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

Smallest number of individuals for which an insurance company will issue a policy. A minimum number is required because the fixed expenses of placing a policy on the books exist regardless ...

disposition of a claim or policy benefit. Policies may specify time limits for payment of claims or benefits and designate various methods of settlement at the option of the insurer or the ...

Principle of surplus distribution as the result of excess funds above the amount required to establish legal reserves. These excess funds are generated from three sources: mortality ...

Trade association whose membership is comprised of section 403(b) plan providers and practitioners. This association has an educational institute that grants the Certified Specialist in ...

Approach that maintains injury or sickness begins when it is first detected by an obvious appearance. This argument is used in determining if liability insurance is afforded in a particular ...

Forgery insurance covering securities issues such as stocks and bonds. They protect the issuer of securities against forgery of the securities. ...

A valuation of risk of an individual or organization. ...

Formerly an employer's defense under which an injured employee had to bring a cause for action against the fellow employee causing the injury, not the employer. Workers Compensation laws ...

Separate trust established by a charitable entity whose purpose is to receive contributions from numerous donors. All the donors' contributions are commingled. Each donor can retain a ...

Popular Insurance Questions