A handful of insurers control trillions of dollars, and one of them is far bigger than the rest. Here is how the top names stack up, what their size really tells you, and how to check any insurer before you trust it with a policy.
Top 8 Largest Insurance Companies in the U.S. by Assets
Berkshire Hathaway tops the list of the largest insurance companies in the U.S., with about $1.15 trillion in total assets in 2024, according to AM Best's January 2026 review. That puts it in a league of its own – roughly 1.6 times the size of second-place Prudential Financial, which held $735.6 billion. MetLife ranks third with $677.5 billion, about $58 billion behind Prudential.
After the top three, the list drops sharply. Fourth-place State Farm Group holds $390.9 billion, nearly $287 billion less than MetLife. The bottom five companies then sit within about $27.5 billion of each other. State Farm edges out Lincoln National by only about $38 million – a tiny margin at this scale – while TIAA Group, Corebridge Financial, and Athene Holding are packed between $363 billion and $368 billion.
Together, the eight companies hold about $4.44 trillion in assets. Berkshire Hathaway alone accounts for roughly 26% of that, and the top three combined make up nearly 58%. Even Athene, the smallest company on the list at $363.3 billion, is enormous – yet Berkshire is still about 3.2 times its size.
One caveat applies to TIAA. AM Best notes that its assets are significantly understated because most of its separate account assets sit with its affiliate, CREF. Its true footprint is larger than its ranking suggests.
What Asset Size Does and Doesn't Tell You
Total assets measure everything an insurer owns – mostly the investments it holds to pay future claims and benefits. Companies that sell life insurance, annuities, and retirement products tend to lead asset rankings, because those policies require insurers to hold money for decades. That is why most names on this list are also among the largest life insurance companies. Berkshire Hathaway, which owns GEICO, and State Farm stand out with large auto and home insurance businesses.
Size also isn't the same as the best fit. A huge balance sheet signals staying power, but it says nothing about claim handling, customer service, or price. The company that ranks first by assets may not write the most auto insurance or home policies in your state, and your own rates and experience will depend on your coverage, location, and history.
How to Check an Insurer Before You Buy
Whether a company is large or small, a few quick checks can help you judge it:
- Confirm it is licensed to sell coverage where you live through your state insurance department.
- Search the company by name with the NAIC's company search tool to view its available reports.
- Review its financial strength rating from an independent rating agency.
- Compare quotes, coverage limits, and deductibles from several insurers.
The largest insurance companies in the U.S. hold trillions in assets, with Berkshire Hathaway far ahead of the pack. Size shows financial muscle, but checking licensing, complaints, and coverage terms gives a clearer picture of whether an insurer suits your needs.
