<P> Policies are typically traditional with - profits or unit - linked (including those with unitized with - profits funds). </P> <P> Endowments can be cashed in early (or surrendered) and the holder then receives the surrender value which is determined by the insurance company depending on how long the policy has been running and how much has been paid into it . </P> <P> Accidental death insurance is a type of limited life insurance that is designed to cover the insured should they die as the result of an accident . "Accidents" run the gamut from abrasions to catastrophes but normally do not include deaths resulting from non-accident - related health problems or suicide . Because they only cover accidents, these policies are much less expensive than other life insurance policies . </P> <P> Such insurance can also be accidental death and dismemberment insurance or AD&D . In an AD&D policy, benefits are available not only for accidental death but also for the loss of limbs or body functions such as sight and hearing . </P>

The most common type of permanent life insurance is called