WASHINGTON, DC -- (MARKET WIRE) -- October 03, 2006 -- Five prominent life insurance companies have qualified to renew their membership in the Insurance Marketplace Standards Association (IMSA), the premier standards-setting organization for the life insurance marketplace.

IMSA President & CEO Brian Atchinson congratulated the following companies for successfully completing the rigorous, independent review of their marketing, sales and compliance practices required every three years to qualify for renewed IMSA membership:

--  American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company, Des Moines, IA;
--  American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company of New York, Lake
    Success, NY;
--  Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, West Des Moines, IA;
--  Hartford Life Insurance Company; and
--  Hartford Life and Annuity Insurance Company, both in Simsbury, CT.
   
"IMSA qualification is a tangible demonstration of a company's continuing dedication to ethical business practices and fair and honest service to customers," Atchinson said. "We applaud these companies and their commitment to IMSA's high standards and quality business practices that safeguard the consumer."
IMSA is the premier standards-setting organization for the life insurance marketplace. Companies that qualify for membership in this nonprofit, independent organization commit to maintaining high ethical standards and to being fair, honest, and open in the way they advertise, sell and service life insurance, annuity products, and long-term care insurance in the individual market. For more information about IMSA and a list of IMSA-qualified companies, visit www.IMSAethics.org.

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For information, contact:
Susan Beach
240-744-3021

SOURCE:  Insurance Marketplace Standards Association

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