What should I take into consideration when shopping for annuities?

Commissions. Check the broker commissions – even though the insurer is the one who gives you the annuity, the broker may make anywhere from 3 to 8% which can substantially cut into your money.
The Company. Make sure that the company that you are buying the annuity from has a good track record. There is no agency (such as the SEC) that checks the procedures of these companies, so the reputation of the company is of the utmost importance.
Compare and Contrast. Check the amount of payments that you will receive from different companies. This may vary greatly from company to company – however, do not judge solely based on these numbers. Keep in mind the legitimacy of the company.