Our Story

Independent Final Expense & Burial Insurance Brokers for Seniors & Families

We started RyCo Life Solutions so no family gets left unprepared. RyCo is an independent life insurance brokerage that specializes in final expense insurance, burial insurance, and senior life insurance for families nationwide. Founded by two best friends, Ryan Vallett and Cody Witzel, we work with more than 30 A-rated carriers - including coverage for pre-existing conditions like diabetes, COPD, heart disease, and past cancer - to find honest, day-one coverage at a price that fits. Licensed in 48 states, we treat every client like our own family.

Why we do this

A note from Ryan, co-founder

In 2019, I watched my father pass away. He left me and my three brothers a $20,000 life insurance policy. It didn't make us rich - but it made a difference I will never forget. We had never prepared for a funeral, and figuring all of that out in the middle of grieving was overwhelming. That $20,000 meant we did not have to pull the money out of our own pockets while we were trying to say goodbye.

I know firsthand what coverage means to a family - and I have seen what it is like when someone passes without it. That is why Cody and I built RyCo. Too many people get sold a final expense or burial insurance policy they don't need, an overpriced plan, or a policy with a two- or three-year waiting period when they actually qualified for coverage from day one. We started RyCo to do the opposite: tell people the truth, find them the right fit, and treat them the way we would want our own families treated.

- Ryan Vallett, Co-founder, RyCo Life Solutions
Who we are

Two best friends who decided to do it right

RyCo - Ryan + Cody - was founded in 2024. We have worked together for more than ten years combined, and we each hold active life and health insurance licenses. No call center, no captive sales scripts - just two independent brokers who pick up the phone.

Ryan Vallett, co-founder of RyCo Life Solutions

Ryan Vallett

Co-founder · Licensed Broker

Ryan works directly with families day to day on burial insurance, final expense coverage, and Medicare guidance. He is the long-term point of contact for many RyCo clients and has been a licensed insurance broker for about five years. Get your personalized quote →

Cody Witzel, co-founder of RyCo Life Solutions

Cody Witzel

Co-founder · Licensed Broker

Cody leads RyCo's independent carrier network and specializes in matching applicants with the carrier most likely to approve their specific health profile - especially tougher cases. He has been a licensed broker for about five years. See which carriers fit you →

How we're different

What you get with RyCo that a call center can't offer

We are an independent life insurance brokerage, which means we work for you - not for one insurance company. Here is what that looks like in practice.

1

Day-one coverage when you qualify

We work with more than 30 A-rated carriers for one reason: to find the one that covers you from day one. In most cases, when you qualify, we can get you first-day coverage instead of a two- or three-year waiting period you never needed.

2

We specialize in tougher health cases

Diabetes, COPD, heart disease, a recent stroke, recently-treated cancer, lupus - the conditions other agents shy away from are the ones we know best. We know which carrier says yes to which profile, so a health history doesn't have to mean a worse policy.

3

We'll tell you the truth, even when it costs us

If a smaller policy fits your budget better, we'll say so. If the policy you already have is a good one, we'll tell you to keep it. We're not here to sell you something - we're here to get it right.

4

Free policy review, no strings attached

Already have coverage? We'll review it at no charge. We often find something better, cheaper, or day-one - and sometimes all three. If we can't improve on it, we'll tell you that too.

5

We're with your family at claim time

When a client passes, their family calls us - and we walk them through the claims process personally. We treat our clients like family, and we treat their families like family too.

What we offer

Final expense and burial insurance built for real families

Most people who call RyCo want one simple thing: an affordable policy that protects their family from funeral costs, burial expenses, and final medical bills. No medical exam for most applicants.

1

Final expense insurance for seniors

A small whole life policy - typically $5,000 to $40,000 - designed to cover funeral costs, medical bills, and last expenses, with day-one benefits when you qualify. See how it works →

2

Burial insurance

The same purpose as a final expense policy, and often the term families search for. Fast approval, level benefits from day one when you qualify, and simple, affordable monthly premiums.

3

Life insurance with pre-existing conditions

We regularly help clients with diabetes, COPD, heart disease, stroke history, cancer in remission, and lupus. With 30+ carriers, we know which one is most likely to approve you - and at what rate.

Independent brokerage Licensed in 48 states 30+ A-rated carriers BBB A+ accredited 5.0-star rated on Google
The brokerage advantage

Why an independent life insurance brokerage matters

Coverage built around you

Working with an independent life insurance brokerage means you are never forced into a one-size-fits-all policy. We do the heavy lifting - comparing options across 30+ A-rated carriers - to find coverage that actually protects your family, without unnecessary waiting periods or hidden fees.

In their words

What families say about RyCo

Common questions

Questions families ask us

What is final expense insurance?
Final expense insurance is a small whole life policy - often $5,000 to $40,000 - designed to cover funeral costs, burial or cremation, and other end-of-life expenses, so your family isn't left with the bill. It is sometimes called burial insurance or funeral insurance.
What's the difference between burial insurance and final expense insurance?
They usually refer to the same kind of small whole life policy built to cover funeral and burial costs - the terms are used interchangeably. We shop both and find you the best rate and the earliest coverage you qualify for.
Can I get day-one coverage with diabetes, COPD, or a heart condition?
In most cases, yes. These are the exact health conditions we specialize in. Because we work with more than 30 carriers, we know which one is most likely to approve you - often with first-day coverage instead of a long waiting period - based on your specific profile.
Do I need a medical exam?
No medical exam is required for most of the policies we write. Carriers use a short set of health questions and a prescription history check instead of a physical, so seniors and people with health conditions can qualify quickly.
How much does coverage cost, and how much do people usually get?
Rates depend on your age, health, and coverage amount, but most families choose $10,000 to $25,000 of coverage. We'll show you real quotes from 30+ carriers so you only pay for what you actually need.
Do you charge for a policy review?
No. If you already have coverage, we'll review it free of charge. We often find something better, cheaper, or day-one - and if your current policy is already the right fit, we'll tell you to keep it.
What states does RyCo serve?
We are licensed in 48 states and work with families nationwide. Coverage availability and rates vary by state, and insurance services may not be available in all states.
What happens when a claim is filed?
When the time comes, your family calls us directly and we walk them through the carrier's claims process personally - so everything is handled smoothly during an already difficult time.

Let's find the right fit - honestly.

No pressure, no call center, no gimmicks. Get a free final expense quote in about 60 seconds, or book a call with a licensed RyCo broker to talk through your options.

Or call a licensed broker: 314-876-0334

Coverage, rates, waiting periods, and eligibility vary by state, age, health history, and carrier. RyCo Life Solutions is an independent insurance brokerage and does not represent every insurance company in every state. Insurance services may not be available in all states.