We promise to pay who you name (beneficiaries) a set amount of money when you're no longer here, and you in return, promise to make regular payments (premiums). We have three types of permanent life insurance to fit your needs: whole, universal, and variable universal. Not only will you have lifelong coverage, as you make payments, you'll build cash value (tax deferred) that you can use for anything you wish.3 And with whole life, you can also earn dividends (while not guaranteed, we've paid them every year since 1872) that can be taken as cash, used to pay premiums, or buy more coverage. Ask an advisor if permanent life insurance is a good option for you.