What is cash value life insurance?

With cash value life insurance, a portion of every premium payment goes toward a savings feature that collects interest over time. As your policy's accumulated cash value grows, you can use it to make premium payments, borrow money, or even withdraw cash.

4 min to read

Explore Progressive's editorial standards for Answers articles to find out why you can trust the insurance information you find here.

What kinds of life insurance policies accrue cash value?

The cash value feature is included on permanent life insurance types like whole life insurance and universal life insurance. Since final expense life insurance is a type of whole life, it can also have cash value and can be a more affordable option for obtaining a policy with cash value.

Does term life insurance have a cash value?

There's typically no term life insurance cash value since term life policies are designed to last for a limited period. However, if you want cash value on a new term life policy, ask your insurer if it's possible. And if you already have a term policy and want a cash value feature, it may be possible to convert your term life insurance to whole life.

To learn more about cash value life insurance vs. term, see the differences between term and whole life insurance.

How does cash value life insurance work?

When you make premium payments on a cash value life insurance policy (typically any permanent policy), part of your payment is allocated to the policy's cash value savings component, which accrues interest over time. Whole life policies grow their cash value via a fixed interest rate, while universal life policies grow their cash value at a rate more dependent on the market (but with a guaranteed minimum rate).

Depending on the type of life insurance policy you have, your cash value can be used in different ways. If you have whole life and your cash value grows to equal your death benefit amount, your insurer will automatically terminate your policy and pay out the death benefit to you. If you have universal life, your cash value has the potential to result in a zero-cost policy — that means all premiums are paid from the built-up cash value. Both types of policies have cash value that can be used as a life insurance loan once it grows to a certain amount.

Pro tip:

The cash value insurance feature is generally designed to benefit you while you're still alive — by providing you with a loan option and a way to potentially decrease your premium payments. Your cash value will not affect your death benefit amount unless your policy specifically allows for the cash surrender value to be added to your death benefit (which can significantly increase your premium).

Can I use my life insurance policy's cash value while I'm still alive?

Yes, there are ways to cash in your life insurance policy while still alive. However, these methods may result in changes to your death benefit amount or even ending your life insurance coverage:

Sell back your policy: You may be able to fully cash in your life insurance while you're still alive by selling back your policy to the insurer in exchange for its cash surrender value, some of which may be taxable. If you cash in on your policy, your coverage will end and a death benefit will not be paid upon your passing. Consult with a financial advisor to determine your options and the tax and fee implications for cashing in on your life insurance policy.
Take out a loan: If you want to maintain coverage while accessing some of your policy's cash value funds, find out if it has grown enough for you to borrow against the policy. You can then pay back this loan with interest (or have the owed amount subtracted from your death benefit when you pass away). Note that if you borrow the full cash value of your policy (or possibly a lesser amount set by the insurer), it may result in termination of coverage — essentially selling back your policy in exchange for the cash value.

How to get life insurance

You can get a life insurance quote and compare rates online. You'll answer some questions, and then you'll choose your coverage amount and other policy details. You can also call 1-866-912-2477 to speak with a licensed Progressive Life by eFinancial representative who can help you find the right policy for you.