can cash value ever exceed face value?

The face value of an insurance policy refers to the amount of money that the insurer agrees to pay out in the event of the policyholder's death. The cash value of a life insurance policy, on the other hand, refers to the amount of money that the policyholder has accumulated over time through premium payments and investment returns. In general, it is possible for the cash value of a life insurance policy to exceed its face value, although it depends on several factors such as the type of policy and the performance of the underlying investments. For instance, in a whole life insurance policy, a portion of each premium payment goes toward building the policy's cash value. Over time, this cash value can grow as it earns interest or dividends, or if the policy has any investment components such as mutual funds. If the policyholder makes premium payments for many years, the cash value of the policy can potentially grow to be worth more than the face value of the policy. However, it's important to note that cash value exceeding face value is not the norm, and it usually takes many years of premium payments and investment returns for this to occur. Additionally, once the cash value exceeds the face value, the policyholder can potentially borrow against the excess cash value, but doing so can reduce the death benefit amount. In summary, while it is possible for the cash value of a life insurance policy to exceed its face value, this is not common and typically takes many years of premium payments and investment returns to achieve. It's important to understand the terms of your specific policy and consult with a financial advisor or insurance agent to determine the best course of action based on your individual circumstances.