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Life insurance is a valuable tool when you’re planning a legacy for those you leave behind. However, each policy type offers different extents of coverage. For example, a term life insurance policy is only good for a set period of time. All the premiums you pay towards the coverage are lost if you outlive the policy. Choosing permanent life insurance expands your options by getting rid of the limited term and adding an investment element through the cash value portion of the policy. There are a few ways you can grow the cash value of your life insurance policy. Whole life insurance provides you with fixed premiums and simple interest, but the growth potential is minimal. Of all the types of permanent life insurance, variable universal life insurance coverage could provide you with the most flexibility and opportunity to grow cash value. Variable universal life insurance policiesA variable universal life insurance policy is a type of permanent life insurance. As mentioned above, permanent life insurance provides a death benefit you can leave to your beneficiaries after you pass and a cash value account you can use during your lifetime. Permanent life insurance comes in three main types:
A variable universal life policy is the most flexible type of permanent life insurance. You can adjust the amount of the death benefit as well as how often (and how much) you’ll pay in premiums once you’ve contributed enough towards the policy. In addition, you can grow the cash value portion of your policy more aggressively by investing it in the stock market by buying equities, bonds or mutual funds. There’s one caveat — with higher growth potential comes higher risk. As with all investments in the stock market, your cash value can fluctuate. Your investment could make good gains, but losses are also possible. Benefits of variable universal life insuranceA variable universal insurance life (VUL) policy isn’t necessarily for everyone, but it may be a good option if you have some investment knowledge and would like to maximize earnings on the cash you’re accruing. Some of the benefits of variable universal life insurance include: Guaranteed death benefitYour life insurance policy will have two components: the death benefit and the cash value. The death benefit that will be paid out to your beneficiaries when you pass is separate from the cash value and is guaranteed as long as you continue to pay your premiums. Flexible premium paymentsMost life insurance policies have a set monthly premium. With variable universal life insurance, you can adjust your premium payments according to how much you’d like to invest towards your cash value. You can pay the minimum to keep the death benefit current. You can choose how often you pay your premiums (monthly, quarterly or annually). If the investments you chose cause the cash value to fall, you’ll need to make additional premium payments to prevent the policy from becoming underfunded and lapsing. More control and greater growthIn other permanent life insurance policies, the amount that goes towards the cash value earns a small amount of interest. You’ll have greater control over your growing balance in a VUL policy. You can invest the cash into a mutual fund or specific stocks for greater growth. Tax-deferred earningsThe amount your beneficiaries receive after you die will be exempt from federal income taxes. Any income you earn from the invested cash value is only subject to federal tax at the time you withdraw funds. In addition, you may borrow from your policy’s cash value without having to pay taxes. Keep in mind that if your policy lapses or is terminated with outstanding policy loans, you may be subject to federal taxes on the outstanding amount. Who might benefit from a variable universal life policy?There are three types of people who might benefit most from a variable universal life policy:
Frequently asked questionsWhat’s the difference between term life and variable universal life insurance?Term life insurance is a temporary life insurance solution. It’s less expensive, but is only available for a set term, typically 10, 20 or 30 years. Variable universal life insurance is a form of permanent life insurance that’s good as long as you continue to pay your premiums. What is permanent life insurance?Permanent life insurance is not temporary like term life insurance. As long as you continue to pay your premiums, your permanent life insurance policy is in effect. What is cash value in a life insurance policy?Permanent life insurance has two parts: the death benefit and the cash value portion. The death benefit is reserved as a payout to your beneficiaries after you pass away. In contrast, you can withdraw and borrow from the cash value portion throughout the life of the policy. What’s the difference between whole life insurance and variable universal life insurance?Both are permanent life insurance. Whole life insurance has set premiums for life and the cash value portion earns a small amount of interest. Variable universal insurance policy premiums are flexible and can be adjusted. The cash value could be invested in stocks, bonds or mutual funds for greater growth. What is a variable universal life insurance policy?Variable universal life (VUL) insurance is a form of permanent life insurance. It combines the main benefit of life insurance—a financial payout to your loved ones when you die—with investment subaccounts. These investment subaccounts can be used to invest the cash value of your policy.
What is the smallest amount for a life insurance policy?For most life insurance companies, the smallest life insurance policy offered is for $100,000 in coverage. However, there are some companies, such as Genworth Life Insurance Company and AIG American General Life Insurance, that offer term coverage in the amount of $50,000 or even $25,000.
Is universal life insurance considered variable?Variable life has fixed premiums that you can predict for the entirety of the policy, while universal life insurance has flexible premiums that can be paid for with the cash value. Both also accumulate cash value that you can use while you are alive.
Does a variable whole life policy have a minimum guaranteed death benefit?Variable life insurance has a guaranteed minimum death benefit that can fluctuate over time. The cash value amount is not guaranteed and depends on market conditions. Like any permanent life insurance policy, variable life can cost 5 to 15 times more than a term life insurance policy with the same face value.
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