What is variable life insurance?

Answer

Variable life insurance differs from whole life insurance and universal life insurance in that policy owners direct the distribution of their premium payments among several different accounts or funds rather than of the company's choosing. Typical account choices are: common stock, bond, mortgage, and money-market accounts.

With a variable policy, the death benefit and cash value benefits vary in relation to the value of the investments underlying the policy. If the value of the accounts increases, so will the benefits; if the value of the account decreases, so will the benefits, subject to a minimum guarantee.

Variable life insurance is more risky to the policy owner than the other forms of cash value insurance, but there is a possibility of greater returns. In fact, variable life insurance is so much like "normal" investing that agents offering it must be licensed securities dealers and registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

For Insurance — a free service that connects consumers with insurance agents and policies — recommends that variable and variable-universal policies are most suitable suitable for long term obligations and those who are more active investors and for estate growth and death tax liquidity.

Answer

In Response to Chris' prior response. "Variable" means it is not a fixed account, but in subaccounts directed according to the policy owner's wishes. These subaccount include, but not always, popular funds like the ones offered by Fidelity Investment. They all have there field of investments. Some are Blue Chip stock funds, Over-seas funds and even more simple Government Bond funds. Money Market is a choice. The choices can be endless and the owner picks % of the net premium paid after expense to go to each Sub-Account. Your Death Benefit will stay the same if you choose the Level Death Benefit option. Your benfit will be payable as long as premiums are paid and there are funds in the accumulation account connected to the subaccounts. You can also choose an Increasing Death benefit that includes the Face ammoun, the amount of insurance on your life, plus the value of your funds. You have choices but get a good agent licensed to sell Variable Contracts. he will need his Series 6 and usually series 63 securties license.

First answer by Chris. Last edit by Mark. Question popularity: 221 [recommend question]