Reader’s Question:

I just got a new job and my mom’s been bugging me to get universal life insurance. Can you tell me, what is the difference between universal life insurance and whole life insurance, anyway? Is it the same as variable life insurance here in Bloomington?

Vanessa

Bloomington, IN

You have a very practical mom, Vanessa. Nevertheless, I think it’s good that you’re exploring all your options and not just looking at universal life insurance per se.

Now, to answer your questions. Whole life insurance and universal life insurance both provide permanent insurance coverage; however, whole life insurance involves a level premium which guarantees you a certain death benefit amount as well as cash values while universal life insurance policies involve more flexible premiums as well as potential for higher benefits. There are three basic types of universal life insurance – the interest-sensitive traditional fixed universal life insurance, the equity-indexed life insurance and the fully flexible variable universal life insurance.

Most universal life insurance companies in Indiana would probably be able to offer you both types of life insurance as well as any of the three types of universal life insurance. You must be careful, though, because different insurers would have different policy costs, terms and conditions. It is advisable that you shop around for a bit before you commit or sign a contract. I suggest that you request for free universal life insurance quotes online from insurers in Indiana. To do this, type in your zip code in the forms on this page. Compare and contrast so that you can get the best deal. I hope I was able to help clear up things a bit for you, Vanessa.

Reader’s Question:

I have encountered a person mentioning about investing in variable life insurance. Then I have another friend who received a proposal for variable universal insurance. Are the two the same in Florida concerning life insurance?

Cheska

Gainsville, FL

I’m sure that you have also been approached by life insurance agents in Florida because your friends have been contacted too. Anyway, to answer your question, both variable life insurance and variable universal life insurance are permanent life insurance that has the life coverage and the cash value. Meaning, you are not only paying for life insurance, you are also investing for cash which accumulates over a period of time. These are the main similarities of the two life insurance products.

The variable life insurance has cash value which is invested in stocks, bonds and mutual fund for money market. This seems attractive in a sense that these investments grow quickly and in large amount. I know you’ll agree that stocks and bonds are good investment when it is performing well. However, there’s a risk that these investment may not work well thus posing risk to your money. Once the investment is a failure, you would decrease the face amount of your life insurance together with the failed investment. However, there are policies of variable life insurance that guarantees death benefit within minimum level.

Variable universal life insurance has the same characteristics as the variable life insurance. What makes it different is that it has the features of the universal life insurance in premium payment. Just like universal life insurance, the variable universal life insurance is flexible in premium payment because it is dependent on the prevailing market interest rate. Such flexibility in premium is the only difference with the variable life insurance.