One of the key benefits of an Index Universal Life policy is the concept of cash accrual. Unlike term life insurance, where premiums are paid solely to provide a death benefit, IUL allocates a portion of the premium into a cash value account. This cash value accumulates over time, and its growth is linked to the performance of an underlying index, such as the S&P 500. This potential for growth makes IUL an attractive option for those seeking to participate in market gains without directly investing in the stock market.