Americans are looking for ways to ensure they won't outlive their income in retirement, said New York Life, and as a result are driving sales higher for its Guaranteed Future Income (GFI) deferred income annuity.

Sales of GFI have totaled more than $2 billion since the company introduced it in July of 2011, and 10 other insurance carriers have introduced similar products since its inception. In addition, 20 percent of GFI policyholders have contributed more than one premium payment.

GFI gives policyholders the option to determine an income start date in the future for guaranteed payments that will continue for life. Between the time they make their initial premium payment and the date that income actually starts, they can make additional premium payments to increase the amount of income they will receive in the future. They can also move the income start date up or back, depending on their situations.