The premium goes towards a death benefit and a cash value account. (behrinsurance.com)
The policy holder may also be able to decide how much of his or her premium goes towards the policy's cash value component, and how much goes towards the death benefit. (goodfinancialcents.com)
One reason for this is because the policyholder can — within certain guidelines — decide how much of the premium goes towards the death benefit, and how much goes towards the cash value. (lifeinsuranceunited.com)