What characteristic distinguishes variable life insurance from other life insurance policies?

Variable life insurance is distinguished from other types of life insurance primarily by its investment component. In a variable life insurance policy, the cash value and death benefit can fluctuate based on the performance of investments held in separate accounts, which may include stocks, bonds, or money market funds. This characteristic allows policyholders the potential for greater investment growth compared to traditional life insurance policies where cash value may accumulate at a fixed interest rate.

This investment flexibility is one of the defining features of variable life insurance, as it ties the policy's performance to the market, enabling policyholders to tailor their investment choices according to their financial goals and risk tolerance. In contrast, other life insurance products typically offer fixed premiums, guaranteed death benefits, or non-variable interest rates without the option for investment growth based on market performance. These elements make variable life insurance unique and attractive for those looking to combine life insurance protection with investment opportunities.