What allows the savings element of permanent plans to build up?

The savings element of permanent insurance plans builds up primarily through cash values. These cash values accumulate over time as part of the insurance policy's framework. In contrast to term insurance, which provides coverage for a specified period without a savings component, permanent insurance continues for the lifetime of the insured and contributes to both insurance protection and a savings feature.

Each premium payment typically contributes to the policy's cash value, which can grow tax-deferred. This means that as the policyholder continues to pay premiums, a portion of those funds is allocated to the cash value, increasing the overall savings within the policy. This accumulation can be utilized by the policyholder in various ways, such as taking loans against the cash value or accessing it in case of need.

The other options—dividends, maturity benefits, and death benefits—serve different roles in the context of insurance policies. Dividends may enhance the value of certain policies but are contingent on the insurer's performance. Maturity benefits are typically associated with the point at which a policy's term ends and may not apply to permanent plans, while death benefits are the payout to beneficiaries upon the policyholder's death but do not contribute to the savings buildup during the policyholder's life.