This was a list available from Weiss Ratings, just for info. I would certainly also get S+P and Moody's. Of course, who rates these services?
Strongest Annuity Insurers Data as of 09/03/2008Company NameStateWeiss
Safety
RatingTEACHERS INS & ANNUITY ASN OF AM NY
A+ STATE FARM LIFE INS CO IL
A+ COUNTRY LIFE INS CO IL
A+ AMERICAN FAMILY LIFE INS CO WI
A+ AMERICAN FIDELITY ASR CO OK
A+ STATE FARM LIFE & ACCIDENT ASR CO IL
A+ NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INS CO WI
A NEW YORK LIFE INS CO NY
A MASSACHUSETTS MUTUAL LIFE INS CO MA
A PACIFIC LIFE INS CO NE
A NEW YORK LIFE INS & ANNUITY CORP DE
A GUARDIAN LIFE INS CO OF AMERICA NY
A FIDELITY INVESTMENTS LIFE INS CO UT
A USAA LIFE INS CO TX
A SOUTHERN FARM BUREAU LIFE INS CO MS
A JOHN HANCOCK LIFE INS CO OF NY NY
A SENTRY LIFE INS CO WI
A FORT DEARBORN LIFE INS CO IL
A AUTO-OWNERS LIFE INS CO MI
A UNITED FARM FAMILY LIFE INS CO IN
A