Rating agencies are independent bodies that assess a life insurance company's financial strength and ability to pay claims. These objective ratings analyze customer complaints, available cash flow, and acceptable risk. The ratings are like grades, so an A is better than a B. There are four agencies: A.M. Best, Fitch, Moody's, and Standard & Poor's. Each agency applies its own standards and grading scales. However, they are consistent in that the higher the rating, the better the agency has assessed the chances your insurer will be able to pay your benefit, regardless of when your family needs it.