Financial Answer Center

Certain types of life insurance policies include a savings component, or cash value. You may borrow against the accumulated cash value at relatively low interest rates. Essentially, you are borrowing from your own savings. Interest rates may be fixed or variable depending on the policy. The rate of interest charged on a policy loan may be stated in the contract, or you can obtain it by contacting your insurance agent.

Caution: Usually you can repay the loan whenever you like, but remember, you bought the insurance to protect your family in the event of your death and the amount of loan outstanding when you die will be deducted from the money slated to go to your beneficiaries.