With permanent coverage, there is no limit on the amount of time the death benefit is guaranteed, and there is usually an increasing cash value feature to the policy as well. (bestlifequote.com)
Additionally, there is an attractive cash value feature that grows over the life the policy and has the same tax advantages as death benefits. (insuranceblogbychris.com)
Normally, term insurance does not have additional cash value features, thus, marking it as a purchase, and not an investment. (usacoverage.com)