TORONTO, Nov. 5, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Foresters(tm), a leading fraternal benefit society, is continuing to expand its independent distribution channels with the addition of another leading national marketing organization, Imeriti, Inc., to offer Americans innovative life insurance products. Imeriti, Inc. will sell Foresters Lifefirst(1) level term life insurance and Forester Passport(2) universal life insurance products.
"Foresters products are marketed exclusively through leading NMOs," said Foresters SVP of North American Sales and Marketing, Christopher Pinkerton. "We are very pleased to announce further expansion of our distribution channels, providing more Americans than ever the opportunity to become Foresters members with access to our industry leading life insurance products. This is another important milestone for Foresters as we pursue our North American strategy to grow bigger, faster and in a more cost-effective manner so we can deliver on our fraternal mission to enrich the lives of our members and their communities."
Foresters Lifefirst is a level term life insurance product launched during the summer of 2007, with a suite of feature-rich riders, including a Common Carrier Accidental Death Rider(3) and a first-of-its-kind in the U.S. Family Health Benefit Rider(4) as standard protection features.
Forester Passport universal life insurance offers affordable permanent life insurance coverage with guarantees, flexible premium options and a range of optional riders.
"This agreement with Foresters is an excellent fit with Imeriti, Inc.," said Jacob Stern, CEO of Imeriti, Inc. "With products like Foresters Lifefirst and Forester Passport, we will be able to attract more producers and continue to serve our independent and financial institution affiliated agents alike, with new and innovative products. Foresters unique position in the marketplace provides us with an even stronger offering that will resonate well with the middle market."
Comprehensive suite of feature rich riders
Foresters Lifefirst includes competitively priced medical and non-medical rates and added features that address the needs of today's middle market, such as:
* A Common Carrier Accidental Death Rider and first-of-its-kind Family Health Benefit Rider that are provided at no additional premium * A critical illness rider that provides an accelerated death benefit for those experiencing a covered critical illness or procedure * An accident only disability income rider with higher issue rates that provides a monthly income for those who become totally disabled due to an accidental bodily injury
About Imeriti, Inc.
Imeriti, Inc., with offices based in Del Mar, CA; Olympia, WA and Columbus, OH; has been wholesaling investment-oriented life insurance to financial institutions, stockbrokers, financial planners and broker-dealers for over 25 years. Carl Stern, CFP, founded Imeriti, Inc. in 1979, as a means for financial advisors to more easily provide annuity, life insurance and long term care products to their clients. Imeriti, Inc. is committed to ensuring the continued success of its clientele by providing the best products, end-to-end case management, in-depth product information and superior customer service and support. For more information, visit www.imeriti.com
About Foresters
Founded in 1874, Foresters(tm) helps individuals and families achieve financial security with its innovative portfolio of life insurance products and annuities. Foresters has assets of more than $5.7 billion with liabilities of $4.5 billion resulting in a surplus of $1.2 billion (all figures in Canadian dollars as of December 31, 2006) and an "A" (Excellent) rating by A.M. Best*. Foresters shares its financial strength with its members, who are customers, through complimentary life, health and education benefits that help its more than 745,000 eligible members and their families in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Foresters provides opportunities that inspire its members to make a difference in their communities. Foresters Equity Services Inc.** and Foresters Securities (Canada) Inc. are wholly owned subsidiaries of Foresters that offer investment products in the United States and Canada respectively. For more information, please visit www.foresters.com
The Foresters logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2969
Foresters(tm) is a trademark of The Independent Order of Foresters, a fraternal benefit society, 789 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Canada M3C 1T9.
*An "A" (Excellent) rating is assigned to companies that have a strong ability to meet their ongoing obligations to policyholders and have, on balance, excellent balance sheet strength, operating performance and business profile when compared to the standards established by A.M. Best Company. In assigning Foresters rating, A.M. Best stated that Foresters rating outlook is "stable", which means it is unlikely to change in the near future, assuming Foresters financial strength is maintained and operations grow. A.M. Best assigns ratings from A++ to F, A++ being superior ratings and A and A- being excellent ratings.
**Investments offered through Foresters Equity Services, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC, 6640 Lusk Blvd., Suite A-202, San Diego, CA 92121 T. 858 550 4844, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Independent Order of Foresters.
(1) Lifefirst: This product is filed under form number LFEN-US01-2007, LFEN-XX01-2007 where XX stands for your state's postal abbreviation.
(2) Passport: This product is filed under certificate form number USUL-US01-2002 and may not be available for sale in all states.
(3) Common Carrier Accidental Death Rider: This rider is filed under form number CCADR-US01-2007, CCADR-XX01-2007 where XX stands for your state's postal abbreviation.
(4) Family Health Benefit Rider: This rider is filed under form number FHB-US01-2007, FHB-XX01-2007 where XX stands for your state's postal abbreviation.
Editors' note: Lifefirst Product Highlights is available at this link: www.foresters.com/product