Whole life. Term life. What do these terms mean and how do I decide which policy type is right for me? Here are the top five advantages of whole life insurance. 1. It’s an asset. Whole life insurance is more than a policy—it’s a lifelong asset. Whole life has a cash value component that grows over time. As you pay premiums, a portion goes toward building cash value. 2. The cash value is tax-deferred. You won’t pay tax on the cash value that is building inside the policy.