1. Amount of money in a life insurance policy before adjustment for factors such as policy loans or late premiums that the policyholder will receive if the policyholder allows the policy to lapse or cancels the coverage and surrenders the policy to the insurance company. This feature is usually in whole life and universal life policies. Also called inside build-up and policy owner’s equity. 2. Amount available in cash on surrender or voluntary termination of a policy by its owner before it becomes payable by death or maturity. Also called cash surrender value option.