However, if your cash value significantly underperforms, it may reduce your actual death benefit, depending on your policy's terms. (valuepenguin.com)
If you were to die during the first few years of the policy, most life insurance companies will generally issue a refund of your premiums to your beneficiaries in lieu of the actual death benefit. (protective.com)
Please avoid expressing beneficiary shares as dollar amounts since the actual death benefit paid may be more or less than the original policy face amount. (quotacy.com)