Face Amount vs. Death Benefit – Term Life Insurance Face Value


Residing in the world of uncertainty, it is wise to invest in any form of risk management. The concept of insurance is getting popular regularly as many individuals protect themselves from potential financial losses and other uncertain situations, forfeitures, and failures. Participating in different risk management packages provided by insurance companies shield them against the probability of a contingent or any considerable loss. Policyholders or insured individuals establish a deal with the insurance company where they are guaranteed compensation in monetary exchange to the insurance. The loss acquired by the insured policyholder may not come under financial assets, but insurance carriers often compensate it through financial terms. These two parties are bonded through a legal contract through which conditions and requirements are declared. The agreement establishes circumstances under which the insurance company will cover the loss for the insured. Individuals are given a safety umbrella in the event of death, disability, or tragic situations. Another type of insurance between insured and policyholder is known as life insurance. It promises monetary assistance and financial reimbursements to the mentioned beneficiaries when the policyholder expires. This is performed in place for the monetary sums and premiums paid by the insured during a lifetime.

What is the face value of a life insurance policy?

The face value of a life insurance policy or death benefit represents the amount of money that beneficiaries will receive from the insurance company at the time of death. Face value is a factor in determining the monthly insurance premiums and shows how much your policy is worth.

The face value of a life insurance policy is regarded as the percentage of death benefit purchased when adjusting with the procedure. It is also the chief determinant in analyzing and evaluating the amount of premium required to pay. The face value is highlighted in the policy documents and is occasionally fluctuated similarly to the death benefit throughout the lifetime. The face value or the face amount is materialized in the insurance policy when issued and established. The exact amount of death benefit acquired mentions the total amount and monetary benefits the insurance policy will pay to the beneficiary or other recipients when the policyholder passes away. The amount is known as face value if it is mentioned and identified in the dollar amount. For example, a $500,000 insurance policy will have a face value of a similar range.

The acquisition of face value depends on certain factors. Generally, the availability of funds, cost-effectiveness, and coverage will be determined by the insurance company. The insurance company also decides the limit of extent given to the policyholder based on their age bracket, health issues, or the total amount of the existing life insurance coverage. Correspondingly, if there is a more prominent face amount, it will cost more than an insurance policy, but a small amount of face value is applied considering if all the factors are standard.

Face value is not a living benefit. The stated amount in a dollar insurance company is required to pay out to the beneficiary upon death. It is also known as a death benefit. The face value of any life insurance policy is the game-changer. The higher the face value is, the premiums will automatically be higher.
Most importantly, face value is not stagnant, and it fluctuates depending on certain factors. You can purchase additional benefits along with your face value known as riders. Other benefits within this package include disability income rider providing and promising extra income in case of disability. The fluctuations also depend on the accumulated cash value. If this cash value tends to double in size, then the face value will automatically change in addition to the unpaid loans on the insurance policy.

Face Amount vs. Death Benefit

What is the difference between face amount and death benefit?
At the beginning of the life insurance policy, the face value and the death benefit value are the same. The death benefit represents the insurance company’s value promises to payout when the life insurance policyholder dies. However, the death benefit is not equal to the face amount in the following cases:

  • Universal life policy
  • Accelerated death benefit
  • Loans or withdrawals
  • Graded benefit policy

The death benefit = face value – (any advances you’ve received or benefits paid out for other riders on your policy).

The face amount and the death benefit are the two aspects of life insurance policies. The death benefit is received by the beneficiaries upon any event of disability or death. In contrast to the face amount, the death benefit may differ depending on the category of policy chosen. For example, if it is a whole life policy and if some of the cash value within the life insurance policy is utilized, then the death benefit will be decreased; therefore, the amount left to be paid to the beneficiaries will be reduced. Following parameters can decrease the death benefit.

The accelerated death benefit

Some of the life insurance companies provide the option of accelerated benefit if there is an untimely diagnosis of a terminal illness. This has a direct influence on the scenario of the death benefit.

Loans and withdrawals

If your insurance company has allowed frequent and occasional withdrawal of a particular portion of cash value but is not paid back, it will be deducted from the death benefit.

Graded death benefits

Life insurance policies that come with a waiting period offer a small percentage of the policy’s face value as a death benefit if that occurs during the waiting period.

The death benefit is considered more important than face value. It is a factor to be meticulously considered about. It is the actual amount of money that needs to be protected so that the beneficiaries and the family members have ample money in a time of distress.

In a nutshell, the face value and death benefit are of the same importance in the beginning. However, as time passes by, the differences between them begin to highlight. The face value never changes and becomes fixed; however, the death benefit fluctuates depending on the term of the contract as well. The only difference when certain features and processes are appearing on the agreement allowing and materializing the differences.

Participating in life insurance programs is sensible. It practically gives your family member a safety net and protective umbrella, leaving them with a non-taxable amount upon death. This money can conveniently be used to cover mortgage and personal loans such as car loans. Such insurance policies will instantly replace the family income, especially when resources are meager and there is no way to accumulate financial gains. Life insurance should have opted based on family and work situation, life goals, affordability, and current health issues.
Most importantly, it is crucial to stay within the budget for a quality lifestyle. In uncertain times, life insurance provides a suitable and sufficient amount of money immediately and provides financial assistance throughout. Insurance can be planned out to live in inheritance, pay off debts, cover everyday expenses, and bring more financial security and stability to the family, peace of mind, and ultimate satisfaction.

Jason Martin

Jason Martin

Jason Martin is an experienced and knowledgeable professional in the insurance industry, with over 26 years of relevant knowledge under his belt. After completing his Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Jason got Actuary Insurance Certification in 2005. From 2022., Jason writes educational insurance articles for Promtinsurance.com. Please read : Jason Martin biography Write email: jason@promtinsurance.com

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