South Carolina Life Insurance Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common feature seen in whole life insurance?

1. It has no cash value

2. It requires a medical exam upon application

3. It lasts for a set term period

4. It accumulates cash value over time

The correct answer is: It accumulates cash value over time

Whole life insurance is designed to provide coverage for the lifetime of the insured, and one of its defining characteristics is that it builds cash value over time. This cash value component is a savings element that accumulates through premiums paid into the policy. As the policyholder continues to pay premiums, a portion of those payments goes towards the cash value, which grows at a guaranteed rate set by the life insurance company. This cash value can be borrowed against or withdrawn, providing a financial resource for the policyholder during their lifetime. The accumulation of cash value sets whole life insurance apart from other types of life insurance, such as term life insurance, which does not build cash value and is intended purely as a death benefit for a specified period. The ability to accumulate cash value not only offers potential financial benefits but also contributes to the overall value of the policy, making it an attractive option for long-term financial planning.