<PAGE>
PUTNAM CAPITAL MANAGER TRUST SEPARATE ACCOUNT
HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
P.O. BOX 5085
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06102-5085
[LOGO] TELEPHONE: 1-800-521-0538
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This Prospectus describes the Putnam Capital Manager Plan, a tax deferred
variable annuity issued by Hartford Life Insurance Company ("Hartford").
Payments for the Contract will be held in a series of Hartford Life Insurance
Company -- Putnam Capital Manager Trust Separate Account (the "Separate
Account"). Allocations to and transfers to and from the Fixed Account are not
permitted in certain states.
There are currently sixteen (16) Sub-Accounts available under the Contract. The
underlying investment portfolios ("Funds") of Putnam Variable Trust for the
Sub-Accounts are Putnam VT Asia Pacific Growth Fund, 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
International Growth Fund, Putnam VT International Growth and Income Fund,
Putnam VT International New Opportunities Fund, Putnam VT Money Market Fund,
Putnam VT New Opportunities Fund, Putnam VT New Value Fund, Putnam VT U.S.
Government and High Quality Bond Fund, Putnam VT Utilities Growth and Income
Fund, Putnam VT Vista Fund, and Putnam VT Voyager Fund.
This Prospectus sets forth the information concerning the Separate Account and
the Fixed Account that investors should know before investing. This Prospectus
should be kept for future reference. Additional information about the Separate
Account and the Fixed Account has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and is available without charge upon request. To obtain the Statement
of Additional Information send a written request to Hartford Life Insurance
Company, Attn: Annuity Marketing Services, P.O. Box 5085, Hartford, CT
06102-5085, or call the telephone number shown above. The Table of Contents for
the Statement of Additional Information may be found on page 30 of this
Prospectus. The Statement of Additional Information is incorporated by reference
into this Prospectus.
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VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR ENDORSED OR
GUARANTEED BY, ANY BANK, NOR ARE THEY FEDERALLY INSURED OR OTHERWISE PROTECTED
BY THE FDIC, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER AGENCY; THEY ARE SUBJECT TO
INVESTMENT RISKS, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT INVESTED.
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THIS PROSPECTUS IS ACCOMPANIED BY A CURRENT PROSPECTUS FOR FUNDS AND IS VALID
ONLY WHEN ACCOMPANIED BY A CURRENT PROSPECTUS FOR THE FUNDS.
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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 ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
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PROSPECTUS DATED: MAY 1, 1997
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DATED: MAY 1, 1997
<PAGE>
2 HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS............................................. 3
FEE TABLE............................................................. 5
ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUES.............................................. 7
SUMMARY............................................................... 8
PERFORMANCE RELATED INFORMATION....................................... 9
INTRODUCTION.......................................................... 10
THE CONTRACT.......................................................... 10
Right to Cancel Period.............................................. 11
THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT.................................................. 11
THE FIXED ACCOUNT..................................................... 11
THE COMPANY........................................................... 12
THE FUNDS............................................................. 12
OPERATION OF THE CONTRACT/ACCUMULATION PERIOD......................... 14
Premium Payments.................................................... 14
Value of Accumulation Units......................................... 14
Value of the Fixed Account.......................................... 14
Value of the Contract............................................... 15
Transfers Among Sub-Accounts........................................ 15
Transfers Between the Fixed Account and the Sub-Accounts............ 15
Redemption/Surrender of a Contract.................................. 15
DEATH BENEFIT......................................................... 16
CHARGES UNDER THE CONTRACT............................................ 17
Contingent Deferred Sales Charges................................... 17
During the First Seven Contract Years............................... 17
After the Seventh Contract Year..................................... 17
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge................................... 18
Administration and Maintenance Fees................................. 19
Premium Taxes....................................................... 19
ANNUITY BENEFITS...................................................... 19
Annuity Options..................................................... 19
The Annuity Unit and Valuation...................................... 20
Determination of Payment Amount..................................... 20
FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS............................................ 21
A. General.......................................................... 21
B. Taxation of Hartford and the Separate Account.................... 21
C. Taxation of Annuities -- General Provisions Affecting Purchasers
Other Than Qualified Retirement Plans............................ 21
D. Federal Income Tax Withholding................................... 24
E. General Provisions Affecting Qualified Retirement Plans.......... 24
F. Annuity Purchases by Nonresident Aliens and Foreign
Corporations..................................................... 24
GENERAL MATTERS....................................................... 25
Assignment.......................................................... 25
Modification........................................................ 25
Delay of Payments................................................... 25
Voting Rights....................................................... 25
Distribution of the Contracts....................................... 25
Other Contracts Offered............................................. 26
Custodian of Separate Account Assets................................ 26
Legal Proceedings................................................... 26
Legal Counsel....................................................... 26
Experts............................................................. 26
Additional Information.............................................. 26
APPENDIX I............................................................ 27
TABLE OF CONTENTS TO STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.............. 30
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 3
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GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS
ACCUMULATION UNIT: An accounting unit of measure used to calculate values before
Annuity payments begin.
ANNUAL WITHDRAWAL AMOUNT: The amount which can be withdrawn in any Contract Year
prior to incurring surrender charges.
ANNUITANT: The person or Participant upon whose life the Contract is issued.
ANNUITY: A series of payments for life, or for life with a minimum number of
payments or a determinable sum guaranteed, or for a joint lifetime and
thereafter during the lifetime of the survivor, or for a designated period.
ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE: The date on which Annuity payments are to commence.
Under a group unallocated Contract, the date for each Participant is determined
by the Contract Owner in accordance with the terms of the Plan.
ANNUITY UNIT: An accounting unit of measure used to calculate the value of
Annuity payments.
BENEFICIARY: The person(s) who receive Contract Values in the event of the
Annuitant's or Contract Owner's death under certain conditions. Under a group
unallocated Contract, the person named within the Plan documents/ enrollment
forms by each Participant entitled to receive benefits as per the terms of the
Contract in case of the death of the Participant.
CODE: The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
COMMISSION: Securities and Exchange Commission.
CONTINGENT ANNUITANT: The person so designated by the Contract Owner, who upon
the Annuitant's death, prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, becomes the
Annuitant.
CONTRACT ANNIVERSARY: The anniversary of the Contract Date.
CONTRACT OWNER(S): The owner(s) of the Contract, trustee or other entity,
sometimes herein referred to as "you".
CONTRACT VALUE: The aggregate value of any Sub-Account Accumulation Units held
under the Contract plus the value of the Fixed Account.
CONTRACT YEAR: A period of 12 months commencing with the Contract Date or any
anniversary thereof.
DEATH BENEFIT: The amount payable upon the death of a Contract Owner, Annuitant,
or Participant, in the case of group Contracts, before annuity payments have
started.
FIXED ACCOUNT: Part of the General Account of Hartford to which a Contract Owner
may allocate all or a portion of his Premium Payment or Contract Value.
FIXED ANNUITY: An Annuity providing for guaranteed payments which remain fixed
in amount throughout the payment period and which do not vary with the
investment experience of a separate account.
FUNDS: Currently, the portfolios of Putnam Variable Trust described on page 12
of this Prospectus.
GENERAL ACCOUNT: The General Account of Hartford which consists of all assets of
Hartford Life Insurance Company other than those allocated to the separate
accounts of Hartford Life Insurance Company.
HARTFORD: Hartford Life Insurance Company.
HOME OFFICE OF THE COMPANY: Currently located at 200 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury,
Connecticut. All correspondence concerning the Contract should be sent to P.O.
Box 5085, Hartford, CT 06102-5085, Attn: Individual Annuity Services.
MAXIMUM ANNIVERSARY VALUE: A value used in determining the death benefit. It is
based on a series of calculations of Contract Values on Contract Anniversaries,
premium payments and partial surrenders, as described on page .
NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACT: A Contract which is not classified as a tax-qualified
retirement plan using pre-tax dollars under the Internal Revenue Code.
PARTICIPANT: (For Group Unallocated Contracts Only) Any eligible employee of an
employer/Contract Owner participating in the Plan.
PLAN: A voluntary Plan of an Employer which qualifies for special tax treatment
under a section of the Internal Revenue Code.
PREMIUM PAYMENT: A payment made to Hartford pursuant to the terms of the
Contract.
PREMIUM TAX: A tax charged by a state or municipality on Premium Payments or
Contract Values.
QUALIFIED CONTRACT: A Contract which qualifies as a tax-qualified retirement
plan using pre-tax dollars under the Internal Revenue Code, such as an
employer-sponsored Section 401(k) or an Individual Retirement Annuity (IRA).
SEPARATE ACCOUNT: The Hartford separate account entitled "Hartford Life
Insurance Company -- Putnam Capital Manager Trust Separate Account".
SUB-ACCOUNT: Accounts established within the Separate Account with respect to a
Fund.
TERMINATION VALUE: The Contract Value upon termination of the Contract prior to
the Annuity Commencement Date, less any applicable Premium Taxes, the Annual
Maintenance Fee and any applicable contingent deferred sales charges.
TRUST: Putnam Variable Trust.
<PAGE>
4 HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
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UNALLOCATED CONTRACTS: Contracts issued to employers or such other entities as
Contract Owners with no allocation to a specific Participant, as defined herein.
The Plans will be responsible for the individual allocations.
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.
VARIABLE ANNUITY: An Annuity providing for payments varying in amount in
accordance with the investment experience of the assets of the Separate Account.
<PAGE>
HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 5
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FEE TABLE
SUMMARY
Contract Owner Transaction Expenses
(All Sub-Accounts)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Sales Load Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of premium
payments)...................................................... None
Exchange Fee...................................................... $ 0
Deferred Sales Load (as a percentage of amounts withdrawn)
First Year (1)................................................ 6%
Second Year................................................... 6%
Third Year.................................................... 5%
Fourth Year................................................... 5%
Fifth Year.................................................... 4%
Sixth Year.................................................... 3%
Seventh Year.................................................. 2%
Eighth Year................................................... 0%
Annual Maintenance Fee (2)........................................ $ 30
Annual Expenses-Separate Account (as percentage of average account
value)
Mortality and Expense Risk.................................... 1.250%
Administration Fees........................................... 0.150%
Total......................................................... 1.400%
</TABLE>
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(1) Length of time from premium payment.
(2) The Annual Maintenance Fee is a single $30 charge on a Contract. It is
deducted proportionally from the investment options in use at the time of
the charge. Pursuant to requirements of the 1940 Act, the Annual Maintenance
Fee has been reflected in the Examples by a method intended to show the
"average" impact of the Annual Maintenance Fee on an investment in the
Separate Account. The Annual Maintenance Fee is deducted only when the
accumulated value is less than $50,000. In the Example, the Annual
Maintenance Fee is approximated as a 0.05% annual asset charge based on the
experience of the Contracts.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(as a percentage of net assets)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL FUND
MANAGEMENT OTHER OPERATING
FEES EXPENSES EXPENSES
---------- -------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Putnam VT Asia Pacific Growth Fund.............. 0.80% 0.43% 1.23%
Putnam VT Diversifed Income Fund................ 0.70% 0.13% 0.83%
Putnam VT Global Asset Allocation Fund.......... 0.68% 0.15% 0.83%
Putnam VT Global Growth Fund.................... 0.60% 0.16% 0.76%
Putnam VT Growth and Income Fund................ 0.49% 0.05% 0.54%
Putnam VT High Yield Fund....................... 0.68% 0.08% 0.76%
Putnam VT International Growth Fund............. 0.80% 0.18% 0.98%
Putnam VT International Growth and Income
Fund......................................... 0.80% 0.17% 0.97%
Putnam VT International New Opportunities
Fund......................................... 1.20% 0.19% 1.39%
Putnam VT Money Market Fund (1)................. 0.45% 0.10% 0.55%
Putnam VT New Opportunities Fund................ 0.63% 0.09% 0.72%
Putnam VT New Value Fund........................ 0.70% 0.13% 0.83%
Putnam VT U.S. Government and High Quality Bond
Fund......................................... 0.62% 0.07% 0.69%
Putnam VT Utilities Growth and Income Fund
(2).......................................... 0.69% 0.09% 0.78%
Putnam VT Vista Fund............................ 0.65% 0.16% 0.81%
Putnam VT Voyager Fund.......................... 0.57% 0.06% 0.63%
</TABLE>
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(1) Other expenses for Putnam VT Money Market Fund have been restated to reflect
the cost of certain insurance purchased by the Fund. See "Putnam VT Money
Market Fund -- Insurance" in the Fund's prospectus. Actual other expenses
and total Fund operating expenses were 0.08% and 0.53%, respectively.
(2) On July 11, 1996, shareholders approved an increase in the fees payable to
Putnam Investment Management, Inc. ("Putnam Management") under the
Management Contract for Putnam VT Utilities Growth and Income Fund. The
management fees and total expenses shown in the table have been restated to
reflect the increase. Actual management fees and total expenses were 0.64%
and 0.73%, respectively.
<PAGE>
6 HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
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EXAMPLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
If you surrender your Contract If you annuitize your Contract If you do not surrender your
at the end of the applicable at the end of the applicable Contract, you would pay the
time period, you would pay the time period, you would pay the following expenses on a $1,000
following expenses on a $1,000 following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5%
investment, assuming a 5% investment, assuming a 5% annual return on assets:
annual return on assets: annual return on assets:
SUB-ACCOUNT 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
------ ------- ------- -------- ------ ------- ------- -------- ------ ------- ------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PCM Asia Pacific Growth
Fund....................... 87 134 184 304 27 84 143 304 27 84 144 304
PCM Diversifed Income Fund... 83 122 163 264 23 71 123 263 23 72 123 264
PCM Global Asset Allocation
Fund....................... 83 122 163 264 23 71 123 263 23 72 123 264
PCM Global Growth Fund....... 83 120 160 257 22 69 119 256 23 70 120 257
PCM Growth and Income Fund... 80 113 148 233 20 62 108 233 20 63 108 233
PCM High Yield Fund.......... 83 120 160 257 22 69 119 256 23 70 120 257
PCM International Growth
Fund....................... 85 127 171 279 24 76 130 279 25 77 131 279
PCM International Growth and
Income Fund................ 85 126 170 278 24 76 130 278 25 76 130 278
PCM International New
Opportunities Fund......... 89 139 192 320 29 89 151 319 29 89 152 320
PCM Money Market Fund........ 80 113 148 232 20 62 107 232 20 63 108 232
PCM New Opportunities Fund... 82 119 168 252 22 68 117 252 22 69 118 252
PCM New Value Fund........... 83 122 163 264 23 71 123 263 23 72 123 264
PCM U.S. Government and High
Quality
Bond Fund.................. 82 118 156 249 21 67 115 249 22 68 116 249
PCM Utilities Growth and
Income Fund................ 83 120 161 259 22 70 120 258 23 70 121 259
PCM Vista Fund............... 83 121 162 262 23 71 122 261 23 71 122 262
PCM Voyager Fund............. 81 116 153 243 21 65 112 242 21 66 113 243
</TABLE>
The purpose of this table is to assist the Contract Owner in understanding
various costs and expenses that a Contract Owner will bear directly or
indirectly. The table reflects expenses of the Separate Account and underlying
Funds. Premium taxes may also be applicable.
This EXAMPLE should not be considered a representation of past or future
expenses and actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown.
<PAGE>
HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 7
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ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUES
(FOR AN ACCUMULATION UNIT OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD)
The following information, insofar as it relates to the period ended
December 31, 1996, has been examined by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public
accountants, whose report thereon is included in the Statement of Additional
Information, which is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. PCM
International Growth Fund, PCM International Growth and Income Fund, PCM
International New Opportunities Fund, PCM New Value Fund, and PCM Vista Fund are
Sub-Accounts which were established on January 2, 1997. Therefore, no financial
data is shown below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PCM ASIA PACIFIC GROWTH FUND SUB-ACCOUNT (A)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period............ $10.135 $10,000 -- -- -- --
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................. $10.903 $10.135 -- -- -- --
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period
(in thousands)........................................... 4,437 1,040 -- -- -- --
PCM DIVERSIFIED INCOME FUND SUB-ACCOUNT (B)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period............ $11.302 $9.622 $10.188 $10.000 -- --
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................. $12.127 $11.302 $9.622 $10.188 -- --
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period
(in thousands)........................................... 20,955 14,967 13,403 4,428 -- --
PCM GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION FUND SUB-ACCOUNT (C)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period............ $20.087 $16.355 $16.988 $14.665 $13.992 $11.922
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................. $22.902 $20.087 $16.355 $16.988 $14.665 $13.992
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period
(in thousands)........................................... 17,521 16,019 16,507 12,914 8,580 5,829
PCM GLOBAL GROWTH FUND SUB-ACCOUNT (D)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period............ $14.963 $13.119 $13.432 $10.289 $10.472 $9.233
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................. $17.294 $14.963 $13.119 $13.432 $10.289 $10.472
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period
(in thousands)........................................... 36,757 29,701 30,285 17,711 7,638 3,800
PCM GROWTH AND INCOME FUND SUB-ACCOUNT (C)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period............ $27.201 $20.178 $20.390 $18.096 $16.720 $14.243
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................. $32.703 $27.201 $20.178 $20.390 $18.096 $16.720
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period
(in thousands)........................................... 96,383 76,865 67,016 53,464 32,856 19,420
PCM HIGH YIELD FUND SUB-ACCOUNT (C)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period............ $20.390 $17.476 $17.890 $15.173 $12.932 $9.055
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................. $22.682 $20.390 $17.476 $17.890 $15.173 $12.932
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period
(in thousands)........................................... 16,479 13,646 11,462 11,174 7,076 3,296
PCM MONEY MARKET FUND SUB-ACCOUNT (C)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period............ $1.379 $1.325 $1.294 $1.277 $1.250 $1.197
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................. $1.429 $1.379 $1.325 $1.294 $1.277 $1.250
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period
(in thousands)........................................... 140,033 107,934 144,950 86,677 80,182 62,638
PCM NEW OPPORTUNITIES FUND SUB-ACCOUNT (E)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period............ $15.312 $10.718 $10.000 -- -- --
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................. $16.635 $15.312 $10.718 -- -- --
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period
(in thousands)........................................... 38,289 15,860 3,681 -- -- --
PCM U.S. GOVERNMENT AND HIGH QUALITY BOND FUND SUB-ACCOUNT
(C)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period............ $18.448 $15.533 $16.277 $14.833 $13.994 $12.100
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................. $18.631 $18.448 $15.533 $16.277 $14.833 $13.994
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period
(in thousands............................................ 29,395 30,489 33,516 37,806 27,611 16,368
PCM UTILITIES GROWTH AND INCOME FUND SUB-ACCOUNT (F)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period............ $14.075 $10.889 $11.876 $10.618 $10.000 --
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................. $16.072 $14.075 $10.889 $11.876 $10.618 --
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period
(in thousands)........................................... 23,096 22,892 23,090 26,176 5,956 --
PCM VOYAGER FUND SUB-ACCOUNT (C)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period............ $32.520 $23.445 $23.530 $20.102 $18.472 $12.822
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................. $36.228 $32.520 $23.445 $23.530 $20.102 $18.472
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period
(in thousands)........................................... 45,912 36,379 29,315 21,915 14,667 8,419
<CAPTION>
1990 1989 1988
------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PCM ASIA PACIFIC GROWTH FUND SUB-ACCOUNT (A)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period............ -- -- --
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................. -- -- --
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period
(in thousands)........................................... -- -- --
PCM DIVERSIFIED INCOME FUND SUB-ACCOUNT (B)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period............ -- -- --
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................. -- -- --
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period
(in thousands)........................................... -- -- --
PCM GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION FUND SUB-ACCOUNT (C)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period............ $12.068 $10.545 $10.000
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................. $11.922 $12.068 $10.545
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period
(in thousands)........................................... 4,300 3,293 2,274
PCM GLOBAL GROWTH FUND SUB-ACCOUNT (D)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period............ $10.000 -- --
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................. $9.233 -- --
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period
(in thousands)........................................... 1,405 -- --
PCM GROWTH AND INCOME FUND SUB-ACCOUNT (C)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period............ $14.166 $11.848 $10.000
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................. $14.243 $14.166 $11.848
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period
(in thousands)........................................... 10,888 7,037 2,187
PCM HIGH YIELD FUND SUB-ACCOUNT (C)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period............ $10.200 $10.624 $10.000
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................. $9.055 $10.200 $10.624
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period
(in thousands)........................................... 2,072 2,680 1,822
PCM MONEY MARKET FUND SUB-ACCOUNT (C)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period............ $1.124 1.045 $1.000
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................. $1.197 $1.124 $1.045
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period
(in thousands)........................................... 64,849 21,986 13,212
PCM NEW OPPORTUNITIES FUND SUB-ACCOUNT (E)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period............ -- -- --
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................. -- -- --
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period
(in thousands)........................................... -- -- --
PCM U.S. GOVERNMENT AND HIGH QUALITY BOND FUND SUB-ACCOUNT
(C)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period............ $11.414 $10.150 $10.000
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................. $12.100 $11.414 $10.150
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period
(in thousands............................................ 8,107 5,399 2,786
PCM UTILITIES GROWTH AND INCOME FUND SUB-ACCOUNT (F)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period............ -- -- --
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................. -- -- --
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period
(in thousands)........................................... -- -- --
PCM VOYAGER FUND SUB-ACCOUNT (C)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period............ $13.272 10.170 $10.000
Accumulation unit value at end of period.................. $12.822 13.272 $10.170
Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period
(in thousands)........................................... 3,714 2,968 762
</TABLE>
(a) Inception date May 1, 1995.
(b) Inception date September 15, 1993.
(c) Inception date February 1, 1988.
(d) Inception date May 1, 1990.
(e) Inception date June 20,1994.
(f) Inception date May 1, 1992.
<PAGE>
8 HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
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SUMMARY
WHAT IS THE CONTRACT AND HOW MAY I PURCHASE ONE?
The Contract offered is a tax deferred Variable Annuity Contract (see
"Taxation of Annuities in General," page 21). Generally, the Contract is
purchased by completing an application or an order to purchase a Contract and
submitting it, along with the initial Premium Payments, to Hartford for its
approval. The minimum initial Premium Payment is $1,000 with a minimum
allocation to any Fund of $500. Certain plans may make smaller initial and
subsequent periodic premium payments. Subsequent Premium Payments, if made, must
be a minimum of $500. Generally, a Contract Owner may exercise his right to
cancel the Contract within 10 days of delivery of the Contract by returning the
Contract to Hartford at its Home Office. If the Contract Owner exercises his
right to cancel, Hartford will return either the Contract Value or the original
Premium Payments to the Contract Owner. The duration of the right to cancel
period and Hartford's obligation to either return the Contract Value or the
original Premium will depend on state law. (See "Right to Cancel Period," page
11.)
WHO MAY PURCHASE THE CONTRACT?
Any individual, group or trust may purchase the Contract, including any
trustee or custodian for a retirement plan which qualifies for special federal
tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code, including individual retirement
annuities. (See "Federal Tax Considerations" commencing on page 21 and Appendix
I commencing on page 27.)
WHAT TYPES OF INVESTMENTS ARE AVAILABLE UNDER THE CONTRACT?
The underlying investments for the Contract are shares of Putnam Variable
Trust, an open-end series investment company with multiple portfolios ("the
Funds") as follows: Putnam VT Asia Pacific Growth Fund, 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
International Growth Fund, Putnam VT International Growth and Income Fund,
Putnam VT International New Opportunities Fund, Putnam VT Money Market Fund,
Putnam VT New Opportunities Fund, Putnam VT New Value Fund, Putnam VT U.S.
Government and High Quality Bond Fund, Putnam VT Utilities Growth and Income
Fund, Putnam VT Vista Fund, Putnam VT Voyager Fund, and such other Funds as
shall be offered from time to time, and the Fixed Account, or a combination of
the Funds and the Fixed Account. (See "The Funds" commencing on page 12 and "The
Fixed Account" commencing on page 11.)
WHAT ARE THE CHARGES UNDER THE CONTRACTS?
SALES EXPENSES
There is no deduction for sales expenses from Premium Payments when made.
However, a contingent deferred sales charge may be assessed against Contract
Values when they are surrendered. (See "Contingent Deferred Sales Charges"
commencing on page 17.) The length of time from receipt of a Premium Payment to
the time of surrender determines the contingent deferred sales charge. For this
purpose, Premium Payments will be deemed to be surrendered in the order in which
they are received and all surrenders will be first from Premium Payments and
then from other Contract values. The charge is a percentage of the amount
withdrawn (not to exceed the aggregate amount of the Premium Payments made). The
charge is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CHARGE
- ------------- LENGTH OF TIME FROM
PREMIUM PAYMENT
----------------------
(NUMBER OF YEARS)
<S> <C>
6% 1
6% 2
5% 3
5% 4
4% 5
3% 6
2% 7
0% 8 or more
</TABLE>
No contingent deferred sales charge will be assessed in the event of death
of the Annuitant or Contract Owner, or upon the exercise of the withdrawal
privilege or if Contract Values are applied to an Annuity option provided for
under the Contract (except that a surrender out of Annuity Option Four will be
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge where applicable). (See
"Contingent Deferred Sales Charges" commencing on page 17.)
FREE WITHDRAWAL PRIVILEGE
Withdrawals of up to 10% per Contract Year, on a noncumulative basis, of the
Premium Payments made to a Contract may be made without the imposition of the
contingent deferred sales charge during the first seven Contract years. (See
"Contingent Deferred Sales Charges" commencing on page 17.) Certain plans or
programs may have different withdrawal privileges.
MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISKS
For assuming the mortality and expense risks under the Contract, Hartford
will impose a 1.25% per annum charge against all Contract Values held in the
Sub-Accounts. (See "Mortality and Expense Risk Charge," page 18.)
ANNUAL ADMINISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE FEE
The Contract provides for administration and Contract maintenance charges.
For administration, the charge is .15% per annum against all Contract Values
held in the Separate Account. For Contract maintenance, the charge is
<PAGE>
HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 9
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$30 annually. (See "Administration and Maintenance Fees," page 19.) Contracts
with a Contract Value of $50,000 or more at time of Contract Anniversary will
not be assessed this charge.
PREMIUM TAXES
A deduction will be made for Premium Taxes for Contracts sold in certain
states. (See "Premium Taxes," page 19.)
CHARGES BY THE FUNDS
The Funds are subject to certain fees, charges and expenses. (See the
prospectus for the Trust accompanying this Prospectus.)
CAN I GET MY MONEY IF I NEED IT?
Subject to any applicable charges, the Contract may be surrendered, or
portions of the value of such Contract may be withdrawn, at any time prior to
the Annuity Commencement Date. However, if less than $500 remains in a Contract
as a result of a withdrawal, Hartford may terminate the Contract in its
entirety. (See "Redemption/Surrender of a Contract," page 15.)
DOES THE CONTRACT PAY ANY DEATH BENEFITS?
A Death Benefit is provided in the event of death of the Annuitant or
Contract Owner or Joint Contract Owner before Annuity payments have commenced.
(See "Death Benefit," page 16.)
WHAT ARE THE AVAILABLE ANNUITY OPTIONS UNDER THE CONTRACT?
There are five available Annuity options under the Contract which are
described on page 19. The Annuity Commencement Date may not be deferred beyond
the Annuitant's 90th birthday except in certain states where the Annuity
Commencement Date may not be deferred beyond the Annuitant's 85th birthday. If a
Contract Owner does not elect otherwise, the Contract Value less applicable
premium taxes will be applied on the Annuity Commencement Date under the second
option to provide a life annuity with 120 monthly payments certain.
DOES THE CONTRACT OWNER HAVE ANY VOTING RIGHTS UNDER THE CONTRACT?
Contract Owners will have the right to vote on matters affecting an
underlying Fund to the extent that proxies are solicited by such Fund. If a
Contract Owner does not vote, Hartford shall vote such interests in the same
proportion as shares of the Fund for which instructions have been received by
Hartford. (See "Voting Rights," page 25.)
- ---------------------------------------------------
PERFORMANCE RELATED
INFORMATION
The Separate Account may advertise certain performance related information
concerning its Sub-Accounts. Performance information about a Sub-Account is
based on the Sub-Account's past performance only and is no indication of future
performance.
PCM Asia Pacific Growth Fund, PCM Diversified Income Fund, PCM Global Asset
Allocation Fund, PCM Global Growth Fund, PCM Growth and Income Fund, PCM High
Yield Fund, PCM International Growth Fund, PCM International Growth and Income
Fund, PCM International New Opportunities Fund, PCM Money Market Fund, PCM New
Opportunities Fund, PCM New Value Fund, PCM U.S. Government and High Quality
Bond Fund, PCM Utilities Growth and Income Fund, PCM Vista Fund, and PCM Voyager
Fund Sub-Accounts may include total return in advertisements or other sales
material.
When a Sub-Account advertises its total return, it will usually be
calculated for one year, five years, and ten years or some other relevant
periods if the Sub-Account has not been in existence for at least ten years.
Total return is measured by comparing the value of an investment in the
Sub-Account at the beginning of the relevant period to the value of the
investment at the end of the period (assuming the deduction of any contingent
deferred sales charge which would be payable if the investment were redeemed at
the end of the period).
PCM Diversified Income Fund, PCM Growth and Income Fund, PCM International
Growth and Income Fund, PCM High Yield Fund, and PCM U.S. Government and High
Quality Bond Fund Sub-Accounts may advertise yield in addition to total return.
The yield will be computed in the following manner: The net investment income
per unit earned during a recent one month period is divided by the unit value on
the last day of the period. This figure reflects the recurring charges at the
Separate Account level including the Annual Maintenance Fee.
PCM Money Market Fund Sub-Account may advertise yield and effective yield.
The yield is based upon the income earned by the Sub-Account over a seven-day
period and then annualized, i.e. the income earned in the period is assumed to
be earned every seven days over a 52-week period and stated as a percentage of
the investment. Effective yield is calculated similarly but when annualized, the
income earned by the investment is assumed to be reinvested in Sub-Account units
and thus compounded in the course of a 52-week period. Yield reflects the
recurring charges at the Separate Account level including the Annual Maintenance
Fee.
<PAGE>
10 HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return at the Separate Account level includes all Contract charges:
sales charges, mortality and expense risk charges, and the Annual Maintenance
Fee, and is therefore lower than total return at the Fund level, with no
comparable charges. Likewise, yield at the Separate Account level includes all
recurring charges (except sales charges), and is therefore lower than yield at
the Fund level, with no comparable charges.
Hartford may provide information on various topics to Contract Owners and
prospective Contract Owners in advertising, sales literature or other materials.
These topics may include the relationship between sectors of the economy and the
economy as a whole and its effect on various securities markets, investment
strategies and techniques (such as value investing, dollar cost averaging and
asset allocation), the advantages and disadvantages of investing in tax-
advantaged and taxable instruments, customer profiles and hypothetical purchase
scenarios, financial management and tax and retirement planning, and other
investment alternatives, including comparisons between the Contracts and the
characteristics of and market for such alternatives.
- ---------------------------------------------------
INTRODUCTION
This Prospectus has been designed to provide you with the necessary
information to make a decision on purchasing a tax deferred Variable Annuity
Contract offered by Hartford and funded by the Fixed Account and/or a series of
the Separate Account. Please read the Glossary of Special Terms on pages and
prior to reading this Prospectus to familiarize yourself with the terms being
used.
- ---------------------------------------------------
THE CONTRACT
The Putnam Capital Manager Plan is a tax deferred Variable Annuity Contract.
Payments for the Contract will be held in the Fixed Account and/or a series of
the Separate Account. Initially there are no deductions from your Premium
Payments (except for Premium Taxes, if applicable) so your entire Premium
Payment is put to work in the investment Sub-Account(s) of your choice or the
Fixed Account. Each Sub-Account invests in a different underlying Fund with its
own distinct investment objectives. You pick the Sub-Account(s) with the
investment objectives that meet your needs. You may select one or more
Sub-Accounts and/ or the Fixed Account and determine the percentage of your
Premium Payment that is put into a Sub-Account or the Fixed Account. You may
also transfer assets among the Sub-Accounts and the Fixed Account so that your
investment program meets your specific needs over time. There are minimum
requirements for investing in each Sub-Account and the Fixed Account which are
described later in this Prospectus. In addition, there are certain other
limitations on withdrawals and transfers of amounts in the Sub-Accounts and the
Fixed Account as described in this Prospectus. See "Charges Under the Contract"
for a description of the charges for redeeming a Contract and other charges made
under the Contract.
Generally, the Contract contains the five optional forms of Annuity
described later in this Prospectus. Options 2, 4, and 5 are available with
respect to Qualified Contracts only if the guaranteed payment period is less
than the life expectancy of the Annuitant at the time the option becomes
effective. Such life expectancy shall be computed on the basis of the mortality
table prescribed by the IRS, or if none is prescribed, the mortality table then
in use by Hartford.
The Contract Owner may select an Annuity Commencement Date and an Annuity
option which may be on a fixed or variable basis, or a combination thereof. The
Annuity Commencement Date may not be deferred beyond the Annuitant's 90th
birthday except in certain states where the Annuity Commencement Date may not be
deferred beyond the Annuitant's 85th birthday.
The Annuity Commencement Date and/or the Annuity option may be changed from
time to time, but any such change must be made at least 30 days prior to the
date on which payments are scheduled to begin. If you do not elect otherwise,
payments will begin at the Annuitant's age 90 under Option 2 with 120 monthly
payments certain (Option 1 for Contracts issued in Texas).
When an Annuity is effected under a Contract, unless otherwise specified,
Contract Values held in the Sub-Accounts will be applied to provide a Variable
Annuity based on the pro rata amount in the various Sub-Accounts. Fixed Account
Contract Values will be applied to provide a Fixed Annuity. Variable Annuity
payments will vary in accordance with the investment performance of the
Sub-Accounts you have selected. The Contract allows the Contract Owner to change
the Sub-Accounts on which variable payments are based after payments have
commenced once every three (3) months. Any Fixed Annuity allocation may not be
changed.
The Contract offered under this Prospectus may be purchased by any
individual ("Non-Qualified Contract") or by an individual, trustee or custodian
for a retirement plan qualified under Sections 401(a) or 403(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code; annuity purchase plans adopted by public school systems and
certain tax-exempt organizations according to Section 403(b) of the Internal
Revenue Code; Individual Retirement Annuities adopted according to Section 408
of the Internal Revenue Code; employee pension plans established for employees
by a state, a political subdivision of a state, or an agency or instrumentality
of either a state or a political subdivision of a state, and certain eligible
deferred compensation plans as defined in Section 457 of the Internal Revenue
Code ("Qualified Contracts").
<PAGE>
HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 11
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Contract may be sold directly to certain individuals under certain
circumstances that do not involve payment of any sales compensation to a
registered representative. In such case, Hartford will credit the Contract with
an additional 5.0% of the premium payment. This additional percentage of premium
payment in no way affects present or future charges, rights, benefits or current
values of other Contract Owners. The following class of individuals are eligible
for this feature: (1) current or retired officers, directors, trustees and
employees (and their families) of the ultimate parent and affiliates of Hartford
and Putnam Management; and (2) employees and registered representatives (and
their families) of registered broker-dealers (or financial institutions
affiliated therewith) that have a sales agreement with Hartford and its
principal underwriter to sell the Contracts.
- ---------------------------------------------------
RIGHT TO CANCEL PERIOD
If you are not satisfied with your purchase you may surrender the Contract
by returning it within ten days (or longer in some states) after you receive it.
A written request for cancellation must accompany the Contract. In such event,
Hartford will, without deduction for any charges normally assessed thereunder,
pay you an amount equal to the Contract Value on the date of receipt of the
request for cancellation. You bear the investment risk during the period prior
to the Company's receipt of request for cancellation. Hartford will refund the
premium paid only for individual retirement annuities (if returned within seven
days of receipt) and in those states where required by law.
- ---------------------------------------------------
THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
The Separate Account was established on June 22, 1987, in accordance with
authorization by the Board of Directors of Hartford. It is the Separate Account
in which Hartford sets aside and invests the assets attributable to variable
annuity Contracts, including the Contracts sold under this Prospectus. Although
the Separate Account is an integral part of Hartford, it is registered as a unit
investment trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940. This registration
does not, however, involve supervision by the Commission of the management or
the investment practices or policies of the Separate Account or Hartford. The
Separate Account meets the definition of "separate account" under federal
securities law.
Under Connecticut law, the assets of the Separate Account attributable to
the Contracts offered under this Prospectus are held for the benefit of the
owners of, and the persons entitled to payments under, those Contracts. Income,
gains, and losses, whether or not realized, from assets allocated to the
Separate Account, are, in accordance with the Contracts, credited to or charged
against the Separate Account. Also, the assets in the Separate Account are not
chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business Hartford may
conduct. So Contract Values allocated to the Sub-Accounts will not be affected
by the rate of return of Hartford's General Account, nor by the investment
performance of any of Hartford's other separate accounts. However, the
obligations arising under the Contracts are general obligations of Hartford.
Your investment in the Separate Account is allocated to one or more
Sub-Accounts as per your specifications. Each Sub-Account is invested
exclusively in the shares of one underlying Fund. Net Premium Payments and
proceeds of transfers between Funds are applied to purchase shares in the
appropriate Fund at net asset value determined as of the end of the Valuation
Period during which the payments were received or the transfer made. All
distributions from the Funds are reinvested at net asset value. The value of
your investment will therefore vary in accordance with the net income and the
market value of the portfolios of the underlying Fund(s). During the Variable
Annuity payout period, both your Annuity payments and reserve values will vary
in accordance with these factors.
Hartford does not guarantee the investment results of the Funds or any of
the underlying investments. There is no assurance that the value of a Contract
during the years prior to retirement or the aggregate amount of the Variable
Annuity payments will equal the total of Premium Payments made under the
Contract. Since each underlying Fund has different investment objectives and
policies, each is subject to different risks. These risks are more fully
described in the accompanying Trust prospectus.
Hartford reserves the right, subject to compliance with the law, to
substitute the shares of any other registered investment company for the shares
of any Fund held by the Separate Account. Substitution may occur only if shares
of the Fund(s) become unavailable or if there are changes in applicable law or
interpretations of law. Current law requires notification to you of any such
substitution and approval of the Commission.
The Separate Account may be subject to liabilities arising from a Series of
the Separate Account whose assets are attributable to other variable annuity
Contracts or variable life insurance policies offered by the Separate Account
which are not described in this Prospectus.
- ---------------------------------------------------
THE FIXED ACCOUNT
THAT PORTION OF THE CONTRACT 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").
<PAGE>
12 HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 Contract 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 laws governing investments of
Insurance Company General Accounts.
Currently, Hartford guarantees that it will credit interest at a rate of not
less than 3% per year, compounded annually, to amounts allocated to the Fixed
Account under the Contracts. However, Hartford reserves the right to change the
rate according to state insurance law. Hartford may credit interest at a rate in
excess of 3% per year; however, Hartford is not obligated to credit any interest
in excess of 3% per year. 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 3% PER YEAR WILL BE DETERMINED IN
THE SOLE DISCRETION OF THE COMPANY. THE OWNER ASSUMES THE RISK THAT INTEREST
CREDITED TO FIXED ACCOUNT ALLOCATIONS MAY NOT EXCEED THE MINIMUM GUARANTEE OF 3%
FOR ANY GIVEN YEAR.
- ---------------------------------------------------
THE COMPANY
Hartford Life Insurance Company ("Hartford") is a stock life insurance
company engaged in the business of writing health and life insurance, both
individual and group, in all states of the United States and the District of
Columbia. Hartford was originally incorporated under the laws of Massachusetts
on June 5, 1902, and was subsequently redomiciled to Connecticut. Its offices
are located in Simsbury, Connecticut; however, its mailing address is P.O. Box
2999, Hartford, CT 06104-2999. Hartford is a subsidiary of Hartford Fire
Insurance Company, one of the largest multiple lines insurance carriers in the
United States. Hartford is ultimately owned by ITT Hartford Group, Inc., a
Delaware corporation. Subject to shareholder approval on May 2, 1997, the name
of ITT Hartford Group, Inc. will change to The Hartford Financial Services
Group, Inc.
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.
- ---------------------------------------------------
THE FUNDS
The underlying investments for the Contracts are shares of Putnam Variable
Trust, an open-end series investment company with multiple portfolios ("Funds").
The underlying Funds corresponding to each Sub-Account and their investment
objectives are described below. Hartford reserves the right, subject to
compliance with the law, to offer additional funds with differing investment
objectives. The Funds may not be available in all states.
PUTNAM VT ASIA PACIFIC GROWTH FUND
Seeks capital appreciation by investing primarily in securities of companies
located in Asia and in the Pacific Basin. The fund's investments will normally
include common stocks, preferred stocks, securities convertible into common
stocks or preferred stocks, and warrants to purchase common stocks or preferred
stocks.
PUTNAM VT DIVERSIFIED INCOME FUND
Seeks high current income consistent with capital preservation by investing
in the following three sectors of the fixed income securities markets: a U.S.
Government Sector, a High Yield Sector (which invests primarily in what are
commonly known as "junk bonds"), and an 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 portfolio of
common stocks.
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.
<PAGE>
HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 13
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PUTNAM VT HIGH YIELD FUND
Seeks high current income and, when consistent with this objective, a
secondary objective of capital growth, by investing primarily in high-yielding,
lower-rated fixed income securities, constituting a portfolio which Putnam
Management believes does not involve undue risk to income or principal. See the
special considerations for investments in high yield securities described in the
Fund prospectus.
PUTNAM VT INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND
Seeks capital appreciation by investing primarily in equity securities of
companies located in a country other than the United States.
PUTNAM VT INTERNATIONAL GROWTH AND INCOME FUND
Seeks capital growth, and a secondary objective if high current income, by
investing primarily in common stocks that offer potential for capital growth and
may, when consistent with its investment objectives, invest in common stocks
that offer potential for current income. Under normal market conditions, the
fund expects to invest substantially all of its assets in securities principally
traded on markets outside the United States.
PUTNAM VT INTERNATIONAL NEW OPPORTUNITIES FUND
Seeks long term capital appreciation by investing in companies that have
above-average growth prospects due to the fundamental growth of their market
sector. Under normal market conditions, the fund expects to invest substantially
all of its total assets other than cash or short-term investments held pending
investment, in common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible preferred stocks,
covertible bonds and other equity securities principally traded in securities
markets outside the United States.
PUTNAM VT MONEY MARKET FUND
Seeks as high a rate 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 NEW VALUE FUND
Seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in common stocks
that Putnam Management believes are undervalued at the time of purchase and have
the potential for long-term capital appreciation.
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 a nationally recognized securities rating agency
such as Standard & Poor's or Moody's Investor Services, Inc. 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
debt and equity securities issued by companies in the public utilities
industries.
PUTNAM VT VISTA FUND
Seeks capital appreciation by investing in a diversified portfolio of common
stocks which Putnam Management believes have the potential for above-average
capital appreciation.
PUTNAM VT VOYAGER FUND
Seeks capital appreciation by investing primarily in common stocks of
companies that Putnam Management believes have potential for capital
appreciation that is significantly greater than that of market averages.
Putnam VT Asia Pacific Growth Fund, Putnam VT Diversified Income Fund,
Putnam VT Global Growth Fund, Putnam VT Growth and Income Fund, Putnam VT High
Yield Fund, Putnam VT International Growth Fund, Putnam VT International Growth
and Income Fund, Putnam VT International New Opportunities Fund, Putnam VT Money
Market Fund, Putnam VT New Opportunities Fund, Putnam VT New Value Fund, Putnam
VT Utilities Growth and Income Fund, Putnam VT Vista Fund, and Putnam VT Voyager
Fund are generally managed in styles similar to other open-end investment
companies which are managed by Putnam Management and whose shares are generally
offered to the public. These other Putnam funds may, however, employ different
investment practices and may invest in securities different from those in which
their counterpart Funds invest, and consequently will not have identical
portfolios or experience identical investment results.
The Funds are available only to serve as the underlying investment for
variable annuity and variable life Contracts. A full description of the Funds,
their investment objectives, policies and restrictions, risks, charges and
expenses and other aspects of their operation are contained in the accompanying
Trust prospectus which should be read in conjunction with this Prospectus before
investing, and in the Trust's Statement of Additional Information which may be
ordered without charge from Putnam Investor Services, Inc.
<PAGE>
14 HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is conceivable that in the future it may be disadvantageous for variable
annuity separate accounts and variable life insurance separate accounts to
invest in the Funds simultaneously. Although Hartford and the Funds do not
currently foresee any such disadvantages either to variable annuity Contract
Owners or to variable life insurance Policy Owners, the Trust's Board of
Trustees intends to monitor events in order to identify any material conflicts
between such Contract Owners and Policy Owners and to determine what action, if
any, should be taken in response thereto. If the Board of Trustees of the Funds
were to conclude that separate funds should be established for variable life and
variable annuity separate accounts, the variable annuity Contract Owners would
not bear any expenses attendant upon establishment of such separate funds.
Putnam Management, One Post Office Square, Boston, MA, 02109, serves as the
investment manager for the 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.
Subject to the general oversight of the Trustees of the Trust, Putnam
Management manages the Funds' portfolios in accordance with their stated
investment objectives and policies, makes investment decisions for the Funds,
places orders to purchase and sell securities on behalf of the Funds, and
administers the affairs of the Funds. For its services, the Funds pay Putnam
Management a quarterly fee. See the accompanying Trust prospectus for a more
complete description of Putnam Management and the respective fees of the Funds.
- ---------------------------------------------------
OPERATION OF THE CONTRACT/
ACCUMULATION PERIOD
- --------------------------------PREMIUM PAYMENTS
The balance of each initial Premium Payment remaining after the deduction of
any applicable Premium Tax is credited to your Contract within two business days
of receipt of a properly completed application or an order to purchase a
Contract and the initial Premium Payment by Hartford at its Home Office, P.O.
Box 5085, Hartford, CT 06102-5085. It will be credited to the Sub-Account(s)
and/ or the Fixed Account in accordance with your election. If the application
or other information is incomplete when received, the balance of each initial
Premium Payment, after deduction of any applicable Premium Tax, will be credited
to the Sub-Account(s) or the Fixed Account within five business days of receipt
or the entire Premium Payment will be immediately returned unless you have been
informed of the delay and request that the Premium Payment not be returned.
Subsequent Premium Payments are priced on the Valuation Day received by
Hartford in its Home Office or other designated administrative office.
The number of Accumulation Units in each Sub-Account to be credited to a
Contract will be determined by dividing the portion of the Premium Payment being
credited to each Sub-Account by the value of an Accumulation Unit in that
Sub-Account on that date.
The minimum initial Premium Payment is $1,000. Subsequent Premium Payments,
if made, must be a minimum of $500. Certain plans may make smaller initial and
subsequent periodic payments. Each Premium Payment may be split among the
various Sub-Accounts and the Fixed Account subject to minimum amounts then in
effect.
- ---------------------------------------------------
VALUE OF ACCUMULATION UNITS
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 dividends or capital gains distributed by that Fund if the ex-dividend
date occurs 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.
You should refer to the Trust prospectus which accompanies this Prospectus for a
description of how the assets of each Fund are valued since each determination
has a direct bearing on the Accumulation Unit value of the Sub-Account and
therefore the value of a Contract. The Accumulation Unit value is affected by
the performance of the underlying Fund(s), expenses and deduction of the charges
described in this Prospectus.
The shares of the Fund are valued at net asset value on each Valuation Day.
A description of the valuation methods used in valuing Fund shares may be found
in the accompanying Trust prospectus.
- ---------------------------------------------------
VALUE OF THE FIXED ACCOUNT
Hartford will determine the value of the Fixed Account by crediting interest
to amounts allocated to the Fixed Account. The minimum Fixed Account interest
rate is 3%, compounded annually. Hartford may credit a lower
<PAGE>
HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 15
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
minimum interest rate according to state law. Hartford also may credit interest
at rates greater than the minimum Fixed Account interest rate.
- ---------------------------------------------------
VALUE OF THE CONTRACT
The value of the Sub-Account investments under your Contract at any time
prior to the commencement of Annuity payments can be determined by multiplying
the total number of Accumulation Units credited to your Contract in each
Sub-Account by the then current Accumulation Unit values for the applicable
Sub-Account. The value of the Fixed Account under your Contract will be the
amount allocated to the Fixed Account plus interest credited. You will be
advised at least semi-annually of the number of Accumulation Units credited to
each Sub-Account, the current Accumulation Unit values, the Fixed Account Value,
and the total value of your Contract.
- ---------------------------------------------------
TRANSFERS AMONG SUB-ACCOUNTS
You may transfer the values of your Sub-Account allocations from one or more
Sub-Accounts to another free of charge. However, Hartford reserves the right to
limit the number of transfers to twelve (12) per Contract Year, with no two (2)
transfers occurring on consecutive Valuation Days. Transfers by telephone may be
made by calling (800) 521-0538. Telephone transfers may not be permitted by some
states for their residents who purchase variable annuities.
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. Hartford will employ reasonable procedures to
confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine; otherwise,
Hartford may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent
instructions. The procedures Hartford follows for transactions initiated by
telephone include requirements that callers provide certain information for
identification purposes. All transfer instructions by telephone are tape
recorded.
Hartford may permit the Contract Owner to preauthorize transfers among
Sub-Accounts and between the Sub-Accounts and the Fixed Account under certain
circumstances. Transfers between the Sub-Accounts may be made both before and
after Annuity payments commence (limited to once a quarter) provided that the
minimum allocation to any Sub-Account may not be less than $500. No minimum
balance is presently required in any Sub-Account.
The right to reallocate Contract Values between the Sub-Accounts is subject
to modification if Hartford determines, in its sole discretion, that the
exercise of that right by one or more Contract Owners is, or would be, to the
disadvantage of other Contract Owners. Any modification could be applied to
transfers to or from some or all of the Sub-Accounts and could include, but not
be limited to, the requirement of a minimum time period between each transfer,
not accepting transfer requests of an agent acting under a power of attorney on
behalf of more than one Contract Owner, or limiting the dollar amount that may
be transferred between the Sub-Accounts and the Fixed Account by a Contract
Owner at any one time. Such restrictions may be applied in any manner reasonably
designed to prevent any use of the transfer right which is considered by
Hartford to be to the disadvantage of other Contract Owners.
- ---------------------------------------------------
TRANSFERS BETWEEN THE FIXED
ACCOUNT AND THE SUB-ACCOUNTS
Subject to the restrictions set forth above, transfers from the Fixed
Account into a Sub-Account may be made at any time during the Contract Year. The
maximum amount which may be transferred from the Fixed Account during any
Contract Year is the greater of 30% of the Fixed Account balance as of the last
Contract Anniversary or the greatest amount of any prior transfer from the Fixed
Account. If Hartford permits preauthorized transfers from the Fixed Account to
the Sub-Accounts, this restriction is inapplicable. However, if any interest
rate is renewed at a rate at least one percentage point less than the previous
rate, the Contract Owner may elect to transfer up to 100% of the funds receiving
the reduced rate within sixty days of notification of the interest rate
decrease. Generally, transfers may not be made from any Sub-Account into the
Fixed Account for the six-month period following any transfer from the Fixed
Account into one or more of the Sub-Accounts. Hartford reserves the right to
modify the limitations on transfers from the Fixed Account and to defer
transfers from the Fixed Account for up to six months from the date of request.
- ---------------------------------------------------
REDEMPTION/SURRENDER OF A CONTRACT
At any time prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, you have the right,
subject to any IRS provisions applicable thereto, to surrender the value of the
Contract in whole or in part. Under any of the Annuity options excluding Options
4 and 5, no surrenders are permitted after Annuity payments commence. Only full
surrenders are allowed out of Option 4 and any such surrender will be subject to
contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable. Full or partial withdrawals
may be made from Option 5 at any time and contingent deferred sales charges will
not be applied.
FULL SURRENDERS. At any time prior to the Annuity Commencement Date (and
after the Annuity Commencement Date with respect to values applied to Option 4),
the Contract Owner has the right to terminate the Contract. In such event, the
Termination Value of the Contract may be taken in the form of a lump sum cash
settlement. The Termination Value of the Contract is equal to the Contract
<PAGE>
16 HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Value less any applicable Premium Taxes, the Annual Maintenance Fee, if
applicable, and any applicable contingent deferred sales charges. The
Termination Value may be more or less than the amount of the Premium Payments
made to a Contract.
PARTIAL SURRENDERS. The Contract Owner may make a partial surrender of
Contract Values at any time prior to the Annuity Commencement Date so long as
the amount surrendered is at least equal to the minimum amount rules then in
effect. Additionally, if the remaining Contract Value following a surrender is
less than $500 (and, for Texas Contracts, there were no Premium Payments made
during the preceding two Contract Years), Hartford may terminate the Contract
and pay the Termination Value.
Certain plans or programs may have different withdrawal privileges. Hartford
may permit the Contract Owner to preauthorize partial surrenders subject to
certain limitations then in effect.
THERE ARE CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON SECTION 403(B) TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES. AS
OF DECEMBER 31, 1988, ALL SECTION 403(B) ANNUITIES HAVE LIMITS ON FULL AND
PARTIAL SURRENDERS. CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CONTRACT MADE AFTER DECEMBER 31, 1988
AND ANY INCREASES IN CASH VALUE AFTER DECEMBER 31, 1988 MAY NOT BE DISTRIBUTED
UNLESS THE CONTRACT OWNER/ EMPLOYEE HAS A) ATTAINED AGE 59 1/2, B) SEPARATED
FROM SERVICE, C) DIED, D) BECOME DISABLED OR E) EXPERIENCED FINANCIAL HARDSHIP.
DISTRIBUTIONS DUE TO FINANCIAL HARDSHIP OR SEPARATION FROM SERVICE MAY STILL
BE SUBJECT TO A PENALTY TAX OF 10%.
HARTFORD WILL NOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY IN DETERMINING WHETHER A
WITHDRAWAL IS PERMISSIBLE, WITH OR WITHOUT TAX PENALTY, IN ANY PARTICULAR
SITUATION; OR IN MONITORING WITHDRAWAL REQUESTS REGARDING PRE OR POST JANUARY 1,
1989 ACCOUNT VALUES.
ANY SUCH FULL OR PARTIAL SURRENDER DESCRIBED ABOVE MAY RESULT IN ADVERSE TAX
CONSEQUENCES TO THE CONTRACT OWNER. THE CONTRACT OWNER, THEREFORE, SHOULD
CONSULT WITH HIS TAX ADVISER BEFORE UNDERTAKING ANY SUCH SURRENDER. (SEE
"FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS" COMMENCING ON PAGE 21.)
Payment on any request for a full or partial surrender from the Sub-Accounts
and/or the Fixed Account will be made as soon as possible and in any event no
later than seven days after the written request is received by Hartford at its
Home Office, Attn: Individual Annuity Services, P.O. Box 5085, Hartford, CT
06102-5085. Hartford may defer payment of any amounts from the Fixed Account for
up to six months from the date of the request for surrender. If Hartford defers
payment for more than 30 days, Hartford will pay interest of at least 3% per
annum on the amount deferred. In requesting a partial withdrawal you should
specify the Fixed Account and/or the Sub-Account(s) from which the partial
withdrawal is to be taken. Otherwise, such withdrawal and any applicable
contingent deferred sales charges will be effected on a pro rata basis according
to the value in the Fixed Account and each Sub-Account under a Contract. Within
this context, the contingent deferred sales charges are taken from the Premium
Payments in the order in which they were received, from the earliest Premium
Payments to the latest Premium Payments. (See "Contingent Deferred Sales
Charges," page 17.)
- ---------------------------------------------------
DEATH BENEFIT
The Contracts provide that in the event the Annuitant dies before the
Annuity Commencement Date, the Contingent Annuitant will become the Annuitant.
If the Annuitant dies before the Annuity Commencement Date and either (a) there
is no designated Contingent Annuitant, (b) the Contingent Annuitant predeceases
the Annuitant, or (c) if any Contract Owner dies before the Annuity Commencement
Date, the Beneficiary as determined under the Contract Control Provisions, will
receive the Death Benefit as determined on the date of receipt of due proof of
death by Hartford in its Home Office. With regard to Joint Contract Owners, at
the first death of a Joint Contract Owner prior to the Annuity Commencement
Date, the Beneficiary will be the surviving Contract Owner notwithstanding that
the beneficiary designation may be different.
GUARANTEED DEATH BENEFIT -- If the Annuitant dies before the Annuity
Commencement Date and there is no designated Contingent Annuitant surviving, or
if the Contract Owner dies before the Annuity Commencement Date, the Beneficiary
will receive the greatest of (a) the Contract Value determined as of the day
written proof of death of such person is received by Hartford, or (b) 100% of
the total Premium Payments made to such Contract, reduced by any prior
surrenders, or (c) the Maximum Anniversary Value immediately preceding the date
of death. The Maximum Anniversary Value is equal to the greatest Anniversary
Value attained from the following:
As of the date of receipt of due proof of death, the Company will calculate
an Anniversary Value for each Contract Anniversary prior to the deceased's
attained age 81. The Anniversary Value is equal to the Contract Value on a
Contract Anniversary, increased by the dollar amount of any premium payments
made since that anniversary and reduced by the dollar amount of any partial
surrenders since that anniversary.
<PAGE>
HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 17
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If the Annuitant or Contract Owner, as applicable, dies after the Annuity
Commencement Date, then the Death Benefit will equal the present value of any
remaining payments under the elected Annuity Option.
PAYMENT OF DEATH BENEFIT -- Death Benefit proceeds will remain invested in
the Separate Account in accordance with the allocation instructions given by the
Contract Owner until the proceeds are paid or Hartford receives new instructions
from the Beneficiary. The Death Benefit may be taken in one sum, payable within
7 days after the date Due Proof of Death is received, or under any of the
settlement options then being offered by Hartford provided, however, that: (a)
in the event of the death of any Contract Owner prior to the Annuity
Commencement Date, the entire interest in the Contract will be distributed
within 5 years after the death of the Contract Owner, and (b) in the event of
the death of any Contract Owner or Annuitant which occurs on or after the
Annuity Commencement Date, any remaining interest in the Contract will be paid
at least as rapidly as under the method of distribution in effect at the time of
death, or, if the benefit is payable over a period not extending beyond the life
expectancy of the Beneficiary or over the life of the Beneficiary, such
distribution must commence within one year of the date of death. The proceeds
due on the death may be applied to provide variable payments, fixed payments, or
a combination of variable and fixed payments. However, in the event of the
Contract Owner's death where the sole Beneficiary is the spouse of the Contract
Owner and the Annuitant or Contingent Annuitant is living, such spouse may
elect, in lieu of receiving the death benefit, to be treated as the Contract
Owner. The Contract Value and the Maximum Anniversary Value of the Contract will
be unaffected by treating the spouse as the Contract Owner.
If the Contract is owned by a corporation or other non-individual, the Death
Benefit payable upon the death of the Annuitant prior to the Annuity
Commencement Date will be payable only as one sum or under the same settlement
options and in the same manner as if an individual Contract Owner died on the
date of the Annuitant's death.
There may be postponement in the payment of Death Benefits whenever (a) the
New York Stock Exchange is closed, except for holidays or weekends, or trading
on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted as determined by the Securities and
Exchange Commission; (b) the Securities and Exchange Commission permits
postponement and so orders; or (c) the Securities and Exchange Commission
determines that an emergency exists making valuation of the amounts or disposal
of securities not reasonably practicable.
GROUP UNALLOCATED CONTRACTS -- For Group Unallocated Contracts Hartford
requires that detailed accounting of cumulative purchase payments, cumulative
gross surrenders, and current Contract Value attached to each Plan Participant
be submitted on an annual basis by the Contract Owner. Failure to submit
accurate data satisfactory to Hartford will give Hartford the right to terminate
this extension of benefits.
- ---------------------------------------------------
CHARGES UNDER THE CONTRACT
- --------------------------------
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES
There is no deduction for sales expenses from Premium Payments when made.
However, a contingent deferred sales charge may be assessed against Contract
Values when they are surrendered.
The length of time from receipt of a Premium Payment to the time of
surrender determines the contingent deferred sales charge. Premium payments will
be deemed to be surrendered in the order in which they were received.
A Contract Owner who chooses to surrender a Contract in full who has not yet
withdrawn the Annual Withdrawal Amount during the current Contract Year (as
described at page 18 below) may, depending upon the amount of investment gain
experienced under the Contract, reduce the amount of any contingent deferred
sales charge paid by first withdrawing the Annual Withdrawal Amount and then
requesting a full surrender of the Contract. Currently, regardless of whether a
Contract Owner first requests a partial withdrawal of the Annual Withdrawal
Amount, upon receiving a request for a full surrender of a Contract, Hartford
assesses any applicable contingent deferred sales charge against the surrender
proceeds representing the lesser of: (1) aggregate Premium Payments under the
Contract not previously withdrawn; and (2) the Contract Value, less the Annual
Withdrawal Amount available at the time of the full surrender, less the Annual
Maintenance Fee.
- ---------------------------------------------------
DURING THE FIRST SEVEN CONTRACT YEARS
During the first seven Contract years, all surrenders will be first from
Premium Payments and then from other Contract Values. If an amount equal to all
premium payments has been surrendered, a contingent deferred sales charge will
not be assessed against the surrender of the remaining Contract Value.
- ---------------------------------------------------
AFTER THE SEVENTH CONTRACT YEAR
After the seventh Contract year, all surrenders will first be from earnings
and then from premium payments. A contingent deferred sales charge will not be
assessed against the surrender of earnings. If an amount equal to all earnings
has been surrendered, a contingent deferred sales charge will not be assessed
against premium payments received more than seven years prior to surrender, but
will
<PAGE>
18 HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
be assessed against premium payments received less than seven years prior to
surrender.
The charge is a percentage of the amount withdrawn (not to exceed the
aggregate amount of the Premium Payments made) and equals:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CHARGE
- ------------- LENGTH OF TIME FROM
PREMIUM PAYMENT
----------------------
(NUMBER OF YEARS)
<S> <C>
6% 1
6% 2
5% 3
5% 4
4% 5
3% 6
2% 7
0% 8 or more
</TABLE>
The contingent deferred sales charges are used to cover expenses relating to
the sale and distribution of the Contracts, including commissions paid to any
distribution organization and its sales personnel, the cost of preparing sales
literature and other promotional activities. To the extent that these charges do
not cover such distribution expenses, the expenses will be borne by Hartford
from its general assets, including surplus. The surplus might include profits
resulting from unused mortality and expense risk charges.
During the first seven Contract Years, on a non-cumulative basis, a Contract
Owner may make a partial surrender of Contract Values of up to 10% of the
aggregate Premium Payments made to the Contract (as determined on the date of
the requested withdrawal) without the application of the contingent deferred
sales charge. After the seventh Contract year, the Contract Owner may make a
partial surrender of 10% of premium payments made during the seven years prior
to the surrender and 100% of the Contract Value less the premium payments made
during the seven years prior to the surrender. The amount which can be withdrawn
in any Contract Year prior to incurring surrender charges is the "Annual
Withdrawal Amount." An Extended Withdrawal Privilege rider allows an Annuitant
who attains age 70 1/2 under a Qualified Plan to withdraw an amount in excess of
the Annual Withdrawal Amount to comply with IRS minimum distribution rules.
The contingent deferred sales charges which cover expenses relating to the
sale and distribution of the Contracts may be reduced for certain sales of the
Contracts under circumstances which may result in savings of such sales and
distribution expenses. Therefore, the contingent deferred sales charges may be
reduced if the Contracts are sold to certain employee and professional groups.
In addition, there may be other circumstances of which Hartford is not presently
aware which could result in reduced sales or distribution expenses. Reductions
in these charges will not be unfairly discriminatory against any Contract Owner.
Hartford may offer certain employer sponsored savings plans, in its
discretion reduced fees and charges including, but not limited to, the
contingent deferred sales charges, the mortality and expense risk charge and the
maintenance fee for certain sales under circumstances which may result in
savings of certain costs and expenses. Reductions in these fees and charges will
not be unfairly discriminatory against any Contract Owner.
- ---------------------------------------------------
MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE
Although Variable Annuity payments made under the Contracts will vary in
accordance with the investment performance of the underlying Fund shares held in
the Sub-Account(s), the payments will not be affected by (a) Hartford's actual
mortality experience among Annuitants before or after the Annuity Commencement
Date or (b) Hartford's actual expenses, if greater than the deductions provided
for in the Contracts because of the expense and mortality undertakings by
Hartford.
For assuming these risks under the Contracts, Hartford will make a daily
charge at the rate of 1.25% per annum against all Contract Values held in the
Sub-Accounts during the life of the Contract, including the payout period,
(estimated at .90% for mortality and .35% for expense).
The mortality undertaking provided by Hartford under the Contracts, assuming
the selection of one of the forms of life Annuities, is to make monthly Annuity
payments (determined in accordance with the 1983a Individual Annuity Mortality
Table and other provisions contained in the Contract) to Annuitants regardless
of how long an Annuitant may live, and regardless of how long all Annuitants as
a group may live. Hartford also assumes the liability for payment of a minimum
Death Benefit under the Contract.
The mortality undertakings are based on Hartford's determination of expected
mortality rates among all Annuitants. If actual experience among Annuitants
during the Annuity payment period deviates from Hartford's actuarial
determination of expected mortality rates among Annuitants because, as a group,
their longevity is longer than anticipated, Hartford must provide amounts from
its general funds to fulfill its Contract obligations. Hartford will bear the
loss in such a situation. Also, in the event of the death of an Annuitant or
Contract Owner before the commencement of Annuity payments, whichever is
earlier, Hartford can, in periods of declining value, experience a loss
resulting from the assumption of the mortality risk relative to the minimum
Death Benefit.
In providing an expense undertaking, Hartford assumes the risk that the
contingent deferred sales charges and the Administration and Maintenance Fees
for maintaining the Contracts prior to the Annuity Commencement Date may be
insufficient to cover the actual cost of providing such items.
<PAGE>
HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 19
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- -------------------------------------------
ADMINISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE FEES
Hartford will deduct certain fees from Contract Values to reimburse it for
expenses relating to the administration and maintenance of the Contract and the
Fixed Account. For Contract maintenance, Hartford will deduct an Annual
Maintenance Fee of $30 on each Contract Anniversary on or before the Annuity
Commencement Date. The deduction will be made pro rata according to the value in
each Sub-Account and the Fixed Account under a Contract. If during a Contract
Year the Contract is surrendered for its full value, Hartford will deduct the
Annual Maintenance Fee at the time of such surrender. For administration,
Hartford makes a daily charge at the rate of .15% per annum against all Contract
Values held in the Separate Account during both the accumulation and annuity
phases of the Contract. There is not necessarily a relationship between the
amount of administrative charge imposed on a given Contract and the amount of
expenses that may be attributable to that Contract; expenses may be more or less
than the charge.
The types of expenses incurred by the Separate Account include, but are not
limited to, expenses of issuing the Contract and expenses for confirmations,
Contract quarterly statements, processing of transfers and surrenders,
responding to Contract Owner inquiries, reconciling and depositing cash
receipts, calculation and monitoring daily Sub-Account unit values, Separate
Account reporting, including semiannual and annual reports and mailing and
tabulation of shareholder proxy solicitations.
You should refer to the Trust prospectus for a description of deductions and
expenses paid out of the assets of the Trust's portfolios.
- ---------------------------------------------------
PREMIUM TAXES
A deduction is also made for Premium Tax, if applicable, imposed by a state
or other governmental entity. Certain states impose a Premium Tax, currently
ranging up to 3.5%. Some states assess the tax at the time purchase payments are
made; others assess the tax at the time of annuitization. Hartford will pay
Premium Taxes at the time imposed under applicable law. At its sole discretion,
Hartford may deduct Premium Taxes at the time Hartford pays such taxes to the
applicable taxing authorities, at the time the Contract is surrendered, or at
the time the Contract annuitizes.
- ---------------------------------------------------
ANNUITY BENEFITS
You select an Annuity Commencement Date and an Annuity option which may be
on a fixed or variable basis, or a combination thereof. The Annuity Commencement
Date will not be deferred beyond the Annuitant's 90th birthday (85th birthday in
some states, 100th birthday if sold as a Charitable Remainder Trust). The
Annuity Commencement Date and/or the Annuity option may be changed from time to
time, but any change must be at least 30 days prior to the date on which Annuity
payments are scheduled to begin. The Contract allows the Contract Owner to
change the Sub-Accounts on which variable payments are based after payments have
commenced once every three (3) months. Any Fixed Annuity allocation may not be
changed.
- ---------------------------------------------------
ANNUITY OPTIONS
The Contract contains the five optional Annuity forms described below.
Options 2, 4, and 5 are available to Qualified Contracts only if the guaranteed
payment period is less than the life expectancy of the Annuitant at the time the
option becomes effective. Such life expectancy shall be computed on the basis of
the mortality table prescribed by the IRS, or if none is prescribed, the
mortality table then in use by Hartford. With respect to Non-Qualified
Contracts, if you do not elect otherwise, payments in most states will
automatically begin at the Annuitant's age 90 (with the exception of states that
do not allow deferral past age 85) under Option 2 with 120 monthly payments
certain. For Qualified Contracts and Contracts issued in Texas, if you do not
elect otherwise, payments will begin automatically at the Annuitant's age 90
under Option 1 to provide a life Annuity.
Under any of the Annuity options excluding Options 4 and 5, no surrenders
are permitted after Annuity payments commence. Only full surrenders are allowed
out of Option 4 and any such surrender will be subject to contingent deferred
sales charges, if applicable. Full or partial withdrawals may be made from
Option 5 at any time and contingent deferred sales charges will not be applied.
OPTION 1 -- Life Annuity
A life Annuity is an Annuity payable during the lifetime of the Annuitant
and terminating with the last payment preceding the death of the Annuitant. This
options offers the largest payment amount of any of the life Annuity options
since there is no guarantee of a minimum number of payments nor a provision for
a death benefit payable to a Beneficiary.
It would be possible under this option for an Annuitant to receive only one
Annuity payment if he died prior to the due date of the second Annuity payment,
two if he died before the date of the third Annuity payment, etc.
OPTION 2 -- Life Annuity with 120, 180 or 240 Monthly Payments Certain
This Annuity option is an Annuity payable monthly during the lifetime of an
Annuitant with the provision that payments will be made for a minimum of 120,
180 or 240 months, as elected. If, at the death of the Annuitant, payments have
been made for less than the minimum
<PAGE>
20 HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
elected number of months, then the present value as of the date of the
Annuitant's death, of any remaining guaranteed payments will be paid in one sum
to the Beneficiary or Beneficiaries designated unless other provisions have been
made and approved by Hartford.
OPTION 3 -- Joint and Last Survivor Annuity
An Annuity payable monthly during the joint lifetime of the Annuitant and a
designated second person, and thereafter during the remaining lifetime of the
survivor, ceasing with the last payment prior to the death of the survivor.
Based on the options currently offered by Hartford, the Annuitant may elect that
the payment to the survivor be less than the payment made during the joint
lifetime of the Annuitant and a designated second person.
It would be possible under this option for an Annuitant and designated
second person to receive only one payment in the event of the common or
simultaneous death of the parties prior to the due date for the second payment
and so on.
OPTION 4 -- Payments for a Designated Period
An amount payable monthly for the number of years selected which may be from
5 to 30 years. Under this option, you may, at any time, surrender the Contract
and receive, within seven days, the Termination Value of the Contract as
determined by Hartford.
In the event of the Annuitant's death prior to the end of the designated
period, the present value as of the date of the Annuitant's death, of any
remaining guaranteed payments will be paid in one sum to the Beneficiary or
Beneficiaries designated unless other provisions have been made and approved by
Hartford.
Option 4 is an option that does not involve life contingencies and thus no
mortality guarantee. Charges made for the mortality undertaking under the
Contracts thus provide no real benefit to a Contract Owner.
OPTION 5 -- Death Benefit Remaining with Hartford
Proceeds from the Death Benefit may be left with Hartford for a period not
to exceed five years from the date of the Contract Owner's death prior to the
Annuity Commencement Date. These proceeds will remain in the Sub-Account(s) to
which they were allocated at the time of death unless the Beneficiary elects to
reallocate them. Full or partial withdrawals may be made at any time. In the
event of withdrawals, the remaining value will equal the Contract Value of the
proceeds left with Hartford, minus any withdrawals.
Hartford may offer other annuity options from time to time.
- ---------------------------------------------------
THE ANNUITY UNIT AND VALUATION
The value of the Annuity Unit for each Sub-Account in the Separate Account
for any day is determined by multiplying the value for the preceding day by the
product of (1) the net investment factor (See "Value of Accumulation Units"
commencing on page 14) for the day for which the Annuity Unit value is being
calculated and (2) a factor to neutralize the assumed investment rate of 5.00%
per annum discussed below.
- ---------------------------------------------------
DETERMINATION OF PAYMENT AMOUNT
When Annuity payments are to commence, the value of the Contract is
determined as the sum of the value of the Fixed Account no earlier than the
close of business on the fifth Valuation Day preceding the date the first
Annuity payment is due plus the product of the value of the Accumulation Unit of
each Sub-Account on that same day, and the number of Accumulation Units credited
to each Sub-Account as of the date the Annuity is to commence.
The Contract contains tables indicating the minimum dollar amount of the
first monthly payment under the optional forms of Annuity for each $1,000 of
value of a Sub-Account under a Contract. The first monthly payment varies
according to the form and type of Annuity selected. The Contract contains
Annuity tables derived from the 1983a Individual Annuity Mortality Table with
ages set back one year and with an assumed investment rate ("A.I.R.") of 3% per
annum for the Fixed Annuity and 5% per annum for the Variable Annuity.
The total first monthly Variable Annuity payment is determined by
multiplying the value (expressed in thousands of dollars) of a Sub-Account (less
any applicable Premium Taxes) by the amount of the first monthly payment per
$1,000 of value obtained from the tables in the Contracts.
Fixed Annuity payments are determined at annuitization by multiplying the
values allocated to the Fixed Account (less applicable Premium Taxes) by a rate
to be determined by Hartford which is no less than the rate specified in the
Annuity tables in the Contract. The Annuity payment will remain level for the
duration of the Annuity.
The amount of the first monthly Variable Annuity payment, determined as
described above, is divided by the value of an Annuity Unit for the appropriate
Sub-Account no earlier than the close of business on the fifth Valuation Day
preceding the day on which the payment is due in order to determine the number
of Annuity Units represented by the first payment. This number of Annuity Units
remains fixed during the Annuity payment period, and in each subsequent month
the dollar amount of the Variable Annuity payment is determined by multiplying
this fixed
<PAGE>
HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 21
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
number of Annuity Units by the then current Annuity Unit value.
THE A.I.R. ASSUMED IN THE MORTALITY TABLES WOULD PRODUCE LEVEL VARIABLE
ANNUITY PAYMENTS IF THE INVESTMENT RATE REMAINED CONSTANT. IN FACT, PAYMENTS
WILL VARY UP OR DOWN AS THE INVESTMENT RATE VARIES UP OR DOWN FROM THE A.I.R.
The Annuity Unit value used in calculating the amount of the Variable
Annuity payments will be based on an Annuity Unit value determined as of the
close of business on a day no earlier than the fifth Valuation Day preceding the
date of the Annuity payment.
- ---------------------------------------------------
FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS
What are some of the federal tax consequences which affect these Contracts?
- ---------------------------------------------------
A. GENERAL
SINCE THE TAX LAW IS COMPLEX AND SINCE TAX CONSEQUENCES WILL VARY ACCORDING
TO THE ACTUAL STATUS OF THE CONTRACT OWNER INVOLVED AND THE TYPE OF PLAN UNDER
WHICH THE CONTRACT IS PURCHASED, LEGAL AND TAX ADVICE MAY BE NEEDED BY A PERSON,
TRUSTEE, OR OTHER ENTITY CONTEMPLATING THE PURCHASE OF A CONTRACT DESCRIBED
HEREIN.
It should be understood that any detailed description of the federal income
tax consequences regarding the purchase of these Contracts 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. The discussion
here and in Appendix I, commencing on page 27, is based on Hartford's
understanding of existing federal income tax laws as they are currently
interpreted.
- ---------------------------------------------------
B. TAXATION OF HARTFORD
AND THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
The Separate Account is taxed as part of Hartford which is taxed as a life
insurance company in accordance with 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 Chapter 1 of the Code.
Investment income and any realized capital gains on the assets of the Separate
Account are reinvested and are taken into account in determining the value of
the Accumulation and Annuity Units (See "Value of Accumulation Units" commencing
on page ). As a result, such investment income and realized capital gains are
automatically applied to increase reserves under the Contract.
No taxes are due on interest, dividends and short-term or long-term capital
gains earned by the Separate Account with respect to Qualified or Non-Qualified
Contracts.
- ---------------------------------------------------
C. TAXATION OF ANNUITIES -- GENERAL
PROVISIONS AFFECTING PURCHASERS OTHER
THAN QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS
Section 72 of the Code governs the taxation of annuities in general.
1. NON-NATURAL PERSONS, CORPORATIONS, ETC.
Section 72 contains provisions for Contract Owners which are non-natural
persons. Non-natural persons include corporations, trusts, and partnerships. The
annual net increase in the value of the Contract is currently includable in the
gross income of a non-natural person unless the non-natural person holds the
Contract as an agent for a natural person. There is an exception from current
inclusion for certain annuities held by structured settlement companies, certain
annuities held by an employer with respect to a terminated qualified retirement
plan and certain immediate annuities. A non-natural person which is a tax-exempt
entity for federal tax purposes will not be subject to income tax as a result of
this provision.
If the Contract Owner is not an individual, the primary Annuitant shall be
treated as the Contract Owner for purposes of making distributions which are
required to be made upon the death of the Contract Owner. If there is a change
in the primary Annuitant, such change shall be treated as the death of the
Contract Owner.
2. OTHER CONTRACT OWNERS (NATURAL PERSONS).
A Contract Owner is not taxed on increases in the value of the Contract
until an amount is received or deemed received, e.g., in the form of a lump sum
payment (full or partial value of a Contract) or as Annuity payments under the
settlement option elected.
The provisions of Section 72 of the Code concerning distributions are
summarized briefly below. Also summarized are special rules affecting
distributions from Contracts obtained in a tax-free exchange for other annuity
contracts or life insurance contracts which were purchased prior to August 14,
1982.
<PAGE>
22 HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
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A. DISTRIBUTIONS PRIOR TO THE ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE.
i. Total premium payments less amounts received which were not includable in
gross income equal the "investment in the contract" under Section 72 of the
Code.
ii. To the extent that the value of the Contract (ignoring any surrender
charges except on a full surrender) exceeds the "investment in the
contract," such excess constitutes the "income on the contract."
iii. Any amount received or deemed received prior to the Annuity Commencement
Date (e.g., upon a partial surrender) is deemed to come first from any such
"income on the contract" and then from "investment in the contract," and for
these purposes such "income on the contract" shall be computed by reference
to any aggregation rule in subparagraph 2.c., below. As a result, any such
amount received or deemed received (1) shall be includable in gross income
to the extent that such amount does not exceed any such "income on the
contract," and (2) shall not be includable in gross income to the extent
that such amount does exceed any such "income on the contract." If at the
time that any amount is received or deemed received there is no "income on
the contract" (e.g., because the gross value of the Contract does not exceed
the "investment in the contract" and no aggregation rule applies), then such
amount received or deemed received will not be includable in gross income,
and will simply reduce the "investment in the contract."
iv. The receipt of any amount as a loan under the Contract or the assignment or
pledge of any portion of the value of the Contract shall be treated as an
amount received for purposes of this subparagraph a. and the next
subparagraph b.
v. In general, the transfer of the Contract, without full and adequate
consideration, will be treated as an amount received for purposes of this
subparagraph a. and the next subparagraph b. This transfer rule does not
apply, however, to certain transfers of property between spouses or incident
to divorce.
B. DISTRIBUTIONS AFTER ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE.
Annuity payments made periodically after the Annuity Commencement Date are
includable in gross income to the extent the payments exceed the amount
determined by the application of the ratio of the "investment in the contract"
to the total amount of the payments to be made after the Annuity Commencement
Date (the "exclusion ratio").
i. When the total of amounts excluded from income by application of the
exclusion ratio is equal to the investment in the contract as of the Annuity
Commencement Date, any additional payments (including surrenders) will be
entirely includable in gross income.
ii. If the annuity payments cease by reason of the death of the Annuitant and,
as of the date of death, the amount of annuity payments excluded from gross
income by the exclusion ratio does not exceed the investment in the contract
as of the Annuity Commencement Date, then the remaining portion of
unrecovered investment shall be allowed as a deduction for the last taxable
year of the Annuitant.
iii. Generally, nonperiodic amounts received or deemed received after the
Annuity Commencement Date are not entitled to any exclusion ratio and shall
be fully includable in gross income. However, upon a full surrender after
such date, only the excess of the amount received (after any surrender
charge) over the remaining "investment in the contract" shall be includable
in gross income (except to the extent that the aggregation rule referred to
in the next subparagraph c. may apply).
C. AGGREGATION OF TWO OR MORE ANNUITY CONTRACTS.
Contracts issued after October 21, 1988 by the same insurer (or affiliated
insurer) to the same Contract Owner within the same calendar year (other than
certain contracts held in connection with a tax-qualified retirement
arrangement) will be treated as one annuity Contract for the purpose of
determining the taxation of distributions prior to the Annuity Commencement
Date. An annuity contract received in a tax-free exchange for another annuity
contract or life insurance contract may be treated as a new Contract for this
purpose. Hartford believes that for any annuity subject to such aggregation, the
values under the Contracts and the investment in the contracts will be added
together to determine the taxation under subparagraph 2.a., above, of amounts
received or deemed received prior to the Annuity Commencement Date. Withdrawals
will first be treated as withdrawals of income until all of the income from all
such Contracts is withdrawn. As of the date of this Prospectus, there are no
regulations interpreting this provision.
D. 10% PENALTY TAX -- APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN WITHDRAWALS AND ANNUITY PAYMENTS.
i. If any amount is received or deemed received on the Contract (before or
after the Annuity Commencement Date), the Code applies a penalty tax equal
to ten percent of the portion of the amount includable in gross income,
unless an exception applies.
ii. The 10% penalty tax will not apply to the following distributions
(exceptions vary based upon the precise plan involved):
1. Distributions made on or after the date the recipient has attained the
age of 59 1/2.
2. Distributions made on or after the death of the holder or where the
holder is not an individual, the death of the primary annuitant.
<PAGE>
HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 23
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3. Distributions attributable to a recipient's becoming disabled.
4. A distribution that is part of a scheduled series of substantially equal
periodic payments for the life (or life expectancy) of the recipient (or
the joint lives or life expectancies of the recipient and the
recipient's Beneficiary).
5. Distributions of amounts which are allocable to the "investment in the
contract" prior to August 14, 1982 (see next subparagraph e.).
E. SPECIAL PROVISIONS AFFECTING CONTRACTS OBTAINED THROUGH A TAX-FREE EXCHANGE
OF OTHER ANNUITY OR LIFE INSURANCE CONTRACTS PURCHASED PRIOR TO AUGUST 14,
1982.
If the Contract was obtained by a tax-free exchange of a life insurance or
annuity Contract purchased prior to August 14, 1982, then any amount received or
deemed received prior to the Annuity Commencement Date shall be deemed to come
(1) first from the amount of the "investment in the contract" prior to August
14, 1982 ("pre-8/14/82 investment") carried over from the prior Contract, (2)
then from the portion of the "income on the contract" (carried over to, as well
as accumulating in, the successor Contract) that is attributable to such
pre-8/14/82 investment, (3) then from the remaining "income on the contract" and
(4) last from the remaining "investment in the contract." As a result, to the
extent that such amount received or deemed received does not exceed such
pre-8/14/82 investment, such amount is not includable in gross income. In
addition, to the extent that such amount received or deemed received does not
exceed the sum of (a) such pre-8/14/82 investment and (b) the "income on the
contract" attributable thereto, such amount is not subject to the 10% penalty
tax. In all other respects, amounts received or deemed received from such post-
exchange Contracts are generally subject to the rules described in this
subparagraph 3.
F. REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS
i. Death of Contract Owner or Primary Annuitant
Subject to the alternative election or spouse beneficiary provisions in ii
or iii below:
1. If any Contract Owner dies on or after the Annuity Commencement Date and
before the entire interest in the Contract has been distributed, the
remaining portion of such interest shall be distributed at least as
rapidly as under the method of distribution being used as of the date of
such death;
2. If any Contract Owner dies before the Annuity Commencement Date, the
entire interest in the Contract will be distributed within 5 years after
such death; and
3. If the Contract Owner is not an individual, then for purposes of 1. or
2. above, the primary annuitant under the Contract shall be treated as
the Contract Owner, and any change in the primary annuitant shall be
treated as the death of the Contract Owner. The primary annuitant is the
individual, the events in the life of whom are of primary importance in
affecting the timing or amount of the payout under the Contract.
ii. Alternative Election to Satisfy Distribution Requirements
If any portion of the interest of a Contract Owner described in i. above is
payable to or for the benefit of a designated beneficiary, such beneficiary
may elect to have the portion distributed over a period that does not extend
beyond the life or life expectancy of the beneficiary. The election and
payments must begin within a year of the death.
iii. Spouse Beneficiary
If any portion of the interest of a Contract Owner is payable to or for the
benefit of his or her spouse, and the Annuitant or Contingent Annuitant is
living, such spouse shall be treated as the Contract Owner of such portion
for purposes of section i. above.
3. DIVERSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.
Section 817 of the Code provides that a variable annuity contract will not
be treated as an annuity 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
Contract is not treated as an annuity contract, the Contract 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
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
<PAGE>
24 HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
period and avoid the taxation of contract income on an ongoing basis. However,
either the company or the Contract 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.
4. OWNERSHIP OF THE ASSETS IN THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT.
In order for a variable annuity 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
uncertainty regarding whether a Contract Owner could be considered the owner of
the assets for tax purposes. Hartford reserves the right to modify the
contracts, as necessary, to prevent Contract Owners from being considered the
owners of the assets in the separate accounts.
- ---------------------------------------------------
D. FEDERAL INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING
The portion of a distribution which is taxable income to the recipient will
be subject to federal income tax withholding, pursuant to Section 3405 of the
Code. The application of this provision is summarized below:
1. NON-PERIODIC DISTRIBUTIONS.
The portion of a non-periodic distribution which constitutes taxable income
will be subject to federal income tax withholding unless the recipient elects
not to have taxes withheld. If an election not to have taxes withheld is not
provided, 10% of the taxable distribution will be withheld as federal income
tax. Election forms will be provided at the time distributions are requested. If
the necessary election forms are not submitted to Hartford, Hartford will
automatically withhold 10% of the taxable distribution.
2. PERIODIC DISTRIBUTIONS (DISTRIBUTIONS PAYABLE OVER A PERIOD GREATER THAN ONE
YEAR).
The portion of a periodic distribution which constitutes taxable income will
be subject to federal income tax withholding as if the recipient were married
claiming three exemptions. A recipient may elect not to have income taxes
withheld or have income taxes withheld at a different rate by providing a
completed election form. Election forms will be provided at the time
distributions are requested.
- ---------------------------------------------------
E. GENERAL PROVISIONS AFFECTING
QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS
The Contract may be used for a number of qualified retirement plans. If the
Contract is being purchased with respect to some form of qualified retirement
plan, please refer to Appendix I commencing on page 27 for information relative
to the types of plans for which it may be used and the general explanation of
the tax features of such plans.
- ---------------------------------------------------
F. ANNUITY PURCHASES BY NONRESIDENT
ALIENS AND FOREIGN CORPORATIONS
The discussion above provides general information regarding U.S. federal
income tax consequences to annuity 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 annuity distributions at a
30% rate, unless a lower treaty rate applies. In addition, purchasers may be
subject to state premium tax, other 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 advisor
regarding U.S., state, and foreign taxation with respect to an annuity purchase.
<PAGE>
HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 25
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- ---------------------------------------------------
GENERAL MATTERS
- -------------------------------- ASSIGNMENT
Ownership of a Contract described herein is generally assignable. However,
if the Contracts are issued pursuant to some form of qualified retirement plan,
it is possible that the ownership of the Contracts may not be transferred or
assigned depending on the type of qualified retirement plan involved. An
assignment of a Non-Qualified Contract may subject the assignment proceeds to
income taxes and certain penalty taxes. (See "Taxation of Annuities in General
- -- Non-Tax Qualified Purchasers," page .)
- ---------------------------------------------------
MODIFICATION
Hartford reserves the right to modify the Contract, but only if such
modification: (i) is necessary to make the Contract or the Separate Account
comply with any law or regulation issued by a governmental agency to which
Hartford is subject; or (ii) is necessary to assure continued qualification of
the Contract under the Code or other federal or state laws relating to
retirement annuities or annuity Contracts; or (iii) is necessary to reflect a
change in the operation of the Separate Account or the Sub-Account(s) or (iv)
provides additional Separate Account options or (v) withdraws Separate Account
options. In the event of any such modification Hartford will provide notice to
the Contract Owner or to the payee(s) during the Annuity period. Hartford may
also make appropriate endorsement in the Contract to reflect such modification.
- ---------------------------------------------------
DELAY OF PAYMENTS
There may be postponement of a surrender payment or death benefit whenever
(a) the New York Stock Exchange is closed, except for holidays or weekends, or
trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted as determined by the
Commission; (b) the Commission permits postponement and so orders; or (c) the
Commission determines that an emergency exists making valuation or disposal of
securities not reasonably practicable.
- ---------------------------------------------------
VOTING RIGHTS
Hartford is the legal owner of all Fund shares held in the Separate Account.
As the owner, Hartford has the right to vote at the Funds' shareholder meetings.
However, to the extent required by federal securities laws or regulations,
Hartford will:
1. Vote all Fund shares attributable to a Contract according to instructions
received from the Contract Owner, and
2. Vote shares attributable to a Contract for which no voting instructions are
received in the same proportion as shares for which instructions are
received.
If any federal securities laws or regulations, or their present
interpretation change to permit Hartford to vote Fund shares in its own right,
Hartford may elect to do so.
Hartford will notify you of any Fund shareholders' meeting if the shares
held for your account may be voted at such meetings. Hartford will also send
proxy materials and a form of instruction by means of which you can instruct
Hartford with respect to the voting of the Fund shares held for your account.
In connection with the voting of Fund shares held by it, Hartford will
arrange for the handling and tallying of voting instructions received from
Contract Owners. Hartford, as such, shall have no right, except as hereinafter
provided, to vote any Fund shares held by it hereunder which may be registered
in its name or the names of its nominees. Hartford will, however, vote the Fund
shares held by it in accordance with the instructions received from the Contract
Owners for whose accounts the Fund shares are held. If a Contract Owner desires
to attend any meeting at which shares held for the Contract Owner's benefit may
be voted, the Contract Owner may request Hartford to furnish a proxy or
otherwise arrange for the exercise of voting rights with respect to the Fund
shares held for such Contract Owner's account. In the event that the Contract
Owner gives no instructions or leaves the manner of voting discretionary,
Hartford will vote such shares of the appropriate Fund in the same proportion as
shares of that Fund for which instructions have been received. During the
Annuity period under a Contract the number of votes will decrease as the assets
held to fund Annuity benefits decrease.
- ---------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONTRACTS
Hartford Securities Distribution Company, Inc. ("HSD") serves as Principal
Underwriter for the securities issued with respect to the Separate Account. HSD
is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hartford. The principal business address of HSD
is the same as Hartford.
The securities will be sold by salespersons of HSD who represent Hartford as
insurance and variable annuity agents and who are registered representatives of
Broker-Dealers who have entered into distribution agreements with HSD.
HSD is registered with the Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 as a Broker-Dealer and is a member of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc.
Commissions will be paid by Hartford and will not be more than 6% of Premium
Payments.
<PAGE>
26 HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From time to time, Hartford may pay or permit other promotional incentives,
in cash or credit or other compensation.
- ---------------------------------------------------
OTHER CONTRACTS OFFERED
In addition to the Contracts described in this Prospectus, it is
contemplated that other forms of group or individual Variable Annuities may be
sold providing benefits which vary in accordance with the investment experience
of the Separate Account.
- ---------------------------------------------------
CUSTODIAN OF SEPARATE ACCOUNT ASSETS
The assets of the Separate Account are held by Hartford under a safekeeping
arrangement.
- ---------------------------------------------------
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are no material legal proceedings pending to which the Separate
Account is a party.
- ---------------------------------------------------
LEGAL COUNSEL
Counsel with respect to federal laws and regulations applicable to the issue
and sale of the Contracts and with respect to Connecticut law is Lynda Godkin,
General Counsel and Secretary, Hartford Life Insurance Companies, P.O. Box 2999,
Hartford, Connecticut 06104-2999.
- ---------------------------------------------------
EXPERTS
The audited consolidated financial statements and financial statement
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 consolidated financial
statements of Hartford Life Insurance Company (the Depositor), which includes an
explanatory paragraph with respect to the change in method of accounting for
debt and equity securities as of January 1, 1994, as discussed in Note 2 of
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The principal business address of
Arthur Andersen LLP is One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103.
- ---------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Inquiries will be answered by calling your representative or by writing:
Hartford Life Insurance Company
Attn: Individual Annuity Services
P.O. Box 5085
Hartford, CT 06102-5085
Telephone: (800) 521-0538
<PAGE>
HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 27
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APPENDIX I
INFORMATION REGARDING TAX-QUALIFIED PLANS
The tax rules applicable to tax qualified contract owners, including
restrictions on contributions and distributions, taxation of distributions and
tax penalties, vary according to the type of plan as well as the terms and
conditions of the plan itself. Various tax penalties may apply to contributions
in excess of specified limits, to distributions in excess of specified limits,
distributions which do not satisfy certain requirements and certain other
transactions with respect to qualified plans. Accordingly, this summary provides
only general information about the tax rules associated with use of the Contract
by a qualified plan. Contract owners, plan participants and beneficiaries are
cautioned that the rights and benefits of any person to benefits are controlled
by the terms and conditions of the plan regardless of the terms and conditions
of the Contract. Some qualified plans are subject to distribution and other
requirements which are not incorporated into Hartford's administrative
procedures. Owners, participants and beneficiaries are responsible for
determining that contributions, distributions and other transactions comply with
applicable law. Because of the complexity of these rules, owners, participants
and beneficiaries are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors as to
specific tax consequences.
- ---------------------------------------------------
A. QUALIFIED PENSION PLANS
Provisions of the Code permit eligible employers to establish pension or
profit sharing plans (described in Section 401(a) and 401(k), if applicable, and
exempt from taxation under Section 501(a) of the Code), and Simplified Employee
Pension Plans (described in Section 408(k)). Such plans are subject to
limitations on the amount that may be contributed, the persons who may be
eligible and the time when distributions must commence. Corporate employers
intending to use these contracts in connection with such plans should seek
competent advice.
- ---------------------------------------------------
B. TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES UNDER
SECTION 403(B)
Section 403(b) of the Code permits public school employees and employees of
certain types of charitable, educational and scientific organizations specified
in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code to purchase annuity contracts, and, subject to
certain limitations, exclude such contributions from gross income. Generally,
such contributions may not exceed the lesser of $9,500 or 20% of the employees
"includable compensation" for his most recent full year of employment, subject
to other adjustments. Special provisions may allow some employees to elect a
different overall limitation.
Tax-sheltered annuity programs under Section 403(b) are subject to a
PROHIBITION AGAINST DISTRIBUTIONS FROM THE CONTRACT ATTRIBUTABLE TO
CONTRIBUTIONS MADE PURSUANT TO A SALARY REDUCTION AGREEMENT unless such
distribution is made:
(1) after the participating employee attains age 59 1/2;
(2) upon separation from service;
(3) upon death or disability; or
(4) in the case of hardship.
The above restrictions apply to distributions of employee contributions made
after December 31, 1988, earnings on those contributions, and earnings on
amounts attributable to employee contributions held as of December 31, 1988.
They do not apply to distributions of any employer or other after-tax
contributions, employee contributions made on or before December 31, 1988, and
earnings credited to employee contributions before December 31, 1988.
- ---------------------------------------------------
C. DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS UNDER
SECTION 457
Employees and independent contractors performing services for such employers
may contribute on a before tax basis to the Deferred Compensation Plan of their
employer in accordance with the employer's plan and Section 457 of the Code.
Section 457 places limitations on contributions to Deferred Compensation Plans
maintained by a State ("State" means a State, a political sub-division of a
State, and an agency or instrumentality of a State or political sub-division of
a State) or other tax-exempt organization. Generally, the limitation is 33 1/3%
of includable compensation (typically 25% of gross compensation) or $7,500
(indexed), whichever is less. The plan may also provide for additional
"catch-up" deferrals during the three taxable years ending before a Participant
attains normal retirement age.
An employee electing to participate in a Deferred Compensation Plan should
understand that his or her rights and benefits are governed strictly by the
terms of the plan and that the employer is the legal owner of any contract
issued with respect to the plan. The employer, as owner of the contract(s),
retains all voting and redemption rights which may accrue to the contract(s)
issued with respect to the plan. The participating employee should look to the
<PAGE>
28 HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
terms of his or her plan for any charges in regard to participating therein
other than those disclosed in this Prospectus. Participants should also be aware
that effective August 20, 1996, the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996
requires that all assets and income of an eligible Deferred Compensation Plan
established by a governmental employer which is a State, a political subdivision
of a State, or any agency or instrumentality of a State or political subdivision
of a State, must be held in trust (or under certain specified annuity contracts
or custodial accounts) for the exclusive benefit of Participants and their
Beneficiaries. Special transition rules apply to such governmental Deferred
Compensation Plans already in existence on August 20, 1996, and provide that
such plans need not establish a trust before January 1, 1999. However, this
requirement does not apply to amounts under a Deferred Compensation Plan of a
tax-exempt (non-governmental) organization and such amounts will be subject to
the claims of such tax-exempt employer's general creditors.
In general, distributions from a Section 457 Deferred Compensation Plan are
prohibited unless made after the participating employee attains the age
specified in the plan, separates from service, dies, or suffers an unforeseeable
financial emergency. Present federal tax law does not allow tax-free transfers
or rollovers for amounts accumulated in a Section 457 plan except for transfers
to other Section 457 plans in limited cases.
- ---------------------------------------------------
D. INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES
UNDER SECTION 408
Section 408 of the Code permits eligible individuals to establish individual
retirement programs through the purchase of Individual Retirement Annuities
("IRAs"). IRAs are subject to limitations on the amount that may be contributed,
the contributions that may be deducted from taxable income, the persons who may
be eligible and the time when distributions may commence. Also, distributions
from certain qualified plans may be "rolled-over" on a tax-deferred basis into
an IRA.
IRAs generally may not invest in life insurance contracts. However, an
annuity that is used as an IRA may provide a death benefit that equals the
greater of the premiums paid and the annuity's cash value. The Contract offers
an enhanced Death Benefit that may exceed the greater of the Contract Value and
total Premium Payments less prior surrenders. For Contracts issued in most
states, Hartford has obtained approval from the Internal Revenue Service to use
the Contract as an IRA. For Contracts issued in New York, Hartford has asked the
Internal Revenue Service to approve use of the Contract as an IRA, but there is
no assurance that approval will be granted.
- ---------------------------------------------------
E. TAX PENALTIES
Distributions from retirement plans are generally taxed under Section 72 of
the Code. Under these rules, a portion of each distribution may be excludable
from income. The excludable amount is the portion of the distribution which
bears the same ratio as the after-tax contributions bear to the expected return.
1. PREMATURE DISTRIBUTION
Distributions from a qualified plan before the Participant attains age
59 1/2 are generally subject to an additional tax equal to 10% of the taxable
portion of the distribution. The 10% penalty does not apply to distributions
made after the employee's death, on account of disability, for eligible medical
expenses and distributions in the form of a life annuity and, except in the case
of an IRA, certain distributions after separation from service at or after age
55. A life annuity is defined as a scheduled series of substantially equal
periodic payments for the life or life expectancy of the Participant (or the
joint lives or life expectancies of the Participant and Beneficiary).
2. MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION TAX
If the amount distributed is less than the minimum required distribution for
the year, the Participant is subject to a 50% tax on the amount that was not
properly distributed.
An individual's interest in a retirement plan must generally be distributed,
or begin to be distributed, not later than April 1 of the calendar year
following the later of (i) the calendar year in which the individual attains age
70 1/2 or (ii) the calendar year in which the individual retires from service
with the employer sponsoring the plan ("required beginning date"). However, the
required beginning date for an individual who is a five (5) percent owner (as
defined in the Code), or who is the owner of an IRA, is April 1 of the calendar
year following the calendar year in which the individual attains age 70 1/2. The
entire interest of the Participant must be distributed beginning no later than
this required beginning date over a period which may not extend beyond a maximum
of the life expectancy of the Participant and a designated Beneficiary. Each
annual distribution must equal or exceed a "minimum distribution amount" which
is determined by dividing the account balance by the applicable life expectancy.
This account balance is generally based upon the account value as of the close
of business on the last day of the previous calendar year. In addition, minimum
distribution incidental benefit rules may require a larger annual distribution.
If an individual dies before reaching his or her required beginning date,
the individual's entire interest must generally be distributed within five years
of the individual's death. However, this rule will be deemed satisfied, if
distributions begin before the close of the calendar year
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HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 29
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following the individual's death to a designated Beneficiary (or over a period
not extending beyond the life expectancy of the beneficiary). If the Beneficiary
is the individual's surviving spouse, distributions may be delayed until the
individual would have attained age 70 1/2.
If an individual dies after reaching his or her required beginning date or
after distributions have commenced, the individual's interest must generally be
distributed at least as rapidly as under the method of distribution in effect at
the time of the individual's death.
3. EXCESS DISTRIBUTION TAX
If the aggregate distributions from all IRAs and certain other qualified
plans in a calendar year exceed the greater of (i) $150,000, or (ii) $112,500 as
indexed for inflation, a penalty tax of 15% is generally imposed on the excess
portion of the distribution.
4. WITHHOLDING
Periodic distributions from a qualified plan lasting for a period of 10 or
more years are generally subject to voluntary income tax withholding. The
recipient of periodic distributions may generally elect not to have withholding
apply or to have income taxes withheld at a different rate by providing a
completed election form. Otherwise, the amount withheld on such distributions is
determined at the rate applicable to wages as if the recipient were married
claiming three exemptions.
Nonperiodic distributions from an IRA are subject to income tax withholding
at a flat 10% rate. The recipient may elect not to have withholding apply.
Nonperiodic distributions from other qualified plans are generally subject
to mandatory income tax withholding at the flat rate of 20% unless such
distributions are:
(a) the non-taxable portion of the distribution;
(b) required minimum distributions;
(c) eligible rollover distributions.
Eligible rollover distributions are direct payments to an IRA or to another
qualified employer plan.
In general, distributions from plans described in Section 457 of the Code
are subject to regular wage withholding rules.
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30 HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TO
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SECTION PAGE
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<S> <C>
INTRODUCTION............................................................
DESCRIPTION OF HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY..........................
SAFEKEEPING OF ASSETS...................................................
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS..........................................
DISTRIBUTION OF CONTRACTS...............................................
CALCULATION OF YIELD AND RETURN.........................................
PERFORMANCE COMPARISONS.................................................
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS....................................................
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
To Obtain a Statement of
Additional Information, please
complete the form below and mail to:
Hartford Life Insurance Company
Attn: Individual Annuity
Operations
P.O. Box 5085
Hartford, CT 06102-5085
Please send a Statement of
Additional Information for the
Director to me at the following
address:
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Name
- ----------------------------------------
Address
- ----------------------------------------
City/State Zip
Code
