There are several ways your cash value can grow, depending on the policy type. Whole life insurance guarantees a fixed rate of return on your cash value. With universal life, the account's growth is based on a variable interest rate. Finally, variable life insurance allows you to invest a portion of your premiums into sub-accounts, like mutual funds. Variable policies offer the greatest potential returns, but also carry higher costs and risks. The eFinancial team can help you compare whole, variable, and universal life policies to find the right fit.