The correct answer is “Variable Life” for a life policy with a death benefit that can fluctuate according to the performance of its underlying investment portfolio. Variable Life Insurance is a type of life insurance that combines a death benefit with an investment component, allowing policyholders to allocate their premiums into various investment options.

The value of the death benefit can vary based on the performance of these underlying investments. Let’s explore in detail why this answer is correct and why the other options are not suitable for describing such a policy:

Variable Life:

Variable Life Insurance is characterized by the ability to invest a portion of the premiums in separate accounts that resemble mutual funds. These separate accounts contain various investment options, such as stocks, bonds, or money market funds. The performance of these investments directly influences the cash value and, in turn, the death benefit of the policy.

If the underlying investments perform well, the cash value and death benefit can increase. However, if the investments underperform, the cash value and death benefit may decrease. This fluctuation in the death benefit based on investment performance is a defining feature of Variable Life Insurance, making it the correct choice.

Now, let’s discuss why the other options are not correct for describing a policy with a fluctuating death benefit:

1. Adjustable Life:

Adjustable Life Insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that provides flexibility in premium payments and death benefit adjustments. Policyholders can modify the premium amounts and the death benefit within certain limits specified in the policy.

However, the death benefit in Adjustable Life does not fluctuate based on the performance of an underlying investment portfolio. Instead, it is adjusted by policyholders to meet their changing financial needs or to align with their long-term goals.

2. Graded-Premium Life:

Graded-Premium Life Insurance is a type of whole life insurance where the premiums gradually increase over time, typically in the initial years of the policy. The death benefit in Graded-Premium Life Insurance remains fixed and does not fluctuate based on investment performance. The focus of this type of policy is on the premium structure rather than the death benefit.

3. Modified Whole Life:

Modified Whole Life Insurance is a variation of traditional Whole Life Insurance. It offers lower initial premiums for a limited period, followed by higher premiums.

The death benefit in Modified Whole Life policies is typically a fixed amount, and it does not vary based on the performance of underlying investments. The modification in this type of policy primarily relates to the premium structure, not the death benefit.

In summary, the correct answer is “Variable Life” when describing a life policy with a death benefit that can fluctuate according to the performance of its underlying investment portfolio.

Variable Life Insurance offers policyholders the opportunity to invest in various investment options, leading to a variable cash value and, consequently, a fluctuating death benefit. This type of policy is designed to provide both life insurance protection and an investment component, allowing policyholders to participate in the financial markets and potentially benefit from investment gains.