South Carolina Insurance Practice Exam

What outcome refers to the cash value component of a whole life insurance policy?

1. Dividends

2. Policy loans

3. Surrender value

4. Death benefit

The correct answer is: Surrender value

The term that refers specifically to the cash value component of a whole life insurance policy is indeed the surrender value. This value represents the amount that the policyholder would receive if they chose to terminate the policy before death. The cash value accumulates over the life of the policy and is based on premiums paid, interest credited, and any applicable dividends. When a policyholder surrenders their whole life insurance policy, they are entitled to this cash value. It is an important feature of whole life insurance as it provides a financial resource for the policyholder if they opt out of the policy before its maturity or the insured individual's passing. The surrender value is often a critical consideration for policyholders, as it can serve as a safety net or investment option. Other concepts associated with whole life insurance, such as dividends, policy loans, and the death benefit, while related, do not specifically define the cash value aspect. Dividends are potential earnings paid to policyholders, policy loans refer to amounts borrowed against the cash value, and the death benefit is the payment made to beneficiaries upon the insured's death. Each of these terms relates to different functions or features within whole life insurance, but they do not equate to the cash value you would receive upon surrendering