A type of insurance policy that protects against premature death by using a variable life insurance savings account. The proceeds of that savings account can then be invested in money market mutual funds, stocks, bonds and other equity or debt securities as you see fit for maximum return.
Similar to whole life, variable life insurance allows you to select your own investment instruments and make changes as necessary. However, you assume total responsibility for risk on your own, and the insurance company that holds your policy guarantees only a minimum death benefit amount.
If you hold this type of life insurance policy, your beneficiary receives the face value of the policy upon your death, or that amount plus the value of your investment account.