cash surrender value

The amount that the insurance company will pay on a given life insurance policy if the policy is cancelled prior to the death of the insured

 

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Definition of 'Cash Surrender Value' The sum of money an insurance company will pay to the policyholder or annuity holder in the event his or her policy is voluntarily terminated before its maturity or the insured event occurs. This cash value is the savings component of most permanent life insurance policies, particularly whole life insurance policies. Also known as "cash value", "surrender value" and "policyholder's equity".

Investopedia explains 'Cash Surrender Value' Cash surrender value applies to the savings element of whole life insurance policies that are payable before death. However, during the early years of a whole life insurance policy, the savings portion brings very little return compared to the premiums paid.