Definition of "Surrender cost index"

Method of comparing the costs of a set of cash value life insurance policies that takes into account the time value of money. The true costs of alternative cash value policies with the same death benefit depend on a number of factors amount and timing of premiums paid, amount and timing of dividends (in the case of participating policies), time period involved, and the CASH surrender value. In evaluating a particular group of policies, a surrender cost index can be calculated using interest adjusted cost comparison. The index ranks the policies for the same period of time, say the first 20 years of the policy life, by cost per $1000 of face amount, showing the cheapest through the most expensive. In effect, the index illustrates the relative cost of acquiring a dollar's worth of each policy's cash surrender value after 20 years. Contrast with the net payments index, a ranking of policy costs using the traditional net cost method of comparison that ignores the time value of money and thus gives a less accurate picture of relative policy costs.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Insurance Terms

Same as term American Risk and Insurance Association: membership organization of companies,academics, and individuals in the insurance business whose interest is to further education and ...

Agency of the federal government formed as the result of bankruptcies of savings and loan associations during the 1930s. Insures deposits of customers up to $100,000 for each account. In ...

A historical mortality table used to calculate premium rates for deferred annuities and optional modes of settlement for life insurance policies. This table was subsequently replaced by the ...

Contract providing whole life insurance on the father and term insurance on the mother and all children, including newborns after reaching a stated age, usually 15 days. Children, upon ...

Insured, or an applicant for insurance, with lower expectation of incurring a loss than the standard applicant. For example, an applicant for life insurance who does not smoke can usually ...

Coverage for the owner of a business. When a proprietor dies, debts of the business become the debts of the estate since in this circumstance the law recognizes business and personal assets ...

Top state regulator of the insurance business who is either elected to office or appointed by a state to safeguard the interests of policyowners. ...

Health and medical insurance that excludes coverage for job-related injuries and illnesses. Most medical insurance policies do not provide benefits for job-related claims, which are covered ...

Addition to a property policy providing coverage for a specified amount. This endorsement is typically used for an unusual or valuable piece of property that does not fit standard ...

Popular Insurance Questions