Potential annuity holders need to shop around for insurance companies to know the rates of return available on different types of annuities. People may seek the help of annuity brokers. These brokers help potential buyers obtain information about insurance companies, premium investments and the performance of the investments in the market, etc.

Most annuity brokers maintain high standards of honor and loyalty, promoting just and equitable principles of trade. The annuity brokers are required to disclose all information to the buyer about the risk involved in taking on a particular annuity, the charges involved and the company\'s financial information. They are not supposed to use any fraudulent device or malpractice to induce the buyer to invest in high-risk annuities.

The most popular annuity broker company is Annuity Advantage. Their brokers provide annuity rates and quotes covering over 300 Commercial Deposit annuities, fixed deferred annuities, equity indexed annuities and immediate annuities of more than 30 top rated insurance companies. All these annuities have no market risk, providing a steady income to the annuity holders at periodic intervals of time. For instance, the amount obtained from the sale of fixed annuities will be invested in government securities and bonds that are low risk and offer a guaranteed rate of return.

Annuity Advantage brokers do not believe in variable annuities, as the rate of return on these annuities depends on the performance of underlying investments -- often subject to market risk. Most of clients of these brokers are within 20 years of retirement.

Virtual Annuity Brokers.com and AnnuityRateWatch.com also provide counseling services and database to potential annuity investors about different types of insurance companies offering different types of annuities.