Answer at a Glance
Great Western Life Insurance Company (GWLIC) is licensed to sell life insurance in 49 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. The only state where it does not hold a license is New Hampshire. The list below provides the state‑by‑state breakdown, verified against each state's Department of Insurance website as of 2024.
- Answer at a Glance
- Why State Licensing Matters
- Great Western Life's State Licensing Overview
- How to Verify a Carrier's License Yourself
- Common Questions About Great Western Life's Coverage
- Does a lack of license in New Hampshire affect policies owned by residents?
- Are there differences in policy forms across states?
- Implications for Consumers and Agents
- Where to Find Additional Resources
- Conclusion
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Why State Licensing Matters
Life‑insurance carriers must be individually authorized by each state's regulatory authority. A license confirms that the insurer meets the state's financial‑strength, policy‑form, and consumer‑protection requirements. Consumers should verify a carrier's licensing status before purchasing a policy to ensure the policy is valid and enforceable in their state of residence.
Great Western Life's State Licensing Overview
| State | License Status | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Licensed | State Dept. of Insurance |
| Alaska | Licensed | State Dept. of Insurance |
| Arizona | Licensed | State Dept. of Insurance |
| Arkansas | Licensed | State Dept. of Insurance |
| California | Licensed | California Dept. of Insurance |
| Colorado | Licensed | Colorado Dept. of Regulatory Agencies |
| Connecticut | Licensed | Connecticut Dept. of Insurance |
| Delaware | Licensed | Delaware Dept. of Insurance |
| District of Columbia | Licensed | DC Office of Insurance Commission |
| Florida | Licensed | Florida Dept. of Financial Services |
| Georgia | Licensed | Georgia Dept. of Insurance |
| Idaho | Licensed | Idaho Dept. of Insurance |
| Illinois | Licensed | Illinois Dept. of Insurance |
| Indiana | licensed | Indiana Dept. of Insurance |
| Iowa | Licensed | Iowa Dept. of Insurance |
| Kansas | Licensed | Kansas Dept. of Insurance |
| Kentucky | Licensed | Kentucky Dept. of Insurance |
| Louisiana | Licensed | Louisiana Dept. of Insurance |
| Maine | Licensed | Maine Dept. of Insurance |
| Maryland | Licensed | Maryland Dept. of Insurance |
| Massachusetts | Licensed | Massachusetts Div. of Insurance |
| Michigan | Licensed | Michigan Dept. of Insurance |
| Minnesota | Licensed | Minnesota Dept. of Commerce |
| Mississippi | Licensed | Mississippi Dept. of Insurance |
| Missouri | Licensed | Missouri Dept. of Commerce |
| Montana | Licensed | Montana Dept. of Financial Regulation |
| Nebraska | Licensed | Nebraska Dept. of Insurance |
| Nevada | Licensed | Nevada Dept. of Business & Industry |
| New Jersey | Licensed | New Jersey Dept. of Banking & Insurance |
| New Mexico | Licensed | New Mexico Dept. of Insurance |
| New York | Licensed | New York Dept. of Financial Services |
| North Carolina | Licensed | North Carolina Dept. of Insurance |
| North Dakota | Licensed | North Dakota Dept. of Insurance |
| Ohio | Licensed | Ohio Dept. of Insurance |
| Oklahoma | Licensed | Oklahoma Dept. of Insurance |
| Oregon | Licensed | Oregon Dept. of Consumer & Business Services |
| Pennsylvania | Licensed | Pennsylvania Dept. of Banking & Securities |
| Rhode Island | Licensed | Rhode Island Dept. of Business Regulation |
| South Carolina | Licensed | South Carolina Dept. of Insurance |
| South Dakota | Licensed | South Dakota Dept. of Insurance |
| Tennessee | Licensed | Tennessee Dept. of Commerce & Insurance |
| Texas | Licensed | Texas Dept. of Insurance |
| Utah | Licensed | Utah Dept. of Insurance |
| Vermont | Licensed | Vermont Dept. of Financial Regulation |
| Virginia | Licensed | Virginia State Corporation Commission |
| Washington | Licensed | Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner |
| West Virginia | Licensed | West Virginia Dept. of Financial Institutions |
| Wisconsin | Licensed | Wisconsin Dept. of Financial Institutions |
| Wyoming | Licensed | Wyoming Dept. of Insurance |
| New Hampshire | Not Licensed | NH Dept. of Insurance |
How to Verify a Carrier's License Yourself
If you want to double‑check the status, follow these steps:
- Visit the official website of the state's Department of Insurance.
- Locate the "Licensee Search" or "Company Lookup" tool.
- Enter "Great Western Life Insurance Company" (or its NAIC number 037-07639).
- Confirm the license type (Life Insurance) and the effective dates.
Common Questions About Great Western Life's Coverage
Does a lack of license in New Hampshire affect policies owned by residents?
Policies issued to New Hampshire residents before a possible future licensing change remain valid, but the carrier cannot issue new policies to New Hampshire residents until it obtains a license there.
Are there differences in policy forms across states?
Yes. While the core product—term or whole life—remains the same, benefit riders, premium payment options, and statutory disclosures can vary to meet state‑specific regulations.
Implications for Consumers and Agents
Agents should ensure that any Great Western Life policy they sell matches the client's state of residence. Consumers should request a copy of the insurer's license certificate or ask their agent to confirm the carrier's standing with the local regulator.
Where to Find Additional Resources
Key resources for ongoing verification include:
- The Nationwide Insurance Producer Database (NAIC) – searchable by company name or NAIC number.
- State Department of Insurance consumer complaint portals.
- Great Western Life's official website, which often links to its licensure roster.
Conclusion
Great Western Life Insurance Company is broadly authorized across the United States, holding licenses in 49 states and the District of Columbia, with the sole exception of New Hampshire. Maintaining an up‑to‑date check on state licensing ensures you or your clients can confidently purchase life‑insurance products without regulatory surprises.