Arm yourself with facts when looking for life insurance. Read this article to learn basic facts about whole life Insurance, a permanent policy that pays death benefits and earns you cash value.
Many of the questions you may have regarding whole life insurance can certainly be answered by a knowledgeable life insurance agent or broker. However, before you go shopping, it might be a good idea to educate yourself on the basics. Not only does this provide you with valuable information, but it can help prompt additional questions that you might have as you're deciding on what type of policy to buy. The following are three basic elements that define a whole life policy:
1. Whole life insurance is permanent insurance
Whole life insurance is a permanent* cash value policy that provides coverage for your whole life, rather than for a specified term. Typically, a whole life policy remains in force as long as required premiums are paid. It provides protection that can last your entire lifetime and your beneficiaries typically receive death benefit proceeds tax-free.
2. Whole life insurance earns cash value
Each time you pay your premium, a portion is used to provide you with life insurance coverage. The remainder, however, is set aside and allowed to accumulate. This component, called cash valueor loan value, builds over time and can be taken out as a loan against the policy. Keep in mind that loans against the policy will accrue interest and decrease both death benefits and cash value by the amount of the outstanding loan and interest.
3. Whole life insurance offers
- Level premiums — The premiums you pay remain the same for the life of your policy, regardless of your age or health.
- Death benefits — Your beneficiaries receive the face amount of the policy upon your death. However, the death benefit will be reduced by any outstanding cash value loans and interest.
- Cash value— Your cash value will grow each year, tax-deferred. You also have the option of borrowing against your policy's cash value.
A whole life policy might be right for your family if:
- You're looking for life insurance that you can't outlive.
- You need life insurance to be part of your long-term financial planning.
- You want the opportunity for you policy to build cash value.
Deciding on the type of life insurance doesn't have to be overly complex. Now that you are armed with some basic information, you'll be in a better position to discuss with your agent and determine the best policy for you.
* As long as required premium payments are timely paid.
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FAQs
The policy's essential elements consist of the premium payable each year, the death benefits payable to the beneficiary and the cash surrender value the policyholder would receive if the policy is surrendered prior to death.
What are the 3 typical requirements in an insurance policy? ›
The Conditions
Common conditions in a policy include the requirement to file a proof of loss with the company, to protect property after a loss, and to cooperate during the company's investigation or defense of a liability lawsuit.
What are the three 3 main types of insurance? ›
Although there are many insurance policy types, some of the most common are life, health, homeowners, and auto.
What are the three primary elements in life insurance rate making? ›
In rate making, three basic requirements must be met: rates must be adequate to cover expected losses, must not be excessive, and must not be unfairly discriminatory among different classes of risk.
What are the three basic parts of full coverage insurance? ›
Full coverage car insurance is protection that includes collision, comprehensive, and liability coverage. Often, you can supplement your insurance with uninsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection, medical payments, gap insurance, and other coverage options.
What is the basis of a whole life insurance policy? ›
Whole life insurance is the simplest form of permanent life insurance, with guarantees for the death benefit amount, premium costs, and cash value growth. Compared to universal life (another form of permanent coverage), whole life typically offers more guarantees but less payment flexibility.
What are the three C's of insurance? ›
A number of these factors fall under what the Surety industry calls “The Three C's”; Character, Capacity, and Capital. All three of these are important to the underwriting process.
What are the three principles of insurance? ›
Basic Principles of Insurance
In the insurance world there are six basic principles that must be met, ie insurable interest, Utmost good faith, proximate cause, indemnity, subrogation and contribution.
What 3 additional elements need to be present in an insurance contract? ›
The other elements required are specific to insurance contracts: Indemnity. Insurable Interest. Utmost Good Faith.
What are the 3 functions of insurance? ›
The functions of insurance can be listed as follows: They provide certainty to the insured. They ensure the protection of the family. They are risk-sharing policies.
Bottom Line. Health insurance options are predominantly categorised into three primary sources: employer-sponsored, government-sponsored, and individual health insurance.
What are the 3 P's of life insurance? ›
A television commercial selling life insurance speaks about three Ps that all focus on one aspect of their policies… price, price and price. It is an easily understood and remembered sales tool, although the substance, value and need for the product is not included in the tag line.
Which three are the three types of whole life insurance? ›
Whole life insurance provides lifelong coverage with fixed premiums and a cash value component. It includes variations like traditional, variable, and universal whole life, each offering different levels of flexibility and investment options.
Which of these is an element of whole life insurance? ›
The policy includes a savings portion, called the “cash value,” alongside the death benefit. In the savings component, interest may accumulate on a tax-deferred basis. 1 Growing cash value is an essential component of whole life insurance.
What are the key components of life insurance? ›
The primary benefit offered by a life insurance policy is known as the death benefit, or the amount paid to the nominee upon the death of the policyholder. This amount is also known as the sum assured and could also include bonuses.
Who are the 3 people involved in a life insurance policy? ›
So, all life insurance policies have three people involved, three categories of people. Sometimes the categories overlap, as we'll talk about. But there are usually three people involved in policy: the insured, the owner, and a beneficiary.