Prioritize the following: (1) financial strength rating from AM Best (look for A or higher), (2) guaranteed interest rate and whether it is locked for the full term or just the first year, (3) surrender period length and penalty schedule, (4) free-withdrawal allowance per year, (5) renewal rate history and how the carrier has treated renewals in the past, (6) any fees including administrative charges or optional rider costs, and (7) the quality of customer service and the claims payment track record.