What does the cash value of a variable life insurance policy depend upon?

The cash value of a variable life insurance policy is directly linked to the performance of the investments selected by the policyholder. In this type of policy, the cash value is not guaranteed and can fluctuate based on how well the underlying investments, such as stocks and bonds, perform over time. This allows for the potential of higher returns compared to traditional whole life policies, where the cash value and death benefit are more predictable and stable.

Policyholders have the ability to allocate their cash value among various investment options offered by the insurance company, which creates an opportunity for growth contingent upon market performance. Therefore, the ability for the cash value to increase or decrease is a key characteristic of variable life insurance, distinguishing it from other life insurance products.