Savings Element

Savings element

Used in the context of life insurance, the cash value built up in a policy, which equals the amount of premium paid minus the cost of protection. This excess is invested by the insurance company, and the returns are tax-deferred inside the policy.

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Savings Element

The portion of a whole life insurance policy that is set aside and invested by the insurance company. Part of the policyholder's premium each month becomes part of the savings element, as do any gains from investment. The savings element becomes available to the policyholder upon the cancellation of the policy. Furthermore, the savings element is an asset belonging to the policyholder; it can be borrowed against or used as collateral. The amount of money in the savings element is also called the cash-surrender value. Any investment gains in the savings element are tax-deferred until the policy is canceled.