Life insurance is insurance that can be very long term. And it's not protected like your bank account might be by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. So when you're shopping for life insurance, you should get quotes from companies that you can trust. Here are some guidelines to help you pick a life insurance company.

Check the financial stability of the company. There are five different rating agencies that rate the financial strength of insurance companies: A.M. Best, Weiss, Standard & Poor's , Fitch and Moody's. Check the ratings for the insurance company or companies you are interested in. You can either get the ratings on the rating agency Web sites or by contacting them directly.

Check to see if they have the product options you need. Before you shop for insurance, determine what your life insurance needs are. Do you just need a 10-year term policy? Do you want the option to convert to permanent life insurance?

Verify if they are licensed in your state. Check with your state insurance department to see if the company is licensed to operate where you live. Then you can turn for help to your state insurance department if you have any issues you need resolved with the insurance company.

Try to find out about their service and claims records. Do their agents or representatives seem helpful and willing to offer you advice? Check with your state insurance department to see if they have received any complaints about the company's service or claims record.

When you shop for life insurance quotes, be sure to look at what each policy offers so you can make an accurate comparison. One quote may be lower than another, but the higher policy may offer an additional benefit. Also, make sure to get at least three quotes.