurance

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Kelley Reed logo
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License Verified:

License: 0M34294

California Department of Insurance

Kelley Reed

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925 Village Center, Lafayette, CA 94549
  • Life Insurance
  • Health Insurance

Business Description

Kelley Reed is a State Farm insurance agent who serves the financial and insurance needs of residents in Berkeley, Lafayette, and the surrounding areas. She has been a team member at State Farm for more than a decade. Kelly and her team of insurance professionals help individuals prepare for adverse financial consequences if a tragedy happens. They offer term, whole, and universal life insurance products that give temporary or lifetime protection to the policyholders. Additionally, they have auto, commercial, and homeowners' insurance products.

License Verified:

License: 0M34294

California Department of Insurance

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (8)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (4)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Kosich Family Insurance Services logo
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License Verified:

License: 0H23452

California Department of Insurance

Kosich Family Insurance Services

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3435 Mount Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette, CA 94549
  • Life Insurance
  • Health Insurance

Business Description

Kosich Family Insurance Services is an independent insurance agency that serves Berkeley and the surrounding metros. Founded in 1946 by Walter Kosich, the family-operated business prioritizes the client's needs and provides personalized service. Its network consists of over 75 insurance carriers, all with varying policies that can be tailored to each client's situation. Kosich's insurance agents have experience handling policies involving universal life insurance, term life insurance, and whole life insurance. The agency also caters to businesses.

License Verified:

License: 0H23452

California Department of Insurance

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Kristen Law logo
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License Verified:

License: 0769539

California Department of Insurance

Kristen Law

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3940 High Street, Oakland, CA 94619
  • Life Insurance

Business Description

Kristen Law is a life insurance agent serving residents in the Berkeley area. She works under State Farm, an insurance company that has been striving to deliver suitable policies for its customers since 1922. Her insurance plans also include auto, health, home, pet, business, and property insurance. As a Chartered Advisor for Senior Living, she caters to older clients, assisting them in their search for financial security. During her free time, she conducts ESL and US citizenship preparation classes for new immigrants.

License Verified:

License: 0769539

California Department of Insurance

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.4
Google
4.0 / 5 (16)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (8)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Mt. Diablo Insurance Brokers, Inc. logo
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License Verified:

License: 0F27222

California Department of Insurance

Mt. Diablo Insurance Brokers, Inc.

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3557 Mount Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette, CA 94549
  • Life Insurance
  • Health Insurance

Business Description

Mt. Diablo Insurance Brokers, Inc., is a full-service independent brokerage company that offers permanent and term life insurance plans to residents of Berkeley. It also provides a broad range of other personal and business insurance options, including health, recreational vehicle, commercial property, professional liability, and workers' compensation insurance. The professionals at Mt. Diablo Insurance Brokers, Inc., can also assist with individual and group health insurance for employees. It represents different carriers, such as Allied Insurance, Travelers, and Safeco Insurance.

License Verified:

License: 0F27222

California Department of Insurance

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (16)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Ruben Leon Insurance Agency logo
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License Verified:

License: 0E71214

California Department of Insurance

Ruben Leon Insurance Agency

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600 San Pablo Avenue, Albany, CA 94706
  • Life Insurance
  • Health Insurance

Business Description

Ruben Leon Insurance Agency is an insurance brokerage that serves clients in Berkeley and surrounding areas. The Albany-based agency partners with different insurance carriers to give clients options that suit their needs. It offers an array of risk management options, including life, health, auto, and home insurance. Additionally, it provides farm and ranch insurance, flood insurance, and business insurance coverage. Clients can make payments, file claims, change their addresses, and request insurance certificates through the agency's website.

License Verified:

License: 0E71214

California Department of Insurance

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
RWM Insurance logo
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License Verified:

License: 0414671

California Department of Insurance

RWM Insurance

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2 Bates Boulevard, Orinda, CA 94563
  • Life Insurance

Business Description

RWM Insurance is a life insurance firm that serves clients in Berkeley and nearby areas. The firm provides several types of life insurance such as universal, whole, and term. A wide range of coverage options for disability and income replacement insurance plans are also available. This independent insurance agency has been providing insurance solutions to the community since 1970. It represents various insurance carriers, including Ohio National Financial Services, Lincoln Financial Group, and John Hancock.

License Verified:

License: 0414671

California Department of Insurance

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (4)
Google
5.0 / 5 (2)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is better, term or whole life insurance?

    Life insurance is a personal financial tool, so the right type of insurance for you depends on your goals and current situation. One of the main differences between term life insurance and whole life insurance is that term life insurance only covers you for a set period of time. Once you meet the premium payment requirements on a whole life plan, it covers you for the rest of your life. Whole life insurance also builds cash value, making it a potential investment. But whole life insurance is typically much more expensive than term life insurance.

  • How much life insurance do I need?

    A common recommendation is purchasing life insurance that is equal to five times your current salary, or more. But you can also estimate how much life insurance you need by adding up your debts, annual expenses for dependents multiplied by the years you want to ensure support, and any other items you wish to cover, such as a future wedding or college tuition.

  • How does life insurance work?

    The details of how life insurance works depend on your individual plan, but the basics are as follows: 

    • You pay a premium to purchase the insurance. Typically the premium is paid monthly, but it could be rolled into quarterly, bi-annual, or annual payments. 
    • As long as you are meeting or have met premium obligations, if you pass away, the insurance company makes the agreed-upon payment to the beneficiaries you designated. 
    • Beneficiaries usually have to provide the insurance company with a death certificate to receive their payments.
  • How much is life insurance?

    The cost of life insurance ranges widely. Term life insurance can cost as little as a few dollars a day, and whole life insurance can cost thousands per month on the high end. Factors that impact the cost of your life insurance include whether you're choosing term life insurance or whole life insurance, your age, how much coverage you want, your overall health, and your gender.

  • Is life insurance taxable?

    Life insurance proceeds are the funds paid via your plan to your beneficiaries if you pass away. These are also called death benefits. Typically, these are not considered income for taxes. If you take out cash value from a whole life insurance investment and the amount exceeds how much you paid in premiums, the difference may be considered taxable income.


  • Can I buy health insurance that is not Obamacare?

    When people say "Obamacare insurance," they typically mean insurance within the health insurance marketplace. You can get health insurance outside of the marketplace by going through your employer, choosing COBRA coverage if you leave your job, or buying a short-term health insurance policy through an insurance agent. ACA-compliant plans meet all the benefits and coverage requirements of the Affordable Care Act. But you may be able to find supplemental or short-term coverage that simply provides peace of mind for major medical expenses.

  • Can I buy health insurance anytime?

    To buy health insurance in the marketplace, you must purchase it within open or special enrollment periods. But you can purchase short-term coverage to bridge the gap between now and the next open enrollment period. These plans are meant to be used for less than a year. You can purchase them online or via insurance agents, but they may not be ACA-compliant.