HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE CO, 485APOS, 1997-02-25

HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE CO
485APOS, 1997-02-25

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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 25, 1997

File No. 33-61267

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO FORM S-6

FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OF
SECURITIES OF UNIT INVESTMENT TRUSTS REGISTERED ON
FORM N-8B-2

A. Exact name of trust: Separate Account VL I

B. Name of depositor: ITT Hartford Life and Annuity Insurance Company

C. Complete address of depositor's principal executive offices:

P.O. Box 2999
Hartford, CT 06104-2999

D. Name and complete address of agent for service:

Margaret E. Hankard, Esq.
Hartford Life Insurance Companies
P.O. Box 2999
Hartford, 06104-2999

It is proposed that this filing will become effective:

immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
--------

on May 1, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
--------

60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
--------

X on May 1, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
--------

this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for
-------- a previously filed post-effective amendment.

E. Title and amount of securities being registered: Pursuant to Rule 24f-2
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has registered an
indefinite amount of securities. The Rule 24f-2 Notice for the
Registrant's most recent fiscal year was filed on or about February 28,
1997.

F. Proposed maximum aggregate offering price to the public of the securities
being registered: Not yet determined.

G. Amount of filing fee: Not applicable.

H. Approximate date of proposed public offering: As soon as practicable
after the effective date of this registration statement.

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RECONCILIATION AND TIE BETWEEN
FORM N-8B-2 AND PROSPECTUS

Item No. of
Form N-8B-2 CAPTION IN PROSPECTUS
------------ ---------------------

1. Cover page

2. Cover page

3. Not applicable

4. The Company; Distribution of the Policies

5. Summary - Separate Account VL I; Separate Account VL I
- - General

6. Separate Account VL I - General

7. Not required by Form S-6

8. Not required by Form S-6

9. Legal Proceedings

10. Summary; Separate Account VL I - Funds; The Policy -
Application for a Policy; Detailed Description of
Policy Benefits and Provisions; Other Matters - Voting
Rights, Dividends

11. Summary; Separate Account VL I - Funds

12. Summary; Separate Account VL I - Funds

13. Deductions and Charges from the Account Value;
Distribution of the Policies; Federal Tax
Considerations

14. Detailed Description of Policy Benefits and Provisions
- - Application for a Policy

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Item No. of
Form N-8B-2 CAPTION IN PROSPECTUS
----------- ---------------------

15. Detailed Description of Policy Benefits and Provisions
- - Allocation of Premium Payments

16. Separate Account VL I - Funds; Detailed Description of
Policy Benefits and Provisions - Allocation of Premium
Payments

17. Summary; Detailed Description of Policy Benefits and
Provisions - Cash Value and Amount Payable on Surrender
of the Policy, The Right to Examine or Exchange the
Policy and Surrender/Continuation Options.

18. Separate Account VL I - Funds; Deduction and Charges
from the Account Value; Federal Tax Considerations

19. Other Matters - Statements to Policy Owners

20. Not applicable

21. Detailed Description of Policy Benefits and Provisions
- - Policy Loans

22. Not applicable

23. Safekeeping of the Separate Account Assets

24. Other Matters - Assignment

25. The Company

26. Not applicable

27. The Company

28. The Company; Management

29. The Company

30. Not applicable

<PAGE>

Item No. of
Form N-8B-2 CAPTION IN PROSPECTUS
----------- ---------------------

31. Not applicable

32. Not applicable

33. Not applicable

34. Not applicable

35. Distribution of the Policies

36. Not required by Form S-6

37. Not applicable

38. Distribution of the Policies

39. The Company; Distribution of the Policies

40. Not applicable

41. The Company; Distribution of the Policies

42. Not applicable

43. Not applicable

44. Detailed Description of Policy Benefits and
Provisions - Allocation of Premium Payments

45. Not applicable

46. Detailed Description of Policy Benefits and Provision
- Cash Value

47. Separate Account VL I - Funds

48. Cover page; The Company

49. Not applicable
<PAGE>

Item No. of
Form N-8B-2 CAPTION IN PROSPECTUS
----------- ---------------------

50. Separate Account VL I - General

51. Summary; The Company; Detailed Description of Policy
Benefits and Provisions; Other Matters - Beneficiary

52. Separate Account VL I - Funds, Investment Advisers

53. Federal Tax Considerations

54. Not applicable

55. Not applicable

56. Not required by Form S-6

57. Not required by Form S-6

58. Not required by Form S-6

59. Not required by Form S-6

<PAGE>

ITT HARTFORD LIFE AND ANNUITY
INSURANCE COMPANY STAG VARIABLE LIFE
P.O. BOX 2999 Flexible Premium
HARTFORD, CT 06104-2999 Variable Life Insurance
TELEPHONE (800)243-5433 Policies

This Prospectus describes a flexible premium variable life insurance policy (the
"Policies", and each individually a "Policy") offered by ITT Hartford Life and
Annuity Insurance Company ("Hartford") to applicants age 80 and under. For a
given amount of Death Benefit chosen, the Policy Owner has considerable
flexibility in selecting the timing and amount of premium payments. In
addition, the Policy Owner can select a Guarantee Period, of from one to ten
years, during which additional guarantees are provided. Among these is the
guarantee that the Death Benefit will be no less than the initial Face Amount
and the Policy will not lapse as long as certain Scheduled Premiums are paid or
are provided for by favorable investment experience. Unscheduled Premium
payments are also allowed.

The Guarantee Period selected by You will affect the benefits provided by the
Policy. In general, the longer the Guarantee Period is, the higher the
front-end sales loads and surrender charges are. However, the advantages of a
longer Guarantee Period include lower cost of insurance rates and lower
mortality and expense risk rates. See "Guarantee Period" on page ____ for more
details.

Sales agents can provide prospective purchasers with individualized sales
illustrations which reflect all the fees and charges associated with the Policy
options selected.

The Policies provide for a Death Benefit payable at the Insured's death. The
Policy Owner may select one of three Death Benefit options; a fixed amount equal
to the Face Amount, a variable amount equal to the Face Amount plus the Account
Value, or a variable amount equal to the Face Amount plus a return of Scheduled
Premiums.

Under all three options, the Policies have Cash Values which increase with the
payment of each premium and which decrease to reflect fees and charges made by
the Hartford. These fees and charges vary depending on the Face Amount of the
Policy, the age of the Insured, the level of the premiums paid, and the length
of the Guarantee Period.

If a Policy is surrendered during the first two Policy Years, the Policy Owner
may be entitled to a refund of excess sales loads in addition to the Cash
Surrender Value.

There is no guaranteed minimum Cash Value for a Policy. The Cash Value of a
Policy will also vary up or down to reflect the investment experience of the
Funds to which the Net Premium(s) has been allocated and the Policy Owner bears
the investment risk for all amounts so allocated.

The initial Net Premium will be allocated to Hartford Money Market Sub-Account
and

<PAGE>

after the Right to Examine Period has expired, to one or more of the
Sub-Accounts or to the Fixed Account as specified in the Policy Owner's
application. The Funds underlying the Sub-Accounts presently are: Hartford
Advisers Fund, Inc., Hartford Capital Appreciation Fund, Inc., Hartford Bond
Fund, Inc., Hartford Dividend and Growth Fund, Inc., Hartford Index Fund, Inc.,
Hartford International Opportunities Fund, Inc., Hartford Mortgage Securities
Fund, Inc., Hartford Stock Fund, Inc., and HVA Money Market Fund, Inc. (the
"Hartford Funds") of Hartford Mutual Funds, each of which is managed by HL
Investment Advisors, Inc.: Putnam VT Diversified Income Fund, Putnam VT Global
Asset Allocation Fund, Putnam VT Global Growth Fund, Putnam VT Growth and Income
Fund, Putnam VT High Yield Fund, Putnam VT Money Market Fund, Putnam VT New
Opportunities Fund, Putnam VT U.S. Government and High Quality Bond Fund, Putnam
VT Utilities Growth and Income Fund, and Putnam VT Voyager Fund (the "Putnam
Funds") of the Putnam Variable Trust, each of which is managed by Putnam
Investment Management, Inc., and the Equity-Income Portfolio and Overseas
Portfolio of the Variable Insurance Products Fund and the Asset Manager
Portfolio of the Variable Insurance Products Fund II (the "Fidelity Funds," and
collectively with the Hartford Funds and the Putnam Funds, the "Funds"), each of
which is managed by Fidelity Management & Research Company.

These Policies are subject to a front-end sales load and surrender charge which
are set forth in the sections entitled "Deduction from the Premium" and
"Deductions and Charges from the Account Value" on pages ______ -_____. In
addition, there are examples on pages ______ and _____ to help you in your
selection of a Guarantee Period.

MAXIMUM FRONT-END SALES LOADS ARE 50% OF THE PREMIUMS PAID IN THE FIRST POLICY
YEAR, 11% IN YEARS 2 THROUGH 10 AND 3% IN YEARS 11 AND LATER. THE MAXIMUM
SURRENDER CHARGE UNDER THE POLICY IS 110% OF THE PREMIUM PAID IN THE FIRST
POLICY YEAR. HOWEVER, ACTUAL CHARGES MAY BE LESS. SEE "FRONT-END SALES LOAD"
ON PAGE _____, "SURRENDER CHARGES" ON PAGE _____, AND "LOAD REFUND" ON PAGE ____
FOR MORE DETAILS.

IT MAY NOT BE ADVANTAGEOUS TO PURCHASE FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
AS A REPLACEMENT FOR YOUR CURRENT LIFE INSURANCE OR IF YOU ALREADY OWN A
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY.

THIS PROSPECTUS IS VALID ONLY IF ACCOMPANIED BY THE CURRENT PROSPECTUSES OF THE
APPLICABLE ELIGIBLE FUNDS WHICH CONTAIN A FULL DESCRIPTION OF THOSE FUNDS. ALL
PROSPECTUSES SHOULD BE READ AND RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR

<PAGE>

ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

The date of this Prospectus is May 1, 1997.

<PAGE>

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS

SUMMARY

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF POLICY
BENEFITS AND PROVISIONS

General
Premiums
Premium Payment Flexibility
Scheduled Premiums
Unscheduled Premiums
Allocation of Premium Payments
Accumulation Units
Accumulation Unit Values
Premium Limitation
Cash Values
Amount Payable on Surrender of the Policy
Load Refund
Partial Withdrawals
Transfers of Account Value
Amount and Frequency of Transfers
Transfers to or from Sub-Accounts
Transfers from the Fixed Account

Dollar Cost Averaging Option

Policy Loans
Loan Interest
Credited Interest
Preferred Loan
Loan Repayments
Termination Due to Excessive Indebtedness
Effect of Loans on Account Value
Death Benefit

Death Benefit Options

Option Change
Death Benefit Guarantee
Minimum Death Benefit
Increases and Decreases in Face Amount
Benefits at Maturity
Lapse and Reinstatement
Policy Surplus
Lapse and Grace Period
<PAGE>

Reinstatement
Automatic Premium Loan Option
The Right to Examine or Exchange the Policy
Surrender/Continuation Options
Option Descriptions
Valuation of Payments and Transfers
Application for a Policy
Reduced Charges for Eligible Groups

Deductions from the Premium

Front End Sales Load
Premium Related Tax Charge

Deductions and Charges from the Account Value

Monthly Deduction Amounts
Surrender Charges
Examples of Front-End Sales Loads and Surrender Charges
Charges Against the Funds
Taxes

THE COMPANY

SEPARATE ACCOUNT VL I
General
Funds
Hartford Funds
Putnam Funds
Fidelity Funds
Investment Adviser
Hartford Funds
Putnam Funds
Fidelity Funds

THE FIXED ACCOUNT

OTHER MATTERS
Voting Rights
Statements to Policy Owners
Limit on Right to Contest
Misstatement as to Age
Payment Options
Beneficiary
Assignment
Dividends

SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS
Deduction Amount Waiver Rider
Accidental Death Benefit Rider

<PAGE>

Increase in Coverage Option Rider
Maturity Date Extension Rider

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

DISTRIBUTION OF THE POLICIES

SAFEKEEPING OF THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT'S ASSETS

FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS
General

Taxation of Hartford and the Separate Account

Income Taxation of Policy Benefits
Modified Endowment Contracts
Estate and Generation Skipping Taxes
Diversification Requirements
Ownership of the Assets in the Separate Account
Life Insurance Purchased for Use in Split Dollar Arrangements
Federal Income Tax Withholding
Non-Individual Ownership of Policies
Other

Life Insurance Purchases by Nonresident Aliens and Foreign
Corporations

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

EXPERTS

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

LEGAL MATTERS

APPENDIX A ILLUSTRATION OF DEATH BENEFITS,
ACCOUNT VALUES AND SURRENDER VALUES

The Policies may not be available in all states.

THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH
SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT BE LAWFULLY MADE. NO DEALER OR OTHER PERSON IS AUTHORIZED
TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THIS
OFFERING OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE,
SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED ON.

<PAGE>

GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS

As used in this Prospectus, the following terms have the indicated meanings:

ACCOUNT VALUE: Value used to determine certain Policy benefits and charges.

ACCUMULATION UNIT: An accounting unit of measure used to calculate the value of
a Sub-Account.

ANNUAL SCHEDULED PREMIUM AND/OR SCHEDULED PREMIUMS: The amount of premiums
selected by You within limits established under the Policy.

ATTAINED AGE: The Issue Age plus the number of fully completed Policy Years.

CASH SURRENDER VALUE: Cash Value less all Indebtedness.

CASH VALUE: The Account Value less all remaining surrender charges, if any.

CODE: The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

DATE OF ISSUE: The date from which the provisions governing the suicide and
incontestability are measured.

DEATH BENEFIT: The Death Benefit Option in effect determines how the Death
Benefit is calculated. The three Death Benefit Options provided are described
in the Death Benefit section of this Prospectus.

DEATH PROCEEDS: The amount which We will pay on the death of the Insured. This
amount equals the Death Benefit less any Indebtedness.

FACE AMOUNT: On the Policy Date, the Face Amount equals the initial Face
Amount. Thereafter it may change in accordance with the terms of the Policy.

FIXED ACCOUNT: Portion of Account Value invested in Hartford's general account.

FIXED ACCOUNT MINIMUM CREDITED RATE: The minimum rate credited to amounts
allocated to the Fixed Account.

FUNDS: The registered open-end management investment companies in which assets
of the Separate Account may be invested.

GUARANTEE PERIOD: The period, selected by You, from one to ten Policy Years,
during which additional Policy guarantees are provided. Among these is the
guarantee that if Scheduled Premiums are paid, the Death Benefit will be no less
than the initial Face Amount regardless of the investment performance of the
Sub-Accounts. See "Guarantee Period" on page ____.

<PAGE>

GUIDELINE ANNUAL PREMIUM: The level annual premium payment necessary to provide
the future benefits under the Policy through maturity, based on certain
assumptions specified under the Federal securities laws. These assumptions
include mortality charges based on the 1980 CSO Table, an assumed annual net
rate of return of 5% per year, and deduction of the fees and charges specified
in the Policy. For purposes of the Policy, the Guideline Annual Premium is used
only in limiting front-end sales loads and surrender charges.

HARTFORD (ALSO WE, US, OUR OR THE COMPANY): ITT Hartford Life and Annuity
Insurance Company.

IN WRITING: In a written form satisfying to Us.

INDEBTEDNESS: The outstanding loan on the Policy, including any interest due or
accrued.

INSURED: The person on whose life the Policy is issued.

ISSUE AGE: As of the Policy Date, the Insured's age on his/her last birthday.

LOAN ACCOUNT: An account established for any amounts transferred from the Fixed
Account and Sub-Accounts as a result of loans. Amounts are held as collateral
and are credited with interest at the Fixed Account Minimum Credited Rate.
Amounts are not subject to the investment experience of the Separate Account.

MATURITY DATE: The date on which the Policy will mature.

MONTHLY ACTIVITY DATE: The Policy Date and the same date in each succeeding
month as the Policy Date except that whenever the Monthly Activity Date falls on
a date other than a Valuation Day, the Monthly Activity Date will be deemed the
next Valuation Day.

MONTHLY DEDUCTION AMOUNT: The fees and charges deducted from the Account Value
on the Monthly Activity Date.

NATIONAL SERVICE CENTER: Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

NET PREMIUM: The amount of premium actually credited to the Account Value.

POLICY: The flexible premium variable life insurance contract issued by
Hartford described in this Prospectus.

POLICY ANNIVERSARY: An anniversary of the Policy Date. Similarly, Policy Years
are measured from the Policy Date.

POLICY DATE: The date from which Policy Anniversaries and Policy Years are
<PAGE>

determined.

POLICY OWNER (ALSO YOU, YOUR): The person having rights to benefits under the
Policy during the lifetime of the Insured; the Policy Owner may or may not be
the Insured.

POLICY SURPLUS: An amount which We calculate for each Policy Year during the
Guarantee Period to determine whether or not payment of a Scheduled Premium is
required and is calculated as described in "Policy Surplus" on page _____.

POLICY YEARS: Annual periods computed from the Policy Date.

PRO RATA BASIS: An allocation method based on the proportion of the Account
Value in the Fixed Account and each Sub-Account.

SCHEDULED PREMIUM: Amount of premium shown on Your specifications.

SEPARATE ACCOUNT (also "Separate Account VL I"): An account established by
Hartford to separate the assets funding the Policies from other assets of
Hartford; in this case, "Separate Account VL I."

SUB-ACCOUNT: The subdivisions of the Separate Account.

TARGET ACCOUNT VALUE: The Account Value, determined at issue, that would result
on each Policy Anniversary assuming all annual Scheduled Premiums were paid when
due (including the one due on that anniversary for the next Policy Year), a 6%
net yield on assets (after fund level charges are deducted but before the
mortality and expense risk charge is deducted) and current cost of insurance and
expense charges.

UNSCHEDULED PREMIUMS: Any premium payment other than a Scheduled Premium
Payment.

VALUATION DAY: Every day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading. The
value of the Separate Account is determined at the close of the New York Stock
Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on such days.

VALUATION PERIOD: The period between the close of business on successive
Valuation Days.

<PAGE>
SUMMARY

THE POLICY

The flexible premium variable life insurance Policies offered by this Prospectus
are funded by the Fixed Account and Separate Account VL I, a separate account
established by Hartford pursuant to Connecticut insurance law and organized as a
unit investment trust registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The
Separate Account is presently comprised of 22 sub-accounts (the "Sub-Accounts"
and each individually a "Sub-Account"), each of which invests exclusively in one
of the underlying Funds. If an initial premium is submitted with an application
for a Policy, the Net Premium will be allocated, to the Hartford Money Market
Sub-Account. At a later date the values in the Hartford Money Market
Sub-Account will be allocated to one or more of the Sub-Accounts or the Fixed
Account as specified in the Policy Owner's application. This later date is the
latest of 45 days after the application is signed, ten days after We receive the
premium and the date We receive the final requirement to put the Policy in
force. The Policies are credited with units ("Accumulation Units") in each
selected Sub-Account, the assets of which are invested in the applicable Fund.
A Policy Owner may transfer amounts invested among the Sub-Accounts and the
Fixed Account subject to a transfer charge, if applicable. See "Transfer of
Account Value" of "Detailed Description of Policy Benefits and Provisions,"
page ____ .

The Policies are first and foremost life insurance policies with death benefits,
cash values, and other features traditionally associated with life insurance.
The Policies are called "flexible premium" because, once the desired level and
pattern of Death Benefits have been determined, a Policy Owner has considerable
flexibility in the selection of the timing and amount of premium to be paid.
The Policies are called "variable" because, unlike the fixed benefits of an
ordinary whole life insurance policy, the Cash Value will, and the Death Benefit
may increase or decrease depending on the investment experience of the Funds to
which the Net Premium(s) has been allocated. However, as long as the Policy
remains in force, no partial withdrawals occur, and there are no requests to
increase or decrease the Face Amount, the Death Benefit will never be less than
the initial Face Amount. See "Detailed Description of Policy Benefit and
Provisions -- Death Benefit," page ____.

POLICY DESIGN OPTIONS

The options in the Policy are structured to give a prospective purchaser and his
or her sales agent the ability to select a Policy tailor-made for the
purchaser's specific life insurance needs.

The Policy options which provide such flexibility fall into four major
categories:

1. Death Benefit Options - These allow the Policy Owner to select various
levels and patterns of Death Benefit payments.

<PAGE>

2. Premium Options - Once the Policy Owner has decided on the appropriate Death
Benefit, he or she then has considerable flexibility in determining the
desired premium schedule.

3. Guarantee Period Options - The Policy Owner also has the ability to choose a
Guarantee Period from one to ten years. During this period,
additional contractual guarantees are provided. Among these
is the guarantee that the Death Benefit will be no less than the initial
Face Amount and the Policy will not lapse as long as certain Scheduled Premiums
selected by the Policy Owner are paid or provided for by favorable
investment experience.

4. Investment Options - The Policy Owner has the choice of allocating the
Policy's Account Value among nine or less of the Policy's 23
investment options. These include the 22 variable Sub-Accounts and the
Fixed Account.

DEATH BENEFIT

The Policies provide for three Death Benefit options. These can be level and
equal to the Face Amount, a Face Amount plus Return of Account Value Death
Benefit or a Face Amount plus Return of Scheduled Premium Death Benefit. At the
death of the Insured, we will pay the Death Proceeds to the Beneficiary. The
Death Proceeds equal the Death Benefit less any Indebtedness under the Policy.
See "Detailed Description of Policy Benefits and Provision - Death Benefit,"
page _____.

PREMIUM

You have considerable flexibility as to when and in what amounts You pay
premiums.

Prior to issue, You can choose the level of the Scheduled Premiums, within a
range determined by Hartford based on the Face Amount of the Policy, the
Insured's sex (except where unisex rates apply) and Issue Age, and the Insured's
risk classification.

During the Guarantee Period, Hartford will guarantee that the Policy will not
lapse, regardless of the investment experience of the Funds, if You pay the
Scheduled Premiums when due. In addition, Unscheduled Premium Payments are
allowed during the Guarantee Period.

Even if You do not pay all Scheduled Premiums due during the Guarantee Period,
the Policy will stay in force as long as the Policy Surplus exceeds any
Indebtedness under the Policy.

After the Guarantee Period, You may change Your Scheduled Premiums to any level
You desire, and Unscheduled Premium Payments are still allowed. Once the
Guarantee Period has expired, the Policy will not lapse as long as the Cash
Surrender Value is sufficient to cover the Monthly Deduction Amounts.

<PAGE>

No premium payment will be accepted which causes the Policy to not meet the tax
qualification guidelines for life insurance under the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended.

There are circumstances, usually if a Policy Owner wants to refund future
benefits in seven years or less, when the Policy may become a Modified Endowment
Contract under federal tax law. If it does, loans and other pre-death
distributions are includable in gross income on an income-first basis. A 10%
penalty tax may be imposed on income distributed before the insured attains age
59 1/2. Prospective purchasers and Policy Owners are advised to consult a
qualified tax adviser before taking steps that may affect whether the Policy
becomes a Modified Endowment Contract. See "Federal Tax Considerations,
Modified Endowment Contract" for a discussion of the "seven pay test",
page _____.

GUARANTEE PERIOD

a. a longer period during which Your Death Benefit is guaranteed, regardless
of the investment experience of the Sub-Accounts,

b. a longer period during which Your current administrative fees are
guaranteed (as a result, the longer the Guarantee Period is, the lower the
guaranteed administrative fees are),

c. a longer period during which Your current cost of insurance rates are
guaranteed (as a result, the longer the Guarantee Period is, the lower the
guaranteed cost of insurance rates are),

d. lower current cost of insurance rates,

e. lower mortality and expense risk rates.

In addition, if you choose a Guarantee Period longer than five years, You may be
given the right to purchase additional coverage, subject to limitations, without
any evidence of insurability. See "Supplemental Benefits" on page _____.

Due to the way the different charges and fees depend on different factors, such
as the length of the Guarantee Period, it is difficult to anticipate the net
effect of these charges on the Policy values without a sales illustration. Once
a purchaser, in consultation with his or her sales agent, has decided on a
combination of Policy features, (such as Face Amount, level of Scheduled
Premiums, Guarantee Period, and the Issue Age

<PAGE>

and sex of Insured) the sales agent will provide that purchaser with an
illustration which reflects the charges and benefits of that particular
combination and a summary of Policy charges and fees. In addition, these
illustrations are available for any allowable combination of benefits which a
prospective purchaser may request.

For more information concerning front-end sales loads, see page ____, surrender
charges, see page ____, cost of insurance charges, see page ___, and mortality
and expense risk charges see page ____ .

SEPARATE ACCOUNT VL I

Separate Account VL I is a separate account established by Hartford pursuant to
the insurance laws of the State of Connecticut and organized as a registered
unit investment trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Separate
Account VL I is presently comprised of 22 Sub-Accounts, each of which invests
exclusively in one of the Funds. Each Hartford Fund is organized as a
corporation under the laws of the State of Maryland and is a diversified
open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company
Act of 1940. The Putnam Funds are portfolios of Putnam Variable Trust (formerly
named Putnam Capital Manager Trust), a Massachusetts business trust organized on
September 24, 1987 that is an open-end, series investment company with multiple
portfolios or funds registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The
Fidelity Funds are portfolios of the Variable Insurance Products Fund and the
Variable Insurance Products Fund II, two diversified open-end management
investment companies, each with multiple portfolios and organized as a
Massachusetts business trust. The Equity-Income Portfolio and Overseas
Portfolio are portfolios of the Variable Insurance Products Fund, organized on
November 13, 1981. The Asset Manager Portfolio is a portfolio of the Variable
Insurance Products Fund II, organized on March 21, 1988.
Registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940 does not involve
supervision of the management or investment practices or policies by the
Commission. The shares of the Funds are sold to the Separate Account and to
other separate accounts of Hartford or its affiliates which fund similar annuity
or life insurance products.

Currently, the Funds are Hartford Advisers Fund, Inc., Hartford Capital
Appreciation Fund, Inc., Hartford Bond Fund, Inc., Hartford Dividend and Growth
Fund, Inc., Hartford Index Fund, Inc., Hartford International Opportunities
Fund, Inc., Hartford Mortgage Securities Fund, Inc., Hartford Stock Fund, Inc.,
and HVA Money Market Fund, Inc. (hereinafter the "Hartford Funds"), Putnam VT
Diversified Income Fund, Putnam VT Global Asset Allocation Fund, Putnam VT
Global Growth Fund, Putnam VT Growth and Income Fund, Putnam VT High Yield Fund,
Putnam VT Money Market Fund, Putnam VT New Opportunities Fund, Putnam VT U.S.
Government and High Quality Bond Fund, Putnam VT Utilities Growth and Income
Fund, and Putnam VT Voyager Fund (hereinafter the "Putnam Funds"), and the
Equity-Income Portfolio, Overseas Portfolio and Asset Manager Portfolio
(hereinafter the "Fidelity Funds"). Applicants should read the prospectuses for
each of the Funds accompanying this Prospectus in connection with the purchase
of a Policy. The investment objectives of each of the

<PAGE>

Funds are as set forth in "Separate Account VL I," page ___.

Total fund operating expenses in 1996, including management fees, were .__% for
Hartford Advisers Fund; .__% for Hartford Capital Appreciation Fund; .__% for
Hartford Bond Fund; .__% for Hartford Dividend and Growth Fund; .__% for
Hartford Index Fund; .__% for Hartford International Opportunities Fund; .__%
for Hartford Mortgage Securities Fund; .__% for Hartford Stock Fund; .__% for
HVA Money Market Fund; .__% for Putnam VT Diversified Income Fund; .__% for
Putnam VT Global Asset Allocation Fund; .__% for Putnam VT Global Growth Fund;
.__% for Putnam VT Growth and Income Fund; .__% for Putnam VT High Yield Fund;
.__% for Putnam VT Money Market Fund; .__% for Putnam VT New Opportunities Fund;
.__% for Putnam VT U.S. Government and High Quality Bond Fund; .__% for Putnam
VT Utilities Growth and Income Fund; .__% for Putnam VT Voyager Fund; .__% for
Equity-Income Portfolio; .__% for Overseas Portfolio; and .__% for Asset Manager
Portfolio.

The investment adviser for the Hartford Funds is HL Investment Advisors, Inc.
("HL Investment"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hartford. HL Investment
retains Wellington Investment Management, L.L.P. ("Wellington Management") as
an investment sub-adviser with respect to certain of the Hartford Funds. In
addition HL Investment has entered an investment service agreement with
Hartford Investment Management Company, Inc. ("HIMCO") for the provision of
investment services for certain of the Hartford Funds. The Putnam Funds are
advised by Putnam Investments Management Inc., a subsidiary of Putnam
Investments, Inc. The Fidelity Funds are managed by Fidelity Management &
Research Company. See "Separate Account VL I," page ___.

FIXED ACCOUNT

Premium payments and Cash Values allocated to the Fixed Account become part of
the general assets of the Hartford. Hartford invests the assets of the general
account in accordance with applicable law governing the investments of insurance
company general accounts.

DEDUCTIONS FROM THE PREMIUM

Before the allocation of the premium to the Account Value, a deduction as a
percentage of premium is made for the front-end sales load and premium taxes.
The amount of each premium allocated to the Account Value is Your Net Premium.

FRONT-END SALES LOAD

The front-end sales load portion of the premium deduction is based on the level
of Scheduled Premiums, the length of the Guarantee Period, and the amount of any
Unscheduled Premiums paid.

The maximum front-end sales load percentages are 50% of the premiums paid in the
first Policy Year, 11% in Policy Years 2 through 10, and 3% in Policy Years 11
and

<PAGE>

later.

For all Guarantee Periods, the maximum amount of premium paid in any Policy Year
subject to a front-end sales load is the Guideline Annual Premium. In addition,
if Scheduled Premiums are less than the Guideline Annual Premium, the maximum
amount of premium paid in the first Policy Year subject to a front-end sales
load is the Scheduled Premium.

The actual schedule of front-end sales loads for any given Policy is specified
in that Policy.

PREMIUM RELATED TAX CHARGE

We deduct a percentage of each premium to cover premium-based taxes assessed
against Hartford by a state or other governmental entity. This percentage will
vary by locale depending on the tax rates in effect there. The range is
generally between 0% and 4%.

DEDUCTIONS AND CHARGES FROM THE ACCOUNT VALUE

We will subtract amounts from Your Account Value to provide for the Monthly
Deduction Amount. These will be taken on a Pro Rata Basis from the Fixed
Account and Sub-Accounts on each Monthly Activity Date.

The Monthly Deduction Amount equals:

(a) the cost of insurance; plus

(b) the charges for additional benefits provided by rider, if any; plus
(c) the charges for "special" insurance class rating, if any; plus

(d) the monthly administrative fee, plus
(e) the mortality and expense risk charge.

Hartford may also set up a provision for income taxes against the assets of the
Separate Account. See "Deductions and Charges From the Account Value, page
and "Federal Tax Considerations," page ___.

For Policy Years one through twenty, the mortality and expense risk charge
ranges from 1.40% annually for a Policy with a one-year Guarantee Period and
decreases as the Guarantee Period gets longer to .60% on a Policy with a
ten-year Guarantee Period. After the twentieth Policy Year, the mortality and
expense risk charge for all Policies will equal .60% annually.

Prospective purchasers should review the prospectuses for the Funds which
accompany this Prospectus for a description of the charges assessed against the
assets of each of the Funds.

<PAGE>

SURRENDER CHARGES

A contingent deferred sales load ("Surrender Charge") is assessed against the
Account Value of a Policy if the Policy lapses or is surrendered during the
first nine Policy Years. The amount of the Surrender Charge applicable during
the first Policy Year is established by Hartford based on the premiums and the
length of the Guarantee Period chosen by the Policy Owner. Subject to certain
limits imposed by state insurance law, the Surrender Charge decreases by an
equal amount each Policy Year until it reaches zero during the tenth Policy
Year.

The actual schedule of Surrender Charges for any given Policy is set forth in
that Policy. In addition, sales agents will provide, upon request, the schedule
of Surrender Charges which would apply under any given circumstances.

LIMITS ON FRONT-END SALES LOADS AND SURRENDER CHARGES

Certain state insurance laws and regulations limit the front-end sales loads and
Surrender Charges which can be assessed on these Policies. The front-end sales
loads and Surrender Charges assessed in these Policies comply with these
limitations.

Front-end sales loads and Surrender Charges which cover expenses relating to the
sale and distribution of the Policies may be reduced for certain sales of the
Policies under circumstances which may result in savings of such sales and
distribution expenses.

CASH VALUE

As with many other types of insurance policies, each Policy will have a cash
value ("Cash Value"). The Cash Value of the Policy will increase or decrease to
reflect the interest credited to the Fixed Account and Loan Account, investment
experience of the Sub-Accounts applicable to the Policy and deductions for the
Monthly Deduction Amount. There is no minimum guaranteed Cash Value and the
Policy Owner bears the risk of the investment in the Funds. See "Detailed
Description of the Policy Benefits and Provisions - Cash Value," page ___.

POLICY LOANS

A Policy Owner may obtain a cash loan from Hartford. The loan is secured by the
Policy. At the time a loan is requested, the Indebtedness (including the
currently applied for loan) may not exceed 90% of the Cash Value. See "Detailed
Description of Policy Benefits and Provisions - Policy Loans," page ____ .

<PAGE>

CHARGES AGAINST THE FUNDS

The Separate Account purchases shares of the Funds at net asset value. The net
asset value of the Fund shares reflects investment advisory fees and
administrative and other expenses already deducted from the assets of the Funds.
These charges are described herein. See "Charges Against the Funds,"
page _____.

THE RIGHT TO EXAMINE THE POLICY
An applicant has a limited right to return his or her Policy for cancellation.
If the applicant returns the Policy within ten days after delivery of the
Policy, or within 45 days after completion of the application, whichever is
latest (subject to applicable state regulation), Hartford will return to the
applicant, within seven days thereafter, the greater of the premium paid, less
any Indebtedness, or the sum of (1) the Account Value, less any Indebtedness, on
the date the returned Policy is received by Hartford or its agent and (2) any
deductions under the Policy or by the Funds for taxes, charges or fees.

SURRENDER/CONTINUATION OPTIONS

At any time prior to the Maturity Date, provided the Policy has a Cash Surrender
Value, You may generally choose to have the Cash Surrender Value applied under
one of the following options:

Option A - Surrender for Cash
Option B - Continue as Extended Term Insurance
Option C - Continue as Paid-Up Insurance

See "Detailed Description of Policy Benefits and Provisions," and
"Surrender/Continuation Options", pages __.

TAX CONSEQUENCES

The current Federal tax law generally excludes all Death Benefit payments from
the gross
income of the Policy beneficiary. See "Federal Tax Considerations," page ____.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF POLICY BENEFITS AND PROVISIONS

General

This Prospectus describes a flexible premium variable life insurance policy
where the Policy Owner has considerable flexibility in selecting the timing and
amount of premium payments. In addition, the Policy Owner can select a
Guarantee Period, from one to ten years, during which additional guarantees are
provided such as the guarantee that

<PAGE>

the Death Benefit will be no less than the initial Face Amount and the
Policy will not lapse as long as certain Scheduled Premiums are paid or are
provided for by favorable investment experience. As stated below, Unscheduled
Premium payments are also allowed.

Premiums

PREMIUM PAYMENT FLEXIBILITY

A significant feature of the Policy is that it gives You the ability to pay
amounts greater or less than the Scheduled Premiums.

Prior to issue, You can choose the level of the Scheduled Premiums, within a
range determined by Hartford, based on the Face Amount of the Policy, the
Insured's sex (except where unisex rates apply), age at issue, and the Insured's
risk classification.

During the Guarantee Period, Hartford will guarantee that the Policy will not
lapse, regardless of the investment experience of the Funds, if You pay the
Scheduled Premiums when due and the Indebtedness never exceeds the Cash Value.
In addition, Unscheduled Premium payments are allowed during the Guarantee
Period.

Even if You do not pay all Scheduled Premiums due during the Guarantee Period,
the Policy will stay in force as long as the Policy Surplus exceeds the
Indebtedness in the Policy.

After the Guarantee Period, You may change your Scheduled Premiums to any level
you desire, and Unscheduled Premium payments are still allowed. Once the
Guarantee Period has expired, the Policy will not lapse as long as the Cash
Surrender Value is sufficient to cover the Monthly Deduction Amounts.

See also "Lapse and Reinstatement" on page ______ for more details.

SCHEDULED PREMIUMS

You have the right to pay Scheduled Premiums annually, semiannually, quarterly,
or monthly. The first Scheduled Premium is due on the Policy Date. During the
Guarantee Period, each Scheduled Premium after the first is due at the
expiration of the period for which the preceding Scheduled Premium was paid. A
Scheduled Premium may be paid at any time prior to its due date, subject to the
premium limitations set forth by the Internal Revenue Code as indicated in the
"Premium Limitation" section. See page __.

During the Guarantee Period, if all Scheduled Premiums are paid when due and if
Indebtedness does not exceed the Cash Value, the Policy will not terminate due
to insufficient Cash Surrender Value, regardless of the investment experience of
the
<PAGE>

Funds.

During the Guarantee Period, if You fail to pay a Scheduled Premium when due,
and if, on the premium due date and for the rest of that Policy Year, the Policy
Surplus exceeds the Indebtedness, payment of that Scheduled Premium will not be
required in that year or in any future Policy Year. The Policy will not
terminate due to this nonpayment. However, future Scheduled Premiums during the
Guarantee Period will be required unless the Policy Surplus continues to exceed
the Indebtedness in those future Policy Years. In addition, as is true with any
premium, Your Account Value and Policy Surplus in future years will be larger if
You make the premium payment than if You do not.

For example, to determine whether or not non-payment of a Scheduled Premium in
the second Policy Year would result in a lapse, You would compare the actual
Account Value on the first Policy Anniversary to the first Target Account Value.
If the actual Account Value was equal to or greater than the Target Account
Value and the Indebtedness remained less than this Policy Surplus, failure to
pay any Scheduled Premiums due in the second Policy Year would not result in a
lapse.

After the Guarantee Period, the Company will send reminder notices for the Owner
to pay Scheduled Premiums during the Insured's lifetime. Payment of the
Scheduled Premium may not be sufficient to keep the Policy in force after the
end of the Guarantee Period.

UNSCHEDULED PREMIUMS

Any premium We receive under the Policy in an amount different from the
Scheduled Premium will be considered an Unscheduled Premium. Unscheduled
Premiums of at least $50.00 can be made at any time while the Policy is in
force.

ALLOCATION OF PREMIUM PAYMENTS

The initial Net Premium will be allocated to the Hartford Money Market
Sub-Account on the later of the Policy Date or the date We receive the premium.

The value in this Hartford Money Market Sub-Account will then be allocated to
the Fixed Account and Sub-Accounts according to the premium allocation specified
in the application on the latest of 45 days after the application is signed, ten
days after We receive the premium and the date We receive the final requirement
to put the Policy in force.

Any additional Net Premiums received by Us prior to such date will be allocated
to the Hartford Money Market Fund Sub-Account.

Upon written request, You may change the Net Premium allocation. Portions
allocated to the Fixed Account and Sub-Accounts must be whole percentages of 10%
or more. Subsequent Net Premiums will be allocated to the Fixed Account and

<PAGE>

Sub-Accounts according to Your most recent instructions, subject to the
following. The Account Value may be allocated to no more than nine of these.
If We receive a premium and Your most recent allocation instructions would
violate this requirement, We will allocate the Net Premium to the Fixed Account
and Sub-Accounts according to Your previous premium allocation.

The Policy Owner receives several different types of notification as to what his
or her current premium allocation is. The initial allocation chosen by the
Policy Owner is shown in the Policy. And, each transactional confirmation
received after a premium payment will show how that Net Premium has been
allocated. In addition, each quarterly statement summarized the current premium
allocation in effect for that Policy.

ACCUMULATION UNITS

Net Premiums allocated to the Sub-Accounts are used to credit Accumulation Units
to those Sub-Accounts.

The number of Accumulation Units in each Sub-Account to be credited to a Policy
(including the initial allocation to Hartford Money Market Sub-Account) and the
amount credited to the Fixed Account will be determined first by multiplying the
Net Premium by the appropriate allocation percentage to determine the portion to
be invested in the Fixed Account or Sub-Account. Each portion to be invested in
a Sub-Account is then divided by the then Accumulation Unit Value of that
particular Sub-Account next computed following receipt of the payment.

ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUES

The Accumulation Unit Value for each Sub-Account will vary to reflect the
investment experience of the applicable Fund and will be determined on each
Valuation Day by multiplying the Accumulation Unit Value of the particular
Sub-Account on the preceding Valuation Day by a Net Investment Factor for that
Sub-Account for the Valuation Period then ended. The Net Investment Factor for
each of the Sub-Accounts is equal to the net asset value per share of the
corresponding Fund at the end of the Valuation Period (plus the per share amount
of any dividend or capital gain distributions paid by that Fund in the Valuation
Period then ended) divided by the net asset value per share of the corresponding
Fund at the beginning of the Valuation Period.

All valuations in connection with a Policy, e.g., with respect to determining
Cash Value and Account Value and in connection with Policy loans, or calculation
of Death Benefits, or with respect to determining the number of Accumulation
Units to be credited to a Policy with each premium payment, other than the
initial premium payment, will be made on the date the request or payment is
received by Hartford at the National Service Center if such date is a Valuation
Day; otherwise such determination will be made on the next succeeding date which
is a Valuation Day.

<PAGE>

PREMIUM LIMITATION

If premiums are received which would cause the Policy to fail to meet the
definition of a life insurance policy in accordance with the Internal Revenue
Code, We will refund the excess premium payments. We will refund such premium
payments and interest thereon within 60 days after the end of a Policy Year.

Except for Scheduled Premiums that are required, a premium payment that results
in an increase in the Death Benefit greater than the amount of the premium will
be accepted only after We approve evidence of insurability.

Cash Values

As with traditional life insurance, each Policy will have a Cash Value. The
Cash Value is equal to the Account Value less any remaining Surrender Charges.
There is no minimum guaranteed Cash Value.

The Account Value of a Policy changes on a daily basis and will be computed on
each Valuation Day. The Account Value will vary to reflect the investment
experience of the Sub-Accounts, and the interest credited to the Fixed Account
and Loan Account as well as the Monthly Deduction Amounts.

The Account Value of a particular Policy is related to the net asset value of
the Funds invested in by the Sub-Accounts, if any, to which Net Premiums on the
Policy have been allocated. The Account Value in the Sub-Accounts on any
Valuation Day is calculated by multiplying the number of Accumulation Units in
each Sub-Account as of the Valuation Day by the current Accumulation Unit Value
of that Sub-Account and then summing the result for all the Sub-Accounts. The
Account Value of a Policy equals the Account Value in the Sub-Accounts plus the
value of the Fixed Account and Loan Account. The Cash Value is the Account
Value minus any remaining Surrender Charge. The Cash Surrender Value which is
the net amount available upon surrender of the Policy, is the Cash Value less
any Indebtedness. See "The Policy - Accumulation Unit Values," page _____ .

AMOUNT PAYABLE ON SURRENDER OF THE POLICY

As long as the Policy is in effect, a Policy Owner may elect, without the
consent of the beneficiary (provided the designation of beneficiary is not
irrevocable), to fully surrender the Policy. Upon surrender, the Policy Owner
will receive the Cash Surrender Value determined as of the day Hartford receives
the Policy Owner's written request or the date requested by the Policy Owner,
whichever is later. The Cash Surrender Value equals the Cash Value less any
Indebtedness. The Policy will terminate on the date of receipt of the written
request, or the date the Policy Owner requests the surrender to be effective,
whichever is later.

LOAD REFUND
<PAGE>

If a Policy is surrendered during the first two Policy Years, the Policy Owner
may be entitled to payment of a refund in addition to the Cash Surrender Value.

The refund will be equal to the excess, if any, of the sum of the actual
front-end sales load charged to-date plus the Surrender Charge assessed upon
Surrender over:

1. the sum of 30% of payments in aggregate amount less than or equal to
one Guideline Annual Premium plus 10% of payments in aggregate amount
greater than one Guideline Annual Premium but not more than two
Guideline Annual Premiums; and

2. 9% of each payment made in excess of two Guideline Annual Premiums.

PARTIAL WITHDRAWALS

After the Guarantee Period, partial withdrawals are allowed. The minimum
partial withdrawal allowed is $500.00. The maximum partial withdrawal is the
Cash Surrender Value, less $1,000.00. A maximum of twelve partial withdrawals
are allowed each Policy Year; however, only one (1) partial withdrawal is
allowed between any successive Monthly Activity Dates. The Face Amount is
reduced by the amount of the Partial Withdrawal. Unless specified otherwise,
the Partial Withdrawal will be deducted on a Pro Rata Basis from the Fixed
Account and the Sub-Accounts. Currently, Hartford does not impose a partial
withdrawal charge. However, Hartford reserves the right to impose a partial
withdrawal charge of up to $50.

Transfers of Account Value

AMOUNT AND FREQUENCY OF TRANSFERS

Upon request and as long as the Policy is in effect, You may transfer amounts
among the Fixed Account and Sub-Accounts. Transfers may be made by written
request or by calling our National Service Center toll free at 1-800-231-5453.
Transfers by telephone may be made by the agent of record or by the attorney-in-
fact pursuant to a power of attorney. Telephone transfers may not be permitted
in some states. The policy of Hartford and its agents and affiliates is that
they will not be responsible for losses resulting from acting upon telephone
requests reasonably believed to be genuine. We will employ reasonable
procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine;
otherwise, We may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent
instructions. The procedures We follow for transactions initiated by telephone
include requirements that callers provide certain identifying information for
themselves ( if not the Policy Owner) and the Policy Owner. All transfer
instructions by telephone are tape recorded.

The amounts which may be transferred and the number of transfers will be limited
by Our rules then in effect.

<PAGE>

Currently there are no restrictions on transfers other than those described
below. There is no charge currently for the first four (4) transfers in any
Policy Year. Each subsequent transfer is subject to a $25 Transfer Charge.

We reserve the right at a future date to limit the size of transfers and
remaining balances, and to limit the number and frequency of transfers.

TRANSFERS TO OR FROM SUB-ACCOUNTS

In the event of a transfer from a Sub-Account, the number of Accumulation Units
credited to the Sub-Account from which the transfer is made will be reduced.
The reduction will be determined by dividing:

1. the amount transferred by,
2. the Accumulation Unit Value for that Sub-Account on the Valuation Day, We
receive Your request for transfer In Writing.

In the event of a transfer to a Sub-Account, We will increase the number of
Accumulation Units credited to the Sub-Account. The increase will equal:

1. the amount transferred divided by,

2. the Accumulation Unit Value for that Sub-Account determined on the
Valuation Day, We receive Your request for transfer In Writing.

TRANSFERS FROM THE FIXED ACCOUNT

In addition to the conditions above, transfers from the Fixed Account are
subject to the following:

(a) the transfer must occur during the 30-day period following each Policy
Anniversary; and

(b) if the Accumulated Value in Your Fixed Account exceeds $1,000, the amount
transferred in any Policy Year may be no larger than 25% of the Accumulated
Value in the Fixed Account on the date of transfer.

DOLLAR COST AVERAGING OPTION

You may elect to allocate Your Net Premiums among the Sub-Accounts and the Fixed
Account pursuant to the dollar cost averaging (DCA) option. If You choose the
DCA option, Net Premiums will be deposited into the Hartford Money Market Sub-
Account. Each month, amounts will be withdrawn from that Sub-Account and
allocated to the other investment options according to Your allocation
instructions. The minimum amount that may be transferred to any one investment
option at a transfer interval under the DCA option is $___. The transfer date
will be the monthly

<PAGE>

anniversary of Your first transfer under Your initial DCA election. The first
transfer will commence within five (5) business days after Hartford receives
Your initial election, either In Writing or by telephone subject to the
telephone transfer procedures described above. The dollar amount will be
allocated to the investment options that You specify, in the proportions that
You specify. If, on any transfer date, Your Cash Value allocated to the
Hartford Money Market Account is less than the amount You have elected to
transfer, Your DCA program will end. You may also cancel Your DCA election by
notice to Hartford In Writing or by calling Our National Service Center at
1-800-231-5453.

The main objective of a DCA program is to minimize the impact of short term
price fluctuations. Since the same dollar amount is transferred to other
investment options at set intervals, DCA allows You to purchase more
Accumulation Units when prices are low and fewer Accumulation Units when prices
are high. Therefore, a lower average cost per Accumulation Unit may be achieved
over the long term. A DCA program allows Policy Owners to take advantage of
market fluctuations. However, it is important to understand that a DCA program
does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market. Policy
Owners who choose the DCA option should be individuals who have the financial
ability to continue making investments through periods of low price levels.

Policy Loans

As long as the Policy is in effect, a Policy Owner may obtain, without the
consent of the beneficiary (provided the designation of beneficiary is not
irrevocable), a cash loan from Hartford. The total Indebtedness at the time of
the new loan (including the accrued interest on prior loans plus the currently
applied for loan) may not exceed 90% of the Cash Value.

The amount of each loan will be transferred on a Pro Rata Basis from the Fixed
Account and each of the Sub-Accounts (unless the Policy Owner specifies
otherwise) to the Loan Account. The Loan Account is a mechanism used to ensure
that any outstanding Indebtedness remains fully secured by the Account Value.

LOAN INTEREST

Interest will accrue daily on the Indebtedness at the Policy Loan Interest Rate
indicated in the Policy. The difference between the value of the Loan Account
and the Indebtedness will be transferred on a Pro Rata Basis from the Fixed
Account and Sub-Accounts to the Loan Account on each Monthly Activity Date.

CREDITED INTEREST

Loan Accounts, other than those attributable to Preferred Loans (as described in
the subsection entitled "Policy Loans - Preferred Loans, on page __), will be
credited with interest in the following manner. During the first ten Policy
Years, any amounts in the Loan Account will be credited with interest at a rate
of 2%.

<PAGE>

For Policy Years eleven and beyond, the Loan Account will be credited with
interest at a rate equal to 3%.

PREFERRED LOAN

If, any time after the tenth Policy Anniversary, the Cash Value exceeds the
total of all premiums paid since issue, a Preferred Loan is available. The
amount available for a Preferred Loan is the amount by which the Cash Value
exceeds total premiums paid. For Policy Years eleven and beyond, the amount of
the Loan Account which equals a Preferred Loan will be credited with interest at
a rate of 4%. The amount of Indebtedness that qualifies as a Preferred Loan is
determined on each Monthly Activity Date.

LOAN REPAYMENTS

You can repay any part of or the entire Indebtedness at any time.

The amount of loan repayment will be deducted from the Loan Account and will be
allocated among the Fixed Account and Sub-Accounts in the same percentage as
premiums are allocated.

TERMINATION DUE TO EXCESSIVE INDEBTEDNESS

If total Indebtedness equals or exceeds the Cash Value, the Policy will
terminate 61 days after We have mailed notice to Your last known address and
that of any assignees of record. If sufficient loan repayment if not made by
the end of this 61 day period, the Policy will end without value.

EFFECT OF LOANS ON ACCOUNT VALUE

A loan, whether or not repaid, will have a permanent effect on the Account Value
because the investment results of each Sub-Account will apply only to the amount
remaining in such Sub-Accounts. In addition, the rate of interest credited to
the Fixed Account will usually be different than the rate credited to the Loan
Account. The longer a loan is outstanding, the greater the effect is likely to
be. The effect could be favorable or unfavorable. If the Fixed Account and
Sub-Accounts earn more than the annual interest rate for funds held in the Loan
Account, a Policy Owner's Account Value will not increase as rapidly as it would
have had no loan been made. If the Fixed Account and Sub-Accounts earn less
than the Loan Account, the Policy Owner's Account Value will be greater than it
would have been had no loan been made. Also, if not repaid, the aggregate
amount of the outstanding Indebtedness will reduce the Death Proceeds and Cash
Surrender Value otherwise payable.

Death Benefit

The Policies provide for the payment of the Death Proceeds to the named

<PAGE>

beneficiary when the Insured under the Policy dies. The Death Proceeds payable
to the beneficiary equal the Death Benefit less any Indebtedness. The Death
Benefit depends on the Death Benefit Option selected by You.

DEATH BENEFIT OPTIONS

There are three Death Benefit Options: the Level Death Benefit Option, the
Return of Account Value Death Benefit Option and the Return of Premium Death
Benefit Option. Subject to the Minimum Death Benefit described below, the Death
Benefits under each option are:

1. Under the Level Death Benefit Option, the Death Benefit is the Face Amount.

2. Under the Return of Account Value Death Benefit Option, the Death Benefit
is the Face Amount plus the Account Value.

3. Under the Return of Premium Death Benefit Option, the Death Benefit is the
Face Amount plus the sum of the Scheduled Premiums paid.

OPTION CHANGE

After the Guarantee Period, You may change the Return of Premium Death Benefit
Option or Return of Account Value Death Benefit Option to the Level Death
Benefit Option. If that option change is elected, the Face Amount will become
that amount available as a Death Benefit immediately prior to the option change.

DEATH BENEFIT GUARANTEE

MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT

Notwithstanding the above, there is a minimum Death Benefit equal to the Account
Value multiplied by a specified percentage. This percentage varies according to
the Insured's Issue Age, Attained Age, sex (where unisex rates are not used),
and insurance class and are specified in the Policy.

EXAMPLES OF THE MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT:

A B
----- -----
Face Amount $100,000 $100,000
Account Value on Date of Death 46,500 34,000
Specified Percentage 250% 250%
Death Benefit Option Level Level

<PAGE>

In Example A, the minimum Death Benefit equals $116,250, i.e., the greater of
$100,000 (the Face Amount) or $116,250 (the Account Value at the Date of Death
of $46,500, multiplied by the specified percentage of 250%). This amount less
any outstanding Indebtedness constitutes the Death Proceeds which We would pay
to the beneficiary.

In Example B, the death benefit is $100,000, i.e., the greater of $100,000 (the
Face Amount) or $85,000 (the Account Value of $34,000 multiplied by the
specified percentage of 250%).

All or part of the Death Proceeds may be paid in cash or applied under a
"Payment Option." See "Other Matters - Payment Options," page ___.

INCREASES AND DECREASES IN FACE AMOUNT

At any time after the Guarantee Period, You may request a change in the Face
Amount by writing to Us.

The minimum Face Amount for an increase or decrease will be based on Our rules
then in effect.

All requests to increase the Face Amount must be applied for on a new
application and accompanied by the Policy. All requests will be subject to
evidence of insurability satisfactory to Us. Any increase approved by Us will
be effective on the date shown on the new Policy specifications page provided
that the deduction for the cost of insurance for the first month is made. The
monthly administrative fee on the first Monthly Activity Date on or after the
effective date of the increase will reflect a charge for the increase.

A decrease in the Face Amount will be effective on the Monthly Activity Date
following the date we receive the request. The remaining Face Amount must not
be less than Our minimum rules then in effect. Decreases will be applied:

(a) to the most recent increase; then

(b) successively to each prior increase; and then

If You ask to decrease Your Face Amount below the initial Face Amount, We will
deduct a portion of any remaining Surrender Charge from Your Account Value.
This will be done on a Pro Rata Basis. Your Surrender Charge will be reduced by
the same amount.

The amount of the reduction will be equal to:

(a) the initial Face Amount minus the requested Face Amount, times

(b) the Surrender Charge on the date of the request to change the Face Amount,

<PAGE>

divided by

We reserve the right to limit the number of increases or decreases made under
the Policy to no more than one in any 12 month period.

Benefits at Maturity

If the Insured is living on the "Maturity Date" (the anniversary of the Policy
Date on which the Insured is attained age 100), on surrender of the Policy to
Hartford, Hartford will pay to the Policy Owner the Cash Surrender Value. On
the Maturity Date, the Policy will terminate and Hartford will have no further
obligations under the Policy.

Lapse and Reinstatement

POLICY SURPLUS

We use the Policy Surplus to determine whether or not a Policy will terminate if
Scheduled Premiums are not paid when due. If the Policy Surplus is greater than
zero for a Policy Year, the Scheduled Premiums may not be required. If,
however, the Policy Surplus for a Policy Year during the Guarantee Period is
zero, all Scheduled Premiums due in that year are required.

Here is how We determine the Policy Surplus.

The Policy Surplus for the first Policy Year is zero.
The Policy Surplus for each subsequent Policy Year is (a) minus (b), but never
less than zero where:

(a) is the Account Value at the end of the previous Policy Year; and
(b) is the Target Account Value for the previous Policy Year. The Target
Account Values are shown in the Policy.

Once determined for a given Policy Year, the Policy Surplus remains constant for
the entire Policy Year.

LAPSE AND GRACE PERIOD

During the Guarantee Period: If, on any given Monthly Activity Date the Policy
Surplus for that Policy Year is zero or less than the Indebtedness, all
Scheduled Premiums due in that Policy Year, on or before that date are required
to keep the Policy in force. For any such required Scheduled Premium not paid
on or before its due date, We will allow a grace period which ends 61 days after
that Monthly Activity Date. During this time the Policy will continue in force.
If any such required Scheduled Premium is not paid by the

<PAGE>

end of this grace period, the Policy will terminate except as provided under the
non-forfeiture options or unless You have elected the Automatic Premium Loan
Option and there is sufficient Cash Value to cover the amounts due.

After the Guarantee Period: The Policy may terminate 61 days after a Monthly
Activity Date on which the Cash Surrender Value is less than zero. The 61-day
period is the grace period. If sufficient premium is not paid by the end of the
grace period, the Policy will terminate without value. The Company will mail
the Policy Owner and any assignee written notice of the amount of premium that
will be required to continue the Policy in force at least 61 days before the end
of the grace period. The premiums required will be no greater then the amount
required to pay three Monthly Deduction Amounts as of the day the grace period
began. If that premium is not paid by the end of the grace period, the Policy
will terminate.

REINSTATEMENT

Prior to the death of the Insured, and unless the Policy has been surrendered
for cash, the Policy may be reinstated prior to the Maturity Date, provided:

(a) You make Your request within five years;
(b) satisfactory evidence of insurability is submitted;
(c) You pay all overdue required Scheduled Premiums, if any; and

(d) if, at the time of reinstatement, the Guarantee Period has expired, and, if
the amount paid in is insufficient to reinstate the Policy, sufficient
premium must be paid to:

(i) cover all Monthly Deduction Amounts that are due and unpaid during the
grace period, and

(ii) keep the Policy in force for three months after the date of
reinstatement.

The Face Amount of the reinstated Policy cannot exceed the Face Amount at the
time of lapse. The Account Value on the reinstatement date will reflect:

(a) The Account Value at the time of termination; plus
(b) Net Premiums attributable to premiums paid at the time of reinstatement;
minus

The Surrender Charges for the reinstated Policy will be the same as they would
have been on the original Policy had no lapse and subsequent reinstatement taken
place.

Upon reinstatement, any Indebtedness at the time of termination must be repaid
or carried over to the reinstated Policy.

AUTOMATIC PREMIUM LOAN OPTION
<PAGE>

If You elect this option, We will automatically process a Policy loan to pay any
Scheduled Premium which is due and not paid by the end of its grace period
following the due date. You may elect this option in the application or by
requesting it In Writing while no Scheduled Premium is outstanding beyond its
due date. In most states, Automatic Premium Loans will be treated as Preferred
Loans.

The Automatic Premium Loan Option will not be available if:

(a) You have revoked the election In Writing; or
(b) the loan amount needed to pay any unpaid Scheduled Premium would exceed the
Cash Surrender Value on the most recent Scheduled Premium due date.

In either instance, the surrender/continuation options will apply as of the end
of the grace period.

If You have outstanding Indebtedness pursuant to this option, Hartford will
allow You to restore the Death Benefit at the end of the Guarantee Period to the
amount that it would have equaled had no Indebtedness been incurred pursuant to
this option. In such case, Hartford will not require You to provide evidence of
insurability. To accomplish this removal of Indebtedness, Hartford will reduce
Your Account Value, and the amount of Indebtedness outstanding at the end of the
Guarantee Period, by the sum of the Policy loan incurred pursuant to the
Automatic Premium Loan Option, plus all interest accrued thereon. There will be
no reduction in the Face Amount of Your Policy as a result of this adjustment.

If You have outstanding Indebtedness pursuant to the Automatic Premium Loan
Option at the end of the Guarantee Period and You have not previously elected to
restore the Death Benefit at the end of a Guarantee Period as described above,
Hartford will assume that You have elected to restore the Death Benefit at the
end of the Guarantee Period then in effect. Hartford will notify You at least
thirty days prior to the Policy Anniversary occurring at the end of such
Guarantee Period that it will make such adjustment unless You instruct Hartford
not to make this adjustment.

THE RIGHT TO EXAMINE OR EXCHANGE THE POLICY

An applicant has a limited right to return a Policy for cancellation. If the
Policy is returned, by mail or personal delivery to Hartford or to the agent who
sold the Policy, to be canceled within ten days after delivery of the Policy to
the Policy Owner, within 10 days of Hartford's mailing or personal delivery of a
Notice of Right to Withdraw or within 45 days of completion of the Policy
application (whichever is later, and subject to applicable state regulation),
Hartford will return to the applicant, within seven days thereafter, the greater
of the premium paid, less any Indebtedness, or the sum of (1) the Account Value,
less any Indebtedness, on the date the returned Policy is received by Hartford
or its agent and (2) any deductions under the Policy or by the

<PAGE>

Funds for taxes, charges or fees.

Once the Policy is in effect, it may be exchanged during the first 24 months
after its issuance, for a non-variable life insurance policy offered by Us or an
affiliate on the life of the Insured. No evidence of insurability will be
required. The new policy will have an amount at risk which equals or is less
than the amount ar risk in effect on the date of exchange. Premiums under the
new policy will be based on the same risk classifications as this Policy. An
exchange of the Policy under these circumstances should be a tax-free
transaction under Section 1035 of the Internal Revenue Code.

SURRENDER/CONTINUATION OPTIONS

At any time prior to the Maturity Date, provided the Policy has a Cash Surrender
Value, You may choose to have the Cash Surrender Value applied under one of the
following options:

Option A - Surrender for Cash
Option B - Continue as Extended Term Insurance
Option C - Continue as Paid-Up Insurance

In addition, if during the Guarantee Period:

(a) a Scheduled Premium which is required is not paid by the end of the grace
period; and

(b) the Automatic Premium Loan Option is not elected or not available due to
insufficient Cash Surrender Value,

You may choose one of the above options. You may notify Us of Your choice In
Writing within 61 days after the due date of the outstanding Scheduled Premium.
In the absence of such notification, We will automatically apply the Cash
Surrender Value to option B unless the insurance class shown in your Policy is
"special" in which case the automatic option will be option C. If the Policy
has no Cash Surrender Value, it will terminate at the end of the grace period.

WHEN EFFECTIVE - The effective date of this benefit will be the earlier of:

(a) the date We receive Your request; or

(b) the end of the grace period.

When a surrender/continuation option becomes effective, all benefit riders
attached to the Policy will terminate unless otherwise provided in the rider.

OPTION DESCRIPTIONS

Option A - Surrender for Cash

If You choose this option, You must surrender the Policy to Us. We will pay You
the

<PAGE>

Cash Surrender Value at the time of surrender, and Our liability under the
Policy will cease.

Option B - Continue as Extended Term Insurance.

This option is not available unless the insurance class shown in the Policy is
"standard" or "preferred." If you choose this option, the extended term
insurance Death Benefit will be the Death Benefit in effect on the effective
date of the non-forfeiture benefit less any Indebtedness. The term period will
begin on the effective date of this benefit and will extend for a period of time
equal to that which the Cash Surrender Value will provide as a net single
premium at the Insured's then Attained Age. At the end of that term period, Our
liability under the Policy will cease. We will pay You any Cash Surrender Value
not used to provide extended term insurance.

Option C - Continue as Paid-Up Insurance.

If You choose this option, the Policy will continue as paid-up life insurance.
The amount of paid-up life insurance will be calculated using the Cash Surrender
Value of the Policy as a net single premium as of the effective date of this
benefit at the then Attained Age of the Insured. The Company reserves the right
to require evidence of insurability or limit the amount of the benefit if the
paid-up amount exceeds the Death Benefit in effect on the effective date of this
benefit. We will pay You any Cash Surrender Value not used to provide paid-up
insurance.

If the Policy is continued under option B or option C above, the Cash Surrender
Value available within 30 days after any Policy Anniversary will not be less
than the Cash Value on such Policy Anniversary minus any Indebtedness.

VALUATION OF PAYMENTS AND TRANSFERS

We value the Policy on every Valuation Day.

We will pay Death Proceeds, Cash Surrender Values, partial withdrawal proceeds,
and loan amounts attributable to the Sub-Accounts within seven (7) days after We
receive all the information needed to process the payment unless the New York
Stock Exchange is closed for other than a regular holiday or weekend, trading is
restricted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or that the SEC
declares that an emergency exists.

Hartford may defer payment of any amounts not attributable to the Sub-Accounts
for up to six months from the date on which we receive the request.

APPLICATION FOR A POLICY

Individuals wishing to purchase a Policy must submit an application to Hartford.
Within limits, an applicant may choose the Scheduled Premiums and the initial
Face Amount and the Guarantee Period. Policies generally will be issued only on
the lives

<PAGE>

of Insureds age 80 and under who supply evidence of insurability satisfactory to
Hartford. Acceptance is subject to Hartford's underwriting rules and Hartford
reserves the right to reject an application for any reason. No change in the
terms or conditions of a Policy will be made without the consent of the Policy
Owner.

The Policy will be effective on the Policy Date only after Hartford has received
all outstanding delivery requirements and received the initial premium. The
Policy Date is the date used to determine all future cyclical transactions on
the Policy, e.g., Monthly Activity Date and Policy Years.

REDUCED CHARGES FOR ELIGIBLE GROUPS

Certain of the charges and deductions described below may be reduced for
Policies issued in connection with a specific plan in accordance with Our rules
in effect as of the date an application for a Policy is approved. To qualify
for such a reduction, a plan must satisfy certain criteria as to, for example,
size of the plan, expected number of participants and anticipated premium
payment from the plan. Generally, the sales contacts and effort, administrative
costs and mortality cost per Policy vary based on such factors as the size of
the plan, the purposes for which Policies are purchased and certain
characteristics for the plan's members. The amount of reduction and the
criteria for qualification will reflect in the reduced sales effort and
administrative costs resulting from, and the different mortality experience
expected as a result of, sales to qualifying plans. We may modify from time to
time on a uniform basis both the amounts of reductions and the criteria for
qualification. Reductions in these charges will not be unfairly discriminatory
against any person, including the affected Policy Owners invested in the
Separate Account.

DEDUCTIONS FROM THE PREMIUM

Before the allocation of the premium payment to the Account Value, a deduction
as a percentage of premium is made for the front-end sales load and premium
taxes. The amount of each premium allocated to the Account Value is Your Net
Premium.

FRONT END SALES LOAD

The front-end sales load portion of the premium deduction is based on the level
of Scheduled Premiums, the length of the Guarantee Period, and the amount of any
Unscheduled Premiums paid.

The maximum front-end sales load percentages for Policies are 50% of the
premiums paid in the first Policy Year, 11% in Policy Years 2 through 10, and 3%
in Policy Years 11 and later.

For all Guarantee Periods, the maximum amount of premium paid in any Policy Year
that is subject to a front-end sales load is the Guideline Annual Premium. In
addition, if Scheduled Premiums are less than the Guideline Annual Premiums, the
maximum

<PAGE>

amount of premium paid in the first Policy Year subject to a front-end sales
load is the Scheduled Premium.

The actual schedule of front-end sales loads for any given Policy is specified
in that Policy.

Generally, the shorter the Guarantee Period, the lower the front-end sales
loads. The levels range from those for the ten-year Guarantee Period cited
above to 0% on a contract with a One Year Guarantee Period. However, there are
other contractual charges that are lower for longer Guarantee Periods. See
"Summary - Guarantee Period," on page __, for a further description.

For an example of the effect of Front-End Sales Loads, see "Examples of
Front-End Sales Loads and Surrender Charges," page ____.

PREMIUM RELATED TAX CHARGE

DEDUCTIONS AND CHARGES FROM THE ACCOUNT VALUE

MONTHLY DEDUCTION AMOUNTS

On the Policy Date and on each subsequent Monthly Activity Date, Hartford will
deduct an amount (the "Monthly Deduction Amount") from the Account Value to
cover certain charges and expenses incurred in connection with a Policy. Each
Monthly Deduction Amount will be deducted on a Pro Rata Basis from the Fixed
Account and each of the Sub-Accounts. The Monthly Deduction Amount will vary
from month to month.

The Monthly Deduction Amount equals:

(a) the charge for the cost of insurance; plus

(b) the charges for additional benefits provided by rider, if any; plus
(c) the charges for "special" insurance class rating, if any; plus

(d) the monthly administrative fee; plus

(e) the mortality and expense risk charge

(a) Cost of Insurance Charge

The charge for the cost of insurance is equal to:

(i) the cost of insurance rate per $1,000; multiplied by

(ii) the amount at risk; divided by

<PAGE>

(iii) $1,000

The amount at risk equals the Death Benefit less the Account Value on that
date, prior to assessing the Monthly Deduction Amount.

The cost of insurance charge is to cover Hartford's anticipated mortality
costs. For standard risks, the cost of insurance rate will not exceed
those based on the 1980 Commissioners Standard Ordinary Mortality Table. A
table of guaranteed cost of insurance rates per $1,000 will be included in
each Policy; however, Hartford reserves the right to use rates less than
those shown in the table. Substandard risks will be charged a higher cost
of insurance rate that will not exceed rates based on a multiple of the
1980 Commissioners Standard Ordinary Mortality Table. The multiple will be
based on the Insured's risk class. Hartford will determine the cost of
insurance rate at the start of each Policy Year. Any changes in the cost
of insurance rate will be made uniformly for all Insureds in the same risk
class.

Because the Account Value and the Death Benefit Amount under a Policy may
vary from month to month, the cost of insurance charge may also vary on
each Monthly Activity Date.

(b) Rider Charge

If the Policy includes riders, a charge is made applicable to the riders
from the Account Value on each Monthly Activity Date.

The charge applicable to these riders is to compensate Hartford for
anticipated cost of providing these benefits and are specified on the
applicable rider.

The riders available are described on page under "Supplemental
Benefits" section.

A charge for a special insurance class rating of the Insured may be made
against the Account Value, if applicable. This charge is to compensate
Hartford for the additional mortality risk associated with individuals in
these classes.

(d) Monthly Administrative Fee and Other Expense Charges Against Sub-Accounts

Hartford will assess a monthly administrative charge to compensate Hartford
for administrative costs in connection with the Policies. This charge will
be $8.33 per month initially and is guaranteed never to exceed that level
during the Guarantee Period. After the Guarantee Period, this charge is
guaranteed never to exceed $12.00 per month. This charge covers the
average expected cost for these expenses.

<PAGE>

In addition, in the first Policy Year, there is a monthly first year charge
to compensate Hartford for the up-front costs to underwrite and issue a
policy. This additional first year charge, subject to certain maximums, is
equal to $8.33 per month plus an amount that varies by issue age and the
initial Face Amount (IFA). This additional first Policy Year charge and
the maximums are summarized in the chart below for some sample ages.

Additional First Year Maximum
Issue Age Monthly Charge Monthly Amount
--------- -------------- --------------

25 $8.33 plus $.0333 per $1,000 of IFA $50.00
35 $8.33 plus $.0375 per $1,000 of IFA $54.17
45 $8.33 plus $.0417 per $1,000 of IFA $62.50
55 $8.33 plus $.0625 per $1,000 of IFA $62.50
65 $8.33 plus $.0708 per $1,000 of IFA $62.50

(e) Mortality and Expense Risk Charge

A charge is made for mortality and expense risks assumed by Hartford. This
charge is allocated to Hartford's general account. Hartford may profit
from this charge. See also, "Policy
Benefits and Rights - Cash Value," page _____.

The mortality and expense risk charge for any Monthly Activity Date is
equal to:

(i) the mortality and expense risk rate; multiplied by

(ii) the portion of the Account Value allocated to the Sub-Account on
the Monthly Activity Date prior to assessing the Monthly Deduction
Amount.

During the first twenty Policy Years, the longer the Guarantee Period, the
lower the mortality and expense risk charge rate. Specifically, for Policy
Years one through twenty, the mortality and expense risk charge rate ranges
from 1.40% annually for a Policy with a one-year Guarantee Period, and
decreases as the length of the Guarantee Period increases, to .60% on a
Policy with a ten-year Guarantee Period. After the twentieth Policy Year,
the mortality and expense risk charge rate for all Policies will equal .60%
annually. There are other contractual charges that are higher for longer
Guarantee Periods. See "Summary - Guarantee Period," on page __, for a
fuller description.

The mortality risk assumed is that the actual cost of insurance charges
specified in the Policy will be insufficient to meet actual claims.
Hartford also assumes the risk of the Death Benefit Guarantee during the
Guarantee Period. See "Detailed Description of Policy Benefits and
Provisions--Death Benefit Guarantee," page ___. The expense risk assumed
is that expenses incurred in issuing and administering the Policies will
exceed the administrative charges set in the Policy.

<PAGE>

For Policies with a one-year Guarantee Period, Hartford also incurs an
expense risk that the costs associated with distributing the Policies will
be greater than the proceeds from any sales charges deducted under the
Policies.

SURRENDER CHARGES

A Surrender Charge is assessed against the Account Value of a Policy if the
Policy lapses or is surrendered during the first nine Policy Years. The amount
of the Surrender Charge applicable during the first Policy Year is established
by Hartford based on the premiums paid during the first Policy Year and the
length of the Guarantee Period chosen by the Policy Owner. Subject to certain
limits imposed by state insurance law, the Surrender Charge decreases by an
equal amount each Policy Year until it reaches zero during the tenth Policy
Year.

Specifically, the maximum first year Surrender Charge under a Policy is equal to
the sum of (i) a specified percentage of the Scheduled Premium up to the
Guideline Annual Premium and (ii) 5% of the excess, of the first year premium
over the Guideline Annual Premium. The longer the Guarantee Period, the higher
the percentage is which is used in the preceding calculation. This percentage
is equal to 110% with respect to Policies with a ten-year Guarantee Period and
decreases as the Guarantee Period chosen decreases to 10% for Policies with a
one-year Guarantee Period. However, there are other contractual charges that
are lower for longer Guarantee Periods. See "Summary - Guarantee Period," on
page __, for a fuller description.

Generally, the total sales load under the Policy will not exceed 180% of the
Guideline Annual Premium, or 9% of the sum of the Guideline Annual Premium that
would be paid over a 20-year period. In cases where the anticipated life
expectancy of the Insured named in the Policy is less than 20 years, the total
sales load will not exceed 9% of the sum of the Guideline Annual Premiums for
the shorter period.

For an example of the effect of Surrender Charges, see "Examples of Front-End
Sales Loads and Surrender Charges", see below.

EXAMPLES OF FRONT-END SALES LOADS AND SURRENDER CHARGES

An example of the actual front-end sales loads and Surrender Charge schedule as
well as and the impact of the sales load refund, if any, (see "Load Refund" on
page _____ ), for a Policy with a ten-year Guarantee Period is shown below.
This example uses the same specific information (i.e., Issue Age, Face Amount,
premium level, etc.) as the illustration on page ____ of this Prospectus.

<PAGE>

Death Benefit Option: Level
Face Amount: $250,000
Guarantee Period: 10 years
Charges Assumed: Current
Issue Age/Sex/Class: 45/Male/Preferred
Scheduled Premium: $4,000.00 per year
Guideline Annual Premium: $4,819.38
Assumed Gross Annual
Investment Return: 0%

The "Total Cumulative Sales Load If Surrendered" column on the far right
represents the sum of all loads which would have been assessed since the issue
of the Policy assuming a surrender of the Policy at the end of the corresponding
Policy Year.

This is:

a) The sum of the Cumulative Front-End Sales Load, plus
b) The actual Surrender Charge for that Policy Year, minus

c) The Sales Load Refund, if any, applicable to that Policy year.
(See "Cash Values-Load Refund".)

<PAGE>

Additional Charges/Credits if Surrendered - Ten Year Guarantee Period

Surrender Charges
Cumulative Total
Front-End Maximum Year End Actual Sales Cumulative
Policy Sales Surrender Account Surrender Load Sales Load If
Year Load Charge Value Charge Refund Surrendered**
- ---- ----- ------- ----- ------- ------ -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 2000 4400 1232 1232 2032 1200
2 2440 3911 4074 3911 4590 1791
3 2880 3422 6764 3422 0 6302
4 3320 2933 9345 2933 0 6253
5 3760 2444 11843 2444 0 6204
6 4200 1956 14274 1956 0 6156
7 4640 1467 16645 1467 0 6107
8 5080 978 18971 978 0 6058
9 5520 489 21246 489 0 6009
10 5960 0 23456 0 0 5960
11 6080 0 25850 0 0 6080
</TABLE>

*The Actual Surrender Charge assessed is the smaller of:
a) The contractual maximum surrender charge, or

b) Policy Year-End Account Value

**Assumes a surrender of the Policy at the end of that Policy Year

An example of the actual Front-End Sales Loads and Surrender Charge schedule
as well as the impact of the sales load refund, if any, (see "Load Refund" on
page__) for a Policy with a one-year Guarantee Period is shown below. This
example uses the same specific information (i.e., Issue Age, Face Amount,
premium level) as the illustration on page ____ of this Prospectus.

Death Benefit Option: Level
Face Amount: $250,000
Guarantee Period: 1 Year
Charges Assumed: Current
Issue Age/Sex/Class: 45/Male/Preferred
Scheduled Premium: $4,000.00 per year
Guideline Annual Premium: $4,819.38
Assumed Hypothetical Gross Annual
Investment Return: 0%

<PAGE>

This is:

a) The sum of the Cumulative Front-End Sales Load, plus
b) The Actual Surrender Charge for that Policy Year, minus

c) The Sales Load Refund, if any, applicable to that Policy Year. (See
"Cash Values - Load Refund")

Additional Charges/Credits if Surrendered - One Year Guarantee Period

Surrender Charges
Cumulative Total
Front-End Maximum Year End Actual Sales Cumulative
Policy Sales Surrender Account Surrender Load Sales Load If
Year Load Charge Value Charge Refund Surrendered**
- ---- ---- ------ ----- ------- ------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 0 400 3169 400 0 400
2 0 355 6361 355 0 355
3 0 311 9381 311 0 311
4 0 267 12273 267 0 267
5 0 222 15067 222 0 222
6 0 178 17780 178 0 178
7 0 133 20422 133 0 133
8 0 89 23008 89 0 89
9 0 44 25529 44 0 44
10 0 0 27976 0 0 0
11 0 0 30273 0 0 0

</TABLE>

*The Actual Surrender Charge assessed is the smaller of:
a) The contractual maximum surrender charge, or

b) Policy Year-End Account Value

**Assumes a surrender of the Policy at the end of that Policy Year

CHARGES AGAINST THE FUNDS

The investment advisers charge the Funds a daily investment management fee as
compensation for services. The following Table shows the fee charged for each
Fund available for investment by Policy Owners.
ANNUAL INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT
AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE
HARTFORD FUNDS DAILY NET ASSETS
- ------------- -----------------

<PAGE>

Hartford Capital Appreciation Fund, Inc., .575% of the first $250
million of average net assets

Hartford Advisers Fund, Inc., .525% of the next $250
million of average net assets

Hartford International Opportunities Fund, Inc., .475% of the next $250
million of average net assets

Hartford Dividend and Growth Fund, Inc. .425% of any amount over $1.0
billion

.325% of the first $250
million of average net assets

.300% of the next $250 million
of average net assets

Hartford Bond Fund, Inc., Hartford Stock .275% of the next $250 million
of average net assets

Fund, Inc. .250% of any amount over 1.0
billion

Hartford Index Fund, Inc. .20%

Hartford Mortgage Securities Fund, Inc.,
HVA Money Market Fund, Inc. .25%

PUTNAM FUNDS
- ------------

Putnam VT Diversified Income Fund,
Putnam VT Global Asset Allocation Fund, .70% of the first $500 million
of average net assets

Putnam VT High Yield Fund, .60% of the next $500 million
of average net assets

Putnam VT Opportunities Fund and .55% of the next $500 million
of average net assets

Putnam VT Voyager Fund .50% of any amount over $1.5
billion

.65% of the first $500 million
of average net assets

.55% of the next $500 million
of average net assets

.50% of the next $500 million
of average net assets

Putnam VT Growth and Income Fund .45% of any amount over $1.5
billion

.45% of the first $500 million
of average net assets

.35% of the next $500 million
of average net assets
<PAGE>
.30% of the next $500 million
of average net assets

Putnam VT Money Market Fund .25% of any amount over $1.5
billion

.65% of the first $500
million of average net assets

.55% of the first $500 million
of average net assets

.50% of the next $500 million
of average net assets

.45% of the next $5 billion of
average net assets

.425% of the first $5 billion
of average net assets

.405% of the first $5 billion
of average net assets

Putnam VT U.S. Government and High .39% of the next $5 billion of
Quality Bond Fund average net assets

.38% of any excess thereafter

Putnam VT Global Growth Fund and
Putnam VT Utilities Growth and Income Fund .60%

FIDELITY FUNDS
- --------------

Equity-Income Portfolio .52%
Overseas Portfolio .77%
Asset Manager Portfolio .72%

TAXES

Currently, no charge is made to the Separate Account for federal, state, and
local taxes that may be attributable to the Separate Account. A change in the
applicable federal, state or local tax laws which impose tax on Hartford and/or
the Separate Account may result in a charge against the Policy in the future.
Charges for other taxes, if any, attributable to the Separate Account may also
be made.

THE COMPANY

ITT Hartford Life and Annuity Insurance Company ("Hartford") is a stock life
insurance company engaged in the business of writing life insurance and
annuities, both individual and group, in all states of the United States and the
District of Columbia, except New York. Hartford, formerly called ITT Life
Insurance Corporation, was originally incorporated under the laws of Wisconsin
on January 9, 1956, and was subsequently redomiciled to Connecticut. Its
offices

<PAGE>

are located in Simsbury, Connecticut; however, its mailing address is P.O.
Box 2999, Hartford, CT 06104-2999. Hartford is a 100% subsidiary of
Hartford Fire Insurance Company, one of the largest multiple lines insurance
carriers in the United States. Hartford is ultimately a 100% subsidiary
of ITT Hartford Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

Hartford is rated A+ (superior) by A.M. Best and Company, Inc., on the basis of
its financial soundness and operating performance. Hartford is rated AA by
Standard & Poor's and AA+ by Duff and Phelps on the basis of its claims paying
ability. These ratings do not apply to the investment performance of the Sub-
Accounts of the Separate Account. The ratings apply to Hartford's ability to
meet its insurance obligations, including those described in this Prospectus.

Hartford is subject to Connecticut law governing insurance companies and is
regulated and supervised by the Connecticut Commissioner of Insurance. An
annual statement in a prescribed form must be filed with that Commissioner on or
before March 1st in each year covering the operations of Hartford for the
preceding year and its financial condition on December 31st of such year.

Hartford's books and assets are subject to review or examination by the
Commissioner or his agents at all times, and a full examination of its
operations is conducted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
("NAIC") at least once in every four years. In addition, Hartford is subject to
the insurance laws and regulations of any jurisdiction in which it sells its
insurance policies. Hartford is also subject to various Federal and state
securities laws and regulations.

SEPARATE ACCOUNT VL I

GENERAL

The Separate Account is a separate account of Hartford established on June 8,
1995 pursuant to the insurance laws of the State of Connecticut and organized as
a unit investment trust registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under Connecticut law, the assets of
the Separate Account are held exclusively for the benefit of Policy Owners and
persons entitled to payments under the Policies. The assets for the Separate
Account are not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business
which Hartford may conduct.

FUNDS

The assets of each Sub-Account of the Separate Account are invested exclusively
in one of the Funds. A Policy Owner may allocate Net Premiums among the
Sub-Accounts. Policy Owners should review the following brief descriptions of
the investment objectives of each of the Funds in connection with that
allocation. There is no assurance that any Fund will achieve its stated
objectives. Policy Owners are also

<PAGE>

advised to read the prospectuses for each of the Funds accompanying this
Prospectus for more detailed information.

HARTFORD FUNDS

HARTFORD ADVISERS FUND, INC.

To achieve maximum long term total rate of return consistent with prudent
investment risk by investing in common stock and other equity securities, bonds
and other debt securities, and money market instruments. The investment adviser
will vary the investments of the Fund among equity and debt securities and money
market instruments depending upon its analysis of market trends. Total rate of
return consists of current income, including dividends, interest and discount
accruals and capital appreciation.

HARTFORD BOND FUND, INC.

To achieve maximum current income consistent with preservation of capital by
investing primarily in bonds. Up to 20% of the total assets of this Fund may be
invested in debt securities rated in the highest category below investment grade
("Ba" by Moody's or "BB" by S&P) or, if unrated, are determined to be of
comparable quality by the Fund's investment adviser. Securities rated below
investment grade are commonly referred to as "high yield-high risk securities"
or "junk bonds." For more information concerning the risks associated with
investing in such securities, please refer to the section in the accompanying
prospectus for the Hartford Funds entitled "Hartford Bond Fund, Inc. -
Investment Policies."

HARTFORD CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND, INC.

To achieve growth of capital by investing in equity securities and securities
convertible into equity securities selected solely on the basis of potential for
capital appreciation; income, if any, is an incidental consideration.

HARTFORD DIVIDEND AND GROWTH FUND, INC.

To achieve a high level of current income consistent with growth of capital and
reasonable investment risk by investing primarily in equity securities and
securities convertible into equity securities.

HARTFORD INDEX FUND, INC.

To provide investment results which approximate the price and yield performance
of publicly-traded common stocks in the aggregate, as represented by the
Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index. *

<PAGE>

HARTFORD INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND, INC.

To achieve long-term total return consistent with prudent investment risk
through investment primarily in equity securities issued by foreign companies.

HARTFORD MORTGAGE SECURITIES FUND, INC.

To achieve maximum current income consistent with safety of principal and
maintenance of liquidity by investing primarily in mortgage-related securities,
including securities issued by the Government National Mortgage Association
("GNMA").

HARTFORD STOCK FUND, INC.

To achieve long-term capital growth primarily through capital appreciation, with
income a secondary consideration, by investing in equity-type securities.

HVA MONEY MARKET FUND, INC.

To achieve maximum current income consistent with liquidity and preservation of
capital by investing in money market securities.

* "Standard & Poor's-Registered Trademark-", "S&P-Registered Trademark-",
"S&P 500-Registered Trademark-", "Standard & Poor's 500", and "500" are
trademarks of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and have been licensed
for use by Hartford Life Insurance Company. The Hartford Index Fund, Inc.
("Index Fund") is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Standard
& Poor's ("S&P") and S&P makes no representation regarding the advisability
of investing in the Index Fund.

PUTNAM FUNDS

PUTNAM VT DIVERSIFIED INCOME FUND

Seeks high current income consistent with capital preservation by investing
in the following three sections of the fixed income securities markets:
U.S. Government Sector, High Yield Sector (which invests primarily in what
are commonly referred to as "junk bonds"), and International Sector. See
the Special Considerations for investments in high yield securities
described in the Fund prospectus.

PUTNAM VT GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION FUND

Seeks a high level of long-term total return consistent with preservation
of capital by investing in U.S. equities, international equities, U.S.
fixed income securities, and international fixed income securities.

PUTNAM VT GLOBAL GROWTH FUND

Seeks capital appreciation through a globally diversified common stock
portfolio.
<PAGE>

PUTNAM VT GROWTH AND INCOME FUND

Seeks capital growth and current income by investing primarily in common
stocks that offer potential for capital growth, current income, or both.

PUTNAM VT HIGH YIELD FUND

Seeks high current income by investing primarily in high-yielding,
lower-rated fixed income securities (commonly referred to as "junk bonds"),
constituting a diversified portfolio which Putnam Investment Management,
Inc. ("Putnam Management") believes does not involve undue risk to income
or principal. Capital growth is a secondary objective when consistent with
high current income. See the special considerations for investments in
high yield securities described in the Fund prospectus.

PUTNAM VT MONEY MARKET FUND

Seeks to achieve as high a level of current income as Putnam Management
believes is consistent with preservation of capital and maintenance of
liquidity by investing in high-quality money market instruments.

PUTNAM VT NEW OPPORTUNITIES FUND

Seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing principally in common
stocks of companies in sectors of the economy which Putnam Management
believes possess above-average long-term growth potential.

PUTNAM VT U.S. GOVERNMENT AND HIGH QUALITY BOND FUND

Seeks current income consistent with preservation of capital by investing
primarily in securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest
by the U.S. Government or by its agencies or instrumentalities and in other
debt obligations rated at least A by Standard & Poor's or Moody's or, if
not rated, determined by Putnam Management to be of comparable quality.

PUTNAM VT UTILITIES GROWTH AND INCOME FUND

Seeks capital growth and current income by concentrating its investments in
securities issued by companies in the public utilities industries.

PUTNAM VT VOYAGER FUND

Aggressively seeks capital appreciation primarily from a portfolio of
common stocks which Putnam Management believes have potential for capital
appreciation which is significantly greater than that of market averages.

<PAGE>

FIDELITY FUNDS

EQUITY-INCOME PORTFOLIO

To seek reasonable income by investing primarily in income-producing equity
securities. In choosing these securities, the Portfolio will also consider the
potential for capital appreciation. The Portfolio's goal is to achieve a yield
which exceeds the composite yield on the securities comprising the Standard &
Poor's Daily Stock Price Index of 500 Common Stocks.

In addition, the Portfolio may invest in high yield, lower-rated securities
(commonly referred to as "junk bonds") which are subject to greater risk than
investments in higher-rated securities. For a further discussion of lower-rated
securities, please see "Risks of Lower-Rated Debt Securities" in the Fidelity
prospectus for this Portfolio.

OVERSEAS PORTFOLIO

To seek long-term growth of capital primarily through investments in foreign
securities and provides a means for aggressive investors to diversify their own
portfolios by participating in companies and economies outside of the United
States.

ASSET MANAGER PORTFOLIO

To seek high total return with reduced risk over the long-term by allocating its
assets among stocks, bonds and short-term fixed-income instruments.

The Hartford Funds are organized as corporations under the laws of the State of
Maryland and are registered as diversified open-end management companies under
the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Putnam Funds are porfolios of the
Putnam Variable Trust, which is organized as a business trust under the laws of
Massachusetts and is an open-end series investment company under the Investment
Company Act of 1940. The Fidelity Funds are series of two diversified open-end

<PAGE>

management investment companies, each with multiple portfolios and organized as
a Massachusetts business trust. The Equity-Income Portfolio and Overseas
Portfolio are portfolios of the Variable Insurance Products Fund. The Asset
Manager Portfolio is a portfolio of the Variable Insurance Products Fund II.
Each Fund continually issues an unlimited number of full and fractional shares
of beneficial interest in the Fund. Such shares are offered to separate
accounts, including the Separate Account, established by Hartford or one of its
affiliated companies specifically to fund the Policies and other policies issued
by Hartford or its affiliates as permitted by the Investment Company Act of
1940.

It is conceivable that in the future it may be disadvantageous for variable life
insurance separate accounts and variable annuity separate accounts to invest in
the Funds simultaneously. Although neither Hartford nor the Funds currently
foresee any such disadvantages either to variable life insurance policy owners
or to variable annuity policy owners, the Board of Directors intend for the
Hartford Funds and the Board of Trustees for the Putnam Funds, and the Board of
Trustees for the Fidelity Funds (collectively the "Board") to monitor events in
order to identify any material conflicts between such Policy Owners and to
determine what action, if any, should be taken in response thereto. If the
Boards were to conclude that separate funds should be established for variable
life and variable life insurance separate accounts, Hartford will bear the
attendant expenses.

All investment income of and other distributions to each Sub-Account of the
Separate Account arising from the applicable Fund are reinvested in shares of
that Fund at net asset value. The income and both realized gains or losses on
the assets of each Sub-Account of the Separate Account are therefore separate
and are credited to or charged against the Sub-Account without regard to income,
gains or losses from any other Sub-Account or from any other business of
Hartford. Hartford will purchase shares in the Funds in connection with premium
payments allocated to the applicable Sub-Account in accordance with Policy
Owners directions and will redeem shares in the Funds to meet Policy obligations
or make adjustments in reserves, if any. The Funds are required to redeem Fund
shares at net asset value and generally to make payment within seven days.

Hartford reserves the right, subject to compliance with the law as then in
effect, to make additions to, deletions from, or substitutions for the Separate
Account and its Sub-Accounts which fund the Policies. If shares of any of the
Funds should no longer be available for investment, or if, in the judgment of
Hartford's management, further investment in shares of any Fund should become
inappropriate in view of the purposes of the Policies, Hartford may substitute
shares of another Fund for shares already purchased, or to be purchased in the
future, under the Policies. No substitution of securities will take place
without notice to and consent of Policy Owners and without prior approval of the
Securities and Exchange Commission to the extent required by the Investment
Company Act of 1940. Subject to Policy Owner approval, if required, Hartford
also reserves the right to end the registration under the Investment Company Act
of 1940 of the Separate Account or any other separate accounts of which it is
the

<PAGE>

depositor which may fund the Policies.

Each Fund is subject to certain investment restrictions which may not be changed
without the approval of a majority of the shareholders of the Fund. See the
accompanying prospectuses for each of the Funds.

Investment Adviser

HARTFORD FUNDS

The investment adviser for each of the Hartford Funds is HL Investment
Advisors, Inc. ("HL Investment"). HL Investment provides investment advice
and, in general, supervises the management and investment program of the
Hartford Funds pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement entered into with
each of these Funds, for which HL Investment receives a fee.

HL Investments has entered into an investment services agreement with HIMCO,
an affiliate of Hartford organized under Connecticut law, pursuant to which
HIMCO provides certain investment services to Hartford Bond Fund, Hartford
Index Fund, Hartford Mortgage Securities Fund and HVA Money Market Fund.

Wellington Management serves as the investment sub-adviser to Hartford Advisers
Fund, Hartford Capital Appreciation Fund, Hartford Dividend and Growth Fund,
Hartford International Opportunities Fund and Hartford Stock Fund. Wellington
Management is a professional investment counseling firm which provides
investment services to investment companies, other institutions and individuals.
Wellington Management is organized as a private Massachusetts partnership and
its predecessor organizations have provided investment advisory services to
investment companies since 1933 and to investment counseling clients since 1960.
See the accompanying prospectus for each of the Hartford Funds for a more
complete description of HL Investment, HIMCO and Wellington Management, and
their respective fees.

PUTNAM FUNDS

Putnam Management, One Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109, serves
as the investment manager for the Putnam Funds. An affiliate, Putnam Advisory
Company, Inc., manages domestic and foreign institutional accounts and mutual
funds. Another affiliate , Putnam Fiduciary Trust Company, provides investment
advice to institutional clients under its banking and fiduciary policies.
Putnam Management and its affiliates are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Marsh &
McLennan Companies, Inc., a publicly owned holding company whose principal
businesses are international insurance brokerage and employee benefit
consulting.

FIDELITY FUNDS

The Fidelity Funds are managed by Fidelity Management & Research Company

<PAGE>

("Fidelity Management"), whose principal business address is 82 Devonshire
Street, Boston, Massachusetts. Fidelity Management is one of America's largest
investment management organizations. It is composed of a number of different
companies, which provide a variety of financial services and products. Fidelity
Management is the original Fidelity company, founded in 1946. It provides a
number of mutual funds and other clients with investment research and portfolio
management services. Various Fidelity companies perform certain activities
required to operate Variable Insurance Products Fund and Variable Insurance
Products Fund II.

THE FIXED ACCOUNT

THAT PORTION OF THE POLICY RELATING TO THE FIXED ACCOUNT IS NOT REGISTERED UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ("1933 ACT") AND THE FIXED ACCOUNT IS NOT REGISTERED
AS AN INVESTMENT COMPANY UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 ("1940 ACT").
ACCORDINGLY, NEITHER THE FIXED ACCOUNT NOR ANY INTERESTS THEREIN ARE SUBJECT TO
THE PROVISIONS OR RESTRICTIONS OF THE 1933 ACT OR THE 1940 ACT, AND THE
DISCLOSURE REGARDING THE FIXED ACCOUNT HAS NOT BEEN REVIEWED BY THE STAFF OF THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THE FOLLOWING DISCLOSURE ABOUT THE FIXED
ACCOUNT MAY BE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN GENERALLY APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THE FEDERAL
SECURITIES LAWS REGARDING THE ACCURACY AND COMPLETENESS OF DISCLOSURE.

Premium payments and Cash Values allocated to the Fixed Account become a part of
the general assets of Hartford. Hartford invests the assets of the general
account in accordance with applicable law governing the investments of insurance
company general accounts.

The Fixed Account Minimum Credited Rate is shown in the Policy. Currently,
Hartford guarantees that it will credit interest at a rate of not less than 4%
per year, compounded annually, to amounts allocated to the Fixed Account under
the Policies. Hartford may credit interest at a rate in excess of the Fixed
Account Minimum Credited Rate, however, Hartford is not obligated to credit any
interest in excess of the Fixed Account Minimum Credited Rate. There is no
specific formula for the determination of excess interest credits. Some of the
factors that the Company may consider in determining whether to credit excess
interest to amounts allocated to the Fixed Account and the amount thereof, are
general economic trends, rates of return currently available and anticipated on
the Company's investments, regulatory and tax requirements and competitive
factors. ANY INTEREST CREDITED TO AMOUNTS ALLOCATED TO THE FIXED ACCOUNT IN
EXCESS OF THE FIXED ACCOUNT MINIMUM CREDITED RATE WILL BE DETERMINED IN THE SOLE
DISCRETION OF THE COMPANY.

<PAGE>

THE POLICY OWNER ASSUMES THE RISK THAT INTEREST CREDITED TO FIXED ACCOUNT
ALLOCATIONS MAY NOT EXCEED THE FIXED ACCOUNT MINIMUM CREDITED RATE.

OTHER MATTERS

VOTING RIGHTS

In accordance with its view of presently applicable law, Hartford will vote the
shares of the Funds at regular and special meetings of the shareholders of the
Funds in accordance with instructions from Policy Owners (or the assignee of the
Policy, as the case may be) having a voting interest in the Separate Account.
The number of shares held in the Separate Account which are attributable to each
Policy Owner is determined by dividing the Policy Owner's interest in each
Sub-Account by the net asset value of the applicable shares of the Funds.
Hartford will vote shares for which no instructions have been given and shares
which are not attributable to Policy Owners (i.e., shares owned by Hartford) in
the same proportion as it votes shares for which it has received instructions.
If the Investment Company Act of 1940 or any rule promulgated thereunder should
be amended, however, or if Hartford's present interpretation should change and,
as a result, Hartford determines it is permitted to vote the shares of the Funds
in its own right, it may elect to do so.

The voting interests of the Policy Owner (or the assignee) in the Funds will be
determined as follows: Policy Owners may cast one vote for each full or
fractional Accumulation Unit owned under the Policy and allocated to a
Sub-Account the assets of which are invested in the particular Fund on the
record date for the shareholder meeting for that Fund. If, however, a Policy
Owner has taken a loan secured by the Policy, amounts transferred from the
Sub-Account(s) to the Loan Account(s) in connection with the Indebtedness (see
"Policy Benefits and Rights - Policy Loans," page __) will not be considered in
determining the voting interests of the Policy Owner. Policy Owners should
review the prospectuses for the Funds which accompany this Prospectus to
determine matters on which shareholders may vote.

Hartford may, when required by state insurance regulatory authorities, disregard
voting instructions if the instructions require that the shares be voted so as
to cause a change in the sub-classification or investment objective of one or
more of the Funds or to approve or disapprove an investment advisory policy for
the Funds. In addition, Hartford itself may disregard voting instructions in
favor of changes initiated by a Policy Owner in the investment policy or the
investment adviser of the Funds if Hartford reasonably disapproves of such
changes. A change would be disapproved only if the proposed change is contrary
to state law or prohibited by state regulatory authorities. In the event
Hartford does disregard voting instructions, a summary of that action and the
reasons for such action will be included in the next periodic report to Policy
Owners.

STATEMENTS TO POLICY OWNERS

<PAGE>

We will send You a statement at least once each Policy Year, showing:

(a) the current Account Value, Cash Value and Face Amount;

(b) the premiums paid, Monthly Deduction Amounts and loans since
the last report;

(e) any other information required by the insurance department of
the state where the Policy was delivered

LIMIT ON RIGHT TO CONTEST

Hartford may not contest the validity of the Policy after it has been in effect
during the Insured's lifetime for two years from the Issue Date. If the Policy
is reinstated, the two-year period is measured from the date of reinstatement.
Any increase in the Face Amount as a result of a premium payment is contestable
for two years from its effective date. In addition, if the Insured commits
suicide in the two-year period, or such period as specified in state law, the
benefit payable will be limited to the premiums paid less any Indebtedness and
partial withdrawals.

MISSTATEMENT AS TO AGE

If the age of the Insured is incorrectly stated, the amount of Death Benefit
will be appropriately adjusted as specified in the Policy.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

Proceeds under the Policies may be paid in a lump sum or may be applied to one
of Hartford's payment options. The minimum amount that may be placed under a
payment option is $5,000 unless Hartford consents to a lesser amount. Once
payments under options 2, 3 or 4 commence, no surrender of the Policy may be
made for the purpose of receiving a lump sum settlement in lieu of the life
insurance payments. The following options are available under the Policies.

First Option -- Interest Income

Payments of interest at the rate we declare, but not less than 3 1/2% per year,
on the amount applied under this option.

Second Option -- Income of Fixed Amount

Equal payments of the amount chosen until the amount applied under this option,
with interest of not less than 3 1/2% per year, is exhausted. The final payment
will be for the balance remaining.

<PAGE>

Third Option -- Payments for a Fixed Period

An amount payable monthly for the number of years selected which may be from 1
to 30 years.

Fourth Option -- Life Income

Life Annuity - an annuity payable monthly during the lifetime of the annuitant
and terminating with the last monthly payment due preceding the death of the
annuitant.

Life Annuity with 120 Monthly Payments Certain - an annuity providing monthly
income to the annuitant for a fixed period of 120 months and for as long
thereafter as the annuitant shall live.

The Tables in the Policy provide for guaranteed dollar amounts of monthly
payments for each $1,000 applied under the four payment options. Under the
fourth option, the amount of each payment will depend upon the age of the
annuitant at the time the first payment is due. If any periodic payment due any
payee is less than $200, Hartford may make payments less often.

The Table for the fourth option is based on the 1983 Individual Annuity
Mortality Table set back one year and a net investment rate of 3.5% per annum.
The Tables for the first, second and third options are based on a net investment
rate of 3.5% per annum. Hartford may, however, from time to time, at our
discretion if mortality appears more favorable and interest rates justify, apply
other tables which will result in higher monthly payments for each $1,000
applied under one or more of the four payment options.

Hartford will make any other arrangements for income payments as may be agreed
on.

BENEFICIARY

The applicant names the beneficiary in the application for the Policy. The
Policy Owner may change the beneficiary (unless irrevocably named) during the
Insured's lifetime by written request to Hartford. If no beneficiary is living
when the Insured dies, the Death Proceeds will be paid to the Policy Owner if
living; otherwise to the Policy Owner's estate.

ASSIGNMENT

The Policy may be assigned as collateral for a loan or other obligation.
Hartford is not responsible for any payment made or action taken before receipt
of written notice of such assignment. Proof of interest must be filed with any
claim under a collateral assignment.

<PAGE>

DIVIDENDS

No dividends will be paid under the Policies.

SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS

The following supplemental benefits, which are subject to the restrictions and
limitations set forth therein, may be included in a Policy.

DEDUCTION AMOUNT WAIVER RIDER

Subject to certain age and underwriting restrictions, the Policy may include a
Deduction Amount Waiver Rider. This rider provides for the waiver of the
Policy's Monthly Deduction Amounts in the event of total disability prior to the
Insured reaching Attained Age 65 and continuing for at least six months. The
number of Monthly Deduction Amounts waived depends on the Insured's Attained Age
when the disability began. If this rider is added, the Monthly Deduction
Amounts will be increased to include the charges for this rider.

ACCIDENTAL DEATH BENEFIT RIDER

Subject to certain age and underwriting requirements, the Policy may include an
Accidental Death Benefit Rider.

This rider provides for an increase in the amount paid upon the death of the
Insured if the death results from an accident.

If this rider is added, the Monthly Deduction Amounts will be increased to
include the charges for this rider.

INCREASE IN COVERAGE OPTION RIDER

Subject to certain age and underwriting requirements, the Policy may include an
Increase in Coverage Option Rider.

This rider gives the Owner the guaranteed right to purchase a new flexible
premium variable life insurance policy on the life of the Insured, without
evidence of insurability, if certain conditions are met. These conditions
include:

1. the original Policy has been in force for five years,

2. the Insured's Attained Age is less than 80, and

3. the Account Value of the original Policy is sufficient to "pay-up" the
policy under assumptions defined in the rider.

<PAGE>

The Face Amount of the new policy will be equal to the Face Amount times a
percentage. This percentage depends on the Insured's age, sex (except where
unisex rates are used), and insurance class. The Scheduled Premium fee for the
new policy is based on the Scheduled Premium for the original policy.

MATURITY DATE EXTENSION RIDER

We will extend the Maturity Date (the date on which the Policy will mature) to
the date of the Insureds' death, regardless of the age of the Insured. Certain
Death Benefit and premium restrictions apply. See "Income Taxation of Policy
Benefits."

<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

OTHER BUSINESS
PROFESSION, VOCATION
POSITION WITH OR EMPLOYMENT FOR
HARTFORD, YEAR PAST 5 YEARS; OTHER
NAME, AGE OF ELECTION DIRECTORSHIPS
- --------- ---------------------- ------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Andrew, Joan M. Vice President, 1992 Director, National Service Center
38 Operations (1992-Present), Hartford.

Bossen, Wendell J. Vice President, 1995** Vice President (1992), Hartford Life
62 Insurance Company; Executive Vice President (1984), Mutual
Benefit.

Boyko, Gregory A. Vice President, 1995 Vice President and Controller
44 (1995-Present), Hartford Life Insurance Company; Chief
Financial Officer (1994-1995), IMG American Life; Senior
Vice President (1992-1994), Connecticut Mutual.

Cummins, Peter W. Vice President, 1993 Vice President, Individual Annuity
59 Operations (1989-Present), Hartford Life Insurance
Company.

deRaismes, Ann M. Vice President, 1994 Assistant Vice President (1992);
45 Director of Human Resources (1991-Present), Hartford Life
Insurance Company.

Dooley, James R. Vice President, 1977 Director, Information Services
59 (1973- Present), Hartford.

Fitch, Timothy M. Vice President, 1995 Assistant Information Services
43 Director (1991), Hartford Life Insurance Company.

Gardner, Bruce D. Director, 1991* Vice President (1996-Present) General
45 Counsel and Corporate Secretary (1991), Hartford Life
Insurance Company.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS (Continued)

OTHER BUSINESS
PROFESSION, VOCATION
POSITION WITH OR EMPLOYMENT FOR
HARTFORD, YEAR PAST 5 YEARS; OTHER
NAME, AGE OF ELECTION DIRECTORSHIPS
- ----------------- -------------------------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Gareau, Joseph H. Executive Vice President, 1993 Executive Vice President and
49 Chief Investment Officer, 1993 Chief Investment Officer (1993-
Director, 1993* Present), Hartford Life Insurance Company.

Gillette, Donald J. Vice President, 1993 Vice President, Director of
50 Marketing (1991-Present), Hartford; MSI Insurance (1986).

Godkin, Lynda General Counsel, 1996 General Counsel (1996-Present),
42 Corporate Secretary, 1995 Associate General Counsel and Corporate Secretary (1995),
Assistant General Counsel and Secretary (1994), Counsel
(1990), Hartford Life Insurance Company

Grady, Lois W. Vice President, 1993 Vice President (1993-Present),
51 Assistant Vice President (1988), Hartford Life
Insurance Company

Hall, David A. Senior Vice President, 1993 Senior Vice President and Actuary
42 Actuary, 1993 (1993-Present), Hartford Life Insurance Company

Kanarek, Joseph Vice President, 1994 Vice President (1991-Present),
48 Director, 1994* Director (1992-Present), Hartford Life Insurance Company

Kerzner, Robert A. Vice President, 1994 Vice President (1994-Present),
44 Regional Vice President (1991), Life Sales Manager (1990),
Hartford Life Insurance Company.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS (Continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OTHER BUSINESS
PROFESSION, VOCATION
POSITION WITH OR EMPLOYMENT FOR
HARTFORD, YEAR PAST 5 YEARS; OTHER
NAME, AGE OF ELECTION DIRECTORSHIPS
- ---------- ---------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
Kohlhof, LaVern L. Vice President, 1980 Vice President and Secretary
66 Secretary, 1980 (1980-Present), Hartford.

Malchodi, Jr., William B. Vice President, 1994 Vice President (1994-Present),
45 Director of Taxes, 1992 Director of Taxes (1992-Present), Assistant General
Counsel and Assistant Director of Taxes (1986), Hartford
Insurance Group.

Marra, Thomas M. Executive Vice President, 1995 Senior Vice President (1994),
37 Director, 1994* Director of Individual Annuities (1991), Vice President
(1989), Hartford Life Insurance Company.

Matthiesen, Steven L. Vice President, 1984 Vice President, Director of New
51 Business (1984-Present), Hartford.

Noto, Joseph J. Vice President, 1989 Vice President (1989-Present),
44 Hartford Life Insurance Company.

Raymond, Craig D. Vice President, 1993 Vice President and Chief Actuary
35 Chief Actuary, 1994 (1994-Present), Vice President (1993), Assistant Vice
President (1992), Actuary (1989-1994), Hartford Life
Insurance Company

Schrandt, David T. Vice President, 1987 Vice President, Treasurer and
48 Treasurer, 1987 Controller (1987-Present), Hartford.

Smith, Lowndes A. President, 1993 President and Chief Executive
55 Chief Executive Officer, 1993 Operating Officer (1989-Present),Director, 1985*
Hartford Life Insurance Company

</TABLE>

<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS (Continued)

OTHER BUSINESS
PROFESSION, VOCATION
POSITION WITH OR EMPLOYMENT FOR
HARTFORD, YEAR PAST 5 YEARS; OTHER
NAME, AGE OF ELECTION DIRECTORSHIPS
- --------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Zlatkus, Lizabeth H. Vice President, 1994 Vice President, Director Business
36 Director, 1994* Operations (1994), Assistant Vice President, Director
Executive Operations (1992), Executive Staff Assistant to
President (1990), Hartford Life Insurance Company

</TABLE>

- ------------------
* Denotes year of election to Board of Directors
** ITT Hartford Affiliated Company

DISTRIBUTION OF THE POLICIES

Hartford intends to sell the Policies in all jurisdictions where it is
licensed to do business. The Policies will be sold by life insurance sales
representatives who represent Hartford and who are registered
representatives of Hartford Equity Sales Company, Inc. ("HESCO"), or
certain other registered Broker-Dealers. Any sales representative or
employee will have been qualified to sell variable life insurance policies
under applicable Federal and State laws. Each Broker-Dealer is registered
with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 and all are members of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. HESCO is the principal underwriter for the Policies. During
the first Policy Year, the maximum sales commission payable to Hartford
agents, independent registered insurance brokers, and other registered
Broker-Dealers is 45% of the premiums paid up to a target premium and 5% of
any excess. In Policy Years 2 through 10, agent commissions will not
exceed 5.5% of premiums paid. For Policy Years 11 and later, the agent
commissions will not exceed 2% of the premiums paid. In addition, expense
allowances may be paid. The sales representative may be required to return
all or a portion of the commissions paid if the Policy terminates prior to
the second Policy Anniversary.

<PAGE>

SAFEKEEPING OF THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT'S ASSETS

The assets of the Separate Account are held by Hartford. The assets of the
Separate Account are kept physically segregated and held separate and apart from
the general account of Hartford. Hartford maintains records of all purchases
and redemptions of shares of the Funds. Additional protection for the assets of
the Separate Account is afforded by Hartford's blanket fidelity bond issued by
Aetna Casualty and Surety Company, in the aggregate amount of $50 million,
covering all of the officers and employees of Hartford.

FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS

GENERAL

SINCE THE TAX LAW IS COMPLEX AND SINCE TAX CONSEQUENCES WILL VARY ACCORDING TO
THE ACTUAL STATUS OF THE POLICY OWNER INVOLVED AND THE TYPE OF PLAN UNDER WHICH
THE POLICY IS PURCHASED, LEGAL AND TAX ADVICE MAY BE NEEDED BY A PERSON, TRUSTEE
OR OTHER ENTITY CONTEMPLATING THE PURCHASE OF A POLICY DESCRIBED HEREIN.

It should be understood that any detailed description of the federal income tax
consequences regarding the purchase of these Policies cannot be made in this
Prospectus and that special tax rules may be applicable with respect to certain
purchase situations not discussed herein. In addition, no attempt is made here
to consider any applicable state or other tax laws. For detailed information, a
qualified tax adviser should always be consulted. This discussion of federal
tax considerations is based upon Hartford's understanding of existing federal
income tax laws as they are currently interpreted.

TAXATION OF HARTFORD AND THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT

The Separate Account is taxed as a part of Hartford which is taxed as a life
insurance company under Subchapter L of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"). Accordingly, the Separate Account will not be taxed as a
"regulated investment company" under Subchapter M of the Code. Investment
income and realized capital gains on the assets of the Separate Account (the
underlying Funds) are reinvested and are taken into account in determining the
value of the Accumulation Units As a result, such investment income and
realized capital gains are automatically applied to increase reserves under the
Policy. (See "Detailed Description of Policy Benefits and Provisions-
- -Accumulation Unit Values," on page ____ ).

Hartford does not expect to incur any federal income tax on the earnings or
realized capital gains attributable to the Separate Account. Based upon this
expectation, no charge is currently being made to the Separate Account for

<PAGE>

federal income taxes. If Hartford incurs income taxes attributable to the
Separate Account or determines that such taxes will be incurred, it may assess a
charge for such taxes against the Separate Account.

INCOME TAXATION OF POLICY BENEFITS

For federal income tax purposes, the Policies should be treated as life
insurance policies under Section 7702 of the Code. The death benefit under a
life insurance policy is generally excluded from the gross income of the
beneficiary. Also, a life insurance Policy Owner is generally not taxed on
increments in the policy value until the Policy is partially or completely
surrendered. Section 7702 limits the amount of premiums that may be invested in
a Policy that is treated as life insurance. Hartford intends to monitor premium
levels to assure compliance with the Section 7702 requirements.

Hartford also believes that any loan received under a Policy will be treated as
Indebtedness of the Policy Owner, and that no part of any loan under a Policy
will constitute income to the Policy Owner. A surrender or assignment of the
Policy may have tax consequences depending upon the circumstances. Policy
Owners should consult a qualified tax adviser concerning the effect of such
changes.

During the first fifteen Policy Years, an "income first" rule generally applies
to distributions of cash required to be made under Code Section 7702 because of
a reduction in benefits under the Policy.

The Maturity Date Extension Rider allows a Policy Owner to extend the Maturity
Date to the date of the death of the insured. If the Maturity Date of the
Policy is extended by rider, Hartford believes that the Policy will continue to
be treated as a life insurance contract for federal income tax purposes after
the scheduled Maturity Date. However, due to the lack of specific guidance on
this issue, the result is not certain. If the Policy is not treated as a life
insurance contract for federal income tax purposes after the scheduled Maturity
Date, among other things, the Death Proceeds may be taxable to the recipient.
The Policy Owner should consult a qualified tax adviser regarding the possible
adverse tax consequences resulting from an extension of the scheduled Maturity
Date.

MODIFIED ENDOWMENT CONTRACTS

Code Section 7702A applies an additional test, the "seven-pay" test, to life
insurance contracts. The seven-pay test provides that premiums cannot be paid
at a rate more rapidly than that allowed by the payment of seven annual premiums
using specified computational rules described in Section 7702A(c). A modified
endowment contract ("MEC") is a life insurance policy that either: (i) satisfies
the Section 7702 definition of life insurance, but fails the

<PAGE>

seven-pay test of Section 7702A or (ii) is exchanged for a MEC.

If the Policy satisfies the seven-pay test at issuance, distributions and loans
made thereafter will not be subject to the MEC rules, unless the Policy is
changed materially. The seven-pay test will be applied anew at any time the
Policy undergoes a material change, which includes an increase in the Face
Amount. In addition, if there is a reduction in benefits under the Policy
within the first seven years, the seven-pay test is applied as if the Policy had
initially been issued at the reduced benefit level. Any reduction in benefits
attributable to the nonpayment of premiums will not be taken into account for
purposes of the seven-pay test if the benefits are reinstated within 90 days
after the reduction.

A policy that is classified as a MEC is eligible for certain aspects of the
beneficial tax treatment accorded to life insurance. That is, the death benefit
is excluded from income and increments in value are not subject to current
taxation. However, if the contract is classified as a MEC then withdrawals from
the contract will be considered first as withdrawals of income and then as a
recovery of premium payments. Thus, withdrawals will be includible in income to
the extent the contract value exceeds the investment in the contract. The
amount of any loan (including unpaid interest thereon) under the contract will
be treated as a withdrawal from the contract for tax purposes. In addition, if
the Owner assigns or pledges any portion of the value of a contract (or agrees
to assign or pledge any portion), then such portion will be treated as a
withdrawal from the contract for tax purposes. Taxable withdrawals are subject
to an additional 10% tax, with certain exceptions. The Owner's investment in the
contract is increased by the amount includible in income with respect to such
assignment, pledge, or loan, though it is not affected by any other aspect of
the assignment, pledge, or loan (including its release or repayment).

Generally, only distributions and loans made in the first year in which a policy
becomes a MEC, and in subsequent years, are taxable. However, distributions and
loans made in the two years prior to a policy's failing the seven-pay test are
deemed to be in anticipation of failure and are subject to tax.

Before assigning, pledging, or requesting a loan under a contract that is a MEC,
an Owner should consult a qualified tax adviser.

All MEC policies that are issued within any calendar year to the same policy
owner by one company or its affiliates are treated as one MEC policy for the
purpose of determining the taxable portion of any loan or distribution.

Hartford has instituted procedures to monitor whether a Policy may

<PAGE>

become classified as a MEC after issue.

ESTATE AND GENERATION SKIPPING TAXES

When the Insured dies, the Death Proceeds will generally be includible in the
Policy Owner's estate for purposes of federal estate tax if the Insured owned
the Policy. If the Policy Owner was not the Insured, the fair market value of
the Policy would be included in the Policy Owner's estate upon the Policy
Owner's death. The Policy would not be includible in the Insured's estate if
the Insured neither retained incidents of ownership at death nor had given up
ownership within three years before death.

Federal estate tax is integrated with federal gift tax under a unified rate
schedule. In general, estates of less than $600,000 will not incur a federal
estate tax liability. In addition, an unlimited marital deduction may be
available for federal estate and gift tax purposes. The unlimited marital
deduction permits the deferral of taxes until the death of the surviving spouse.

If the Policy Owner (whether or not he or she is the Insured) transfers
ownership of the Policy to someone two or more generations younger, the transfer
may be subject to the generation skipping transfer tax, the taxable amount being
the value of the Policy. The generation-skipping transfer tax provisions
generally apply to transfers which would be subject to the gift and estate tax
rules. Individuals are generally allowed an aggregate generation skipping
transfer exemption of $1 million. Because these rules are complex, the Policy
Owner should consult with a qualified tax adviser for specific information if
ownership is passing to younger generations.

DIVERSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Section 817 of the Code provides that a variable life insurance contract (other
than a pension plan policy) will not be treated as a life insurance contract for
any period during which the investments made by the separate account or
underlying fund are not adequately diversified in accordance with regulations
prescribed by the Treasury Department. If a Policy is not treated as a life
insurance contract, the Policy Owner will be subject to income tax on the annual
increases in cash value.

The Treasury Department has issued diversification regulations which generally
require, among other things, that no more than 55% of the value of the total
assets of the segregated asset account underlying a variable contract is
represented by any one investment, no more than 70% is represented by any two
investments, no more than 80% is represented by any three investments, and no
more than 90% is represented by any four investments. In determining whether
the diversification standards are met, all securities of the same issuer, all
interests in the same real property project, and all interests in the same
<PAGE>

commodity are each treated as a single investment. In addition, in the case of
government securities, each government agency or instrumentality shall be
treated as a separate issuer.

A separate account must be in compliance with the diversification standards on
the last day of each calendar quarter or within 30 days after the quarter ends.
If an insurance company inadvertently fails to meet the diversification
requirements, the company may comply within a reasonable period and avoid the
taxation of policy income on an ongoing basis. However, either the company or
the Policy Owner must agree to pay the tax due for the period during which the
diversification requirements were not met.

Hartford monitors the diversification of investments in the separate accounts
and tests for diversification as required by the Code. Hartford intends to
administer all contracts subject to the diversification requirements in a manner
that will maintain adequate diversification.

OWNERSHIP OF THE ASSETS IN THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT

In order for a variable life insurance contract to qualify for tax deferral,
assets in the segregated asset accounts supporting the variable contract must be
considered to be owned by the insurance company and not by the variable contract
owner. The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has issued several rulings which
discuss investor control. The IRS has ruled that incidents of ownership by the
contract owner, such as the ability to select and control investments in a
separate account, will cause the contract owner to be treated as the owner of
the assets for tax purposes.

Further, in the explanation to the temporary Section 817 diversification
regulations, the Treasury Department noted that the temporary regulations "do
not provide guidance concerning the circumstances in which investor control of
the investments of a segregated asset account may cause the investor, rather
than the insurance company, to be treated as the owner of the assets in the
account." The explanation further indicates that "the temporary regulations
provide that in appropriate cases a segregated asset account may include
multiple sub-accounts, but do not specify the extent to which policyholders may
direct their investments to particular sub-accounts without being treated as the
owners of the underlying assets. Guidance on this and other issues will be
provided in regulations or revenue rulings under section 817(d), relating to the
definition of variable contract." The final regulations issued under Section
817 did not provide guidance regarding investor control, and as of the date of
this Prospectus, no other such guidance has been issued. Further, Hartford does
not know if or in what form such guidance will be issued. In addition, although
regulations are generally issued with prospective effect, it is possible that
regulations may be issued with retroactive effect. Due to the lack of specific
guidance regarding the issue of investor control, there is necessarily some

<PAGE>

uncertainty regarding whether a Policy Owner could be considered the owner of
the assets for tax purposes. Hartford reserves the right to modify the
Policies, as necessary, to prevent Policy Owners from being considered the
owners of the assets in the separate accounts.

LIFE INSURANCE PURCHASED FOR USE IN SPLIT DOLLAR ARRANGEMENTS

On January 26, 1996, the IRS released a technical advice memorandum ("TAM") on
the taxability of life insurance policies used in certain split dollar
arrangements. A TAM, issued by the National Office of the IRS, provides advice
as to the internal revenue laws, regulations, and related statutes with respect
to a specific set of facts and a specific taxpayer. In the TAM, among other
things, the IRS concluded that an employee was subject to current taxation on
the excess of the cash surrender value of the policy over the premiums to be
returned to the employer. Purchasers of life insurance policies to be used in
split dollar arrangements are strongly advised to consult with a qualified tax
adviser to determine the tax treatment resulting from such an arrangement.

FEDERAL INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING

If any amounts are deemed to be current taxable income to the Policy Owner, such
amounts will be subject to federal income tax withholding and reporting,
pursuant to the Code.

NON-INDIVIDUAL OWNERSHIP OF POLICIES

Legislation has recently been proposed which would limit certain of the tax
advantages now afforded non-individual owners of life insurance contracts.
Prospective Policy Owners which are not individuals should consult a qualified
tax adviser to determine the status of this proposed legislation and its
potential impact on the purchaser.

OTHER

Federal estate tax, state and local estate, inheritance and other tax
consequences of ownership, or receipt of Policy proceeds depend on the
circumstances of each Policy Owner or beneficiary. A qualified tax adviser
should be consulted to determine the impact of these taxes.

LIFE INSURANCE PURCHASES BY NONRESIDENT ALIENS AND FOREIGN CORPORATIONS

The discussion above provides general information regarding U.S. federal income
tax consequences to life insurance purchasers that are U.S. citizens or
residents. Purchasers that are not U.S. citizens or residents will generally be
subject to U.S. federal income tax and withholding on taxable distributions from
life insurance policies at a 30% rate, unless a lower treaty rate applies. In

<PAGE>

addition, purchasers may be subject to state and/or municipal taxes and taxes
that may be imposed by the purchaser's country of citizenship or residence.
Prospective purchasers are advised to consult with a qualified tax adviser
regarding U.S. state, and foreign taxation with respect to a life insurance
policy purchase.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

There are no pending material legal proceedings to which the Separate Account is
a party.

EXPERTS

The audited financial statements and schedules included in this prospectus and
elsewhere in the registration statement have been audited by Arthur Andersen
LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect
thereto, and are included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as
experts in giving said reports. Reference is made to said report on the
statutory-basis financial statements of ITT Hartford Life & Annuity Insurance
Company which states the statutory-basis financial statements are presented in
accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the
National Association of Insurance Commissioners and the State of Connecticut
Insurance Department, not presented in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles. The principal business address of Arthur Andersen LLP is
One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103.

The hypothetical Policy illustrations included in this Prospectus have been
approved by Ken A. McCullum, FSA, MAAA, Director of Individual Life Product
Development, are included in reliance upon his opinion as to their
reasonableness.

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

A registration statement has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 as amended. This Prospectus does
not contain all information set forth in the registration statement, its
amendments and exhibits, to all of which reference is made for further
information concerning the Separate Account, Hartford, and the Policies.

LEGAL MATTERS

Legal matters in connection with the issue and sale of the flexible premium
variable life insurance polices described in this Prospectus and the
organization of Hartford, its authority to issue the Policies under Connecticut

<PAGE>

law and the validity of the forms of the Policies under Connecticut law and
legal matters relating to the federal securities and income tax laws have
been passed on by Lynda Godkin, General Counsel of ITT Hartford Life and
Annuity Insurance Company.

<PAGE>

APPENDIX A
ILLUSTRATION OF DEATH BENEFITS, ACCOUNT
VALUES AND CASH SURRENDER VALUES

The following tables illustrate how the Death Benefits, Account Values and Cash
Surrender Values of a Policy may change with the investment experience of the
Separate Account. The tables show how the Death Benefits, Account Values and
Cash Surrender Values of a Policy issued to an Insured of a given age would vary
over time if the investment return on the assets held in each Fund were a
uniform, gross annual rate of 0%, 6% and 12%. The Death Benefits, Account
Values and Cash Surrender Values would be different from those shown if the
gross annual investment returns averaged 0%, 6% and 12% over a period of years,
but fluctuated above and below those averages for individual Policy Years. The
tables assume that no Policy loans are made and that no partial withdrawals have
been made. The tables are also based on the assumption that the Owner has not
requested an increase or decrease in the Face Amount and that no fund transfers
have been made in any Policy Year.

The tables on pages _____to _____ illustrate a Policy issued to a Male Insured,
Age 45 in the Preferred Premium Class with an Initial Face Amount of $250,000
and a Scheduled Premium that is paid at the beginning of each Policy Year. The
Death Benefits, Account Values and Cash Surrender Values would be lower if the
Insured was a smoker or in a special class since the cost of insurance charges
would increase.

The tables reflect the fact that the net return on the assets held in the Sub-
Accounts is lower than the gross after-tax return of the Funds. This is because
these tables assume an investment management fee and other estimated Fund
expenses totaling 0.70%. The 0.70% figure is based on an average of the current
management fees and expenses of the available twenty-two Funds, taking into
account any applicable expense caps or reimbursement arrangements. Actual fees
and expenses of the Funds associated with a Policy may be more or less than
0.70%, will vary from year to year, and will depend on how the Account Value is
allocated.

As their headings indicate, the tables reflect the deductions of current
contractual charges and guaranteed contractual charges for a single gross
interest rate. These charges include the monthly charge to the Account for
assuming mortality and expense risks, the monthly administrative charge, and the
monthly mortality charge. All tables assume a charge of 2.00% for taxes
attributable to premiums and reflect the fact that no charges against the
Account are currently made for federal, state or local taxes attributable to the
Policy.

Each table also shows the amount to which the premiums would accumulate if an
amount equal to those premiums were invested to earn interest, after taxes,

<PAGE>

at 5% compounded annually.

Upon request, Hartford will furnish a comparable illustration based on a
proposed Policy's specific circumstances.

<PAGE>

ILLUSTRATIONS WILL BE PROVIDED BY AMENDMENT

<PAGE>

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED BY AMENDMENT

<PAGE>

PART II

CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT

This Registration Statement comprises the following papers and documents:

The facing sheet.

The prospectus consisting of ____ pages.

The undertaking to file reports.

The Rule 484 undertaking.

The signatures.

(1) The following exhibits included herewith correspond to those required by
paragraph A of the instructions for exhibits to Form N-8B-2.

(A1) Resolution of Board of Directors of ITT Hartford Life and Annuity
Insurance Company ("Hartford") authorizing the establishment of the
Separate Account. (1)

(A2) Not applicable.

(A3a) Principal Underwriting Agreement. (2)

(A3b) Form of Selling Agreements. (2)

(A3c) Not applicable.

(A4) Not applicable.

(A5) Form of Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance Policy. (1)

(A6a) Charter of Hartford will be provided by amendment.

(A6b) Bylaws of Hartford. (2)

(A7) Not applicable.

(A8) Not applicable.
(A9) Not applicable.

(A10) Form of Application for Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance
Policies. (1)

(A11) Memorandum describing transfer and redemption procedures. (1)

(1) Incorporated by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1, to the
Registration Statement File No. 33-61267, dated January 23, 1996.

(2) Incorporated by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3, to the
Registration Statement File No. 33-61267 filed on August 28, 1996.

II-1

<PAGE>

(2) Opinion and Counsel of Lynda Godkin, General Counsel and Secretary will be
provided by amendment.

(3) No financial statement will be omitted from the Prospectus pursuant to
Instruction 1(b) or (c) of Part I.

(4) Not applicable.

(5) Opinion and consent of Ken A. McCullum, FSA, MAAA will be provided by
amendment.

(6) Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, Independent Certified Public Accountants
will be provided by amendment.

(7) Power of Attorney.

33-61267
IHLA/Sep Acct VL I

II-2

<PAGE>

REPRESENTATION OF REASONABLENESS OF FEES

ITT Hartford Life and Annuity Insurance Company ("Hartford") hereby represents
that the aggregate fees and charges under the Policy are reasonable in relation
to the services rendered, the expenses expected to be incurred, and the risks
assumed by Hartford.

UNDERTAKING TO FILE REPORTS

Subject to the terms and conditions of Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission such supplementary and periodic information,
documents, and reports as may be prescribed by any rule or regulation of the
Commission heretofore or hereafter duly adopted pursuant to authority conferred
in that section.

UNDERTAKINGS AND REPRESENTATIONS AS REQUIRED BY RULE 6e-3(T)

1. Separate Account VL I meets the definition of "Separate Account" under Rule
6e-3(T).

2. Hartford undertakes to keep and make available to the Commission upon
requst any documents used to support any representation as to the
reasonableness of fees.

UNDERTAKING ON INDEMNIFICATION

Article VIII of the Bylaws of ITT Hartford Life and Annuity Insurance Company, a
Connecticut corporation, provides for indemnification of its officers, directors
and employees as follows:

II-3

<PAGE>

SECTION 1. No person shall be liable to the Company for any loss or damage
suffered by it on account of any action taken or omitted to be taken by him as
director or officer of the Company, or of any other company, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise for which he serves as a director, officer or
employee at the request of the Company, in good faith, if such person (a)
exercised and used the same degree of care and skill as a prudent man would have
exercised or used under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs, or
(b) took or omitted to take such action in reliance upon advice of counsel for
the Company or upon statements made or information furnished by officers or
employees of the Company which he had reasonable grounds to believe to be true.
The foregoing shall not be exclusive of other rights and defenses to which he
may be entitled as a matter of law.

SECTION 2. The Company shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding, (other than one by or in the right of the Company) by reason
of the fact that he is or was a director, officer or employee of the company,
or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer or
employee of another company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise, against expenses, including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines and
amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonablely incurred by him in
connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in
a manner he reasonable believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of
the Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The termination of any
action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a
plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a
presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
Company, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding had reasonable
cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

SECTION 3. The Company shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding, by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in
its favor by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer or
employee of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a
director, officer or employee of another company, partnership, joint venture,
trust or other enterprise against expenses, including attorneys' fees, actually
and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense or settlement of
such action or suit, if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably
believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, except
that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter
as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable for negligence or
misconduct in the performance of his duty to the Company unless and only to the
extent that the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine
upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability and in view of all
circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to
indemnity for such expenses

II-4

<PAGE>

as such court shall deem proper.

SECTION 4. Expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred in defending a civil
or criminal action, suit or proceeding may be paid by the Company in advance of
the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding, upon receipt of any
undertaking by or on behalf of the director or employee to repay such amount
unless it shall ultimately be determined that he is entitled to be indemnified
by the Company as authorized hereby.

SECTION 5. The indemnification provided by this Article shall not be deemed
exclusive of any other rights to which those indemnified may be entitled under
any statute, bylaw, agreement, vote of shareholders or of disinterested
directors or otherwise, both as to action in an official capacity and as to
action in another capacity while holding such office, and shall continue as to a
person who has ceased to be a director, officer or employee and shall inure to
the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

The registrant hereby undertakes that insofar as indemnification for liability
arising under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act") may be permitted to
directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant, pursuant to the
foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the
opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other
than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director,
officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any
action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling
person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will,
unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

II-5

<PAGE>

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment
Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly
authorized, and its seal to be herewith affixed and attested, all in the city
of Simsbury, and the State of Connecticut on the 18 day of February, 1997.

ITT HARTFORD LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE
COMPANY
SEPARATE ACCOUNT VL I
(Registrant)

By: /s/ Gregory A. Boyko
----------------------------------------------
Gregory A. Boyko, Vice President & Controller

ITT HARTFORD LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE
COMPANY
(Depositor)

By: /s/ Gregory A. Boyko
----------------------------------------------
Gregory A. Boyko, Vice President & Controller

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration
Statement has been signed by the following persons and in the capacities and on
the dates indicated.

Ramani Ayer, Director *
Bruce D. Gardner, Director *
Joseph H. Gareau, Executive Vice
President, Chief Investment
Officer, Director *
Joseph Kanarek, Vice President,
Director
Thomas M. Marra, Executive Vice *By:
--------------------------
President, Director * Lynda Godkin
Lowndes A. Smith, President, General Counsel
Chief Executive Officer,
Director * Dated: February 18, 1997
Lizabeth H. Zlatkus, Vice President -----------------------------
Director *

(VL I/33-53692)

II-6

<PAGE>

EXHIBIT INDEX

(7) Copy of Power of Attorney.

<PAGE>

ITT HARTFORD LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Donald R. Frahm
Bruce D. Gardner
Joseph H. Gareau
Joseph Kanarek
Thomas M. Marra
Lowndes A. Smith
Lizabeth H. Zlatkus

do hereby jointly and severally authorize Lynda Godkin and/or Margaret E.
Hankard and Marianne O'Doherty to sign as their agent, any Registration
Statement, pre-effective amendment, post-effective amendment and any application
for exemptive relief of the ITT Hartford Life and Annuity Insurance Company
under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Power of Attorney for the
purpose herein set forth.

/s/Donald R. Frahm /s/Lowndes A. Smith
- -------------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Donald R. Frahm Lowndes A. Smith

/s/Bruce D. Gardner /s/Lizabeth H. Zlatkus
- -------------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Bruce D. Gardner Lizabeth H. Zlatkus

/s/Joseph H. Gareau
- --------------------------------------
Joseph H. Gareau

/s/Joseph Kanarek
- --------------------------------------
Joseph Kanarek

/s/Thomas M. Marra
- --------------------------------------
Thomas M. Marra

Dated: December 3, 1996
-----------------------