NORTHBROOK VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT II
497, 1999-05-26
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                           MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
                        VARIABLE ANNUITY II ASSETMANAGER


Northbrook Life Insurance Company               Prospectus dated May 2, 1999
P.O. Box 94040
Palatine, IL 60094
Telephone Number: 1-800-654-2397


Northbrook Life Insurance Company  ("Northbrook") is offering the Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Variable Annuity II AssetManager,  an individual and group flexible
premium  deferred  variable  annuity  contract  ("Contract").   This  prospectus
contains  information  about the Contract that you should know before investing.
Please keep it for future reference.

The Contract offers 24 investment alternatives ("investment alternatives").  The
investment   alternatives  include  3  fixed  account  options  ("Fixed  Account
Options")  and  21  variable  sub-accounts  ("Variable   Sub-Accounts")  of  the
Northbrook  Variable  Annuity  Account II  ("Variable  Account").  Each Variable
Sub-Account  invests  exclusively in shares of portfolios  ("Portfolios") of the
following mutual funds ("Funds"):

o       Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series
o       Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Universal Funds, Inc.
o       Van Kampen Life Investment Trust

We (Northbrook) have filed a Statement of Additional  Information,  dated May 2,
1999,  with the Securities  and Exchange  Commission  ("SEC").  It contains more
information  about the Contract and is incorporated  herein by reference,  which
means  that it is  legally  a part of this  prospectus.  Its  table of  contents
appears on page B-1 of this prospectus. For a free copy, please write or call us
at  the  address  or  telephone  number  above,  or go to  the  SEC's  Web  site
(http://www.sec.gov).  You can find other  information  and documents  about us,
including documents that are legally a part of this prospectus, at the SEC's Web
site.


                     The Securities and Exchange  Commission has not approved or
                     disapproved  the securities  described in this  prospectus,
                     nor has it passed on the  accuracy or the  adequacy of this
                     prospectus. Any one who tells you otherwise is committing a
      IMPORTANT      federal crime.
       NOTICES
                     Investment in the Contracts involves investment risks,
                     including prossible loss of principal.











<PAGE>


TABLE OF CONTENTS

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             Page
<S>                        <C>                                                               <C>

                           Important Terms................................................    3
                           The Contract At A Glance.......................................    4
       Overview            How the Contract Works.........................................    6
                           Expense Table..................................................    7
                           Financial Information..........................................   11
                           Experts........................................................   11



                           The Contract...................................................   12
   Contract Features       Purchases......................................................   13
                           Contract Value.................................................   14
                           Investment Alternatives........................................   15
                                 The Variable Sub-Accounts................................   15
                                 The Fixed Account Options................................   16
                                 Transfers................................................   16
                           Expenses.......................................................   18
                           Access To Your Money...........................................   20
                           Income Payments................................................   21
                           Death Benefits.................................................   23



                           More Information:..............................................   25
                                    Northbrook............................................   25
                                    The Variable Account..................................   25
                                    The Portfolios........................................   26
   Other Information                The Contract..........................................   26
                                    Qualified Plans.......................................   27
                                    Legal Matters.........................................   27
                                    Year 2000.............................................   27
                           Taxes..........................................................   27
                           Performance Information........................................   30
                           Appendix A--Accumulation Unit Values...........................  A-1
                           Statement of Additional Information Table of Contents..........  B-1


</TABLE>


<PAGE>


IMPORTANT TERMS

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------



This  prospectus  uses a number of important  terms that you may not be familiar
with.  The index below  identifies  the page that describes each term. The first
use of each term in this prospectus appears in highlights.

                                                                         Page

        Accumulation Phase..............................................   6
        Accumulation Unit ..............................................  11
        Accumulation Unit Value ........................................  11
        Annuitant.......................................................  12
        Automatic Additions Program.....................................  13
        Automatic Portfolio Rebalancing Program.........................  17
        Beneficiary.....................................................  12
        Cancellation Period.............................................  13
        *Contract ......................................................  12
        Contract Anniversary............................................   5
        Contract Owner ("You") .........................................  12
        Contract Value .................................................  14
        Contract  Year..................................................   5
        Death Benefit Anniversary ......................................  23
        Death Benefit Combination Option ...............................  24
        Dollar Cost Averaging Fixed Account Options.....................  16
        Dollar Cost Averaging Program...................................  17
        Due Proof of Death..............................................  23
        Enhanced Death Benefit Option...................................  23
        Fixed Account Options...........................................  16
        Free Withdrawal Amount..........................................  19
        Funds...........................................................   1
        Income Plan ....................................................  21
        Investment Alternatives ........................................   1
        Issue Date .....................................................   6
        Northbrook ("We")...............................................  25
        Payout Phase....................................................   6
        Payout Start Date  .............................................  21
        Performance Benefit Combination Option..........................  24
        Performance Death Benefit Option................................  24
        Performance Income Benefit Option...............................  22
        Portfolios......................................................   1
        Qualified Contracts.............................................  12
        Right to Cancel.................................................  13
        SEC.............................................................   1
        Settlement  Value ..............................................  24
        Systematic Withdrawal Program...................................  20
        Valuation Date..................................................  13
        Variable Account ...............................................  25
        Variable Sub-Account ...........................................  25

       * In certain states the Contract is available  only as a group  Contract.
         In these states,  we will issue you a certificate  that represents your
         ownership and that  summarizes  the  provisions of the group  Contract.
         References  to  "Contract"  in this  prospectus  include  certificates,
         unless the context requires otherwise.


<PAGE>


THE CONTRACT AT A GLANCE

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The following is a snapshot of the  Contract.  Please read the remainder of this
prospectus for more information.


 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Flexible Payments
                             You  can  purchase  a  Contract   with  an  initial
                             purchase payment of $10,000 or more. You can add to
                             your Contract as often and as much as you like, but
                             each  payment  must  be at  least  $100.  You  must
                             maintain a minimum account size of $500.

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Right to Cancel          You may cancel your Contract within 20 days of
                             receipt or any longer period as your state may
                             require ("Cancellation Period").  Upon
                             cancellation, we will return your purchase
                             payments adjusted, to the extent state law permits,
                             to reflect the investment experience of any amounts
                             allocated to the Variable Account.

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Expenses                 You will bear the following expenses:

                             o  Total Variable Account annual fees equal to
                                1.59% of average daily net assets (1.72% if
                                you  select  the  Enhanced   Death  Benefit
                                Option,   the  Performance   Death  Benefit
                                Option,  or the Performance  Income Benefit
                                Option,   and  1.83%  if  you   select  the
                                Performance  Benefit Combination Option, or
                                the Death Benefit Combination Option)
                             o  Annual contract maintenance charge of $35
                             o  Withdrawal charges not to exceed 1% of
                                purchase payment(s) withdrawn (with certain
                                exceptions)
                             o  Transfer fee of $10 after 12th transfer in
                                any Contract Year (fee currently waived)
                             o  State premium tax (if your state imposes one)

                             In addition,  each Portfolio pays expenses that you
                             will bear  indirectly  if you  invest in a Variable
                             Sub-Account.

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Investment               The Contract offers 24 investment alternatives
    Alternatives             including:

                             o   3 Fixed Account Options (which credit interest
                                 at rates we guarantee)
                             o   21   Variable    Sub-Accounts    investing   in
                                 Portfolios    offering    professional    money
                                 management by these investment advisers:

                                 o   Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors, Inc.
                                 o   Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Asset
                                     Management, Inc.
                                 o   Van Kampen Asset Management, Inc.

                             To find out  current  rates being paid on the Fixed
                             Account  Options,  or to find out how the  Variable
                             Sub-Accounts    have   performed,    call   us   at
                             1-800-654-2397.

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Special Services          For your convenience, we offer these special
                              services:

                              o    Automatic Additions Program
                              o    Automatic Portfolio Rebalancing Program
                              o    Dollar Cost Averaging Program
                              o    Systematic Withdrawal Program

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Income Payments           You can choose  fixed  income  payments,
                              variable income payments,  or a combination of the
                              two. You can receive  your income  payments in one
                              of the following ways:

                              o   life income with payments guaranteed for
                                  10 years
                              o   joint and survivor life income
                              o   guaranteed payments for a specified period

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Death Benefits            If you or the  Annuitant  dies before the
                              Payout Start Date,  we will pay the death  benefit
                              described in the  Contract.  We also offer 3 Death
                              Benefit Options.

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Transfers                 Before the Payout  Start  Date,  you may  transfer
                              your Contract value  ("Contract  Value") among the
                              investment     alternatives,      with     certain
                              restrictions.  Transfers  must be at least $100 or
                              the total  amount in the  investment  alternative,
                              whichever is less.

                              We do not currently  impose a fee upon  transfers.
                              However,  we  reserve  the right to charge $10 per
                              transfer after the 12th transfer in each "Contract
                              Year,"  which  we  measure  from the date we issue
                              your contract or a Contract anniversary ("Contract
                              Anniversary").

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Withdrawals               You may  withdraw  some  or all of  your  Contract
                              Value at anytime during the Accumulation Phase. In
                              general, you must withdraw at least $100 at a time
                              or the total amount in the investment alternative,
                              if less.  A 10%  federal  tax penalty may apply if
                              you  withdraw  before  you are 59 1/2 years old. A
                              withdrawal charge also may apply.

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------



<PAGE>


HOW THE CONTRACT WORKS

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------


     The Contract basically works in two ways.

     First,  the Contract can help you (we assume you are the "Contract  owner")
save for retirement  because you can invest in up to 24 investment  alternatives
and pay no federal  income taxes on any earnings until you withdraw them. You do
this  during  what  we  call  the  "Accumulation  Phase"  of the  Contract.  The
Accumulation  Phase begins on the date we issue your Contract (we call that date
the "Issue Date") and continues  until the Payout Start Date,  which is the date
we apply your money to provide income payments.  During the Accumulation  Phase,
you may  allocate  your  purchase  payments to any  combination  of the Variable
Sub-Accounts  and/or  the  Fixed  Account  Options.  If you  invest in the Fixed
Account  Options,  you  will  earn a fixed  rate  of  interest  that we  declare
periodically. If you invest in any of the Variable Sub-Accounts, your investment
return will vary up or down depending on the  performance  of the  corresponding
Portfolios.

     Second,  the Contract can help you plan for retirement  because you can use
it to receive  retirement  income for life and/or for a pre-set number of years,
by selecting one of the income  payment  options (we call these "Income  Plans")
described  on page 21.  You  receive  income  payments  during  what we call the
"Payout  Phase" of the  Contract,  which  begins on the  Payout  Start  Date and
continues until we make the last payment required by the Income Plan you select.
During the  Payout  Phase,  if you  select a fixed  income  payment  option,  we
guarantee the amount of your payments,  which will remain fixed. If you select a
variable  income  payment  option,   based  on  one  or  more  of  the  Variable
Sub-Accounts,  the amount of your payments will vary up or down depending on the
performance of the corresponding Portfolios.  The amount of money you accumulate
under your Contract  during the  Accumulation  Phase and apply to an Income Plan
will determine the amount of your income payments during the Payout Phase.

     The timeline below illustrates how you might use your Contract.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

  Issue                                      Payout Start
  Date          Accumulation Phase                  Date         Payout Phase
<S>             <C>                          <C>                 <C>                    <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|                                                   |                             |                 ?
                You save for retirement

You buy                                      You elect to receive       You can         Or you can
a Contract                                   income payments or         receive         receive income
                                             receive a lump sum         income          payments
                                             payment                    payments for    for life
                                                                        a set period
</TABLE>

     As the  Contract  owner,  you  exercise  all of the rights  and  privileges
provided by the Contract.  If you die, any surviving Contract owner or, if there
is none, the Beneficiary will exercise the rights and privileges provided by the
Contract.  See "The  Contract." In addition,  if you die before the Payout Start
Date, we will pay a death benefit to any surviving  Contract  owner, or if there
is none, to your Beneficiary. See "Death Benefits."

     Please call us at  1-800-654-2397  if you have any  question  about how the
Contract works.



<PAGE>


EXPENSE TABLE

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The table below lists the  expenses  that you will bear  directly or  indirectly
when you buy a Contract.  The table and the examples  that follow do not reflect
premium  taxes  that may be  imposed  by the state  where you  reside.  For more
information  about Variable Account  expenses,  see "Expenses,"  below. For more
information  about  Portfolio   expenses,   please  refer  to  the  accompanying
prospectuses for the Funds.


        ----------------------------------------------------------------------

        CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES

        Withdrawal Charge (as a percentage of purchase payments withdrawn)*

        Number of Complete Years
        Since We Received the Purchase
        Payment Being Withdrawn:            0       1

        Applicable Charge:                  1%      0%

        Annual Contract Maintenance Charge............................$35.00**
        Transfer Fee............................. ....................$10.00***

               *    Each  Contract  Year,  you  may  withdraw  up to  15% of the
                    aggregate  amount  of  your  purchase  payments  as  of  the
                    beginning   of  the  Contract   Year  without   incurring  a
                    withdrawal charge.

               **   We will waive this charge in certain cases. See "Expenses."

               ***  Applies solely to the  thirteenth  and subsequent  transfers
                    within a Contract  Year  excluding  transfers  due to dollar
                    cost averaging and automatic portfolio  rebalancing.  We are
                    currently waiving the transfer fee.


        VARIABLE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES
        (as a percentage of average  daily net asset value  deducted from each
         Variable Sub-Account)

        Mortality and Expense Risk Charge.............................1.49%*
        Administrative Expense Charge.................................0.10%
                   Total Variable Account Annual Expenses.............1.59%

        --------------

        * If you select the Enhanced Death Benefit Option, the Performance Death
        Benefit Option or the Performance  Income Benefit Option,  the mortality
        and expense risk charge is 1.62%. If you select the Performance  Benefit
        Combination  Option,  or  the  Death  Benefit  Combination  Option,  the
        mortality and expense risk charge is 1.73%.




<PAGE>


          PORTFOLIO   ANNUAL   EXPENSES   (After   Voluntary    Reductions   and
          Reimbursements)  (as a  percentage  of  Portfolio  average  daily  net
          assets)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 Total
                                                                               Portfolio
                                                   Management      Other        Annual
        Portfolio                                     Fees        Expenses      Expenses
        ---------                                  ----------     --------     ---------
        Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable
        Investment  Series(2)

<S>                                                  <C>           <C>           <C>
        Money Market                                 0.50%         0.02%         0.52%
        Quality Income Plus                          0.50%         0.02%         0.52%
        Short-Term Bond                              0.45%         0.00%         0.45%
        High Yield                                   0.50%         0.03%         0.53%
        Utilities                                    0.65%         0.02%         0.67%
        Income Builder                               0.75%         0.06%         0.81%
        Dividend Growth                              0.52%         0.01%         0.53%
        Aggressive Equity                            0.75%         0.00%         0.75%
        Capital Growth                               0.65%         0.05%         0.70%
        Global Dividend Growth                       0.75%         0.09%         0.84%
        European Growth                              0.99%         0.12%         1.11%
        Pacific Growth                               0.99%         0.52%         1.51%
        Equity(1)                                    0.50%         0.02%         0.52%
        S&P 500 Index                                0.00%         0.00%         0.00%
        Competitive Edge "Best Ideas"(2)             0.00%         0.00%         0.00%
        Strategist                                   0.50%         0.02%         0.52%

        Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Universal
        Funds, Inc.(3)

        Equity Growth                                0.09%         0.76%         0.85%
        U.S. Real Estate                             0.17%         0.93%         1.10%
        International Magnum                         0.15%         1.00%         1.15%
        Emerging Markets Equity                      0.00%         1.95%         1.95%

        Van Kampen Life Investment Trust(4)

        Emerging Growth                              0.32%         0.53%         0.85%

</TABLE>

(1)  At the  close of  business  on March 19,  1999,  the  Capital  Appreciation
     Portfolio merged with and into the Equity Portfolio.

(2)  Morgan  Stanley Dean Witter  Advisors,  Inc. has  undertaken  to assume all
     expenses of the S&P 500 Index and Competitive Edge "Best Ideas"  Portfolios
     (except for brokerage fees) and to waive the compensation provided for each
     of these  Portfolios in its  management  agreement with the Fund until such
     time as the pertinent  Portfolio has $50 million of net assets or until six
     months  from  the  date  of the  Portfolio's  commencement  of  operations,
     whichever occurs first.  Thereafter,  the investment  manager has agreed to
     assume all expenses of the S&P 500 Index  Portfolio  (except for  brokerage
     fees) and to waive the  compensation  provided in its management  agreement
     with the Fund to the  extent  that such  expenses  and  compensation  on an
     annualized  basis  exceed .50% of the daily net assets of the S&P 500 Index
     Portfolio. Absent such reductions, the management fees, other expenses, and
     total annual Portfolio expenses would have been as follows:

     S&P 500 Index                        0.40%           0.19%         0.59%
     Competitive Edge "Best Ideas"        0.65%           0.27%         0.92%

(3)  Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Asset Management Inc. has voluntarily  agreed to
     a reduction in its  management  fees and to reimburse  the  Portfolios  for
     which  it acts as  investment  adviser  if such  fees  would  cause  "Total
     Portfolio  Annual  Expenses"  to exceed  the  amount set forth in the table
     above.  Absent such reductions,  the management  fees, other expenses,  and
     total annual Portfolio expenses would have been as follows:

     Equity Growth                          0.55%        0.76%        1.31%
     U.S. Real Estate                       0.80%        0.93%        1.73%
     International Magnum                   0.80%        1.00%        1.80%
     Emerging Markets Equity                1.25%        2.20%        3.45%

(4)  Van Kampen Asset Management,  Inc. has voluntarily agreed to a reduction in
     its  management  fees and to reimburse  the Emerging  Growth  Portfolio for
     which  it acts as  investment  adviser  if such  fees  would  cause  "Total
     Portfolio  Annual  Expenses"  to exceed  the  amount set forth in the table
     above.  Absent such reductions,  the management  fees, other expenses,  and
     total annual  Portfolio  expenses  would have been 0.70%,  0.53, and 1.23%,
     respectively.


EXAMPLE 1

The  example  below  shows the  dollar  amount of  expenses  that you would bear
directly or indirectly if you:

o   invested $1,000 in a Variable Sub-Account,
o   earned a 5% annual return on your investment,
o   surrendered your Contract, or you began receiving income payments for
    a specified  period of less than 120 months,  at the end of each time
    period, and
o   elected the Performance Death Benefit Combination Option or the Death
    Benefit Combination Option.

The example does not include any taxes or tax  penalties  you may be required to
pay if you surrender your Contract.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

SUB-ACCOUNT                                        1 YEAR      3 YEARS      5 YEARS     10 YEARS
- -----------                                        ------      -------      -------     --------
<S>                                                 <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>
Money Market Sub-Account.....................       $25          $76         $130         $277
Quality Income Plus Sub-Account..............       $25          $76         $130         $277
Short-Term Bond Sub-Account...................      $24          $74         $126         $269
High Yield Sub-Account........................      $25          $76         $130         $278
Utilities Sub-Account.........................      $26          $81         $138         $292
Income Builder Sub-Account....................      $28          $85         $145         $306
Dividend Growth Sub-Account...................      $25          $76         $130         $278
Capital Growth Sub-Account....................      $27          $82         $139         $295
Global Dividend Growth Sub-Account............      $28          $86         $146         $309
European Growth Sub-Account...................      $31          $94         $160         $335
Pacific Growth Sub-Account....................      $35         $106         $180         $373
Equity Sub-Account............................      $25          $76         $130         $277
S&P 500 Index Sub-Account.....................      $19          $60         $103         $222
Competitive Edge "Best Ideas" Sub-Account.....      $19          $60         $103         $222
Strategist Sub-Account........................      $25          $76         $130         $277
Equity Growth Sub-Account.....................      $28          $86         $147         $310
Aggressive Equity Sub-Account.................      $27          $83         $142         $300
U.S. Real Estate Sub-Account..................      $31          $94         $159         $334
International Magnum Sub-Account..............      $31          $95         $162         $339
Emerging Markets Equity Sub-Account...........      $39         $119         $201         $413
Emerging Growth Sub-Account...................      $28          $86         $147         $310

</TABLE>

EXAMPLE 2

Same  assumptions  as Example 1 above,  except that you decided not to surrender
your Contract,  or you began receiving  income payments (for at least 120 months
if under an Income Plan with a specified period), at the end of each period.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


SUB-ACCOUNT                                        1 YEAR      3 YEARS      5 YEARS     10 YEARS
- -----------                                        ------      -------      -------     --------
<S>                                                 <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>
Money Market Sub-Account.....................       $25          $76         $130         $277
Quality Income Plus Sub-Account..............       $25          $76         $130         $277
Short-Term Bond Sub-Account...................      $24          $74         $126         $269
High Yield Sub-Account........................      $25          $76         $130         $278
Utilities Sub-Account.........................      $26          $81         $138         $292
Income Builder Sub-Account....................      $28          $85         $145         $306
Dividend Growth Sub-Account...................      $25          $76         $130         $278
Capital Growth Sub-Account....................      $27          $82         $139         $295
Global Dividend Growth Sub-Account............      $28          $86         $146         $309
European Growth Sub-Account...................      $31          $94         $160         $335
Pacific Growth Sub-Account....................      $35         $106         $180         $373
Equity Sub-Account............................      $25          $76         $130         $277
S&P 500 Index Sub-Account.....................      $19          $60         $103         $222
Competitive Edge "Best Ideas" Sub-Account.....      $19          $60         $103         $222
Strategist Sub-Account........................      $25          $76         $130         $277
Equity Growth Sub-Account.....................      $28          $86         $147         $310
Aggressive Equity Sub-Account.................      $27          $83         $142         $300
U.S. Real Estate Sub-Account..................      $31          $94         $159         $334
International Magnum Sub-Account..............      $31          $95         $162         $339
Emerging Markets Equity Sub-Account...........      $39         $119         $201         $413
Emerging Growth Sub-Account...................      $28          $86         $147         $310
</TABLE>


Please  remember  that you are looking at examples and not a  representation  of
past or future expenses. Your actual expenses may be lower or greater than those
shown  above.  Similarly,  your rate of return may be lower or greater  than 5%,
which  is  not  guaranteed.  The  above  examples  assume  the  election  of the
Performance Benefit Combination Option, or the Death Benefit Combination Option,
with a mortality  and expense  risk charge of 1.73%.  If those  options were not
elected, the expense figures shown above would be slightly lower. To reflect the
contract  maintenance  charge  in  the  examples,  we  estimated  an  equivalent
percentage charge, based on an assumed average Contract size of $54,945.


<PAGE>


FINANCIAL INFORMATION

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------



To measure the value of your investment in the Variable  Sub-Accounts during the
Accumulation  Phase, we use a unit of measure we call the  "Accumulation  Unit."
Each Variable  Sub-Account  has a separate value for its  Accumulation  Units we
call the "Accumulation Unit Value." Accumulation Unit Value is analogous to, but
not the same as, the share price of a mutual fund.

Attached as Appendix A to this  prospectus are tables  showing the  Accumulation
Unit Values of each  Variable  Sub-Account  since the date we first  offered the
Contracts.  No  Accumulation  Unit Values are shown for the Short-Term  Bond and
Aggressive  Equity  Sub-Accounts,  which just became available as of the date of
this  prospectus.  To obtain  additional  detail on each Variable  Sub-Account's
finances,  please refer to the Variable Account's financial statements contained
in  the  Statement  of  Additional  Information.  The  financial  statements  of
Northbrook also appear in the Statement of Additional Information.


EXPERTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The  financial  statements  of the  Variable  Account and  Northbrook  have been
audited  by  Deloitte & Touche  LLP,  independent  auditors,  as stated in their
reports thereon.  we have included such financial  statements and reports in the
Statement of Additional Information, which is legally a part of this prospectus,
in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their  authority as experts
in accounting and auditing.


<PAGE>


THE CONTRACT

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------



CONTRACT OWNER

The Variable  Annuity II AssetManager is a contract  between you, the Contract
owner, and Northbrook,  a life insurance company. As the Contract owner, you may
exercise all of the rights and privileges provided to you by the Contract.  That
means it is up to you to select or change (to the extent permitted):

o    the investment alternatives during the Accumulation and Payout Phases,

o    the amount and timing of your purchase payments and withdrawals,

o    the programs you want to use to invest or withdraw money,

o    the income payment plan you want to use to receive retirement income,

o    the  Annuitant  (either  yourself or someone else) on whose life the income
     payments will be based,

o    the  Beneficiary  or  Beneficiaries  who will receive the benefits that the
     Contract provides when you die, and

o    any other rights that the Contract provides.

If you die, any surviving  Contract owner,  or , if none, the  Beneficiary  will
exercise  the  rights  and  privileges  provided  to them by the  Contract.  The
Contract  cannot be  jointly  owned by both a  non-natural  person and a natural
person.

You can use the Contract with or without a qualified plan. A "qualified plan" is
a personal  retirement  savings plan, such as an IRA or  tax-sheltered  annuity,
that meets the  requirements of the Internal  Revenue Code.  Qualified plans may
limit or modify your rights and privileges  under the Contract.  We use the term
"Qualified  Contract"  to refer to a Contract  used with a qualified  plan.  See
"Qualified Plans" on page 27.


ANNUITANT

The Annuitant is the individual whose life determines the amount and duration of
income payments  (other than under Income Plans with  guaranteed  payments for a
specified period). The Annuitant must be a natural person.

You initially designate an Annuitant in your application.  If the Contract owner
is a natural  person,  you may  change  the  Annuitant  at any time prior to the
Payout  Start  Date.  Once we receive  your change  request,  any change will be
effective  at the time you sign the  written  notice.  We are not liable for any
payment we make or other  action we take before  receiving  any written  request
from you. Before the Payout Start Date, you may designate a joint Annuitant, who
is a second person on whose life income payments  depend.  If the Annuitant dies
prior to the Payout Start Date, the new Annuitant will be the youngest  Contract
owner,  otherwise,  the youngest Beneficiary,  unless the Contract owner names a
different Annuitant.


BENEFICIARY

The  Beneficiary  is the person who may elect to  receive  the death  benefit or
become the new Contract owner if the sole  surviving  Contract owner dies before
the Payout  Start  Date.  If the sole  surviving  Contract  owner dies after the
Payout Start Date, the Beneficiary  will receive any guaranteed  income payments
scheduled to continue.

You may name one or more  Beneficiaries  when you apply for a Contract.  You may
change  or add  Beneficiaries  at any time by  writing  to us,  unless  you have
designated an irrevocable  Beneficiary.  We will provide a change of Beneficiary
form to be signed and filed with us. Any change  will be  effective  at the time
you sign the  written  notice,  whether or not the  Annuitant  is living when we
receive  the  notice.   Until  we  receive  your  written  notice  to  change  a
Beneficiary,  we are entitled to rely on the most recent Beneficiary information
in our files.  We will not be liable as to any payment or settlement  made prior
to  receiving  the  written  notice.  Accordingly,  if you wish to  change  your
Beneficiary, you should deliver your written notice to us promptly.

If you did not name a  Beneficiary  or,  if the named  Beneficiary  is no longer
living and there are no other surviving Beneficiaries,  the new Beneficiary will
be:

o       your spouse, if he or she is still alive, otherwise
o       your surviving children equally, or if you have no surviving children,
o       your estate.

If more than one  Beneficiary  survives you, (or the Annuitant,  if the Contract
owner is not a natural  person)  we will  divide  the death  benefit  among your
Beneficiaries  according to your most recent written  instructions.  If you have
not  given us  written  instructions,  we will pay the  death  benefit  in equal
amounts to the surviving Beneficiaries.


MODIFICATION OF THE CONTRACT

Only a Northbrook  officer may approve a change in or waive any provision of the
Contract.  Any change or waiver must be in  writing.  None of our agents has the
authority to change or waive the  provisions of the Contract.  We may not change
the terms of the Contract  without your consent,  except to conform the Contract
to  applicable  law or changes in the law.  If a  provision  of the  Contract is
inconsistent with state law, we will follow state law.


ASSIGNMENT

We will not honor an  assignment  of an interest in a Contract as  collateral or
security for a loan. However,  you may assign periodic income payments under the
Contract  prior to the Payout Start Date.  No  Beneficiary  may assign  benefits
under the  Contract  until they are payable to the  Beneficiary.  We will not be
bound by any assignment until the assignor signs it and files it with us. We are
not  responsible  for the validity of any  assignment.  Federal law prohibits or
restricts the  assignment of benefits  under many types of retirement  plans and
the terms of such plans may themselves contain  restrictions on assignments.  An
assignment may also result in taxes or tax penalties. You should consult with an
attorney before trying to assign your Contract.




<PAGE>


PURCHASES

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------



MINIMUM PURCHASE PAYMENTS

Your  initial  purchase  payment  must be at least  $10,000.  We may increase or
decrease this minimum in the future.  You may make additional  purchase payments
of at least $100 at any time  prior to the Payout  Start  Date.  We reserve  the
right to limit the maximum amount of purchase  payments we will accept.  We also
reserve the right to reject any application.


AUTOMATIC ADDITIONS PROGRAM

You may make  subsequent  purchase  payments  of at least $100 by  automatically
transferring  amounts from your bank account or your Morgan  Stanley Dean Witter
Active  AssetsTM  Account.  Please  consult  your  Morgan  Stanley  Dean  Witter
Financial Advisor for details.


ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS

At the time you apply for a  Contract,  you must  decide  how to  allocate  your
purchase payments among the investment alternatives.  The allocation you specify
on your  application will be effective  immediately.  All allocations must be in
whole  percentages  that total 100% or in whole  dollars.  The  minimum  you may
allocate to any investment  alternative is $100. You can change your allocations
by notifying us in writing.

We will allocate your purchase payments to the investment alternatives according
to your most  recent  instructions  on file  with us.  Unless  you  notify us in
writing otherwise,  we will allocate  subsequent  purchase payments according to
the allocation for the previous purchase  payment.  We will effect any change in
allocation  instructions  at the time we receive written notice of the change in
good order.

We will credit the initial  purchase  payment that  accompanies  your  completed
application to your Contract within 2 business days after we receive the payment
at our  headquarters.  If your  application  is  incomplete,  we will ask you to
complete your  application  within 5 business days. If you do so, we will credit
your  initial  purchase  payment to your  Contract  within  that 5 business  day
period.  If you do not, we will return your purchase payment at the end of the 5
business day period unless you expressly  allow us to hold it until you complete
the application.  We will credit subsequent purchase payments to the Contract on
the business day that we receive the purchase payment at our headquarters.

We use the term  "business  day" to refer to each day Monday through Friday that
the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. We also refer to these days as
"Valuation Dates." If we receive your purchase payment after 3 p.m. Central Time
on  any  Valuation  Date,  we  will  credit  your  purchase  payment  using  the
Accumulation Unit Values computed on the next Valuation Date.


RIGHT TO CANCEL

You may cancel the Contract within the Cancellation  Period, which is the 20-day
period  after you receive the  Contract or such longer  period as your state may
require.  If you exercise this Right to Cancel,  the Contract  terminates and we
will pay you the full amount of your  purchase  payments  allocated to the Fixed
Account  Options.  We also will return your purchase  payments  allocated to the
Variable  Account  after an  adjustment,  to the extent  state law  permits,  to
reflect  investment  gain or loss  that  occurred  from the  date of  allocation
through the date of cancellation. Some states may require us to return a greater
amount to you.


<PAGE>


CONTRACT VALUE

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Your Contract  Value at any time during the  Accumulation  Phase is equal to the
sum of the value of your  Accumulation  Units in the Variable  Sub-Accounts  you
have selected, plus the value of your investment in the Fixed Account Options.


ACCUMULATION UNITS

To determine the number of  Accumulation  Units of each Variable  Sub-Account to
allocate to your Contract,  we divide (i) the amount of the purchase payment you
have allocated to a Variable  Sub-Account by (ii) the Accumulation Unit Value of
that  Variable  Sub-Account  next computed  after we receive your  payment.  For
example,  if we  receive a $10,000  purchase  payment  allocated  to a  Variable
Sub-Account  when the  Accumulation  Unit Value for the  Sub-Account  is $10, we
would credit  1,000  Accumulation  Units of that  Variable  Sub-Account  to your
Contract.


ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE

As a general matter,  the Accumulation Unit Value for each Variable  Sub-Account
will rise or fall to reflect:

o    changes  in the  share  price  of  the  Portfolio  in  which  the  Variable
     Sub-Account invests, and

o    the deduction of amounts  reflecting the mortality and expense risk charge,
     administrative  expense  charge,  and any  provision  for  taxes  that have
     accrued since we last calculated the Accumulation Unit Value.

We determine contract maintenance charges, withdrawal charges, and transfer fees
(currently waived) separately for each Contract. They do not affect Accumulation
Unit Value.  Instead,  we obtain  payment of those charges and fees by redeeming
Accumulation  Units.  For details on how we calculate  Accumulation  Unit Value,
please refer to the Statement of Additional Information.

We determine a separate Accumulation Unit Value for each Variable Sub-Account on
each  Valuation  Date.  We also  determine a separate set of  Accumulation  Unit
Values  that  reflect  the  cost  of the  Enhanced  Death  Benefit  Option,  the
Performance Death Benefit Option, or the Performance  Income Benefit Option, and
a third set of Accumulation Unit Values that reflect the cost of the Performance
Benefit Combination Option and Death Benefit Combination Option.

You  should  refer  to the  prospectuses  for  the  Funds  that  accompany  this
prospectus  for a  description  of how the assets of each  Portfolio are valued,
since that  determination  directly bears on the Accumulation  Unit Value of the
corresponding Variable Sub-Account and, therefore, your Contract Value.



<PAGE>


INVESTMENT ALTERNATIVES:  The Variable Sub-Accounts

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------



You may allocate your purchase payments to up to 21 Variable Sub-Accounts.  Each
Variable  Sub-Account invests in the shares of a corresponding  Portfolio.  Each
Portfolio has its own investment  objective(s) and policies. We briefly describe
the Portfolios below.

For more complete information about each Portfolio, including expenses and risks
associated with the Portfolio, please refer to the accompanying prospectuses for
the Funds. You should carefully review the Fund  prospectuses  before allocating
amounts to the Variable Sub-Accounts.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------
                                                                                   Investment
Portfolio:                      Each Portfolio Seeks:                              Adviser:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------
<S>                             <C>                                                <C>
Money Market Portfolio          High current income, preservation of capital,
                                and liquidity









                                                                                    Morgan Stanley
                                                                                      Dean Witter
                                                                                    Advisors, Inc.

- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------
- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Quality Income Plus Portfolio   High current income and, as a secondary
                                objective,  capital appreciation  when
                                consistent with its primary objective
- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------
- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Short-Term Bond Portfolio       High current income consistent with preservation
                                of capital
- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------
- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------
High Yield Portfolio            High current  income and, as a secondary
                                objective,  capital appreciation when
                                consistent with its primary objective
- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------
- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Utilities Portfolio             Current income and long-term growth of income
                                and capital
- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------
- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Income Builder Portfolio        Reasonable income and, as a secondary objective,
                                growth of capital
- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Dividend Growth Portfolio       Reasonable current income and long-term growth
                                of income and capital
- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Capital Growth Portfolio        Long-term capital growth
- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Global Dividend Growth          Reasonable current income and long-term growth
Portfolio                       of income and capital
- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------
European Growth Portfolio       To maximize the capital appreciation on its
                                investments
- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Pacific Growth Portfolio        To maximize the capital appreciation of its
                                investments
- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Aggressive Equity Portfolio     Capital growth
- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Equity Portfolio                Growth of capital and, as a secondary objective,
                                income when consistent with its primary
                                objective.
- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------
S&P 500 Index  Portfolio        Investment  results  that, before expenses,
                                correspond to the total return of the Standard
                                and Poor's 500  Composite  Stock Price Index
- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Competitive Edge "Best Ideas"   Long-term capital growth
   Portfolio
- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Strategist Portfolio            High total investment return
- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Universal Funds, Inc.
- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Equity Growth Portfolio         Long-term capital appreciation                     Morgan Stanley Dean
                                                                                   Witter Investment
                                                                                   Management, Inc.
- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------
U.S. Real Estate Portfolio      Above-average current income and long-term
                                capital appreciation
- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------
International Magnum Portfolio  Long-term capital appreciation
- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Emerging Markets Equity         Long-term capital appreciation
   Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen Life Investment Trust
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Emerging Growth Portfolio       Capital appreciation                               Van Kampen Asset
                                                                                   Management, Inc.
- ------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------
</TABLE>


Amounts  you  allocate to Variable  Sub-Accounts  may grow in value,  decline in
value, or grow less than you expect,  depending on the investment performance of
the  Portfolios  in  which  those  Variable  Sub-Accounts  invest.  You bear the
investment risk that the Portfolios might not meet their investment  objectives.
Shares of the Portfolios are not deposits,  or obligations  of, or guaranteed or
endorsed  by any bank  and are not  insured  by the  Federal  Deposit  Insurance
Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other agency.



<PAGE>


INVESTMENT ALTERNATIVES: The Fixed Account Options


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You may allocate all or a portion of your purchase payments to the Fixed Account
Options.  We  currently  offer 3 dollar cost  averaging  options  ("Dollar  Cost
Averaging  Fixed  Account  Options").  The  Fixed  Account  Options  may  not be
available in all states. Northbrook may also limit the availability of the 6 and
12 Month Dollar Cost Averaging Options.  Please consult with your Morgan Stanley
Dean  Witter  Financial  Advisor  for  current  information.  The Fixed  Account
supports our insurance and annuity  obligations.  The Fixed Account  consists of
our general assets other than those in segregated  asset accounts.  We have sole
discretion to invest the assets of the Fixed Account, subject to applicable law.
Any money you allocate to a Fixed  Account  Option does not entitle you to share
in the investment experience of the Fixed Account.


DOLLAR COST AVERAGING FIXED ACCOUNT OPTIONS

Basic Dollar Cost  Averaging  Option.  You may establish a Dollar Cost Averaging
Program,  as described on page 17, by allocating  purchase payments to the Basic
Dollar Cost Averaging  Option.  Purchase payments that you allocate to the Basic
Dollar  Cost  Averaging  Option  will earn  interest  for a 1 year period at the
current rate in effect at the time of allocation.  We will credit interest daily
at a rate  that  will  compound  over the year to the  annual  interest  rate we
guaranteed at the time of allocation. After the one year period, we will declare
a renewal rate which we guarantee for a full year. Subsequent renewal dates will
be every twelve months for each purchase payment. Renewal rates will not be less
than the minimum guaranteed rate found in the Contract.

You may not  transfer  funds from  other  investment  alternatives  to the Basic
Dollar Cost Averaging Option.

6 and 12 Month Dollar Cost  Averaging  Options.  You also may establish a Dollar
Cost  Averaging  Program by  allocating  purchase  payments to the Fixed Account
either for 6 months  (the "6 Month  Dollar  Cost  Averaging  Option")  or for 12
months (the "12 Month Dollar Cost  Averaging  Option").  Your purchase  payments
will earn  interest for the period you select at the current  rates in effect at
the time of allocation.  The crediting  rates for the 6 and 12 Month Dollar Cost
Averaging Options will never be less than 3% annually.

You  must  transfer  all of your  money  out of the 6 or 12  Month  Dollar  Cost
Averaging Options to the Variable Sub-Accounts in equal monthly installments. If
you  discontinue  a 6 or 12 Month  Dollar Cost  Averaging  Option  prior to last
scheduled  transfer,  we will transfer any remaining  money  immediately  to the
Money  Market  Variable  Sub-Account,  unless you request a  different  Variable
Sub-Account.

You may not transfer  funds from other  investment  alternatives  to the 6 or 12
Month Dollar Cost Averaging Options.

Transfers out of the Dollar Cost  Averaging  Fixed Account  Options do not count
towards the 12 transfers you can make without paying a transfer fee.

We may declare more than one interest rate for  different  monies based upon the
date of  allocation to the Dollar Cost  Averaging  Fixed  Account  Options.  For
current  interest  rate  information,  please  contact your Morgan  Stanley Dean
Witter Financial Advisor or our customer support unit at 1-800-654-2397.


<PAGE>


INVESTMENT ALTERNATIVES:  Transfers


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------


TRANSFERS DURING THE ACCUMULATION PHASE

During the  Accumulation  Phase,  you may transfer the Contract  Value among the
investment  alternatives.  You may not transfer  Contract  Value into any of the
Dollar Cost  Averaging  Fixed  Account  Options.  You may request  transfers  in
writing on a form that we provide or by  telephone  according  to the  procedure
described  below.  The minimum amount that you may transfer is $100 or the total
amount in the  investment  alternative,  whichever is less.  We currently do not
assess, but reserve the right to assess, a $10 charge on each transfer in excess
of 12 per  Contract  Year.  We will  notify you at least 30 days before we begin
imposing  the  transfer  charge.  We treat  transfers  to or from  more than one
Portfolio on the same day as one transfer.

We will process transfer  requests that we receive before 3:00 p.m. Central Time
on any Valuation Date using the Accumulation  Unit Values for that Date. We will
process  requests  completed  after 3:00 p.m.  on any  Valuation  Date using the
Accumulation Unit Values for the next Valuation Date. The Contract permits us to
defer  transfers from the Fixed Account Options for up to 6 months from the date
we receive your request. If we decide to postpone transfers for 30 days or more,
we will pay  interest as required  by  applicable  law.  Any  interest  would be
payable  from the date we receive the  transfer  request to the date we make the
transfer.

For Contracts  issued after May 2, 1999, we reserve the right to limit transfers
among the Variable  Sub-Accounts if we determine,  in our sole discretion,  that
transfers by one or more Contract  owners would be to the  disadvantage of other
Contract owners. We may limit transfers by taking such steps as:

o    imposing a minimum time period between each transfer,

o    refusing to accept  transfer  requests of an agent  acting under a power of
     attorney on behalf of more than one Contract owner, or

o    limiting the dollar amount that a Contract  owner may transfer  between the
     Variable Sub-Accounts and the Fixed Account Options at any one time.

We may apply the  restrictions  in any  manner  reasonably  designed  to prevent
transfers that we consider disadvantageous to other Contract owners.

We reserve the right to waive any transfer restrictions.


TRANSFERS DURING THE PAYOUT PHASE

During the Payout Phase, you may make transfers among the Variable  Sub-Accounts
so as to change the relative  weighting of the  Variable  Sub-Accounts  on which
your  variable  income  payments  will be based.  In  addition,  you will have a
limited ability to make transfers from the Variable Sub-Accounts to increase the
proportion of your income payments consisting of fixed income payments.  You may
not, however, convert any portion of your right to receive fixed income payments
into variable income payments.

You may not make any  transfers  for the first 6 months  after the Payout  Start
Date. Thereafter, you may make transfers among the Variable Sub-Accounts or make
transfers  from the Variable  Sub-Accounts  to increase the  proportion  of your
income payments  consisting of fixed income payments.  Your transfers must be at
least 6 months apart.


TELEPHONE TRANSFERS

You may make  transfers by telephone  by calling  1-800-654-2397  if you have on
file a completed  authorization  form.  The cut off time for telephone  transfer
requests  is 3:00  p.m.  Central  Time.  In the  event  that the New York  Stock
Exchange closes early, i.e., before 3:00 p.m. Central Time, or in the event that
the  Exchange  closes early for a period of time but then reopens for trading on
the same day, we will process telephone transfer requests as of the close of the
Exchange on that particular day. We will not accept telephone  requests received
at any telephone  number other than the number that appears in this paragraph or
received after the close of trading on the Exchange.

We may suspend, modify or terminate the telephone transfer privilege at any time
without notice.

We use  procedures  that  we  believe  provide  reasonable  assurance  that  the
telephone transfers are genuine.  For example,  we tape telephone  conversations
with  persons  purporting  to  authorize   transfers  and  request   identifying
information.  Accordingly,  we disclaim any liability for losses  resulting from
allegedly  unauthorized  telephone  transfers.   However,  if  we  do  not  take
reasonable steps to help ensure that a telephone  authorization is valid, we may
be liable for such losses.


DOLLAR COST AVERAGING PROGRAM

Through our Dollar Cost Averaging Program, you may automatically  transfer a set
amount  every month (or other  intervals we may offer)  during the  Accumulation
Phase from any Variable  Sub-Account or the Dollar Cost Averaging  Fixed Account
Option,  or the Dollar Cost  Averaging  Fixed  Account  Options to any  Variable
Sub-Account. Transfers made through dollar cost averaging must be $100 or more.

We will not charge a transfer fee for  transfers  made under this  Program,  nor
will such  transfers  count  against the 12 transfers you can make each Contract
Year without paying a transfer fee.

The theory of dollar cost averaging is that if purchases of equal dollar amounts
are made at fluctuating prices, the aggregate average cost per unit will be less
than  the  average  of the unit  prices  on the same  purchase  dates.  However,
participation  in this Program does not assure you of a greater profit from your
purchases under the Program nor will it prevent or necessarily  reduce losses in
a declining market. Call or write us for information on how to enroll.


AUTOMATIC PORTFOLIO REBALANCING PROGRAM

Once  you have  allocated  your  money  among  the  Variable  Sub-Accounts,  the
performance  of  each  Sub-Account  may  cause  a shift  in the  percentage  you
allocated to each Sub-Account. If you select our Automatic Portfolio Rebalancing
Program,  we will  automatically  rebalance the Contract  Value in each Variable
Sub-Account  and return it to the desired  percentage  allocations.  We will not
include  money  you  allocate  to the Fixed  Account  Options  in the  Automatic
Portfolio Rebalancing Program.

We will  rebalance  your account each  quarter (or other  intervals  that we may
offer)  according  to your  instructions.  We will  transfer  amounts  among the
Variable Sub-Accounts to achieve the percentage allocations you specify. You can
change your allocations at any time by contacting us in writing or by telephone.
The new  allocation  will be effective  with the first  rebalancing  that occurs
after we receive your  request.  We are not  responsible  for  rebalancing  that
occurs prior to receipt of your request.

Example:

        Assume  that  you want  your  initial  purchase  payment  split  among 2
        Variable  Sub-Accounts.  You want 40% to be in the High  Yield  Variable
        Sub-Account  and 60% to be in the Equity  Growth  Variable  Sub-Account.
        Over the next 2 months  the bond  market  does very well while the stock
        market performs poorly. At the end of the first quarter,  the High Yield
        Variable  Sub-Account now represents 50% of your holdings because of its
        increase  in  value.  If you  choose to have  your  holdings  rebalanced
        quarterly,  on the first day of the next quarter,  we would sell some of
        your units in the High Yield Variable  Sub-Account  and use the money to
        buy more units in the Equity  Growth  Variable  Sub-Account  so that the
        percentage allocations would again be 40% and 60% respectively.

The  Automatic  Portfolio  Rebalancing  Program  is  available  only  during the
Accumulation  Phase.  The transfers  made under the Program do not count towards
the 12 transfers you can make without paying a transfer fee, and are not subject
to a transfer fee.

Portfolio   rebalancing  is  consistent  with  maintaining  your  allocation  of
investments among market segments,  although it is accomplished by reducing your
Contract Value allocated to the better performing segments.


<PAGE>


EXPENSES


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------


As a Contract  owner,  you will bear,  directly or  indirectly,  the charges and
expenses described below.


CONTRACT MAINTENANCE CHARGE

During the Accumulation  Phase, on each Contract  Anniversary,  we will deduct a
$35  contract  maintenance  charge  from your  Contract  Value  invested in each
Variable Sub-Account in proportion to the amount invested. We also will deduct a
full contract  maintenance  charge if you withdraw your entire  Contract  Value.
During the Payout  Phase,  we will deduct the charge  proportionately  from each
income payment.

The charge is to compensate us for the cost of  administering  the Contracts and
the Variable Account. Maintenance costs include expenses we incur in billing and
collecting  purchase payments;  keeping records;  processing death claims,  cash
withdrawals, and policy changes; proxy statements; calculating Accumulation Unit
Values  and  income  payments;  and  issuing  reports  to  Contract  owners  and
regulatory  agencies.  We cannot increase the charge.  We will waive this charge
if:

o    total purchase payments equal $50,000 or more, or

o    all of your money is  allocated  to the Fixed  Account  Options,  as of the
     Contract Anniversary.

After the Payout Start Date, we will waive this charge if:

o    the Contract Value is $50,000 or more as of the Payout Start Date, or

o    all income payments are fixed amount income payments.


MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE

We deduct a mortality  and expense  risk charge daily at an annual rate of 1.25%
of the average daily net assets you have  invested in the Variable  Sub-Accounts
(1.38% if you select either the Enhanced Death Benefit  Option,  the Performance
Death Benefit Option or the Performance  Income Benefit Option, and 1.49% if you
select  the  Performance   Benefit  Combination  Option  or  the  Death  Benefit
Combination  Option).  The  mortality  and  expense  risk  charge is for all the
insurance  benefits  available  with your Contract  (including  our guarantee of
annuity rates and the death benefits), for certain expenses of the Contract, and
for  assuming  the risk  (expense  risk) that the  current  charges  will not be
sufficient in the future to cover the cost of administering the Contract. If the
charges  under the Contract are not  sufficient,  then we will bear the loss. We
charge an additional  amount for the Death Benefit  Options and the  Performance
Income Benefit Option to compensate us for the additional risk that we accept by
providing these Options.

We guarantee the mortality and expense risk charge and we cannot increase it. We
assess the mortality and expense risk charge during both the Accumulation  Phase
and the Payout Phase.


ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE CHARGE

We deduct an  administrative  expense charge daily at an annual rate of 0.10% of
the average daily net assets you have invested in the Variable Sub-Accounts.  We
intend  this  charge to cover  actual  administrative  expenses  that exceed the
revenues  from  the  contract   maintenance   charge.   There  is  no  necessary
relationship  between  the amount of  administrative  charge  imposed on a given
Contract and the amount of expenses that may be attributed to that Contract.  We
assess this charge each day during the Accumulation Phase and the Payout Phase.


TRANSFER FEE

We  do  not  currently   impose  a  fee  upon  transfers  among  the  investment
alternatives. However, we reserve the right to charge $10 per transfer after the
12th  transfer  in each  Contract  Year.  We will not charge a  transfer  fee on
transfers  that are part of a  Dollar  Cost  Averaging  or  Automatic  Portfolio
Rebalancing Program.


WITHDRAWAL CHARGE

We may assess a withdrawal charge of 1% of the purchase  payment(s) you withdraw
if the amount being  withdrawn has been invested in the Contract for less than 1
year.  However,  during each  Contract  Year,  you can withdraw up to 15% of the
aggregate  amount of your purchase  payments as of the beginning of the Contract
Year without paying the charge.  Unused portions of this Free Withdrawal  Amount
are not carried forward to future Contract Years.

We will deduct withdrawal charges,  if applicable,  from the amount paid, unless
you instruct  otherwise.  For purposes of the withdrawal  charge,  we will treat
withdrawals as coming from the oldest  purchase  payments  first.  However,  for
federal income tax purposes, please note that withdrawals are considered to have
come first from earnings,  which means you pay taxes on the earnings  portion of
your withdrawal.

We do not apply a withdrawal charge in the following situations:

o    on the  Payout  Start Date (a  withdrawal  charge may apply if you elect to
     receive  income  payments for a specified  period of less than 120 months);
     and

o    withdrawals  taken  to  satisfy  IRS  minimum  distribution  rules  for the
     Contract.

We use the amounts obtained from the withdrawal  charge to pay sales commissions
and other  promotional or  distribution  expenses  associated with marketing the
Contracts.  To the extent  that the  withdrawal  charge does not cover all sales
commissions and other  promotional or distribution  expenses,  we may use any of
our  corporate  assets,  including  potential  profit  which may arise  from the
mortality and expense risk charge or any other  charges or fee described  above,
to make up any difference.

Withdrawals  also may be  subject to tax  penalties  or income  tax.  You should
consult your own tax counsel or other tax advisers regarding any withdrawals.


PREMIUM TAXES

Some  states  and other  governmental  entities  (e.g.,  municipalities)  charge
premium taxes or similar taxes.  We are  responsible  for paying these taxes and
will deduct them from your Contract Value.  Some of these taxes are due when the
Contract is issued, others are due when income payments begin or upon surrender.
Our  current  practice  is not to charge  anyone for these  taxes  until  income
payments begin or when a total withdrawal  occurs including  payment upon death.
At our  discretion,  we may  discontinue  this practice and deduct premium taxes
from  the  purchase  payments.  Premium  taxes  generally  range  from 0% to 4%,
depending on the state.

At the Payout Start Date, if applicable,  we deduct the charge for premium taxes
from each  investment  alternative in the proportion  that the Contract  owner's
value in the investment alternative bears to the total Contract Value.


DEDUCTION FOR VARIABLE ACCOUNT INCOME TAXES

We are not currently maintaining a provision for taxes. In the future,  however,
we may establish a provision for taxes if we determine,  in our sole discretion,
that we will incur a tax as a result of the  operation of the Variable  Account.
We will  deduct  for any  taxes we incur as a  result  of the  operation  of the
Variable  Account,  whether or not we previously  made a provision for taxes and
whether or not it was sufficient.  Our status under the Internal Revenue Code is
briefly described in the Statement of Additional Information.


OTHER EXPENSES

Each Portfolio  deducts  advisory fees and other  expenses from its assets.  You
indirectly bear the charges and expenses of the Portfolios whose shares are held
by the  Variable  Sub-Accounts.  These fees and  expenses  are  described in the
accompanying  prospectuses for the Funds. For a summary of current  estimates of
those charges and expenses,  see pages above. We may receive  compensation  from
the investment  advisers or administrators of the Portfolios for  administrative
services we provide to the Portfolios.



<PAGE>


ACCESS TO YOUR MONEY


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You can  withdraw  some or all of your  Contract  Value at any time  during  the
Accumulation Phase.  Withdrawals also are available under limited  circumstances
on or after the Payout Start Date.  See "Income Plans" on page 21.

You can  withdraw  money from the  Variable  Account  and/or  the Fixed  Account
Options.  The amount  payable upon  withdrawal is the Contract Value (or portion
thereof)  next  computed  after we receive the request for a  withdrawal  at our
headquarters,  less any withdrawal charges, contract maintenance charges, income
tax  withholding,  penalty  tax,  and any premium  taxes.  To complete a partial
withdrawal from the Variable Account,  we will cancel  Accumulation  Units in an
amount equal to the withdrawal and any applicable charges and taxes. We will pay
withdrawals  from the Variable  Account within 7 days of receipt of the request,
subject to postponement in certain circumstances.

You  must  name  the  investment  alternative  from  which  you are  taking  the
withdrawal.  If none is named,  then the  withdrawal  request is incomplete  and
cannot be honored.  In general,  you must withdraw at least $100 at a time.  You
also may withdraw a lesser amount if you are withdrawing your entire interest in
a Variable Sub-Account.

Withdrawals  also  may be  subject  to  income  tax and a 10%  penalty  tax,  as
described below.

The total amount paid at surrender  may be more or less than the total  purchase
payments due to prior withdrawals, any deductions, and investment performance.


POSTPONEMENT OF PAYMENTS

We may postpone the payment of any amounts due from the Variable  Account  under
the Contract if:

1)   The New York Stock  Exchange  is closed for other  than usual  weekends  or
     holidays, or trading on the Exchange is otherwise restricted;

2)   An emergency exists as defined by the SEC; or

3)   The SEC permits delay for your protection.

In addition,  we may delay payments or transfers from the Fixed Account  Options
for up to 6 months or shorter  period if required by law. If we delay payment or
transfer  for 30 days or more,  we will pay  interest as  required  by law.  Any
interest would be payable from the date we receive the withdrawal request to the
date we make the payment or transfer.


SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PROGRAM

You may choose to receive systematic  withdrawal  payments on a monthly basis at
any time prior to the Payout Start Date. The minimum  amount of each  systematic
withdrawal  is $100.  We will deposit  systematic  withdrawal  payments into the
Contract  owner's bank account or Morgan  Stanley Dean Witter Active  Assets(TM)
Account.  Please consult with your Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial  Advisor
for details.

Depending  on  fluctuations  in the value of the Variable  Sub-Accounts  and the
value of the Fixed Account  Options,  systematic  withdrawals may reduce or even
exhaust the Contract  Value.  Income taxes may apply to systematic  withdrawals.
Please consult your tax advisor before taking any withdrawal.

We may  modify  or  suspend  the  Systematic  Withdrawal  Program  and  charge a
processing  fee  for  the  service.  If we  modify  or  suspend  the  Systematic
Withdrawal  Program,   existing  systematic  withdrawal  payments  will  not  be
affected.


MINIMUM CONTRACT VALUE

If your request for a partial  withdrawal  would reduce your  Contract  Value to
less than $500,  we may treat it as a request to withdraw  your entire  Contract
Value.  Your Contract will terminate if you withdraw all of your Contract Value.
We will, however,  ask you to confirm your withdrawal request before terminating
your  Contract.  If we terminate your  Contract,  we will  distribute to you its
Contract Value,  less withdrawal and other  applicable  charges,  and applicable
taxes.


<PAGE>


INCOME PAYMENTS

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PAYOUT START DATE

The Payout  Start Date is the day that money is applied to an Income  Plan.  The
Payout Start Date must be:

o       at least 30 days after the Issue Date;
o       the first day of a calendar month; and
o       no  later  than  the  first  day  of the  calendar  month  after  the
        Annuitant's  90th  birthday,  or the 10th  Contract  Anniversary,  if
        later.

You may change the Payout  Start Date at any time by  notifying us in writing of
the change at least 30 days before the  scheduled  Payout  Start Date.  Absent a
change, we will use the Payout Start Date stated in your Contract.


INCOME PLANS

An  "Income  Plan" is a series of  payments  on a  scheduled  basis to you or to
another  person  designated  by you.  You may choose and change  your  choice of
Income Plan until 30 days before the Payout Start Date.  If you do not select an
Income  Plan,  we will make income  payments in  accordance  with Income Plan 1.
After the Payout Start Date, you may not make  withdrawals or change your choice
of Income Plan.

Three  Income  Plans are  available  under the  Contract.  Each is  available to
provide:

o       fixed income payments;
o       variable income payments; or
o       a combination of the two.

The three Income Plans are:

        Income  Plan 1 -- Life  Income with  Payments  Guaranteed  for 10 Years.
        Under this plan, we make periodic  income  payments for at least as long
        as the Annuitant lives. If the Annuitant dies before we have made all of
        the guaranteed income payments, we will continue to pay the remainder of
        the guaranteed income payments as required by the Contract.

        Income Plan 2 -- Joint and  Survivor  Life Income.  Under this plan,  we
        make periodic income payments for as long as either the Annuitant or the
        joint Annuitant is alive.

        Income Plan 3 -- Guaranteed Payments for a Specified Period.  Under this
        plan, we make periodic  income  payments for the period you have chosen.
        These  payments  do not depend on the  Annuitant's  life.  A  withdrawal
        charge may apply if the specified period is less than 10 years.  We will
        deduct the  mortality  and  expense  risk  charge from the assets of the
        Variable Account supporting this Income Plan even though we may not bear
        any mortality risk.

The length of any  guaranteed  payment  period under your  selected  Income Plan
generally  will affect the dollar amounts of each income  payment.  As a general
rule, longer guarantee periods result in lower income payments, all other things
being equal. For example, if you choose an Income Plan with payments that depend
on the life of the Annuitant but with no minimum specified period for guaranteed
payments, the income payments generally will be greater than the income payments
made under the same Income Plan with a minimum  specified  period for guaranteed
payments.

We may make other Income Plans  available  including  ones that you and we agree
upon. You may obtain information about them by writing or calling us.

If you choose  Income Plan 1 or 2, or, if  available,  another  Income Plan with
payments that continue for the life of the Annuitant or joint Annuitant,  we may
require proof of age and sex of the Annuitant or joint Annuitant before starting
income payments,  and proof that the Annuitant or joint Annuitant is still alive
before we make each payment.  Please note that under such Income  Plans,  if you
elect to take no minimum  guaranteed  payments,  it is  possible  that the payee
could receive only 1 income  payment if the  Annuitant  and any joint  Annuitant
both die before the second income payment, or only 2 income payments if they die
before the third income payment, and so on.

Generally,  you may not make  withdrawals  after  the  Payout  Start  Date.  One
exception to this rule applies if you are  receiving  variable  income  payments
that do not depend on the life of the  Annuitant  (such as under Income Plan 3).
In that case you may  terminate  the  Variable  Account  portion  of the  income
payments at any time and  receive a lump sum equal to the  present  value of the
remaining  variable  payments due. A withdrawal charge may apply. We also assess
applicable premium taxes against all income payments.

You may  apply  your  Contract  Value to an  Income  Plan.  If you  elected  the
Performance  Income Benefit  Option,  you may be able to apply an amount greater
than your Contract Value to an Income Plan. You must apply at least the Contract
Value in the Fixed  Account  Options  on the Payout  Start Date to fixed  income
payments. If you wish to apply any portion of your Fixed Account Options balance
to provide  variable  income  payments,  you should plan ahead and transfer that
amount to the Variable  Sub-Accounts  prior to the Payout Start Date.  If you do
not tell us how to allocate your Contract Value among fixed and variable  income
payments,  we will apply your Contract Value in the Variable Account to variable
income  payments and your Contract  Value in the Fixed Account  Options to fixed
income payments.

We will apply your Contract Value, less applicable taxes, to your Income Plan on
the Payout Start Date. If the amount  available to apply under an Income Plan is
less than $2,000,  or not enough to provide an initial  payment of at least $20,
and state law permits, we may:

o    pay you the  Contract  Value,  less  any  applicable  taxes,  in a lump sum
     instead of the periodic payments you have chosen, or

o    we may reduce the  frequency of your  payments so that each payment will be
     at least $20.


VARIABLE INCOME PAYMENTS

The amount of your variable income payments depends upon the investment  results
of the Variable  Sub-Accounts you select, the premium taxes you pay, the age and
sex of the  Annuitant,  and the Income Plan you choose.  We  guarantee  that the
payments  will not be affected by (a) actual  mortality  experience  and (b) the
amount of our administration expenses.

We cannot  predict  the total  amount of your  variable  income  payments.  Your
variable income  payments may be more or less than your total purchase  payments
because (a) variable  income  payments vary with the  investment  results of the
underlying  Portfolios,  and (b) the Annuitant could live longer or shorter than
we expect based on the tables we use.

In calculating the amount of the periodic  payments in the annuity tables in the
Contract,  we  assumed  an  annual  investment  rate of 3%.  If the  actual  net
investment  return of the  Variable  Sub-Accounts  you  choose is less than this
assumed investment rate, then the dollar amount of your variable income payments
will decrease. The dollar amount of your variable income payments will increase,
however,  if the actual net  investment  return  exceeds the assumed  investment
rate. The dollar amount of the variable  income  payments stays level if the net
investment  return  equals the  assumed  investment  rate.  Please  refer to the
Statement of Additional  Information for more detailed  information as to how we
determine variable income payments.


FIXED INCOME PAYMENTS

We guarantee  income payment  amounts  derived from any Fixed Account Option for
the duration of the Income Plan. We calculate the fixed income payments by:

1)      deducting any applicable premium tax; and

2)      applying  the  resulting  amount to the  greater of (a) the  appropriate
        value from the income  payment  table in your Contract or (b) such other
        value as we are offering at that time.

We may defer making fixed income payments for a period of up to 6 months or such
shorter time state law may require. If we defer payments for 30 days or more, we
will pay  interest as  required  by law from the date we receive the  withdrawal
request to the date we make payment.


PERFORMANCE INCOME BENEFIT

The Performance Income Benefit is an optional benefit that you may elect. On the
date we issue the rider for this benefit ("Rider Date"),  the Performance Income
Benefit is equal to the Contract  Value. On each Contract  Anniversary,  we will
recalculate  your  Performance  Income  Benefit  to equal  the  greater  of your
Contract Value on that date or the most recently  calculated  Performance Income
Benefit.  We will also recalculate your Performance  Income Benefit whenever you
make an additional purchase payment or a partial withdrawal. Additional purchase
payments  will  increase  the  Performance  Income  Benefit   dollar-for-dollar.
Withdrawals  will reduce the  Performance  Income Benefit by an amount equal to:
(i) the  Performance  Income Benefit just before the  withdrawal,  multiplied by
(ii) the ratio of the  withdrawal  amount to the Contract  Value just before the
withdrawal.

In the absence of any withdrawals or purchase  payments,  the Performance Income
Benefit  will be the  greatest of the  Contract  Value on the Rider Date and all
Contract Anniversary Contract Values on or prior to the Payout Start Date.

We will recalculate the Performance  Income Benefit as described above until the
oldest  Contract  owner or  Annuitant  (if the  Contract  owner is not a natural
person)  attains age 85. After age 85, we will only  recalculate the Performance
Income Benefit to reflect additional purchase payments and withdrawals.

To exercise  your  Performance  Income  Benefit,  you must apply it to an Income
Plan.  The  Payout  Start  Date you  select  must  begin on or after  your tenth
Contract  Anniversary,  after  electing the benefit,  and within 30 days after a
Contract  Anniversary.  In  addition,  you must  apply your  Performance  Income
Benefit to an Income Plan that provides  guaranteed payments for either a single
or joint life for at least:

1)   10 years,  if the  youngest  Annuitant's  age is 80 or less on the date you
     apply the Benefit, or

2)   5 years, if the youngest Annuitant's age is greater than 80 on the date you
     apply the Benefit.

If your current  Contract Value is higher than the  Performance  Income Benefit,
you can apply the Contract  Value to any Income  Plan.  The  Performance  Income
Benefit may not be available in all states.

At present, we do not permit you to simultaneously  elect the Performance Income
Benefit and the Death Benefit  Combination  Option. We do, however,  reserve the
right to do so in the future.


CERTAIN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The Contracts  offered by this  prospectus  contain  income  payment tables that
provide  for  different  payments  to men and women of the same  age,  except in
states that require  unisex  tables.  We reserve the right to use income payment
tables that do not  distinguish  on the basis of sex to the extent  permitted by
law. In certain employment-related situations,  employers are required by law to
use the same  income  payment  tables  for men and  women.  Accordingly,  if the
Contract is to be used in connection  with an  employment-related  retirement or
benefit plan and we do not offer unisex annuity tables in your state, you should
consult  with  legal  counsel  as to  whether  the  purchase  of a  Contract  is
appropriate.



<PAGE>


DEATH BENEFITS

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We will pay a death benefit if, prior to the Payout Start Date:

1)      any Contract owner dies, or
2)      the Annuitant dies.

We  will  pay  the  death  benefit  to the  new  Contract  owner  as  determined
immediately  after  the  death.  The new  Contract  owner  would be a  surviving
Contract  owner or,  if none,  the  Beneficiary.  In the case of the death of an
Annuitant, we will pay the death benefit to the current Contract owner.

A request for payment of the death benefit must include "Due Proof of Death." We
will accept the following documentation as Due Proof of Death:

o    a certified copy of a death certificate,

o    a certified copy of a decree of a court of competent jurisdiction as to the
     finding of death, or

o    any other proof acceptable to us.


Death Benefit Amount

  Prior to the Payout Start Date, the death benefit is equal to the greatest of:

1)   the Contract Value as of the date we determine the death benefit, or

2)   the  sum of all  purchase  payments  made  less  any  amounts  deducted  in
     connection with partial  withdrawals  (including any applicable  withdrawal
     charges or premium taxes), or

3)   the Contract  Value on the most recent Death Benefit  Anniversary  prior to
     the date we determine  the death  benefit,  plus any purchase  payments and
     less any amounts deducted in connection with any partial  withdrawals since
     that Death Benefit Anniversary.

A "Death Benefit Anniversary" is every 6th Contract  Anniversary  beginning with
the 6th Contract  Anniversary.  For  example,  the 6th,  12th and 18th  Contract
Anniversaries are the first three Death Benefit Anniversaries.

We will  determine the value of the death benefit as of the end of the Valuation
Date on which we receive a complete request for payment of the death benefit. If
we receive a request  after 3 p.m.  Central  Time on a Valuation  Date,  we will
process the request as of the end of the following Valuation Date.


Death Benefit Options

The Enhanced Death Benefit,  the  Performance  Death  Benefit,  the  Performance
Benefit  Combination,  and the Death  Benefit  Combination  Options are optional
benefits that you may elect.  If the Contract owner is a natural  person,  these
Options apply only on the death of the Contract  owner. If the Contract owner is
not a natural  person,  these Options apply only on the death of the  Annuitant.
For Contracts with a death benefit option, the death benefit will be the greater
of (1) through (3) above,  or (4) the death  benefit  option you  selected.  The
death benefit options may not be available in all states.

Enhanced Death Benefit  Option.  The Enhanced Death Benefit on the date we issue
the rider for this option ("Rider Date") is equal to the Contract  Value. On the
first Contract  anniversary  after the Rider Date, the Enhanced Death Benefit is
equal to the Contract Value on the Rider Date plus interest at an annual rate of
5% per year for the portion of the year since the Rider Date. On each subsequent
Contract  Anniversary,  but not beyond the Contract  Anniversary  preceding  the
oldest Contract  owners' 75th birthdays,  we will recalculate the Enhanced Death
Benefit as follows:

First,  we  multiply  the  Enhanced  Death  Benefit  as of  the  prior  Contract
Anniversary by 1.05.  This results in an increase of 5% annually.  Further,  for
all  ages,  we  will  adjust  the  Enhanced   Death  Benefit  on  each  Contract
Anniversary, or upon receipt of a death claim, as follows:

o    We will reduce the Enhanced Death Benefit by the percentage of any Contract
     Value withdrawn since the prior Contract Anniversary; and

o    We will  increase the Enhanced  Death  Benefit by any  additional  purchase
     payments since the prior Contract Anniversary.

Performance  Death Benefit Option.  The Performance Death Benefit on the date we
issue the rider for this option ("Rider  Date") is equal to the Contract  Value.
On each Contract Anniversary, we will recalculate your Performance Death Benefit
to equal the greater of your  Contract  Value on that date, or the most recently
calculated  Performance Death Benefit. We also will recalculate your Performance
Death  Benefit  whenever you make an  additional  purchase  payment or a partial
withdrawal.  Additional  purchase  payments will increase the Performance  Death
Benefit dollar-for-dollar. Withdrawals will reduce the Performance Death Benefit
by an amount equal to: (i) the Performance Death Benefit  immediately before the
withdrawal,  multiplied  by (ii)  the  ratio  of the  withdrawal  amount  to the
Contract Value just before the withdrawal.  In the absence of any withdrawals or
purchase  payments,  the  Performance  Death Benefit will be the greatest of the
Contract Value on the Rider Date and all Contract Anniversary Contract Values on
or before the date we calculate the death benefit.

We will  recalculate the Performance  Death Benefit as described above until the
oldest  Contract owner (the  Annuitant,  if the owner is not a natural  person),
attains age 85. After age 85, we will recalculate the Performance  Death Benefit
only to reflect additional purchase payments and withdrawals.

Death Benefit  Combination  Option. If you select the Death Benefit  Combination
Option,  the death  benefit  payable  will be the greater of the death  benefits
provided by the Enhanced  Death Benefit or the  Performance  Death Benefit (both
calculated  until the oldest  Contract owner, or Annuitant if the Contract owner
is a  non-natural  person,  attains  age 85).  After age 85,  the death  benefit
payable will be adjusted to reflect  purchase  payments and  withdrawals  to the
extent  described under "Enhanced Death Benefit Option" and  "Performance  Death
Benefit  Option"  above.  We sometimes  refer to the Death  Benefit  Combination
Option as the "Best of the Best" death benefit option.

Performance  Benefit  Combination  Option.  You may elect the Performance  Death
Benefit in combination  with the Performance  Income  Benefit.  We call this the
"Performance Benefit Combination Option."

None  of  the  Enhanced  Death  Benefit,  the  Performance  Death  Benefit,  the
Performance Benefit  Combination,  or the Death Benefit Combination will ever be
greater than the maximum death benefit allowed by any  nonforfeiture  laws which
govern the Contract.


Death Benefit Payments

If the new Contract owner is a natural person,  the new Contract owner may elect
to:

1)   receive the death benefit in a lump sum, or

2)   apply the death  benefit to an Income Plan.  Payments  from the Income Plan
     must  begin  within  1 year  of the  date of  death  and  must  be  payable
     throughout:

     o       the life of the new Contract owner; or

     o    for a  guaranteed  number of payments  from 5 to 30 years,  but not to
          exceed the life expectancy of the Contract owner.

Options 1 and 2 above are only available if the new Contract owner elects one of
these options within 180 days of the date of death. Otherwise,  the new Contract
owner will receive the Settlement Value. The "Settlement  Value" is the Contract
Value,  less any  applicable  withdrawal  charge and premium tax. The Settlement
Value paid will be the Settlement  Value next computed on or after the requested
distribution date for payment, or on the mandatory  distribution date of 5 years
after the date of your death, whichever is earlier. We are currently waiving the
180 day limit, but we reserve the right to enforce the limitation in the future.

In any event,  the entire value of the  Contract  must be  distributed  within 5
years  after the date of death  unless an Income  Plan is elected or a surviving
spouse continues the Contract in accordance with the provisions described below.

If the new Contract  owner is your  spouse,  then he or she may elect one of the
options listed above or may continue the Contract in the  Accumulation  Phase as
if the death had not occurred.  The Contract may only be continued  once. If the
surviving spouse continues the Contract in the Accumulation Phase, the surviving
spouse may make a single  withdrawal  of any amount within 1 year of the date of
death without  incurring a withdrawal  charge.  If the surviving spouse is under
age 59 1/2, a 10% penalty tax may apply to the withdrawal.

If the new Contract owner is corporation,  trust, or other  non-natural  person,
then the new Contract owner may elect, within 180 days of your death, to receive
the death benefit in lump sum or may elect to receive the Settlement  Value in a
lump sum within 5 years of death.  We are  currently  waiving the 180 day limit,
but we reserve the right to enforce the limitation in the future.

Death of Annuitant.  If any  Annuitant  who is not also the Contract  owner dies
prior to the  Payout  Start  Date,  the  Contract  owner  must  elect one of the
applicable options described below.

If the  Contract  owner is a natural  person,  the  Contract  owner may elect to
continue  the Contract as if the death had not  occurred,  or, if we receive Due
Proof  of  Death  within  180 days of the  date of the  Annuitant's  death,  the
Contract owner may choose to:

     1)   receive the death benefit in a lump sum; or

     2)   apply the death  benefit to an Income  Plan that must  begin  within 1
          year of the  date of  death  and must be for a  guaranteed  number  of
          payments  for a period  from 5 to 30 years but not to exceed  the life
          expectancy of the Contract owner.

If the  Contract  owner  elects to continue  the  Contract or to apply the death
benefit to an Income  Plan,  the new  Annuitant  will be the  youngest  Contract
owner, unless the Contract owner names a different Annuitant.

If the Contract owner is a non-natural  person,  the non-natural  Contract owner
may elect,  within 180 days of the  Annuitant's  date of death,  to receive  the
death benefit in a lump sum or may elect to receive the Settlement Value payable
in a lump  sum  within  5  years  of  the  Annuitant's  date  of  death.  If the
non-natural  Contract owner does not make one of the above described  elections,
the Settlement  Value must be withdrawn by the non-natural  Contract owner on or
before the mandatory distribution date 5 years after the Annuitant's death.

We are currently  waiving the 180 day limit, but we reserve the right to enforce
the limitation in the future.



<PAGE>


MORE INFORMATION

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NORTHBROOK

Northbrook  is the issuer of the  Contract.  Northbrook is an Arizona stock life
insurance company organized in 1978. Northbrook is currently licensed to operate
in all states (except New York),  the District of Columbia,  and Puerto Rico. We
intend to offer the Contract in those  jurisdictions  in which we are  licensed.
Our headquarters are located at 3100 Sanders Road, Northbrook, Illinois, 60062.

Northbrook  is a wholly owned  subsidiary  of Allstate  Life  Insurance  Company
("Allstate Life"), an Illinois stock life insurance company.  Allstate Life is a
wholly  owned  subsidiary  of Allstate  Insurance  Company,  an  Illinois  stock
property-liability  insurance company.  All of the outstanding  capital stock of
Allstate Insurance Company is owned by The Allstate Corporation.

Northbrook  and Allstate  Life entered into a  reinsurance  agreement  effective
December 31, 1987. Under the reinsurance agreement,  Allstate Life reinsures all
of  Northbrook's  liabilities  under the Contracts.  The  reinsurance  agreement
provides us with  financial  backing from Allstate  Life.  However,  it does not
create a direct contractual relationship between Allstate Life and you. In other
words,  the obligations of Allstate Life under the reinsurance  agreement are to
Northbrook; Northbrook remains the sole obligor under the Contract to you.

Several   independent   rating  agencies   regularly   evaluate  life  insurers'
claims-paying ability, quality of investments,  and overall stability. A.M. Best
Company assigns A+ (Superior) to Allstate Life which automatically reinsures all
net business of Northbrook. A.M. Best Company also assigns Northbrook the rating
of A+(r)  because  Northbrook  automatically  reinsures  all net  business  with
Allstate Life.  Standard & Poor's Insurance Rating Services assigns an AA+ (Very
Strong)  financial  strength  rating  and  Moody's  assigns  an Aa2  (Excellent)
financial  strength rating to Northbrook.  Northbrook shares the same ratings of
its  parent,  Allstate  Life.  These  ratings  do  not  reflect  the  investment
performance of the Variable  Account.  We may from time to time advertise  these
ratings in our sales literature.


THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

Northbrook  established  the Northbrook  Variable  Annuity  Account II on May 8,
1990. We have registered the Variable  Account with the SEC as a unit investment
trust.  The SEC does not  supervise the  management  of the Variable  Account or
Northbrook.

We own the assets of the Variable Account.  The Variable Account is a segregated
asset  account  under  Arizona  insurance  law.  That means we  account  for the
Variable Account's income,  gains, and losses separately from the results of our
other  operations.  It also means that only the assets of the  Variable  Account
that are in excess of the reserves and other Contract  liabilities  with respect
to the  Variable  Account  are  subject  to  liabilities  relating  to our other
operations.  Our obligations  arising under the Contracts are general  corporate
obligations of Northbrook.

The Variable Account consists of 21 Variable Sub-Accounts, each of which invests
in a corresponding  Portfolio. We may add new Variable Sub-Accounts or eliminate
one or more of them, if we believe marketing,  tax, or investment  conditions so
warrant. We do not guarantee the investment performance of the Variable Account,
its Sub-Accounts or the Portfolios.  We may use the Variable Account to fund our
other annuity  contracts.  We will account  separately  for each type of annuity
contract funded by the Variable Account.


THE PORTFOLIOS

Dividends  and  Capital  Gain  Distributions.   We  automatically  reinvest  all
dividends and capital gains  distributions  from the Portfolios in shares of the
distributing Portfolio at their net asset value.

Voting  Privileges.  As a general matter, you do not have a direct right to vote
the shares of the Portfolios held by the Variable Sub-Accounts to which you have
allocated your Contract Value.  Under current law, however,  you are entitled to
give us  instructions on how to vote those shares on certain  matters.  Based on
our present view of the law, we will vote the shares of the  Portfolios  that we
hold directly or  indirectly  through the Variable  Account in  accordance  with
instructions  that we  receive  from  Contract  owners  entitled  to  give  such
instructions.

As a general rule,  before the Payout Start Date,  the Contract  owner or anyone
with a voting interest is the person entitled to give voting  instructions.  The
number of shares that a person has a right to  instruct  will be  determined  by
dividing the Contract Value allocated to the applicable Variable  Sub-Account by
the net asset value per share of the  corresponding  Portfolio  as of the record
date of the  meeting.  After the Payout Start Date the person  receiving  income
payments has the voting interest. The payee's number of votes will be determined
by dividing the reserves for such Contract allocated to the applicable  Variable
Sub-Account by the net asset value per share of the  corresponding  Portfolio as
of the record date of the  meeting.  The votes  decrease as income  payments are
made and as the reserves for the Contract decrease.

We will vote shares  attributable  to  Contracts  for which we have not received
instructions, as well as shares attributable to us, in the same proportion as we
vote shares for which we have received instructions, unless we determine that we
may vote such shares in our own discretion. We will apply voting instructions to
abstain  on any item to be voted  upon on a pro rata  basis to reduce  the votes
eligible to be cast.

We reserve the right to vote  Portfolio  shares as we see fit without  regard to
voting  instructions  to the extent  permitted  by law. If we  disregard  voting
instructions,  we will include a summary of that action and our reasons for that
action in the next semi-annual financial report we send to you.

Changes in Portfolios.  We reserve the right,  subject to any applicable law, to
make additions to, deletions from or substitutions for the Portfolio shares held
by any  Variable  Sub-Account.  If the  shares of any of the  Portfolios  are no
longer  available for investment by the Variable Account or if, in our judgment,
further investment in such shares is no longer desirable in view of the purposes
of the  Contract,  we may eliminate  that  Portfolio  and  substitute  shares of
another  eligible  investment  fund. Any  substitution of securities will comply
with the requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940. We also may add new
Variable Sub-Accounts that invest in additional mutual funds. We will notify you
in advance of any change.

Conflicts of Interest.  Certain of the Portfolios  sell their shares to separate
accounts underlying both variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts.
It is  conceivable  that in the future it may be  unfavorable  for variable life
insurance  separate accounts and variable annuity separate accounts to invest in
the same  Portfolio.  The boards of  directors  or trustees of these  Portfolios
monitor for possible  conflicts  among  separate  accounts  buying shares of the
Portfolios.  Conflicts  could  develop  for a variety of reasons.  For  example,
differences  in treatment  under tax and other laws or the failure by a separate
account  to  comply  with such laws  could  cause a  conflict.  To  eliminate  a
conflict,  a  Portfolio's  board of directors or trustees may require a separate
account to withdraw its  participation  in a Portfolio.  A Portfolio's net asset
value could decrease if it had to sell  investment  securities to pay redemption
proceeds to a separate account withdrawing because of a conflict.


THE CONTRACT

The Contracts are distributed  exclusively by their principal underwriter,  Dean
Witter Reynolds Inc. ("Dean Witter").  Dean Witter, a wholly owned subsidiary of
Morgan  Stanley  Dean Witter & Co., is located at Two World  Trade  Center,  New
York, New York 10048. Dean Witter is a member of the New York Stock Exchange and
the National Association of Securities Dealers.

We may pay up to a maximum sales commission of 2.0% of purchase  payments and an
annual sales  administration  expense of up to 1.5% of the average net assets of
the Contracts to Dean Witter.  In addition,  Dean Witter may pay annually to its
representatives,  from its  profits  a  persistency  bonus  that  will take into
account among other things,  the length of time purchase payments have been held
under the Contract and Contract Values.

Administration.  We have primary  responsibility  for all  administration of the
Contracts  and the Variable  Account.  We provide the  following  administrative
services, among others:

o       issuance of the Contracts;
o       maintenance of Contract owner records;
o       Contract owner services;
o       calculation of unit values;
o       maintenance of the Variable Account; and
o       preparation of Contract owner reports.

We will send you Contract statements at least annually prior to the Payout Start
Date. You should notify us promptly in writing of any address change. You should
read your statements and confirmations  carefully and verify their accuracy. You
should contact us promptly if you have a question about a periodic statement. We
will   investigate   all   complaints   and  make  any   necessary   adjustments
retroactively,  but you must notify us of a potential  error within a reasonable
time after the date of the questioned  statement.  If you wait too long, we will
make the  adjustment  as of the date that we  receive  notice  of the  potential
error.

We also  will also  provide  you with  additional  periodic  and other  reports,
information and prospectuses as may be required by federal securities laws.


QUALIFIED PLANS

If you use the Contract with a qualified plan, the plan may impose  different or
additional  conditions  or  limitations  on  withdrawals,  waivers of withdrawal
charges, death benefits, Payout Start Dates, income payments, and other Contract
features.  In addition,  adverse tax  consequences  may result if qualified plan
limits on  distributions  and other  conditions are not met. Please consult your
qualified plan administrator for more information.


LEGAL MATTERS

Freedman,  Levy, Kroll & Simonds,  Washington,  D.C., has advised  Northbrook on
certain federal  securities law matters.  All matters of state law pertaining to
the Contracts, including the validity of the Contracts and Northbrook's right to
issue such Contracts under state insurance law, have been passed upon by Michael
J. Velotta, General Counsel of Northbrook.


YEAR 2000

Northbrook is heavily  dependent upon complex computer systems for all phases of
its   operations,   including   customer   service,   and  policy  and  contract
administration.  Since many of  Northbrook's  older computer  software  programs
recognize  only the last two digits of the year in any date,  some  software may
fail to operate  properly  in or after the year  1999,  if the  software  is not
reprogrammed or replaced ("Year 2000 Issue").  Northbrook  believes that many of
its  counterparties  and suppliers also have Year 2000 Issues which could affect
Northbrook.  In 1995,  Allstate  Insurance  Company commenced a plan intended to
mitigate  and/or  prevent  the  adverse  effects  of  Year  2000  Issues.  These
strategies  include  normal  development  and  enhancement  of new and  existing
systems, upgrades to operating systems already covered by maintenance agreements
and modifications to existing systems to make them Year 2000 compliant. The plan
also includes Northbrook actively working with its major external counterparties
and suppliers to assess their compliance  efforts and  Northbrook's  exposure to
them.  Northbrook presently believes that it will resolve the Year 2000 Issue in
a timely manner, and the financial impact will not materially affect its results
of operations,  liquidity or financial position. Year 2000 costs are and will be
expensed as incurred.


<PAGE>


TAXES

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------



The  following  discussion  is  general  and is  not  intended  as  tax  advice.
Northbrook  makes no guarantee  regarding  the tax  treatment of any Contract or
transaction involving a Contract.

Federal,  state,  local and other tax  consequences  of  ownership or receipt of
distributions under an annuity contract depend on your individual circumstances.
If you are concerned about any tax  consequences  with regard to your individual
circumstances, you should consult a competent tax adviser.

Taxation of Annuities in General

Tax Deferral.  Generally,  you are not taxed on increases in the Contract  Value
until a distribution occurs. This rule applies only where:

     1)   the Contract owner is a natural person,

     2)   the investments of the Variable  Account are "adequately  diversified"
          according to Treasury Department regulations, and

     3)   Northbrook is considered the owner of the Variable  Account assets for
          federal income tax purposes.

Non-natural  Owners.  As a general rule,  annuity contracts owned by non-natural
persons  such as  corporations,  trusts,  or other  entities  are not treated as
annuity contracts for federal income tax purposes.  The income on such contracts
is taxed as ordinary  income received or accrued by the owner during the taxable
year.  Please see the  Statement of Additional  Information  for a discussion of
several  exceptions  to the  general  rule for  Contracts  owned by  non-natural
persons.

Diversification  Requirements.  For a Contract  to be treated as an annuity  for
federal income tax purposes,  the  investments  in the Variable  Account must be
"adequately  diversified"  consistent with standards  under Treasury  Department
regulations.  If the  investments  in the  Variable  Account are not  adequately
diversified, the Contract will not be treated as an annuity contract for federal
income tax  purposes.  As a result,  the income on the Contract will be taxed as
ordinary  income  received or accrued by the  Contract  owner during the taxable
year.  Although  Northbrook  does not have control over the  Portfolios or their
investments, we expect the Portfolios to meet the diversification requirements.

Ownership Treatment. The IRS has stated that you will be considered the owner of
Variable  Account assets if you possess  incidents of ownership in those assets,
such as the ability to exercise  investment control over the assets. At the time
the diversification  regulations were issued, the Treasury Department  announced
that the regulations do not provide guidance  concerning  circumstances in which
investor  control of separate  account  investments  may cause an investor to be
treated as the owner of the  separate  account.  The  Treasury  Department  also
stated that future  guidance  would be issued  regarding  the extent that owners
could direct  sub-account  investments  without  being  treated as owners of the
underlying assets of the separate account.

Your rights under the Contract are different than those  described by the IRS in
rulings  in which it found that  contract  owners  were not  owners of  separate
account  assets.  For  example,  you have the choice to  allocate  premiums  and
Contract  Values among more  investment  alternatives.  Also, you may be able to
transfer among  investment  alternatives  more  frequently than in such rulings.
These differences could result in you being treated as the owner of the Variable
Account. If this occurs,  income and gain from the Variable Account assets would
be includible in your gross income. Northbrook does not know what standards will
be set forth in any  regulations  or rulings which the Treasury  Department  may
issue. It is possible that future standards announced by the Treasury Department
could adversely affect the tax treatment of your Contract.  We reserve the right
to modify the  Contract  as  necessary  to  attempt  to  prevent  you from being
considered the federal tax owner of the assets of the Variable Account. However,
we make no guarantee that such modification to the Contract will be successful.

Taxation of Partial and Full Withdrawals. If you make a partial withdrawal under
a  non-Qualified  Contract,  amounts  received  are  taxable  to the  extent the
Contract Value,  without regard to surrender charges,  exceeds the investment in
the Contract.  The  investment in the Contract is the gross premium paid for the
Contract minus any amounts previously received from the Contract if such amounts
were properly excluded from your gross income. If you make a partial  withdrawal
under a Qualified Contract, the portion of the payment that bears the same ratio
to the total payment that the  investment in the Contract  (i.e.,  nondeductible
IRA  contributions,  after tax  contributions  to qualified  plans) bears to the
Contract  Value,  is excluded  from your income.  If you make a full  withdrawal
under a non-Qualified Contract or a Qualified Contract, the amount received will
be taxable only to the extent it exceeds the investment in the Contract.

"Nonqualified   distributions"   from  Roth  IRAs  are   treated  as  made  from
contributions  first and are  included  in gross  income only to the extent that
distributions exceed contributions. "Qualified distributions" from Roth IRAs are
not included in gross income.  "Qualified  distributions"  are any distributions
made more than 5 taxable years after the taxable year of the first  contribution
to any Roth IRA and which are:

o    made on or after the date the individual attains age 59 1/2,
o    made to a Beneficiary after the Contract owner's death,
o    attributable to the Contract owner being disabled, or
o    for a first time home purchase (first time home purchases are subject to
     a lifetime limit of $10,000).

If you transfer a non-Qualified Contract without full and adequate consideration
to a person  other  than  your  spouse  (or to a  former  spouse  incident  to a
divorce), you will be taxed on the difference between the Contract Value and the
investment in the Contract at the time of transfer. Except for certain Qualified
Contracts, any amount you receive as a loan under a Contract, and any assignment
or pledge (or agreement to assign or pledge) of the Contract Value is treated as
a withdrawal of such amount or portion.

Taxation of Annuity Payments. Generally, the rule for income taxation of annuity
payments received from a non-Qualified  Contract provides for the return of your
investment in the Contract in equal  tax-free  amounts over the payment  period.
The balance of each payment received is taxable. For fixed annuity payments, the
amount  excluded  from income is determined  by  multiplying  the payment by the
ratio of the  investment  in the Contract  (adjusted  for any refund  feature or
period certain) to the total expected value of annuity  payments for the term of
the Contract.  If you elect variable annuity payments,  the amount excluded from
taxable  income is determined by dividing the  investment in the Contract by the
total number of expected  payments.  The annuity  payments will be fully taxable
after the total amount of the investment in the Contract is excluded using these
ratios.  If you die, and annuity  payments  cease before the total amount of the
investment in the Contract is recovered,  the unrecovered amount will be allowed
as a deduction for your last taxable year.

Taxation of Annuity Death  Benefits.  Death of a Contract owner, or death of the
Annuitant  if the  Contract  is  owned by a  non-natural  person,  will  cause a
distribution  of death  benefits  from a Contract.  Generally,  such amounts are
included in income as follows:

     1)   if distributed in a lump sum, the amounts are taxed in the same manner
          as a full withdrawal, or

     2)   if distributed  under an annuity option,  the amounts are taxed in the
          same  manner  as an  annuity  payment.  Please  see the  Statement  of
          Additional  Information  for  more  detail  on  distribution  at death
          requirements.

Penalty Tax on Premature Distributions. A 10% penalty tax applies to the taxable
amount of any premature distribution from a non-Qualified  Contract. The penalty
tax generally  applies to any distribution made prior to the date you attain age
59 1/2. However, no penalty tax is incurred on distributions:

     1)   made on or after the date the Contract owner attains age 59 1/2;

     2)   made as a result of the Contract owner's death or disability;

     3)   made in  substantially  equal  periodic  payments  over  the  Contract
          owner's life or life expectancy,

     4)   made under an immediate annuity, or

     5)   attributable to investment in the Contract before August 14, 1982.

You should consult a competent tax advisor to determine if any other  exceptions
to the  penalty  apply  to your  situation.  Similar  exceptions  may  apply  to
distributions from Qualified Contracts.

Aggregation of Annuity Contracts.  All non-qualified  deferred annuity contracts
issued by Northbrook  (or its  affiliates) to the same Contract owner during any
calendar  year will be  aggregated  and  treated  as one  annuity  contract  for
purposes of determining the taxable amount of a distribution.


Tax Qualified Contracts

Contracts may be used as investments with certain qualified plans such as:

o    Individual Retirement Annuities or Accounts (IRAs) under Section 408 of the
     Internal Revenue Code ("Code");
o    Roth IRAs under Section 408A of the Code;
o    Simplified Employee Pension Plans under Section 408(k) of the Code;
o    Savings  Incentive  Match Plans for Employees  (SIMPLE) Plans under Section
     408(p) of the Code;
o    Tax Sheltered Annuities under Section 403(b) of the Code;
o    Corporate and Self Employed Pension and Profit Sharing Plans; and
o    State  and  Local   Government   and   Tax-Exempt   Organization   Deferred
     Compensation Plans.

In the case of certain  qualified  plans,  the terms of the plans may govern the
right to benefits, regardless of the terms of the Contract.

Restrictions  Under Section  403(b) Plans.  Section  403(b) of the Code provides
tax-deferred  retirement  savings plans for employees of certain  non-profit and
educational organizations.  Under Section 403(b), any Contract used for a 403(b)
plan  must  provide  that   distributions   attributable  to  salary   reduction
contributions  made  after  12/31/88,  and  all  earnings  on  salary  reduction
contributions, may be made only:

1)      on or after the date of employee
    o       attains age 59 1/2,
    o       separates from service,
    o       dies,
    o       becomes disabled, or
2)      on account of hardship  (earnings on salary reduction  contributions may
        not be distributed on the account of hardship).

These  limitations do not apply to withdrawals  where  Northbrook is directed to
transfer some or all of the Contract Value to another 403(b) plan.

Income Tax Withholding

Northbrook  is required to withhold  federal  income tax at a rate of 20% on all
"eligible rollover  distributions"  unless you elect to make a "direct rollover"
of  such  amounts  to an IRA or  eligible  retirement  plan.  Eligible  rollover
distributions  generally  include all  distributions  from Qualified  Contracts,
excluding IRAs, with the exception of:

        1) required minimum distributions, or

        2) a series of substantially  equal periodic payments made over a period
        of at least 10 years, or,

        3) over the life (joint lives) of the participant (and beneficiary).

Northbrook  may be required to withhold  federal and state  income  taxes on any
distributions from non-Qualified  Contracts or Qualified  Contracts that are not
eligible  rollover  distributions,  unless you notify us of your election to not
have taxes withheld.


<PAGE>



PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------



We may advertise the performance of the Variable  Sub-Accounts,  including yield
and total  return  information.  Yield  refers  to the  income  generated  by an
investment  in a Variable  Sub-Account  over a specified  period.  Total  return
represents  the  change,  over a  specified  period of time,  in the value of an
investment in a Variable Sub-Account after reinvesting all income distributions.

All performance  advertisements will include, as applicable,  standardized yield
and total return  figures that reflect the deduction of insurance  charges,  the
contract maintenance charge, and withdrawal charge.  Performance  advertisements
also may include  total return  figures that reflect the  deduction of insurance
charges,  but not the contract  maintenance or withdrawal charges. The deduction
of such charges would reduce the  performance  shown.  In addition,  performance
advertisements may include aggregate,  average,  year-by-year, or other types of
total return figures.

Performance  information for periods prior to the inception date of the Variable
Sub-Accounts  will be based on the historical  performance of the  corresponding
Portfolios for the periods  beginning with the inception dates of the Portfolios
and adjusted to reflect  current  Contract  expenses.  You should not  interpret
these figures to reflect actual historical performance of the Variable Account.

We may include in  advertising  and sales  materials  tax  deferred  compounding
charts and other  hypothetical  illustrations that compare currently taxable and
tax  deferred   investment   programs  based  on  selected  tax  brackets.   Our
advertisements  also may compare the  performance  of our Variable  Sub-Accounts
with: (a) certain unmanaged market indices, including but not limited to the Dow
Jones  Industrial  Average,  the Standard & Poor's 500, and the Shearson  Lehman
Bond Index;  and/or (b) other  management  investment  companies with investment
objectives  similar to the underlying  funds being  compared.  In addition,  our
advertisements   may  include  the  performance   ranking  assigned  by  various
publications,  including  the  Wall  Street  Journal,  Forbes,  Fortune,  Money,
Barron's,  Business Week, USA Today, and statistical services,  including Lipper
Analytical  Services  Mutual Fund Survey,  Lipper Annuity and Closed End Survey,
the Variable Annuity Research Data Survey, and SEI.




<PAGE>




                                   APPENDIX A
            Accumulation Unit Value and Number of Accumulation Units
                    Outstanding for Each Variable Sub-Account

For the period July 20, 1998 (date Contracts first offered) through December 31,
1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                    With the
                                                                   Enhanced or
                                                                   Performance
                                                                  Death Benefit
                                                                  Option or the      With the Performance
                                                   Basic           Performance       Benefit Combination
SUB-ACCOUNT                                        Policy*       Income Benefit**       Option***
- -----------                                        -------       ----------------    --------------------
<S>                                               <C>               <C>                  <C>
MONEY MARKET SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation Unit Value, Beginning of Period      $10.000           $10.000              $10.000
Accumulation Unit Value, End of Period            $10.153           $10.147              $10.142
Number of Units Outstanding, End of Period         81,705            85,827               15,056

QUALITY INCOME PLUS SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation Unit Value, Beginning of             $10.000           $10.000              $10.000
Period
Accumulation Unit Value, End of Period            $10.359           $10.353              $10.348
Number of Units Outstanding, End of Period        178,028            52,778               81,071

HIGH YIELD SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation Unit Value, Beginning of             $10.000           $10.000              $10.000
Period
Accumulation Unit Value, End of Period            $ 8.866           $ 8.861              $ 8.857
Number of Units Outstanding, End of Period         93,600            38,215               11,399

UTILITIES SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation Unit Value, Beginning of Period      $10.000           $10.000              $10.000
Accumulation Unit Value, End of Period            $10.904           $10.898              $10.892
Number of Units Outstanding, End of Period         46,349            33,289               19,644

INCOME BUILDER SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation Unit Value, Beginning of             $10.000           $10.000              $10.000
Period
Accumulation Unit Value, End of Period            $ 9.685           $ 9.679              $ 9.674
Number of Units Outstanding, End of Period         18,227            16,832                3,158

DIVIDEND GROWTH SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation Unit Value, Beginning of             $10.000           $10.000              $10.000
Period
Accumulation Unit Value, End of Period            $10.101           $10.095              $10.090
Number of Units Outstanding, End of Period        147,314           165,990               58,954

CAPITAL GROWTH SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation Unit Value, Beginning of             $10.000           $10.000              $10.000
Period
Accumulation Unit Value, End of Period            $ 9.710           $ 9.704              $ 9.699
Number of Units Outstanding, End of Period          6,192             5,153               12,464

GLOBAL DIVIDEND GROWTH SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation Unit Value, Beginning of             $10.000           $10.000              $10.000
Period
Accumulation Unit Value, End of Period            $ 9.886           $ 9.881              $ 9.876
Number of Units Outstanding, End of Period         15,232            38,311               14,652

EUROPEAN GROWTH SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation Unit Value, Beginning of             $10.000           $10.000              $10.000
Period
Accumulation Unit Value, End of Period            $ 9.014           $ 9.008              $ 9.004
Number of Units Outstanding, End of Period         22,053           206,430               10,221

PACIFIC GROWTH SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation Unit Value, Beginning of             $10.000           $10.000              $10.000
Period
Accumulation Unit Value, End of Period            $10.994           $10.987              $10.982
Number of Units Outstanding, End of Period          1,450             1,623                4,550

EQUITY SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation Unit Value, Beginning of             $10.000           $10.000              $10.000
Period
Accumulation Unit Value, End of Period            $10.273           $10.267              $10.262
Number of Units Outstanding, End of Period         34,510            80,117               30,606

S&P 500 INDEX SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation Unit Value, Beginning of             $10.000           $10.000              $10.000
Period
Accumulation Unit Value, End of Period            $10.382           $10.376              $10.371
Number of Units Outstanding, End of Period         35,394           104,952               41,697

COMPETITIVE EDGE "BEST IDEAS" SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation Unit Value, Beginning of             $10.000           $10.000              $10.000
Period
Accumulation Unit Value, End of Period            $ 9.568           $ 9.562              $ 9.557
Number of Units Outstanding, End of Period         17,570            24,807               12,369

STRATEGIST SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation Unit Value, Beginning of             $10.000           $10.000              $10.000
Period
Accumulation Unit Value, End of Period            $10.343           $10.337              $10.332
Number of Units Outstanding, End of Period         70,036            24,056               18,089

EQUITY GROWTH SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation Unit Value, Beginning of             $10.000           $10.000              $10.000
Period
Accumulation Unit Value, End of Period            $ 9.883           $ 9.877              $ 9.872
Number of Units Outstanding, End of Period         14,358            17,925                -

U.S. REAL ESTATE SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation Unit Value, Beginning of             $10.000           $10.000              $10.000
Period
Accumulation Unit Value, End of Period            $ 9.115           $ 9.110              $ 9.105
Number of Units Outstanding, End of Period          3,294            17,463                -

INTERNATIONAL MAGNUM SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation Unit Value, Beginning of             $10.000           $10.000              $10.000
Period
Accumulation Unit Value, End of Period            $ 8.763           $ 8.758              $ 8.753
Number of Units Outstanding, End of Period          6,589             9,575                 -

EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation Unit Value, Beginning of             $10.000           $10.000              $10.000
Period
Accumulation Unit Value, End of Period            $ 8.119           $ 8.114              $ 8.109
Number of Units Outstanding, End of Period            123             3,925                4,235

EMERGING GROWTH SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation Unit Value, Beginning of             $10.000           $10.000              $10.000
Period
Accumulation Unit Value, End of Period            $10.510           $10.504              $10.498
Number of Units Outstanding, End of Period         10,947            31,051               27,030
</TABLE>


* The  Accumulation  Unit Values in this column  reflect a mortality and expense
risk charge of 1.49% and an administrative expense charge of 0.10%.

** The  Accumulation  Unit Values in this column reflect a mortality and expense
risk charge of 1.62% and an administrative expense charge of 0.10%.

*** The Accumulation  Unit Values in this column reflect a mortality and expense
risk charge of 1.73% and an  administrative  expense charge of 0.10%.  The Death
Benefit  Combination  Option was made available for the Contracts as of the date
of this prospectus.



<PAGE>



               STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                        TABLE OF CONTENTS


       Description                                                       Page

       Additions, Deletions or Substitutions of Investments.............   2
       The Contract.....................................................   3
               Purchases................................................   3
               Tax-free Exchanges (1035 Exchanges, Rollovers and
       Transfers).......................................................   3
       Performance Information..........................................   4
       Calculation of Accumulation Unit Values..........................  17
       Calculation of Variable Income Payments..........................  18
       General Matters..................................................  19
               Incontestability.........................................  19
               Settlements..............................................  19
               Safekeeping of the Variable Account's Assets.............  19
               Premium Taxes............................................  19
               Tax Reserves.............................................  19
       Federal Tax Matters..............................................  20
       Qualified Plans..................................................  21
       Experts..........................................................  22
       Financial Statements.............................................  23


                    -----------------------------------------------




This  prospectus  does not constitute an offering in any  jurisdiction  in which
such offering may not lawfully be made.  We do not  authorize  anyone to provide
any  information  or  representations  regarding the offering  described in this
prospectus other than as contained in this prospectus.



                                  [back cover]


<PAGE>


               THE MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER VARIABLE ANNUITY II
        THE MORGAN STANELY DEAN WITTER VARIABLE ANNUITY II ASSETMANAGER

Northbrook Life and Annuity Company          Statement of Additional Information
Northbrook Variable Annuity Account II                         dated May 2, 1999
Post Office Box 94040
Palatine, IL 60094-4040
1 (800) 654 - 2397


This  Statement of Additional  Information  supplements  the  information in the
prospectus for each of the two forms of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter  Variable
Annuity II Contracts that we offer. This Statement of Additional  Information is
not a prospectus. You should read it with the prospectus, dated May 2, 1999, for
each form of Contract.  You may obtain a prospectus  by calling or writing us at
the address or  telephone  number  listed  above,  or by calling or writing your
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor.

Except as otherwise  noted,  this Statement of Additional  Information  uses the
same  defined  terms as the  prospectus  for each of the two forms of the Morgan
Stanley  Dean  Witter  Variable   Annuity  II  Contracts  that  we  offer.   For
convenience,  we refer to the second form of Contract as the Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Variable Annuity II AssetManager Contract ("AssetManager Contracts").




                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

            Description                                                   Page

            Additions, Deletions or Substitutions of Investments            2
            The Contract                                                    3
                    Purchases                                               3
                    Tax-free Exchanges (1035 Exchanges, Rollovers and
                          Transfers)                                        3
            Performance Information                                         4
            Calculation of Accumulation Unit Values                        17
            Calculation of Variable Income Payments                        18
            General Matters                                                19
                    Incontestability                                       19
                    Settlements                                            19
                    Safekeeping of the Variable Account's Assets           19
                    Premium Taxes                                          19
                    Tax Reserves                                           19
            Federal Tax Matters                                            20
            Qualified Plans                                                21
            Experts                                                        22
            Financial Statements                                           23





<PAGE>


ADDITIONS, DELETIONS OR SUBSTITUTIONS OF INVESTMENTS

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


We may add,  delete,  or substitute  the  Portfolio  shares held by any Variable
Sub-Account  to the  extent the law  permits.  We may  substitute  shares of any
Portfolio  with  those of  another  Portfolio  of the same or  different  mutual
Portfolio if the shares of the Portfolio are no longer available for investment,
or if we believe investment in any Portfolio would become  inappropriate in view
of the purposes of the Variable Account.

We will not substitute  shares  attributable to a Contract owner's interest in a
Variable  Sub-Account  until we have notified the Contract  owner of the change,
and until the Securities and Exchange Commission has approved the change, to the
extent such  notification and approval are required by law. Nothing contained in
this Statement of Additional Information shall prevent the Variable Account from
purchasing  other  securities for other series or classes of contracts,  or from
effecting a  conversion  between  series or classes of contracts on the basis of
requests made by Contract owners.

We also may establish  additional  Variable  Sub-Accounts  or series of Variable
Sub-Accounts.  Each additional  Variable  Sub-Account would purchase shares in a
new  Portfolio  of the same or  different  mutual  fund.  We may  establish  new
Variable  Sub-Accounts when we believe marketing needs or investment  conditions
warrant.  We  determine  the  basis  on  which we will  offer  any new  Variable
Sub-Accounts in conjunction with the Contract to existing  Contract  owners.  We
may  eliminate  one or more Variable  Sub-Accounts  if, in our sole  discretion,
marketing, tax or investment conditions so warrant.

We may, by appropriate endorsement,  change the Contract as we believe necessary
or appropriate to reflect any  substitution or change in the  Portfolios.  If we
believe the best  interests of persons  having voting rights under the Contracts
would be served,  we may operate the Variable  Account as a  management  company
under the  Investment  Company Act of 1940 or we may withdraw  its  registration
under such Act if such registration is no longer required.




<PAGE>


THE CONTRACT

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Contract is primarily  designed to aid  individuals  in long-term  financial
planning.  You can use it for  retirement  planning  regardless  of whether  the
retirement plan qualifies for special federal income tax treatment.


PURCHASE OF CONTRACTS

Dean Witter Reynolds,  Inc., is the principal underwriter and distributor of the
Contracts.  The offering of the Contracts is  continuous.  We do not  anticipate
discontinuing  the offering of the Contracts,  but we reserve the right to do so
at any time.


TAX-FREE EXCHANGES (1035 EXCHANGES, ROLLOVERS AND TRANSFERS)

We accept purchase payments that are the proceeds of a Contract in a transaction
qualifying for a tax-free  exchange  under Section 1035 of the Internal  Revenue
Code ("Code"). Except as required by federal law in calculating the basis of the
Contract,  we do not  differentiate  between Section 1035 purchase  payments and
non-Section 1035 purchase payments.

We  also  accept   "rollovers"  and  transfers  from  Contracts   qualifying  as
tax-sheltered  annuities ("TSAs"),  individual  retirement annuities or accounts
("IRAs"), or any other Qualified Contract that is eligible to "rollover" into an
IRA.  We  differentiate  among  non-Qualified  Contracts,  TSAs,  IRAs and other
Qualified Contracts to the extent necessary to comply with federal tax laws. For
example, we restrict the assignment, transfer, or pledge of TSAs and IRAs so the
Contracts will continue to qualify for special tax  treatment.  A Contract owner
contemplating  any such  exchange,  rollover or  transfer  of a Contract  should
contact a competent tax adviser with respect to the potential  effects of such a
transaction.





<PAGE>


PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From time to time we may advertise the "standardized,"  "non-standardized,"  and
"adjusted historical" total returns of the Variable  Sub-Accounts,  as described
below.  Please remember that past performance is not an estimate or guarantee of
future  performance and does not necessarily  represent the actual experience of
amounts invested by a particular Contract owner.


STANDARDIZED TOTAL RETURNS

A Variable Sub-Account's standardized total return represents the average annual
total  return  of  that  Sub-Account  over  a  particular   period.  We  compute
standardized  total  return by finding  the annual  percentage  rate that,  when
compounded  annually,  will accumulate a hypothetical $1,000 purchase payment to
the  redeemable  value at the end of the one, five or ten year period,  or for a
period from the date of commencement of the Variable  Sub-Account's  operations,
if shorter than any of the foregoing. We use the following formula prescribed by
the SEC for computing standardized total return:

                               1000(1 + T)n = ERV

where:

        T      =      average annual total return

        ERV           = ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment
                      made at the  beginning  of 1, 5,  or 10  year  periods  or
                      shorter period

        n      =      number of years in the period

        1000   =      hypothetical $1,000 investment


When factoring in the withdrawal charge assessed upon redemption, we exclude the
Free Withdrawal  Amount,  which is the amount you can withdraw from the Contract
without paying a withdrawal charge. We also use the withdrawal charge that would
apply  upon  redemption  at the end of each  period.  Thus,  for  example,  when
factoring  in the  withdrawal  charge for a one year  standardized  total return
calculation,  we would use the withdrawal charge that applies to a withdrawal of
a purchase payment made one year prior.

When  factoring in the contract  maintenance  charge,  we pro rate the charge by
dividing (i) the contract  maintenance  charge by (ii) the average contract size
of $54,945.  We then multiply the resulting  percentage by a hypothetical $1,000
investment.

The  standardized  total returns for the Variable  Sub-Accounts  available under
each form of Contract for the periods ended December 31, 1998 are set out below.
No standardized  total returns are shown for Money Market Variable  Sub-Account.
In addition,  no standardized total returns are shown of the Short-Term Bond and
Aggressive Equity Variable  Sub-Accounts,  which commenced  operations as of the
date of this Statement of Additional Information.

The  AssetManager  Contracts  were first offered to the public on July 20, 1998.
Accordingly,  performance  figures for certain  Variable  Sub-Accounts  prior to
those dates reflect the  historical  performance  of the Variable  Sub-Accounts,
adjusted  to reflect  the current  level of charges  that apply to the  Variable
Sub-Accounts  under the  AssetManager  Contracts,  as well as the withdrawal and
contract  maintenance charges described above. In addition,  performance figures
for  periods  prior  to the  availability  of an  optional  death  benefit,  the
Performance Income Benefit Option, the Performance  Benefit  Combination Option,
or the Death  Benefit  Combination  Option  have been  adjusted  to reflect  the
current  charge for such features as if they had been  available  throughout the
periods shown.

Variable  Sub-Account  Inception Dates:  The Money Market,  Quality Income Plus,
High  Yield,   Utilities,   Dividend  Growth,  Equity  and  Strategist  Variable
Sub-Accounts  commenced  operations on October 25, 1990.  The Capital Growth and
European Growth Variable Sub-Accounts commenced operations on March 1, 1991. The
Global  Dividend  Growth and  Pacific  Growth  Variable  Sub-Accounts  commenced
operations  on  February  23,  1994.  The Income  Builder  Variable  Sub-Account
commenced  operation on January 21, 1997.  The Equity  Growth,  ,  International
Magnum,  Emerging  Markets Equity,  and Emerging  Growth  Variable  Sub-Accounts
commenced  operation  on March 16,  1998.  The S&P 500 Index,  Competitive  Edge
("Best Ideas") and U.S. Real Estate Variable  Sub-Accounts  commenced operations
of May 18, 1998.


                          VARIABLE ANNUITY II CONTRACTS


(WITHOUT AN OPTIONAL DEATH BENEFIT PROVISION OR
PERFORMANCE INCOME BENEFIT OPTION )


                                                         10 Years or
Variable Sub-Account         One Year    Five Years    Since Inception
                            -------------------------------------------

High Yield                   -11.75%        4.07%          11.64%
Equity                        24.41%       20.49%          21.72%
Quality Income Plus            2.92%         5.71%          8.32%
Strategist                    20.56%       11.81%          12.82%
Dividend Growth                8.45%        16.89%         17.21%
Utilities                     17.81%       13.21%          14.13%
European Growth               18.01%       18.87%          16.91%
Capital Growth                13.74%       15.18%          11.68%
Pacific Growth               -15.90%         N/A          -12.71%
Global Dividend Growth         6.73%          N/A          11.27%
Income Builder                -2.46%         N/A            9.24%
Equity Growth                  N/A           N/A           -5.14%
International Magnum           N/A           N/A           -9.04%
Emerging Markets Equity        N/A           N/A          -40.89%
Emerging Growth                N/A           N/A           19.02%
U.S. Real Estate               N/A           N/A          -22.32%
Competitive Edge ("Best        N/A           N/A          -12.35%
Ideas")
S&P 500 Index                  N/A           N/A           10.03%




<PAGE>



(WITH AN OPTIONAL  DEATH BENEFIT  PROVISION OR
THE PERFORMANCE INCOME BENEFIT OPTION )

                                                         10 Years or
Variable Sub-Account       One Year      Five Years    Since Inception
                         ----------------------------------------------

High Yield                  -11.87%         3.94%          11.48%
Equity                      24.24%         20.33%          21.56%
Quality Income Plus          2.78%          5.57%           8.18%
Strategist                  20.40%         11.67%          12.67%
Dividend Growth              8.30%         16.74%          17.06%
Utilities                   17.65%         13.06%          13.98%
European Growth             17.85%         18.72%          16.76%
Capital Growth              13.58%         15.03%          11.53%
Pacific Growth             -16.01%          N/A           -12.82%
Global Dividend Growth       6.59%           N/A           11.12%
Income Builder              -2.60%           N/A            9.09%
Equity Growth                 N/A            N/A           -5.27%
International Magnum          N/A            N/A           -9.16%
Emerging Markets Equity       N/A            N/A          -40.97%
Emerging Growth               N/A            N/A           18.86%
U.S. Real Estate              N/A            N/A          -22.43%
Competitive Edge ("Best       N/A            N/A          -12.47%
Ideas")
S&P 500 Index                 N/A            N/A            9.88%




<PAGE>



(WITH PERFORMANCE BENEFIT COMBINATION OPTION OR
DEATH BENEFIT COMBINATION OPTION)

                                                         10 Years or
Variable Sub-Account      One Year       Five Years    Since Inception
                      -------------------------------------------------

High Yield                -11.97%           3.82%          11.36%
Equity                     24.10%          20.20%          21.43%
Quality Income Plus         2.66%           5.45%           8.06%
Strategist                 20.26%          11.54%          12.55%
Dividend Growth             8.18%          16.61%          16.93%
Utilities                  17.51%          12.93%          13.85%
European Growth            17.72%          18.58%          16.63%
Capital Growth             13.45%          14.90%          11.41%
Pacific Growth            -16.11%            N/A          -12.92%
Global Dividend            6.46%             N/A           11.00%
Growth
Income Builder             -2.71%            N/A            8.97%
Equity Growth               N/A              N/A           -5.38%
International Magnum        N/A              N/A           -9.27%
Emerging Markets            N/A              N/A          -41.04%
Equity
Emerging Growth             N/A              N/A           18.73%
U.S. Real Estate            N/A              N/A          -22.52%
Competitive Edge            N/A              N/A          -12.57%
("Best Ideas")
S&P 500 Index               N/A              N/A            9.75%





<PAGE>



                             ASSETMANAGER CONTRACTS


(WITHOUT AN OPTIONAL DEATH BENEFIT PROVISION OR
PERFORMANCE INCOME BENEFIT OPTION )


                                                         10 Years or
Variable Sub-Account        One Year     Five Years    Since Inception*
                          ---------------------------------------------

High Yield                   -7.73%         3.96%          11.36%
Equity                       28.34%        20.27%          21.42%
Quality Income Plus           6.90%         5.58%           8.05%
Strategist                   24.50%        11.65%          12.54%
Dividend Growth              12.42%        16.69%          16.92%
Utilities                    21.76%        13.03%          13.85%
European Growth              21.96%        18.66%          16.62%
Capital Growth               17.69%        14.99%          11.40%
Pacific Growth              -11.87%         N/A           -12.35%
Global Dividend Growth       10.70%          N/A           11.22%
Income Builder               1.53%           N/A           10.96%
Equity Growth                 N/A            N/A           -0.07%
International Magnum          N/A            N/A           -4.00%
Emerging Markets Equity       N/A           N/A           -36.21%
Emerging Growth               N/A            N/A           24.28%
U.S. Real Estate              N/A           N/A           -16.23%
Competitive Edge ("Best       N/A            N/A           -6.00%
Ideas")
S&P 500 Index                 N/A            N/A           16.90%



(WITH AN OPTIONAL  DEATH BENEFIT OR
 THE PERFORMANCE  INCOME BENEFIT OPTION)

                                                         10 Years or
Variable Sub-Account        One Year     Five Years    Since Inception
                           --------------------------------------------

High Yield                   -7.85%         3.82%          11.21%
Equity                       28.17%        20.12%          21.26%
Quality Income Plus           6.76%         5.44%           7.91%
Strategist                   24.34%        11.50%          12.39%
Dividend Growth              12.27%        16.54%          16.77%
Utilities                    21.60%        12.88%          13.70%
European Growth              21.80%        18.51%          16.47%
Capital Growth               17.54%        14.84%          11.26%
Pacific Growth              -11.98%          N/A          -12.46%
Global Dividend Growth       10.56%          N/A           11.08%
Income Builder                1.40%          N/A           10.81%
Equity Growth                  N/A           N/A           -0.20%
International Magnum           N/A           N/A           -4.13%
Emerging Markets Equity        N/A           N/A          -36.29%
Emerging Growth                N/A           N/A           24.12%
U.S. Real Estate               N/A           N/A          -16.34%
Competitive Edge ("Best        N/A           N/A           -6.12%
Ideas")
S&P 500 Index                  N/A           N/A           16.75%


(WITH PERFORMANCE BENEFIT COMBINATION OPTION OR
DEATH BENEFIT COMBINATION OPTION)

                                                         10 Years or
Variable Sub-Account        One Year     Five Years    Since Inception

High Yield                   -7.96%         3.71%          11.09%
Equity                       28.03%        19.99%          21.13%
Quality Income Plus           6.65%         5.32%           7.79%
Strategist                   24.20%        11.38%          12.27%
Dividend Growth              12.15%        16.41%          16.64%
Utilities                    21.46%        12.76%          13.57%
European Growth              21.66%        18.38%          16.34%
Capital Growth               17.41%        14.71%          11.13%
Pacific Growth              -12.08%          N/A          -12.56%
Global Dividend Growth       10.44%          N/A           10.96%
Income Builder                1.29%          N/A           10.69%
Equity Growth                  N/A           N/A           -0.31%
International Magnum           N/A           N/A           -4.24%
Emerging Markets Equity        N/A           N/A          -36.37%
Emerging Growth                N/A           N/A           23.98%
U.S. Real Estate               N/A           N/A          -16.44%
Competitive Edge ("Best        N/A           N/A           -6.23%
Ideas")
S&P 500 Index                  N/A           N/A           16.61%








<PAGE>


NON-STANDARDIZED TOTAL RETURNS

From time to time,  we also may quote  average  annual total returns that do not
reflect the  withdrawal  charge.  We  calculate  these  "non-standardized  total
returns" in exactly the same way as the  standardized  total  returns  described
above,  except that we replace the ending  redeemable  value of the hypothetical
account for the period with an ending  redeemable value for the period that does
not take into account any charges on amounts surrendered.

In addition, we may advertise the total return over different periods of time by
means  of  aggregate,  average,  year-by-year  or other  types  of total  return
figures.  Such calculations  would not reflect deductions for withdrawal charges
which may be imposed on the  Contracts  which,  if  reflected,  would reduce the
performance  quoted.  The formula for  computing  such total  return  quotations
involves  a per  unit  change  calculation.  This  calculation  is  based on the
Accumulation  Unit  Value  at the  end  of the  defined  period  divided  by the
Accumulation  Unit Value at the  beginning of such period,  minus 1. The periods
included in such  advertisements are "year-to- date" (prior calendar year end to
the day of the  advertisement);  "year to most recent  quarter"  (prior calendar
year end to the end of the most recent  quarter);  "the prior calendar  year"; "
'n' most recent Calendar  Years";  and "Inception  (commencement of the Variable
Sub-Account's operation) to date" (day of the advertisement).

The non-standardized total returns for the Variable Sub-Accounts for the periods
ended  December 31, 1998 are set out below.  Non-standardized  total returns are
not  shown  for  the   Money   Market   Variable   Sub-Account.   In   addition,
non-standardized  total  returns  are  not  shown  of the  Short-Term  Bond  and
Aggressive Equity Variable  Sub-Accounts,  which commenced  operations as of the
date of this  Statement  of  Additional  Information.  Performance  figures  for
periods prior to the availability of an optional death benefit,  the Performance
Income Benefit Option, the Performance  Benefit Combination Option, or the Death
Benefit  Combination Option have been adjusted to reflect the current charge for
such features as if they had been available throughout the periods shown.

The inception  date of each  Variable  Sub-Account  appears under  "Standardized
Total Returns," above.


                          VARIABLE ANNUITY II CONTRACTS


(WITHOUT AN OPTIONAL DEATH BENEFIT PROVISION
OR THE PERFORMANCE INCOME BENEFIT OPTION)


                                                         10 Years or
Variable Sub-Account      One Year       Five Years    Since Inception
                      -------------------------------------------------

High Yield                 -7.46%           4.26%          11.65%
Equity                     28.70%          20.61%          21.73%
Quality Income Plus        7.21%            5.88%           8.35%
Strategist                 24.85%          11.96%          12.84%
Dividend Growth            12.75%          17.02%          17.22%
Utilities                  22.10%          13.35%          14.15%
European Growth            22.30%          18.99%          16.93%
Capital Growth             18.03%          15.31%          11.70%
Pacific Growth            -11.60%            N/A          -12.06%
Global Dividend Growth     11.02%            N/A           11.53%
Income Builder             1.83%             N/A           11.27%
Equity Growth               N/A              N/A            1.32%
International Magnum        N/A              N/A           -2.64%
Emerging Markets Equity     N/A              N/A          -34.99%
Emerging Growth             N/A              N/A           25.76%
U.S. Real Estate            N/A              N/A          -14.65%
Competitive Edge            N/A              N/A           -4.34%
("Best Ideas")
S&P 500 Index               N/A              N/A           18.72%


(WITH AN OPTIONAL  DEATH BENEFIT  PROVISION OR
THE PERFORMANCE INCOME BENEFIT OPTION)


                                                         10 Years or
Variable Sub-Account      One Year       Five Years    Since Inception
                      -------------------------------------------------

High Yield                 -7.58%           4.12%          11.50%
Equity                     28.53%          20.45%          21.57%
Quality Income Plus         7.07%           5.75%           8.21%
Strategist                 24.69%          11.82%          12.69%
Dividend Growth            12.60%          16.87%          17.07%
Utilities                  21.94%          13.20%          14.00%
European Growth            22.14%          18.84%          16.78%
Capital Growth             17.88%          15.16%          11.56%
Pacific Growth            -11.72%           N/A           -12.17%
Global Dividend Growth     10.88%            N/A           11.39%
Income Builder             1.70%             N/A           11.12%
Equity Growth               N/A              N/A            1.19%
International Magnum        N/A              N/A           -2.76%
Emerging Markets Equity     N/A              N/A          -35.08%
Emerging Growth             N/A              N/A           25.60%
U.S. Real Estate            N/A              N/A          -14.76%
Competitive Edge            N/A              N/A          -12.47%
("Best Ideas")
S&P 500 Index               N/A              N/A           18.57%



(WITH PERFORMANCE BENEFIT COMBINATION OPTION OR
DEATH BENEFIT COMBINATION OPTION)


                                                         10 Years or
Variable Sub-Account      One Year       Five Years    Since Inception
                      -------------------------------------------------

High Yield                 -7.68%           4.01%          11.38%
Equity                     28.39%          20.32%          21.44%
Quality Income Plus        6.96%            5.63%           8.09%
Strategist                 24.55%          11.69%          12.57%
Dividend Growth            12.48%          16.74%          16.94%
Utilities                  21.81%          13.08%          13.88%
European Growth            22.01%          18.70%          16.65%
Capital Growth             17.75%          15.03%          11.44%
Pacific Growth            -11.81%            N/A          -12.92%
Global Dividend Growth     10.76%            N/A           11.26%
Income Builder             1.59%             N/A           11.00%
Equity Growth               N/A              N/A            1.07%
International Magnum        N/A              N/A           -2.87%
Emerging Markets Equity     N/A              N/A          -35.15%
Emerging Growth             N/A              N/A           25.46%
U.S. Real Estate            N/A              N/A          -14.86%
Competitive Edge            N/A              N/A           -4.57%
("Best Ideas")
S&P 500 Index               N/A              N/A           18.44%




                             ASSETMANAGER CONTRACTS


(WITHOUT AN OPTIONAL DEATH BENEFIT PROVISION OR
PERFORMANCE INCOME BENEFIT OPTION )


                                                         10 Years or
Variable Sub-Account      One Year       Five Years    Since Inception
                      -------------------------------------------------

High Yield                 -7.68%           4.01%          11.38%
Equity                     28.39%          20.32%          21.44%
Quality Income Plus        6.96%            5.63%           8.09%
Strategist                 24.55%          11.69%          12.57%
Dividend Growth            12.48%          16.74%          16.94%
Utilities                  21.81%          13.08%          13.88%
European Growth            22.01%          18.70%          16.65%
Capital Growth             17.75%          15.03%          11.44%
Pacific Growth            -11.81%            N/A          -12.27%
Global Dividend Growth     10.76%            N/A           11.26%
Income Builder             1.59%             N/A           11.00%
Equity Growth               N/A              N/A            1.07%
International Magnum        N/A              N/A           -2.87%
Emerging Markets Equity     N/A              N/A          -36.21%
Emerging Growth             N/A              N/A           25.46%
U.S. Real Estate            N/A              N/A          -14.86%
Competitive Edge            N/A              N/A           -4.57%
 ("Best Ideas")
S&P 500 Index               N/A              N/A           18.44%




<PAGE>




(WITH AN OPTIONAL  DEATH BENEFIT  PROVISION OR
THE PERFORMANCE  INCOME BENEFIT OPTION )


                                                         10 Years or
Variable Sub-Account      One Year       Five Years    Since Inception
                      -------------------------------------------------

High Yield                 -7.80%           3.87%          11.24%
Equity                     28.23%          20.16%          21.28%
Quality Income Plus         6.82%           5.49%           7.95%
Strategist                 24.39%          11.55%          12.42%
Dividend Growth            12.33%          16.59%          16.79%
Utilities                  21.65%          12.93%          13.73%
European Growth            21.85%          18.55%          16.50%
Capital Growth             17.59%          14.88%          11.29%
Pacific Growth            -11.93%            N/A           -12.39%
Global Dividend Growth     10.61%            N/A           11.12%
Income Builder             1.45%             N/A           10.86%
Equity Growth               N/A              N/A            0.94%
International Magnum        N/A              N/A           -3.00%
Emerging Markets Equity     N/A              N/A           -35.23%
Emerging Growth             N/A              N/A           25.29%
U.S. Real Estate            N/A              N/A           -14.97%
Competitive Edge            N/A              N/A           -4.69%
 ("Best Ideas")
S&P 500 Index               N/A              N/A           18.28%


(WITH PERFORMANCE BENEFIT COMBINATION OPTION OR
DEATH BENEFIT COMBINATION OPTION)

                                                         10 Years or
Variable Sub-Account      One Year       Five Years    Since Inception
                      -------------------------------------------------

High Yield                 -7.90%           3.76%          11.12%
Equity                     28.09%          20.03%          21.15%
Quality Income Plus        6.70%            5.38%           7.83%
Strategist                 24.26%          11.43%          12.30%
Dividend Growth            12.21%          16.46%          16.66%
Utilities                  21.52%          12.81%          13.61%
European Growth            21.72%          18.42%          16.37%
Capital Growth             17.47%          14.76%          11.17%
Pacific Growth            -12.02%            N/A          -12.48%
Global Dividend Growth     10.49%            N/A           11.00%
Income Builder             1.34%             N/A           10.74%
Equity Growth               N/A              N/A            0.83%
International Magnum        N/A              N/A           -3.11%
Emerging Markets Equity     N/A              N/A          -35.31%
Emerging Growth             N/A              N/A           25.15%
U.S. Real Estate            N/A              N/A          -15.07%
Competitive Edge            N/A              N/A           -4.80%
("Best Ideas")
S&P 500 Index               N/A              N/A           18.14%



ADJUSTED HISTORICAL TOTAL RETURNS

We may  advertise  the  total  return  for  periods  prior to the date  that the
Variable  Sub-Accounts  commenced  operations.  We will calculate such "adjusted
historical  total returns"  using the  historical  performance of the underlying
Portfolios  and  adjusting  such  performance  to reflect the  current  level of
charges  that apply to the Variable  Sub-Accounts  under the Contract as well as
the contract maintenance charge and the withdrawal charge.

The adjusted  historical  total  returns for the Variable  Sub-Accounts  for the
periods ended December 31, 1998 are set out below. No adjusted  historical total
returns are shown for the Money Market  Variable  Sub-Account.  In addition,  no
adjusted historical total returns are shown for the portfolios  corresponding to
the  Short-Term  Bond  and  Aggressive  Equity  Variable  Sub-Accounts,  as each
portfolio  commenced  operations as of the date of this  Statement of Additional
Information.  Where the returns  included in the following tables give effect to
one or more of the optional death benefit  provisions,  the  Performance  Income
Benefit Option, the Performance Benefit Combination Option, or the Death Benefit
Combination  Option,  the performance  figures have been adjusted to reflect the
current charge for the feature as if that feature had been available  throughout
the periods shown.

 The following list provides the inception date for the Portfolio  corresponding
to each of the Variable Sub-Accounts included in the tables.



                                       Inception Date of
                                         Corresponding
Variable Sub-Account                       Portfolio
- --------------------                   -----------------

High Yield                             March 9, 1984
Equity                                 March 9, 1984
Quality Income Plus                    March 1, 1987
Strategist                             March 1, 1987
Dividend Growth                        March 1, 1990
Utilities                              March 1, 1990
European Growth                        March 1, 1991
Capital Growth                         March 1, 1991
Pacific Growth                         February 24, 1994
Global Dividend Growth                 February 24, 1994
Income Builder                         January 21, 1997
Equity Growth                          January 2, 1997
International Magnum                   January 2, 1997
Emerging Markets Equity                October 1,1996
Emerging Growth                        July 3, 1995
U.S. Real Estate                       March 4, 1997
Competitive Edge                       May 18, 1998
("Best Ideas")
S&P 500 Index                          May 18, 1998




                          VARIABLE ANNUITY II CONTRACTS


(WITHOUT AN OPTIONAL DEATH BENEFIT PROVISION OR
PERFORMANCE INCOME BENEFIT OPTION )


                                                         10 Years or
Variable Sub-Account      One Year       Five Years    Since Inception
                      -------------------------------------------------

High Yield                -11.75%           4.07%           5.53%
Equity                     24.41%          20.49%          17.92%
Quality Income Plus         2.92%           5.71%           8.05%
Strategist                 20.56%          11.81%          10.84%
Dividend Growth             8.45%          16.89%          17.21%
Utilities                  17.81%          13.21%          14.13%
European Growth            18.01%          18.87%          16.91%
Capital Growth             13.74%          15.18%          11.68%
Pacific Growth            -15.90%            N/A          -12.71%
Global Dividend Growth      6.73             N/A           11.27%
Income Builder             -2.46%            N/A            9.24%
Equity Growth              13.40%            N/A           22.62%
International Magnum        3.21%            N/A            4.65%
Emerging Markets Equity   -29.49%            N/A          -15.42%
Emerging Growth            31.42%            N/A           24.15%
U.S. Real Estate          -16.35%            N/A           -0.95%
Competitive Edge            N/A              N/A          -12.35%
("Best Ideas")
S&P 500 Index               N/A              N/A           10.03%


(WITH AN OPTIONAL  DEATH BENEFIT  PROVISION OR
THE PERFORMANCE  INCOME BENEFIT OPTION)


                                                         10 Years or
Variable Sub-Account      One Year       Five Years    Since Inception
                      -------------------------------------------------

High Yield                -11.87%           3.94%           5.46%
Equity                     24.24%          20.33%          17.85%
Quality Income Plus         2.78%           5.57%           7.98%
Strategist                 20.40%          11.67%          10.77%
Dividend Growth             8.30%          16.74%          17.06%
Utilities                  17.65%          13.06%          13.98%
European Growth            17.85%          18.72%          16.76%
Capital Growth             13.58%          15.03%          11.53%
Pacific Growth            -16.01%            N/A          -12.82%
Global Dividend Growth     6.59%             N/A           11.12%
Income Builder             -2.60%            N/A            9.09%
Equity Growth              13.24%            N/A           22.46%
International Magnum        3.07%            N/A            4.51%
Emerging Markets Equity   -29.59%            N/A          -15.53%
Emerging Growth            31.24%            N/A           23.99%
U.S. Real Estate          -16.47%            N/A           -1.08%
Competitive Edge            N/A              N/A          -12.47%
("Best Ideas")
S&P 500 Index               N/A              N/A            9.88%


(WITH PERFORMANCE BENEFIT COMBINATION OPTION OR
DEATH BENEFIT COMBINATION OPTION)

                                                         10 Years or
Variable Sub-Account      One Year       Five Years    Since Inception
                      -------------------------------------------------

High Yield                -11.97%           3.82%           5.27%
Equity                     24.10%          20.20%          17.64%
Quality Income Plus         2.66%           5.45%           7.79%
Strategist                 20.26%          11.54%          10.57%
Dividend Growth             8.18%          16.61%          16.93%
Utilities                  17.51%          12.93%          13.85%
European Growth            17.72%          18.58%          16.63%
Capital Growth             13.45%          14.90%          11.41%
Pacific Growth            -16.11%            N/A          -12.92%
Global Dividend Growth     6.46%             N/A           11.00%
Income Builder             -2.71%            N/A            8.97%
Equity Growth              13.12%            N/A           22.32%
International Magnum        2.95%            N/A            4.39%
Emerging Markets Equity   -29.67%            N/A          -15.63%
Emerging Growth            1.89%             N/A           15.43%
U.S. Real Estate           31.10%            N/A           23.85%
Competitive Edge            N/A              N/A          -12.57%
("Best Ideas")
S&P 500 Index               N/A              N/A            9.75%




<PAGE>


                             ASSETMANAGER CONTRACTS


(WITHOUT AN OPTIONAL DEATH BENEFIT PROVISION OR
PERFORMANCE INCOME BENEFIT OPTION )



                                                         10 Years or
Variable Sub-Account      One Year       Five Years    Since Inception
                      -------------------------------------------------

High Yield                 -7.73%           3.96%           5.26%
Equity                     28.34%          20.27%          17.63%
Quality Income Plus         6.90%            5.58%          7.78%
Strategist                 24.50%          11.65%          10.57%
Dividend Growth            12.42%          16.69%          16.92%
Utilities                  21.76%          13.03%          13.85%
European Growth            21.96%          18.66%          16.62%
Capital Growth             17.69%          14.99%          11.40%
Pacific Growth            -11.87%            N/A           -12.35%
Global Dividend Growth     10.70%            N/A           11.22%
Income Builder             1.53%             N/A           10.96%
Equity Growth              17.36%            N/A           24.05%
International Magnum       7.19%             N/A            6.41%
Emerging Markets Equity   -25.43%            N/A           -13.80%
Emerging Growth            35.34%            N/A           24.27%
U.S. Real Estate          -12.32%            N/A            1.12%
Competitive Edge            N/A              N/A           -6.00%
("Best Ideas")
S&P 500 Index               N/A              N/A           16.90%


(WITH AN OPTIONAL  DEATH BENEFIT  PROVISION OR
THE PERFORMANCE INCOME BENEFIT OPTION)


                                                         10 Years or
Variable Sub-Account      One Year       Five Years    Since Inception
                      -------------------------------------------------

High Yield                 -7.85%           3.82%           5.13%
Equity                     28.17%          20.12%          17.48%
Quality Income Plus        6.76%            5.44%           7.64%
Strategist                 24.34%          11.50%          10.42%
Dividend Growth            12.27%          16.54%          16.77%
Utilities                  21.60%          12.88%          13.70%
European Growth            21.80%          18.51%          16.47%
Capital Growth             17.54%          14.84%          11.26%
Pacific Growth            -11.98%            N/A           -12.46%
Global Dividend Growth     10.56%            N/A           11.08%
Income Builder             1.40%             N/A           10.81%
Equity Growth              17.20%            N/A           23.89%
International Magnum       7.05%             N/A            6.27%
Emerging Markets Equity   -25.53%            N/A           -13.91%
Emerging Growth            35.16%            N/A           24.11%
U.S. Real Estate          -12.44%            N/A            0.99%
Competitive Edge            N/A              N/A           -6.12%
("Best Ideas")
S&P 500 Index               N/A              N/A           16.75%


(WITH PERFORMANCE BENEFIT COMBINATION OPTION OR
DEATH BENEFIT COMBINATION OPTION)

                                                        10 Years or
Variable Sub-Account      One Year       Five Years        Since
                                                         Inception
                      ------------------------------------------------

High Yield                 -7.96%           3.71%          5.01%
Equity                     28.03%          19.99%          17.35%
Quality Income Plus        6.65%            5.32%          7.52%
Strategist                 24.20%          11.38%          10.30%
Dividend Growth            12.15%          16.41%          16.64%
Utilities                  21.46%          12.76%          13.57%
European Growth            21.66%          18.38%          16.34%
Capital Growth             17.41%          14.71%          11.13%
Pacific Growth            -12.08%            N/A          -12.56%
Global Dividend Growth     10.44%            N/A           10.96%
Income Builder             1.29%             N/A           10.69%
Equity Growth              17.07%            N/A           23.75%
International Magnum       6.93%             N/A           6.15%
Emerging Markets Equity   -25.61%            N/A          -14.01%
Emerging Growth            35.01%            N/A           23.97%
U.S. Real Estate          -12.54%            N/A           0.87%
Competitive Edge            N/A              N/A           -6.23%
("Best Ideas")
S&P 500 Index               N/A              N/A           16.61%



<PAGE>


Calculation of Accumulation Unit Values

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The value of Accumulation  Units will change each Valuation  Period according to
the investment  performance of the Portfolio  shares  purchased by each Variable
Sub-Account  and the  deduction of certain  expenses  and charges.  A "Valuation
Period" is the period from the end of one  Valuation  Date and  continues to the
end of the next  Valuation  Date. A Valuation  Date ends at the close of regular
trading on the New York Stock Exchange (currently 3:00 p.m. Central Time).

The Accumulation  Unit Value of a Variable  Sub-Account for any Valuation Period
equals the  Accumulation  Unit Value as of the immediately  preceding  Valuation
Period,  multiplied  by the Net  Investment  Factor  (described  below) for that
Variable Sub-Account for the current Valuation Period.


NET INVESTMENT FACTOR

The Net Investment  Factor for a Valuation  Period is a number  representing the
change,  since the last Valuation Period,  in the value of Variable  Sub-Account
assets per Accumulation  Unit due to investment  income,  realized or unrealized
capital  gain or loss,  deductions  for taxes,  if any, and  deductions  for the
mortality  and  expense  risk  charge  and  administrative  expense  charge.  We
determine  the Net  Investment  Factor  for each  Variable  Sub-Account  for any
Valuation  Period by dividing  (A) by (B) and  subtracting  (C) from the result,
where:

     (A) is the sum of:

             (1) the net asset value per share of the Portfolio  underlying  the
             Variable Sub-Account determined at the end of the current Valuation
             Period; plus,

             (2)  the  per  share   amount  of  any  dividend  or  capital  gain
             distributions  made  by  the  Portfolio   underlying  the  Variable
             Sub-Account during the current Valuation Period;

     (B) is the net  asset  value  per  share of the  Portfolio  underlying  the
     Variable Sub-Account  determined as of the end of the immediately preceding
     Valuation Period; and

     (C) is the annualized mortality and expense risk and administrative expense
     charges  divided by 365 and then  multiplied by the number of calendar days
     in the current Valuation Period.





<PAGE>


CALCULATION OF VARIABLE INCOME PAYMENTS


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


We calculate  the amount of the first  variable  income  payment under an Income
Plan by applying the Contract Value allocated to each Variable  Sub-Account less
any  applicable  premium tax charge  deducted at the time, to the income payment
tables in the  Contract.  We divide  the  amount of the first  variable  annuity
income payment by the Variable  Sub-Account's then current Annuity Unit value to
determine the number of annuity units ("Annuity  Units") upon which later income
payments will be based. To determine  income payments after the first, we simply
multiply the number of Annuity Units determined in this manner for each Variable
Sub-Account  by the then current  Annuity Unit value  ("Annuity Unit Value") for
that Variable Sub-Account.


CALCULATION OF ANNUITY UNIT VALUES

Annuity Units in each Variable  Sub-Account  are valued  separately  and Annuity
Unit  Values  will  depend  upon the  investment  experience  of the  particular
Portfolio in which the Variable  Sub-Account  invests.  We calculate the Annuity
Unit Value for each Variable Sub-Account at the end of any Valuation Period by:

     o    multiplying  the  Annuity  Unit  Value  at the end of the  immediately
          preceding   Valuation  Period  by  the  Variable   Sub-Account's   Net
          Investment Factor (described in the preceding section) for the Period;
          and then

     o    dividing  the  product by the sum of 1.0 plus the  assumed  investment
          rate for the Valuation Period.

    The assumed  investment  rate adjusts for the  interest  rate assumed in the
income  payment tables used to determine the dollar amount of the first variable
income  payment,  and is at an  effective  annual rate which is disclosed in the
Contract.

    We determine the amount of the first  variable  income payment paid under an
Income  Plan  using the income  payment  tables  set out in the  Contracts.  The
Contracts  include  tables  that  differentiate  on the basis of sex,  except in
states that require the use of unisex tables.


<PAGE>


GENERAL MATTERS

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


INCONTESTABILITY

We will not contest the Contract after we issue it.


SETTLEMENTS

The Contract must be returned to us prior to any settlement. We must receive due
proof  of the  Contract  owner(s)  death  (or  Annuitant's  death  if there is a
non-natural Contract owner) before we will settle a death claim.


SAFEKEEPING OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT'S ASSETS

We hold  title  to the  assets  of the  Variable  Account.  We keep  the  assets
physically  segregated and separate and apart from our general corporate assets.
We maintain  records of all purchases and  redemptions  of the Portfolio  shares
held by each of the Variable Sub-Accounts.

The Portfolios do not issue stock certificates.  Therefore, we hold the Variable
Account's  assets  in  open  account  in  lieu of  stock  certificates.  See the
Portfolios' prospectuses for a more complete description of the custodian of the
Portfolios.


PREMIUM TAXES

Applicable  premium tax rates depend on the Contract  owner's state of residency
and the  insurance  laws and our status in those states where  premium taxes are
incurred.  Premium  tax  rates may be  changed  by  legislation,  administrative
interpretations, or judicial acts.


TAX RESERVES

We do not establish capital gains tax reserves for any Variable  Sub-Account nor
do we deduct  charges for tax reserves  because we believe  that  capital  gains
attributable to the Variable  Account will not be taxable.  However,  we reserve
the right to deduct  charges to establish  tax reserves for  potential  taxes on
realized or unrealized capital gains.



<PAGE>


FEDERAL TAX MATTERS

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


THE FOLLOWING  DISCUSSION IS GENERAL AND IS NOT INTENDED AS TAX ADVICE.  WE MAKE
NO  GUARANTEE  REGARDING  THE  TAX  TREATMENT  OF ANY  CONTRACT  OR  TRANSACTION
INVOLVING A CONTRACT.

Federal,  state,  local and other tax  consequences  of  ownership or receipt of
distributions  under an annuity contract depend on the individual  circumstances
of each person.  If you are concerned about any tax consequences  with regard to
your individual circumstances, you should consult a competent tax adviser.


TAXATION OF NORTHBROOK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Northbrook is taxed as a life insurance  company under Part I of Subchapter L of
the Internal  Revenue Code. Since the Variable Account is not an entity separate
from  Northbrook,  and its operations form a part of Northbrook,  it will not be
taxed separately as a "Regulated  Investment  Company" under Subchapter M of the
Code.  Investment  income and realized capital gains of the Variable Account are
automatically  applied to increase  reserves under the contract.  Under existing
federal income tax law, Northbrook believes that the Variable Account investment
income and  capital  gains will not be taxed to the extent  that such income and
gains are applied to increase  the  reserves  under the  contract.  Accordingly,
Northbrook  does not  anticipate  that it will  incur  any  federal  income  tax
liability  attributable to the Variable Account,  and therefore  Northbrook does
not intend to make  provisions  for any such taxes.  If  Northbrook  is taxed on
investment income or capital gains of the Variable Account,  then Northbrook may
impose a charge against the Variable Account in order to make provision for such
taxes.


EXCEPTIONS TO THE NON-NATURAL OWNER RULE

There are several  exceptions to the general rule that annuity contracts held by
a non-natural  owner are not treated as annuity contracts for federal income tax
purposes. Contracts will generally be treated as held by a natural person if the
nominal owner is a trust or other entity which holds the Contract as agent for a
natural person. However, this special exception will not apply in the case of an
employer who is the nominal owner of an annuity  contract under a  non-qualified
deferred  compensation  arrangement for its employees.  Other  exceptions to the
non-natural owner rule are: (1) contracts acquired by an estate of a decedent by
reason  of the death of the  decedent;  (2)  certain  qualified  contracts;  (3)
contracts  purchased  by employers  upon the  termination  of certain  qualified
plans;  (4) certain  contracts  used in connection  with  structured  settlement
agreements,  and (5) contracts  purchased with a single premium when the annuity
starting  date  is no  later  than a year  from  purchase  of  the  annuity  and
substantially  equal  periodic  payments  are  made,  not less  frequently  than
annually, during the annuity period.


IRS REQUIRED DISTRIBUTION AT DEATH RULES

In order to be considered an annuity  contract for federal  income tax purposes,
an annuity contract must provide:  (1) if any owner dies on or after the annuity
start date but before the entire interest in the contract has been  distributed,
the remaining  portion of such interest must be  distributed at least as rapidly
as under the method of  distribution  being  used as of the date of the  owner's
death;  (2) if any owner  dies  prior to the  annuity  start  date,  the  entire
interest in the contract will be distributed within five years after the date of
the  owner's  death.  These  requirements  are  satisfied  if any portion of the
owner's  interest  which is  payable  to (or for the  benefit  of) a  designated
beneficiary is distributed  over the life of such  beneficiary (or over a period
not  extending   beyond  the  life  expectancy  of  the   beneficiary)  and  the
distributions  begin  within  one  year of the  owner's  death.  If the  owner's
designated beneficiary is the surviving spouse of the owner, the contract may be
continued  with the  surviving  spouse  as the new  owner.  If the  owner of the
contract is a  non-natural  person,  then the  annuitant  will be treated as the
owner for purposes of applying the  distribution at death rules. In addition,  a
change in the  annuitant  on a contract  owned by a  non-natural  person will be
treated as the death of the owner.


<PAGE>


QUALIFIED PLANS

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Contract may be used with several  types of qualified  plans.  The tax rules
applicable to participants in such qualified plans vary according to the type of
plan and the terms and conditions of the plan itself.  Adverse tax  consequences
may result from excess  contributions,  premature  distributions,  distributions
that do not conform to specified  commencement and minimum  distribution  rules,
excess   distributions   and  in  other   circumstances.   Contract  owners  and
participants under the plan and annuitants and beneficiaries  under the Contract
may be subject to the terms and  conditions of the plan  regardless of the terms
of the Contract.


INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES

Section  408 of the  Code  permits  eligible  individuals  to  contribute  to an
individual  retirement program known as an Individual  Retirement Annuity (IRA).
Individual  Retirement  Annuities are subject to  limitations on the amount that
can be  contributed  and on the time when  distributions  may commence.  Certain
distributions  from other  types of  qualified  plans may be "rolled  over" on a
tax-deferred basis into an Individual  Retirement  Annuity. An IRA generally may
not provide life  insurance,  but it may provide a death benefit that equals the
greater  of the  premiums  paid and the  Contract's  Cash  Value.  The  Contract
provides a death benefit that in certain circumstances may exceed the greater of
the payments and the Contract Value. It is possible that the death benefit could
be viewed as violating the prohibition on investment in life insurance contracts
with the  result  that the  Contract  would  not be  viewed  as  satisfying  the
requirements of an IRA.


ROTH INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES

Section  408A of the Code permits  eligible  individuals  to make  nondeductible
contributions  to an individual  retirement  program known as a Roth  Individual
Retirement  Annuity.   Roth  Individual  Retirement  Annuities  are  subject  to
limitations  on the  amount  that  can be  contributed  and  on  the  time  when
distributions  may  commence.  "Qualified  distributions"  from Roth  Individual
Retirement   Annuities  are  not   includible   in  gross   income.   "Qualified
distributions" are any distributions made more than five taxable years after the
taxable  year  of the  first  contribution  to the  Roth  Individual  Retirement
Annuity,  and which are made on or after the date the individual  attains age 59
1/2, made to a beneficiary  after the owner's death,  attributable  to the owner
being disabled or for a first time home purchase  (first time home purchases are
subject  to a  lifetime  limit of  $10,000).  "Nonqualified  distributions"  are
treated as made from  contributions  first and are includible in gross income to
the  extent  such  distributions  exceed  the  contributions  made  to the  Roth
Individual   Retirement   Annuity.   The  taxable  portion  of  a  "nonqualified
distribution" may be subject to the 10% penalty tax on premature  distributions.
Subject to certain limitations,  a traditional  Individual Retirement Account or
Annuity  may be  converted  or  "rolled  over" to a Roth  Individual  Retirement
Annuity.  The  taxable  portion of a  conversion  or  rollover  distribution  is
includible  in  gross  income,  but is  exempted  from  the 10%  penalty  tax on
premature distributions.


SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION PLANS

Section  408(k) of the Code allows  employers to establish  simplified  employee
pension plans for their  employees  using the employees'  individual  retirement
annuities  if certain  criteria  are met.  Under these plans the  employer  may,
within  specified  limits,  make  deductible  contributions  on  behalf  of  the
employees to their individual retirement  annuities.  Employers intending to use
the Contract in  connection  with such plans should seek  competent  advice.  In
particular, employers should consider that an IRA generally may not provide life
insurance,  but it may  provide a death  benefit  that equals the greater of the
premiums  paid and the  contract's  cash value.  The  Contract  provides a death
benefit that in certain circumstances may exceed the greater of the payments and
the Contract Value.


SAVINGS INCENTIVE MATCH PLANS FOR EMPLOYEES (SIMPLE PLANS)

Sections  408(p)  and  401(k)  of the  Code  allow  employers  with 100 or fewer
employees to establish SIMPLE retirement plans for their employees. SIMPLE plans
may be structured as a SIMPLE retirement account using an employee's IRA to hold
the assets or as a Section  401(k)  qualified cash or deferred  arrangement.  In
general,  a SIMPLE plan  consists  of a salary  deferral  program  for  eligible
employees and matching or nonelective contributions made by employers. Employers
intending  to use the  Contract in  conjunction  with SIMPLE  plans  should seek
competent tax and legal advice.


TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES

Section  403(b) of the Code permits  public  school  employees  and employees of
certain types of tax-exempt organizations (specified in Section 501(c)(3) of the
Code) to have their employers  purchase annuity  contracts for them, and subject
to certain  limitations,  to exclude the purchase  payments from the  employees'
gross income.  An annuity  contract used for a Section  403(b) plan must provide
that  distributions  attributable to salary reduction  contributions  made after
12/31/88, and all earnings on salary reduction  contributions,  may be made only
on or after the date the employee  attains age 59 1/2,  separates  from service,
dies,  becomes  disabled  or on the  account  of  hardship  (earnings  on salary
reduction contributions may not be distributed for hardship).  These limitations
do not apply to withdrawals where Northbrook is directed to transfer some or all
of the Contract Value to another 403(b) plan.


CORPORATE AND SELF-EMPLOYED PENSION AND PROFIT SHARING PLANS

Sections 401(a) and 403(a) of the Code permit  corporate  employers to establish
various types of tax favored  retirement plans for employees.  The Self-Employed
Individuals  Retirement Act of 1962, as amended,  (commonly referred to as "H.R.
10" or "Keogh")  permits  self-employed  individuals  to  establish  tax favored
retirement plans for themselves and their  employees.  Such retirement plans may
permit the purchase of annuity  contracts in order to provide benefits under the
plans.


STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND TAX-EXEMPT ORGANIZATION
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS

Section 457 of the Code  permits  employees of state and local  governments  and
tax-exempt organizations to defer a portion of their compensation without paying
current  taxes.  The  employees  must be  participants  in an eligible  deferred
compensation  plan. To the extent the  Contracts are used in connection  with an
eligible plan,  employees are considered  general  creditors of the employer and
the  employer as owner of the contract has the sole right to the proceeds of the
contract.  Generally,  under the non-natural owner rules, such Contracts are not
treated as annuity contracts for federal income tax purposes. Under these plans,
contributions  made for the benefit of the  employees  will not be includible in
the employees' gross income until  distributed from the plan.  However,  under a
Section 457 plan all the compensation deferred under the plan must remain solely
the  property  of the  employer,  subject  only to the claims of the  employer's
general  creditors,  until  such time as made  available  to the  employee  or a
beneficiary.


<PAGE>



EXPERTS


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



The financial  statements and the related financial  statement schedule included
in this  statement  of  additional  information  have been audited by Deloitte &
Touche LLP, independent  auditors,  as stated in their reports appearing herein,
and are  included  in  reliance  upon the  reports of such firm given upon their
authority as experts in accounting and auditing.





<PAGE>



FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The  financial  statements  of the  Variable  Account  and  Northbrook  and  the
accompanying  Reports of Independent  Auditors  appear on the pages that follow.
The financial statements of Northbrook included herein should be considered only
as bearing  upon the ability of  Northbrook  to meet its  obligations  under the
Contracts.

<PAGE>


                              Financial Statements

                                     Index
                                     -----

                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----

Independent Auditors' Report............................................... F-1

Financial Statements:


     Statements of Financial Position
      December 31, 1998 and 1997........................................... F-2

     Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended
      December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996..................................... F-3

     Statements of Shareholder's Equity for the Years Ended
      December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996..................................... F-4

     Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
      December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996..................................... F-5

     Notes to Financial Statements......................................... F-6

     Schedule IV - Reinsurance for the Years Ended
      December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996..................................... F-17





<PAGE>









INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT


TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SHAREHOLDER OF
NORTHBROOK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY:

We have audited the accompanying  Statements of Financial Position of Northbrook
Life Insurance Company (the "Company", an affiliate of The Allstate Corporation)
as of December 31, 1998 and 1997,  and the related  Statements of Operations and
Comprehensive Income,  Shareholder's Equity and Cash Flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1998.  Our audits also included  Schedule
IV - Reinsurance.  These financial  statements and financial  statement schedule
are the  responsibility of the Company's  management.  Our  responsibility is to
express  an  opinion  on these  financial  statements  and  financial  statement
schedule based on our audits.

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  generally   accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes
assessing the  accounting  principles  used and  significant  estimates  made by
management,  as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our  opinion,  such  financial  statements  present  fairly,  in all material
respects,  the  financial  position of the  Company as of December  31, 1998 and
1997, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three
years in the  period  ended  December  31,  1998 in  conformity  with  generally
accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, Schedule IV - Reinsurance,
when considered in relation to the basic financial  statements taken as a whole,
presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.




/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Chicago, Illinois
February 19, 1999

                                      F-1

<PAGE>



<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                       NORTHBROOK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                                        STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

                                                                                         December 31,
                                                                                         ------------
($ in thousands)                                                                       1998        1997
                                                                                       ----        ----
<S>                                                                                <C>          <C>

ASSETS
Investments
    Fixed income securities, at fair value
       (amortized cost $81,156 and $72,491)                                        $   86,336   $   76,402
    Short-term                                                                          5,083        3,031
                                                                                   ----------   ----------
    Total investments                                                                  91,419       79,433

Reinsurance recoverable from Allstate Life
    Insurance Company                                                               2,148,091    2,293,094
Receivable from affiliates, net                                                          --          1,467
Other assets                                                                            8,206        5,033
Separate Accounts                                                                   7,031,083    5,719,203
                                                                                   ----------   ----------
    TOTAL ASSETS                                                                   $9,278,799   $8,098,230
                                                                                   ==========   ==========

LIABILITIES
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits                                      $  145,055   $  144,352
Contractholder funds                                                                2,003,122    2,148,555
Current income taxes payable                                                            1,830          162
Deferred income taxes                                                                   3,316        2,674
Payable to affiliates, net                                                              6,586         --
Separate Accounts                                                                   7,031,083    5,719,203
                                                                                   ----------   ----------
    TOTAL LIABILITIES                                                               9,190,992    8,014,946
                                                                                   ----------   ----------

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (NOTE 10)

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock, $100 par value, 25,000 shares
  authorized, issued and outstanding                                                    2,500        2,500
Additional capital paid-in                                                             56,600       56,600
Retained income                                                                        25,340       21,642

Accumulated other comprehensive income:
  Unrealized net capital gains                                                          3,367        2,542
                                                                                   ----------   ----------
    Total accumulated other comprehensive income                                        3,367        2,542
                                                                                   ----------   ----------
    TOTAL SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY                                                         87,807       83,284
                                                                                   ----------   ----------
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY                                     $9,278,799   $8,098,230
                                                                                   ==========   ==========

<FN>

See notes to financial statements.

</FN>
</TABLE>


                                      F-2
<PAGE>




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                        NORTHBROOK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

                                                                                    Year Ended December 31,
                                                                                    -----------------------
($ in thousands)                                                                 1998        1997       1996
                                                                                 ----        ----       ----
<S>                                                                             <C>        <C>        <C>

REVENUES
Net investment income                                                           $ 5,691    $ 5,146    $ 4,888
Realized capital gains and losses                                                     2        (68)       (20)
                                                                                -------    -------    -------

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE                                  5,693      5,078      4,868
Income tax expense                                                                1,995      1,756      1,666
                                                                                -------    -------    -------

NET INCOME                                                                        3,698      3,322      3,202
                                                                                -------    -------    -------

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, AFTER-TAX
  Change in unrealized net capital gains and losses                                 825      1,256     (1,371)
                                                                                -------    -------    -------

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME                                                            $ 4,523    $ 4,578    $ 1,831
                                                                                =======    =======    =======

<FN>

See notes to financial statements.

</FN>
</TABLE>


                                      F-3
<PAGE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                        NORTHBROOK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                       STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY



                                                                                      December 31,
                                                                                      ------------
($ in thousands)                                                               1998      1997        1996
                                                                               ----      ----        ----
<S>                                                                          <C>        <C>        <C>

COMMON STOCK                                                                 $  2,500   $  2,500   $  2,500
                                                                             --------   --------   --------

ADDITIONAL CAPITAL PAID-IN                                                     56,600     56,600     56,600
                                                                             --------   --------   --------

RETAINED INCOME
Balance, beginning of year                                                     21,642     18,320     15,118
Net income                                                                      3,698      3,322      3,202
                                                                             --------   --------   --------
Balance, end of year                                                           25,340     21,642     18,320
                                                                             --------   --------   --------

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Balance, beginning of year                                                      2,542      1,286      2,657
Change in unrealized net capital gains and losses                                 825      1,256     (1,371)
                                                                             --------   --------   --------
Balance, end of year                                                            3,367      2,542      1,286
                                                                             --------   --------   --------

     Total shareholder's equity                                              $ 87,807   $ 83,284   $ 78,706
                                                                             ========   ========   ========


<FN>

See notes to financial statements.

</FN>
</TABLE>

                                      F-4
<PAGE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                        NORTHBROOK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


                                                              Year Ended December 31,
                                                              -----------------------
  ($ in thousands)                                          1998       1997         1996
                                                            ----       ----         ----
<S>                                                       <C>         <C>         <C>

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income                                                $  3,698    $  3,322    $  3,202
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
  cash provided by operating activities
       Depreciation, amortization and
         other non-cash items                                  518         516         782
       Realized capital gains and losses                        (2)         68          20
       Changes in:
        Life-contingent contract benefits and
          contractholder funds                                 273         205        (198)
        Income taxes payable                                 1,866        (480)        346
        Other operating assets and liabilities               4,126        (264)        542
                                                          --------    --------    --------
          Net cash provided by operating activities         10,479       3,367       4,694
                                                          --------    --------    --------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Fixed income securities
       Proceeds from sales                                   1,922       1,606       3,522
       Investment collections                               10,253      10,036       5,770
       Investment purchases                                (20,690)    (18,568)    (15,532)
Change in short-term investments, net                       (1,964)      3,559       1,459
                                                          --------    --------    --------
          Net cash used in investing activities            (10,479)     (3,367)     (4,781)
                                                          --------    --------    --------

NET DECREASE IN CASH                                          --          --           (87)
CASH AT THE BEGINNING OF YEAR                                 --          --            87
                                                          --------    --------    --------
CASH AT END OF YEAR                                       $   --      $   --      $     --
                                                          ========    ========    ========

<FN>
        See notes to financial statements.

</FN>
</TABLE>


                                      F-5
<PAGE>


                        NORTHBROOK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                ($ IN THOUSANDS)

1.    GENERAL

BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying  financial  statements  include the accounts of Northbrook Life
Insurance  Company (the  "Company"),  a wholly owned subsidiary of Allstate Life
Insurance Company ("ALIC"),  which is wholly owned by Allstate Insurance Company
("AIC"),   a  wholly  owned   subsidiary  of  The  Allstate   Corporation   (the
"Corporation"). These financial statements have been prepared in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.

To conform  with the 1998  presentation,  certain  amounts  in the prior  years'
financial statements and notes have been reclassified.

NATURE OF OPERATIONS
The Company markets savings products and life insurance exclusively through Dean
Witter Reynolds Inc. ("Dean Witter") (see Note 4), a wholly owned  subsidiary of
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter. Savings products include deferred annuities, such as
variable  annuities and fixed rate single and flexible  premium  annuities,  and
immediate  annuities.  Life insurance  includes universal life and variable life
products.  In 1998,  substantially all of the Company's  statutory  premiums and
deposits were from annuities.  The Company  re-domesticated  its operations from
Illinois to Arizona in 1998.

Annuity contracts and life insurance  policies issued by the Company are subject
to  discretionary  surrenders or withdrawal by customers,  subject to applicable
surrender  charges.  These  policies and contracts are reinsured  primarily with
ALIC (see Note 3),  which  invests  premiums  and deposits to provide cash flows
that will be used to fund future benefits and expenses.

The  Company  monitors  economic  and  regulatory  developments  which  have the
potential to impact its  business.  There  continues to be proposed  federal and
state  regulation  and  legislation  that, if passed,  would allow banks greater
participation in securities and insurance businesses.  Such events would present
an  increased  level  of  competition  for  sales  of  the  Company's  products.
Furthermore,  the market for  deferred  annuities  and  interest-sensitive  life
insurance is enhanced by the tax  incentives  available  under  current law. Any
legislative  changes  which lessen  these  incentives  are likely to  negatively
impact the demand for these products.

Additionally,  traditional  demutualizations  of mutual insurance  companies and
enacted and pending state  legislation to permit mutual  insurance  companies to
convert to a hybrid  structure  known as a mutual  holding  company could have a
number  of  significant  effects  on  the  Company  by (1)  increasing  industry
competition through  consolidation caused by mergers and acquisitions related to
the new  corporate  form of  business;  and (2)  increasing  competition  in the
capital markets.

The Company is authorized to sell life and savings products in all states except
New York,  as well as in the  District  of  Columbia  and Puerto  Rico.  The top
geographic  locations  for  statutory  premiums and deposits for the Company are
California,  Florida and Texas for the year ended  December 31,  1998.  No other
jurisdiction  accounted  for more than 5% of statutory  premiums  and  deposits.
Substantially  all premiums  and  deposits  are ceded to ALIC under  reinsurance
agreements.

                                      F-6
<PAGE>

2.    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

INVESTMENTS
Fixed income securities include bonds and mortgage-backed  securities. All fixed
income  securities  are  carried  at fair  value and may be sold  prior to their
contractual  maturity  ("available for sale").  The difference between amortized
cost and fair value,  net of deferred  income taxes, is reflected as a component
of shareholder's equity.  Provisions are recognized for declines in the value of
fixed income  securities  that are other than  temporary.  Such  writedowns  are
included  in  realized  capital  gains and losses.  Short-term  investments  are
carried at cost or amortized cost, which approximates fair value.

Investment  income  consists  primarily of interest and  dividends on short-term
investments.  Interest  is  recognized  on an accrual  basis and  dividends  are
recorded at the ex-dividend date. Interest income on mortgage-backed  securities
is determined on the effective  yield method,  based on the estimated  principal
repayments.  Accrual of income is suspended for fixed income securities that are
in  default or when the  receipt  of  interest  payments  is in doubt.  Realized
capital gains and losses are determined on a specific identification basis.

REINSURANCE
The Company has  reinsurance  agreements  whereby  substantially  all  premiums,
contract charges,  credited  interest,  policy benefits and certain expenses are
ceded to  ALIC.  Such  amounts  are  reflected  net of such  reinsurance  in the
statements  of operations  and  comprehensive  income.  The amounts shown in the
Company's  statements  of  operations  and  comprehensive  income  relate to the
investment  of  those  assets  of the  Company  that are not  transferred  under
reinsurance  agreements.  Reinsurance  recoverable  and the related  reserve for
life-contingent   contract  benefits  and  contractholder   funds  are  reported
separately in the  statements of financial  position.  The Company  continues to
have primary liability as the direct insurer for risks reinsured.

RECOGNITION OF PREMIUM REVENUES AND CONTRACT CHARGES
Revenues on universal  life-type contracts are comprised of contract charges and
fees, and are recognized when assessed against the policyholder account balance.
Revenues on investment  contracts include contract charges and fees for contract
administration and surrenders. These revenues are recognized when levied against
the contract  balance.  All premium  revenues and contract charges are primarily
reinsured with ALIC.

INCOME TAXES
The income tax provision is calculated  under the liability method and presented
net of  reinsurance.  Deferred tax assets and  liabilities are recorded based on
the  difference  between  the  financial  statement  and tax bases of assets and
liabilities  at  the  enacted  tax  rates.  Deferred  income  taxes  arise  from
unrealized  capital gains and losses on fixed income securities  carried at fair
value and differences in the tax bases of investments.

                                      F-7
<PAGE>


SEPARATE ACCOUNTS
The Company issues flexible premium deferred  variable annuity and variable life
policies,  the  assets  and  liabilities  of which are  legally  segregated  and
reflected in the  accompanying  statements  of financial  position as assets and
liabilities of the Separate  Accounts.  The Company's  Separate Accounts consist
of: Northbrook Variable Annuity Account,  Northbrook Variable Annuity Account II
and  Northbrook  Life  Variable  Life  Separate  Account A. Each of the Separate
Accounts are unit investment  trusts registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

The assets of the Separate Accounts are carried at fair value. Investment income
and realized  capital gains and losses of the Separate  Accounts accrue directly
to the  contractholders  and,  therefore,  are  not  included  in the  Company's
statements of operations and comprehensive income.  Revenues to the Company from
the Separate Accounts consist of contract maintenance fees, administration fees,
mortality and expense risk charges and cost of insurance  charges,  all of which
are reinsured with ALIC.

RESERVE FOR LIFE-CONTINGENT CONTRACT BENEFITS
The reserve for life-contingent  contract benefits,  which relates to structured
settlement  annuities  with  life  contingencies,  is  computed  on the basis of
assumptions as to future investment yields, mortality,  morbidity,  terminations
and expenses.  These  assumptions  include  provisions for adverse deviation and
generally vary by such  characteristics  as type of coverage,  year of issue and
policy duration. Reserve interest rates ranged from 4.00% to 11.00% during 1998.

CONTRACTHOLDER FUNDS
Contractholder funds arise from the issuance of individual or group policies and
contracts that include an investment  component,  including most fixed annuities
and universal life policies.  Payments received are recorded as interest-bearing
liabilities.  Contractholder  funds are equal to deposits  received and interest
credited  to the  benefit  of the  contractholder  less  withdrawals,  mortality
charges and  administrative  expenses.  During 1998,  credited interest rates on
contractholder  funds ranged from 3.46% to 11.00% for those contracts with fixed
interest rates and from 3.25% to 6.50% for those with flexible rates.

USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial  statements in conformity  with generally  accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In 1998,  the  Company  adopted  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards
("SFAS") No. 130, "Reporting  Comprehensive  Income."  Comprehensive income is a
measurement  of  certain  changes  in  shareholder's  equity  that  result  from
transactions   and  other   economic   events  other  than   transactions   with
shareholders.  For the Company, these consist of changes in unrealized gains and
losses on the investment portfolio (See Note 9).

In 1998,  the Company  adopted SFAS No. 131,  "Disclosures  about Segments of an
Enterprise  and Related  Information."  SFAS No. 131  redefines how segments are
determined  and  requires  additional  segment  disclosures  for both annual and
interim  financial  reporting.  The  Company has  identified  itself as a single
operating segment.

                                      F-8
<PAGE>


PENDING ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In December 1997, the Accounting  Standards  Executive Committee of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("AICPA") issued Statement of Position
("SOP")   97-3,   "Accounting   by   Insurance   and   Other   Enterprises   for
Insurance-related  Assessments."  The SOP is required to be adopted in 1999. The
SOP  provides   guidance   concerning   when  to   recognize  a  liability   for
insurance-related  assessments  and how those  liabilities  should be  measured.
Specifically,  insurance-related assessments should be recognized as liabilities
when all of the  following  criteria  have been met: 1) an  assessment  has been
imposed or it is  probable  that an  assessment  will be  imposed,  2) the event
obligating an entity to pay an assessment  has occurred and 3) the amount of the
assessment can be reasonably estimated.  The Company is currently evaluating the
effects of this SOP on its accounting for insurance-related assessments. Certain
information required for compliance is not currently available and therefore the
Company is studying  alternatives  for  estimating  the  accrual.  In  addition,
industry  groups are working to improve the information  available.  Adoption of
this  standard is not  expected to be material to the results of  operations  or
financial position of the Company.


3.    RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

REINSURANCE
The Company has  reinsurance  agreements  whereby  substantially  all  premiums,
contract charges,  credited  interest,  policy benefits and certain expenses are
ceded  to ALIC  and  reflected  net of such  reinsurance  in the  statements  of
operations  and  comprehensive  income.  The  amounts  shown  in  the  Company's
statements of operations  and  comprehensive  income relate to the investment of
those  assets  of  the  Company  that  are  not  transferred  under  reinsurance
agreements.  Reinsurance recoverable and the related reserve for life-contingent
contract  benefits  and  contracholder  funds  are  reported  separately  in the
statements  of  financial  position.  The  Company  continues  to  have  primary
liability as the direct insurer for risks reinsured.

Investment  income earned on the assets which support  contractholder  funds and
the  reserve  for  life-contingent  contract  benefits  is not  included  in the
Company's  financial  statements as those assets are owned and managed under the
terms of reinsurance agreements.  The following amounts were ceded to ALIC under
reinsurance agreements.

                                           YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                           -----------------------
($ in thousands)                         1998      1997       1996
                                         ----      ----       ----

Premiums                              $  2,528   $  1,979   $  3,775
Contract charges                       102,218     83,559     60,744
Credited interest, policy benefits,
     and certain expenses              217,428    201,526    218,088


BUSINESS  OPERATIONS
The Company utilizes services  provided by AIC and ALIC and business  facilities
owned or leased, and operated by AIC in conducting its business activities.  The
Company reimburses AIC and ALIC for the operating expenses incurred on behalf of
the Company. The cost to the Company is determined by various allocation methods
and is primarily related to the level of services provided.  Operating expenses,
including  compensation and retirement and other benefit programs,  allocated to
the  Company  were  $26,230,  $23,978  and  $26,583  in  1998,  1997  and  1996,
respectively.  Of these costs, the Company retains  investment related expenses.
All other costs are ceded to ALIC under reinsurance agreements.

                                      F-9
<PAGE>


4.  EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

The  Company  and ALIC have a  strategic  alliance  with Dean Witter to develop,
market and distribute  proprietary  annuity and life insurance  products through
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisors. Affiliates of Dean Witter are the
investment  managers  for the Morgan  Stanley  Dean Witter  Variable  Investment
Series, Morgan Stanley Universal Funds, Inc. and the Van Kampen American Capital
Life Investment  Trust,  the funds in which the assets of the Separate  Accounts
are invested.

Under the terms of the  strategic  alliance,  the Company has agreed to use Dean
Witter as an  exclusive  distribution  channel for the  Company's  products.  In
addition to the Company's  products,  Dean Witter  markets other  products which
compete with those of the  Company.  The  strategic  alliance is  cancelable  by
either party,  however, the Company believes the benefits derived by Dean Witter
will preserve the alliance.  If Dean Witter would choose to cancel the alliance,
existing contracts and policies would not be affected.


5.  INVESTMENTS

FAIR VALUES
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses,  and fair value for fixed
income securities are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                              GROSS UNREALIZED
                                                            --------------------
                                                   AMORTIZED                         FAIR
                                                     COST      GAINS     LOSSES      VALUE
                                                  ----------   -------   -------    -------
<S>                                                  <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>

AT DECEMBER 31, 1998
U.S. government and agencies                         $ 8,648   $ 1,469   $    --    $10,117
Municipal                                                590        11        --        601
Corporate                                             33,958     1,634       (16)    35,576
Mortgage-backed securities                            37,960     2,250      (168)    40,042
                                                     -------   -------   -------    -------
     Total fixed income securities                   $81,156   $ 5,364   $  (184)   $86,336
                                                     =======   =======   =======    =======

AT DECEMBER 31, 1997
U.S. government and agencies                         $ 8,638   $   823   $    --    $ 9,461
Municipal                                              1,143        28        --      1,171
Corporate                                             25,913       897       (12)    26,798
Mortgage-backed securities                            36,797     2,315      (140)    38,972
                                                     -------   -------   -------    -------
     Total fixed income securities                   $72,491   $ 4,063   $  (152)   $76,402
                                                     =======   =======   =======    =======
</TABLE>

                                      F-10
<PAGE>


SCHEDULED MATURITIES
The scheduled  maturities for fixed income securities are as follows at December
31, 1998:

                                                    AMORTIZED    FAIR
                                                      COST      VALUE

Due in one year or less                              $ 1,443   $ 1,452
Due after one year through five years                  7,546     7,950
Due after five years through ten years                26,008    27,429
Due after ten years                                    8,199     9,463
                                                     -------   -------
                                                      43,196    46,294
Mortgage-backed securities                            37,960    40,042
                                                     -------   -------
      Total                                          $81,156   $86,336
                                                     =======   =======

Actual  maturities may differ from those scheduled as a result of prepayments by
the issuers.


NET INVESTMENT INCOME
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                             1998      1997        1996
                                                    ----      ----        ----

Fixed income securities                            $ 5,616   $ 5,364    $ 4,675
Short-term investments                                 190        84        390
                                                   -------   -------    -------
    Investment income, before expense                5,806     5,448      5,065
    Investment expense                                 115       302        177
                                                   -------   -------    -------
    Net investment income                          $ 5,691   $ 5,146    $ 4,888
                                                   =======   =======    =======

REALIZED CAPITAL GAINS AND LOSSES
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                             1998      1997       1996
                                                    ----      ----       ----

Fixed income securities                            $     2   $   (70)   $   (22)
Short-term investments                                  --         2          2
                                                   -------   -------    -------
    Realized capital gains and losses                    2       (68)       (20)
    Income tax                                          (1)       24          7
                                                   -------   -------    -------
    Realized capital gains and losses, after tax   $     1   $   (44)   $   (13)
                                                   =======   =======    =======

Excluding calls and  prepayments,  gross losses of $9, $70 and $32 were realized
on sales of fixed income securities during 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

                                      F-11
<PAGE>

UNREALIZED NET CAPITAL GAINS
Unrealized   net  capital   gains  on  fixed  income   securities   included  in
shareholder's equity at December 31, 1998 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                 COST/
                               AMORTIZED     FAIR      GROSS UNREALIZED     UNREALIZED
                                 COST        VALUE      GAINS     LOSSES     NET GAINS
                               --------    --------   --------   --------    --------
<S>                            <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>

Fixed income securities        $ 81,156    $ 86,336   $  5,364   $   (184)   $  5,180
                               ========    ========   ========   ========
Deferred income taxes                                                          (1,813)
                                                                             --------
Unrealized net capital gains                                                 $  3,367
                                                                             ========

</TABLE>

CHANGE IN UNREALIZED NET CAPITAL GAINS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                    1998       1997       1996
                                          -------    -------    -------

  Fixed income securities                 $ 1,269    $ 1,932    $(2,108)
  Deferred income taxes                      (444)      (676)       737
                                          -------    -------    -------
  Increase (decrease) in unrealized net
   capital gains                          $   825    $ 1,256    $(1,371)
                                          =======    =======    =======


SECURITIES ON DEPOSIT
At December 31, 1998,  fixed income  securities  with a carrying value of $9,188
were on deposit with regulatory authorities as required by law.

6.    FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

In the normal  course of  business,  the  Company  invests in various  financial
assets and incurs various  financial  liabilities.  The fair value  estimates of
financial  instruments  presented  below are not  necessarily  indicative of the
amounts  the  Company  might  pay or  receive  in  actual  market  transactions.
Potential  taxes  and  other  transaction  costs  have  not been  considered  in
estimating fair value. The disclosures that follow do not reflect the fair value
of the Company as a whole  since a number of the  Company's  significant  assets
(including   reinsurance   recoverable)  and  liabilities  (including  universal
life-type  insurance  reserves and  deferred  income  taxes) are not  considered
financial  instruments  and are not  carried  at fair  value.  Other  assets and
liabilities considered financial instruments, such as accrued investment income,
are  generally  of a short-term  nature.  Their  carrying  values are assumed to
approximate fair value.

FINANCIAL ASSETS
The  carrying  value and fair value of  financial  assets at December 31, are as
follows:

                                  1998                      1997
                                  ----                      ----
                           CARRYING       FAIR       CARRYING      FAIR
                            VALUE         VALUE        VALUE       VALUE
                            -----         -----        -----       -----

Fixed income securities   $   86,336   $   86,336   $   76,402   $   76,402
Short-term investments         5,083        5,083        3,031        3,031
Separate Accounts          7,031,083    7,031,083    5,719,203    5,719,203


                                      F-12
<PAGE>


Fair values for fixed income  securities are based on quoted market prices where
available. Non-quoted securities are valued based on discounted cash flows using
current interest rates for similar securities. Short-term investments are highly
liquid  investments  with  maturities of less than one year whose carrying value
approximates fair value.  Separate Accounts assets are carried in the statements
of financial position at fair value based on quoted market prices.


FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
The carrying  value and fair value of financial  liabilities at December 31, are
as follows:
                                    1998                      1997
                                    ----                      ----
                             CARRYING      FAIR        CARRYING      FAIR
                              VALUE        VALUE         VALUE       VALUE
                              -----        -----         -----       -----
Contractholder funds on
     investment contracts   $1,839,114   $1,814,684   $1,977,479   $1,951,214
Separate Accounts            7,031,083    7,031,083    5,719,203    5,719,203

The fair value of contractholder  funds on investment  contracts is based on the
terms of the  underlying  contracts.  Reserves on investment  contracts  with no
stated maturities  (single premium and flexible premium deferred  annuities) are
valued  at the  account  balance  less  surrender  charges.  The  fair  value of
immediate annuities and annuities without life contingencies with fixed terms is
estimated  using  discounted  cash flow  calculations  based on  interest  rates
currently  offered for  contracts  with similar  terms and  durations.  Separate
Accounts liabilities are carried at the fair value of the underlying assets.


7.    INCOME TAXES

The Company joins the Corporation and its other eligible  domestic  subsidiaries
(the "Allstate Group") in the filing of a consolidated federal income tax return
and is party to a federal  income tax  allocation  agreement  (the "Allstate Tax
Sharing Agreement").  Under the Allstate Tax Sharing Agreement, the Company pays
to or receives from the  Corporation  the amount,  if any, by which the Allstate
Group's  federal  income tax liability is affected by virtue of inclusion of the
Company in the consolidated federal income tax return. Effectively, this results
in the Company's annual income tax provision being computed,  with  adjustments,
as if the Company filed a separate return.

Prior to Sears, Roebuck and Co.'s ("Sears")  distribution ("Sears distribution")
on  June  30,  1995  of  its  80.3%   ownership  in  the  Corporation  to  Sears
shareholders,  the Allstate  Group  joined with Sears and its domestic  business
units (the "Sears  Group") in the filing of a  consolidated  federal  income tax
return  (the  "Sears  Tax  Group")  and were  parties  to a federal  income  tax
allocation  agreement  (the "Tax  Sharing  Agreement").  Under  the Tax  Sharing
Agreement,  the Company,  through the Corporation,  paid to or received from the
Sears Group the amount,  if any, by which the Sears Tax Group's  federal  income
tax  liability  was  affected  by  virtue of  inclusion  of the  Company  in the
consolidated federal income tax return.

                                      F-13
<PAGE>


As a result of the Sears distribution, the Allstate Group was no longer included
in  the  Sears  Tax  Group,  and  the  Tax  Sharing  Agreement  was  terminated.
Accordingly,  the Allstate  Group and Sears Group entered into a new tax sharing
agreement,  which adopts many of the principles of the Tax Sharing Agreement and
governs their  respective  rights and obligations with respect to federal income
taxes for all periods prior to the Sears  distribution,  including the treatment
of audits of tax returns for such periods.

The Internal  Revenue  Service  ("IRS") has completed its review of the Allstate
Group's  federal  income tax returns  through the 1993 tax year.  Any adjustment
that may result from IRS  examinations of tax returns are not expected to have a
material impact on the financial position, liquidity or results of operations of
the Company.

The components of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31,
are as follows:

                                              1998       1997
                                              ----       ----

DEFERRED ASSETS
    Separate Accounts                        $  --      $   149
                                             -------    -------

DEFERRED LIABILITIES
    Difference in tax bases of investments    (1,503)    (1,454)
    Unrealized net capital gains              (1,813)    (1,369)
                                             -------    -------
         Total deferred liabilities           (3,316)    (2,823)
                                             -------    -------
         Net deferred liability              $(3,316)   $(2,674)
                                             =======    =======

The  components  of income tax  expense for the year ended  December  31, are as
follows:

                                 1998     1997       1996
                                 ----     ----       ----

Current                        $ 1,797   $ 1,843    $ 1,642
Deferred                           198       (87)        24
                               -------   -------    -------
    Total income tax expense   $ 1,995   $ 1,756    $ 1,666
                               =======   =======    =======

The Company paid income taxes of $129, $2,236 and $2,308 in 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.  The Company had a current income tax liability of $1,830 and $162
at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

                                      F-14
<PAGE>


A  reconciliation  of the  statutory  federal  income tax rate to the  effective
income tax rate on income from  operations for the year ended December 31, is as
follows:

                                        1998        1997      1996
                                       ------      ------    ------

Statutory federal income tax rate       35.0%      35.0%      35.0%
Tax-exempt income                       (0.2)      (0.4)      (0.6)
Other                                    0.2        --        (0.2)
                                       ------     ------     ------
Effective income tax rate               35.0%      34.6%      34.2%
                                       ======     ======     ======

Prior to January 1, 1984,  the Company was entitled to exclude  certain  amounts
from taxable  income and  accumulate  such amounts in a  "policyholder  surplus"
account.  The balance in this account at December 31, 1998,  approximately  $16,
will result in federal income taxes payable of $6 if distributed by the Company.
No  provision  for taxes has been made as the Company has no plan to  distribute
amounts  from this  account.  No  further  additions  to the  account  have been
permitted since the Tax Reform Act of 1984.

8.       STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

PERMITTED STATUTORY ACCOUNTING PRACTICES
The Company  prepares its statutory  financial  statements  in  accordance  with
accounting  principles  and  practices  prescribed  or  permitted by the Arizona
Department of Insurance.  Prescribed  statutory  accounting  practices include a
variety of publications of the National  Association of Insurance  Commissioners
("NAIC"), as well as state laws,  regulations and general  administrative rules.
Permitted statutory  accounting practices encompass all accounting practices not
so prescribed.  The Company does not follow any permitted  statutory  accounting
practices that have a significant  impact on statutory  surplus or statutory net
income.

The NAIC's codification initiative has produced a comprehensive guide of revised
statutory accounting  principles.  While the NAIC has approved a January 1, 2001
implementation date for the newly developed  guidance,  companies must adhere to
the implementation date adopted by their state of domicile.  The Company's state
of domicile,  Arizona,  is continuing its comparison of codification and current
statutory  accounting  requirements to determine necessary revisions to existing
state laws and regulations. The requirements are not expected to have a material
impact on the statutory surplus of the Company.

                                      F-15
<PAGE>


DIVIDENDS
The ability of the Company to pay dividends is dependent on business conditions,
income, cash requirements of the Company and other relevant factors. The payment
of shareholder  dividends by the Company without the prior approval of the state
insurance  regulator  is  limited  to  formula  amounts  based on net income and
capital  and  surplus,   determined  in  accordance  with  statutory  accounting
practices,  as well as the timing and amount of dividends  paid in the preceding
twelve  months.  The maximum amount of dividends that the Company can distribute
during 1999 without  prior  approval of the Arizona  Department  of Insurance is
$3,518.

9.    OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The components of other comprehensive income on a pretax and after-tax basis for
the year ended December 31, are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                 1998                            1997                           1996
                                 --------------------------------    ----------------------------  -----------------------------
                                                           After-                         After-                         After-
                                     Pretax      Tax        tax      Pretax      Tax       tax      Pretax       Tax      tax
                                     ------      ---        ---      ------      ---       ---      ------       ---      ---
<S>                                 <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>

Unrealized capital gains
 and losses:
- ---------------------------------
Unrealized holding gains
   (losses) arising during
   the period                       $ 1,271    $  (445)   $   826    $ 1,862   $  (652)   $ 1,210   $(2,130)   $   745   $(1,385)
Less:  reclassification
   adjustment for realized
   net capital gains
   included in net income                 2         (1)         1        (70)       24        (46)      (22)         8       (14)
                                    -------    -------    -------    -------   -------    -------   -------    -------   -------
Unrealized net capital
   gains (losses)                     1,269       (444)       825      1,932      (676)     1,256    (2,108)       737    (1,371)
                                    -------    -------    -------    -------   -------    -------   -------    -------   -------
Other comprehensive
   income                           $ 1,269    $  (444)   $   825    $ 1,932   $  (676)   $ 1,256   $(2,108)   $   737   $(1,371)
                                    =======    =======    =======    =======   =======    =======   =======    =======   =======

</TABLE>


10.      COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

REGULATION AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company's business is subject to the effects of a changing social,  economic
and regulatory  environment.  Public and regulatory  initiatives have varied and
have included employee benefit regulations, removal of barriers preventing banks
from  engaging  in the  securities  and  insurance  business,  tax  law  changes
affecting  the taxation of insurance  companies,  the tax treatment of insurance
products  and its  impact  on the  relative  desirability  of  various  personal
investment  vehicles,  and proposed legislation to prohibit the use of gender in
determining  insurance  rates and  benefits.  The ultimate  changes and eventual
effects, if any, of these initiatives are uncertain.

From time to time the Company is involved in pending and  threatened  litigation
in the normal  course of its business in which  claims for monetary  damages are
asserted. In the opinion of management,  the ultimate liability, if any, arising
from such pending or  threatened  litigation  is not expected to have a material
effect on the results of  operations,  liquidity  or  financial  position of the
Company.


                                      F-16
<PAGE>

                        NORTHBROOK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                            SCHEDULE IV--REINSURANCE
                                ($ IN THOUSANDS)


                                   GROSS                     NET
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998       AMOUNT      CEDED        AMOUNT
- ----------------------------       ------      -----        ------

Life insurance in force          $ 494,256   $ 494,256    $   --
                                 =========   =========    =========

Premiums and contract charges:
         Life and annuities      $ 104,746   $ 104,746    $   --
                                 =========   =========    =========


                                   GROSS                     NET
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998       AMOUNT      CEDED        AMOUNT
- ----------------------------       ------      -----        ------

Life insurance in force          $ 515,890   $ 515,890    $   --
                                 =========   =========    =========

Premiums and contract charges:
         Life and annuities      $  85,538   $  85,538    $   --
                                 =========   =========    =========

                                   GROSS                     NET
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998       AMOUNT      CEDED        AMOUNT
- ----------------------------       ------      -----        ------


Life insurance in force          $ 556,242   $ 556,242    $   --
                                 =========   =========    ==========

Premiums and contract charges:
         Life and annuities      $  64,519   $  64,519    $   --
                                 =========   =========    ==========


                                      F-17

<PAGE>
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     NORTHBROOK VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT II

                  Financial Statements as of December 31, 1998
                   and for the periods ended December 31, 1998
                           and December 31, 1997, and
                          Independent Auditors' Report



<PAGE>

NORTHBROOK VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT II

TABLE OF CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            Page

Independent Auditors' Report                                                  1

Statements of Net Assets as of December 31, 1998 for the following:

   Investments in the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment
    Series Portfolios:                                                        2
     Money Market
     High Yield
     Equity
     Quality Income Plus
     Strategist
     Dividend Growth
     Utilities
     European Growth
     Capital Growth
     Global Dividend Growth
     Pacific Growth
     Capital Appreciation
     Income Builder
     Competitive Edge "Best Ideas"
     S&P 500 Index
   Investments in the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Universal Funds, Inc.
    Portfolios:
     International Magnum
     Emerging Markets Equity
     Equity Growth
     U.S. Real Estate
   Investment in the Van Kampen Life Investment Trust Portfolio:
     Emerging Growth


<PAGE>

NORTHBROOK VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT II

TABLE OF CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            Page

Statements of Operations for the following:

For the Year Ended December 31, 1998
   Investments in the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment
    Series Portfolios:                                                      3, 4
     Money Market
     High Yield
     Equity
     Quality Income Plus
     Strategist
     Dividend Growth
     Utilities
     European Growth
     Capital Growth
     Global Dividend Growth
     Pacific Growth
     Capital Appreciation
     Income Builder                                                           5

For the Period May 18, 1998 to December 31, 1998
   Investments in the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment
    Series Portfolios:
     Competitive Edge "Best Ideas"
     S&P 500 Index

For the Period March 16, 1998 to December 31, 1998
   Investments in the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Universal Funds,
    Inc. Portfolios:
     International Magnum
     Emerging Markets Equity
     Equity Growth

For the Period May 18, 1998 to December 31, 1998
   Investments in the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Universal Funds,
    Inc. Portfolios:
     U.S. Real Estate

For the Period March 16, 1998 to December 31, 1998
   Investment in the Van Kampen Life Investment Trust Portfolio:
     Emerging Growth


<PAGE>

NORTHBROOK VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT II

TABLE OF CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                            Page
Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the following:

For the Years Ended December 31, 1998, and 1997
   Investments in the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment
    Series Portfolios:                                                  6,7,9,10
     Money Market
     High Yield
     Equity
     Quality Income Plus
     Strategist
     Dividend Growth
     Utilities
     European Growth
     Capital Growth
     Global Dividend Growth
     Pacific Growth

For the Year Ended  December  31,  1998,  and for the Period
 January 21, 1997 to December 31, 1997
   Investments in the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable
    Investment Series Portfolios:
     Capital Appreciation
     Income Builder                                                        8, 10

For the Period May 18, 1998 to December 31, 1998
   Investments in the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment
    Series Portfolios:                                                        8
     Competitive Edge "Best Ideas"
     S&P 500 Index

For the Period March 16, 1998 to December 31, 1998
   Investments in the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Universal Funds,
    Inc. Portfolios:
     International Magnum
     Emerging Markets Equity
     Equity Growth

For the Period May 18, 1998 to December 31, 1998
   Investment in the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Universal Funds, Inc. Portfolio:
     U.S. Real Estate

For the Period March 16, 1998 to December 31, 1998
   Investment in the Van Kampen Life Investment Trust Portfolio:
     Emerging Growth

Notes to Financial Statements                                              11-18

<PAGE>


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
Northbrook Life Insurance Company:

We  have  audited  the  accompanying  statements  of net  assets  of each of the
sub-accounts  ("portfolios" for purposes of this report), listed in the table of
contents,  that comprise Northbrook Variable Annuity Account II (the "Account"),
a Separate  Account of Northbrook  Life Insurance  Company,  an affiliate of The
Allstate  Corporation,  as of December 31, 1998,  and the related  statements of
operations and changes in net assets for the applicable periods indicated in the
table of contents.  These  financial  statements are the  responsibility  of the
Account's  management.  Our  responsibility  is to  express  an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  generally   accepted  auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included
confirmation  of  securities  owned at December 31, 1998. An audit also includes
assessing the  accounting  principles  used and  significant  estimates  made by
management,  as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our  opinion,  such  financial  statements  present  fairly,  in all material
respects, the financial position of each of the portfolios,  listed in the table
of contents,  that comprise the Account as of December 31, 1998, and the results
of their  operations,  and the  changes  in  their  net  assets  for each of the
periods,  indicated  in the table of  contents,  in  conformity  with  generally
accepted accounting principles.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP


Chicago, Illinois
March 18, 1999


<PAGE>

NORTHBROOK VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT II

STATEMENTS OF NET ASSETS
DECEMBER 31, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

($ and shares in thousands)


ASSETS
Investments in the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable
 Investment Series Portfolios:
  Money Market, 401,023 shares (cost $401,023)                    $    401,023
  High Yield, 66,497 shares (cost $407,839)                            337,140
  Equity, 26,919 shares (cost $761,382)                              1,038,517
  Quality Income Plus, 45,087 shares (cost $481,586)                   495,962
  Strategist,  33,442 shares (cost $456,197)                           556,471
  Dividend Growth, 94,314 shares (cost $1,606,539)                   2,087,163
  Utilities, 23,911 shares (cost $353,913)                             508,112
  European Growth, 17,375 shares (cost $353,686)                       472,241
  Capital Growth, 6,310 shares (cost $100,444)                         128,471
  Global Dividend Growth, 32,832 shares (cost $405,572)                454,072
  Pacific Growth, 9,197 shares (cost $66,760)                           47,365
  Capital Appreciation, 3,020 shares (cost $33,114)                     31,290
  Income Builder, 7,319 shares (cost $83,510)                           83,874
  Competitive Edge "Best Ideas", 3,599 shares (cost $34,032)            35,309
  S&P 500 Index, 4,143 shares (cost $41,873)                            46,487

Investments in the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Universal Funds,
 Inc. Portfolios:
  International Magnum, 308 shares (cost $3,639)                         3,463
  Emerging Markets Equity, 205 shares (cost $1,636)                      1,459
  Equity Growth, 1,701 shares (cost $24,283)                            25,683
  U.S. Real Estate, 202 shares (cost $2,036)                             1,980

Investments in the Van Kampen Life Investment Trust Portfolio:
  Emerging Growth, 426 shares (cost $8,141)                              9,640
                                                                  ------------
         Total assets                                                6,765,722

LIABILITIES
Payable to Northbrook Life Insurance Company:
  Accrued contract maintenance charges                                   1,499
                                                                  ------------
           Net assets                                             $  6,764,223
                                                                  ============

See notes to financial statements.


                                       2
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

NORTHBROOK VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT II

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

($ in thousands)
                                                            Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series Portfolios
                                                       --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           For the Year Ended December 31, 1998
                                                       --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                               Quality
                                                         Money        High                      Income                  Dividend
                                                         Market       Yield        Equity        Plus     Strategist     Growth
                                                       ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------   ----------    ---------
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>

INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividends                                              $  17,397    $  43,535    $ 109,635    $  28,193     $ 56,397    $ 209,394
Charges from Northbrook Life Insurance
  Company:
  Mortality and expense risk                              (4,498)      (4,678)     (11,173)      (5,781)      (6,152)     (25,103)
  Administrative expense                                    (350)        (360)        (862)        (455)        (480)      (1,944)
                                                       ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
      Net investment income (loss)                        12,549       38,497       97,600       21,957       49,765      182,347
                                                       ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS
  (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS
  Realized gains (losses) from sales of investments:
    Proceeds from sales                                  239,277      154,402       95,654       59,783       60,552      184,605
    Cost of investments sold                             239,277      164,118       73,762       58,900       51,539      133,624
                                                       ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
      Net realized gains (losses)                             --       (9,716)      21,892          883        9,013       50,981
                                                       ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
 Change in unrealized gains (losses)                          --      (58,495)     101,407        7,935       48,208      (11,845)
                                                       ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
      Net gains (losses) on investments -                     --      (68,211)     123,299        8,818       57,221       39,136
                                                       ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING
  FROM OPERATIONS                                      $  12,549    $ (29,714)   $ 220,899    $  30,775    $ 106,986    $ 221,483
                                                       =========    =========    =========    =========    =========    =========
<FN>
See notes to financial statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>



                                       3
<PAGE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

NORTHBROOK VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT II


STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


($ in thousands)
                                                            Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series Portfolios
                                                       --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           For the Year Ended December 31, 1998
                                                       --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                Global                   Capital
                                                                    European      Capital      Dividend     Pacific      Appreci-
                                                       Utilities     Growth       Growth        Growth       Growth       ation
                                                       ---------    ---------    ---------    --------     ---------    ---------
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>

INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividends                                              $  34,513    $  32,912    $   9,336    $  56,581    $   2,661    $     200
Charges from Northbrook Life Insurance
  Company:
  Mortality and expense risk                              (5,586)      (5,623)      (1,586)      (5,960)        (645)        (420)
  Administrative expense                                    (439)        (436)        (123)        (462)         (50)         (32)
                                                       ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
      Net investment income (loss)                        28,488       26,853        7,627       50,159        1,966         (252)
                                                       ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS
  (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS
  Realized gains (losses) from sales of investments:
    Proceeds from sales                                   67,310      104,720       26,648       87,138       69,894       10,850
    Cost of investments sold                              47,924       80,227       22,224       77,300       93,611       10,897
                                                       ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
      Net realized gains (loss)                           19,386       24,493        4,424        9,838      (23,717)         (47)
                                                       ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
 Change in unrealized gains (losses)                      41,969       25,370        6,985      (15,619)      14,937       (2,968)
                                                       ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
      Net gains (losses) on investments                   61,355       49,863       11,409       (5,781)      (8,780)      (3,015)
                                                       ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING
  FROM OPERATIONS                                      $  89,843    $  76,716    $  19,036    $  44,378    $ (6,814)    $ (3,267)
                                                       =========    =========    =========    =========    =========    =========

See notes to financial statements.

</TABLE>

                                       4
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

NORTHBROOK VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT II

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
($ in thousands)
                                                                                                                     Van Kampen
                                                                                                                       Life
                                                                                                                     Investment
                                           Morgan Stanley Dean Witter        Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Univeral       Trust
                                           Variable Investment Series              Funds, Inc. Portfolios            Portfolio
                                         ------------------------------   -----------------------------------------  ----------
                                                                                                           For the     For the
                                         For the                                                           Period      Period
                                           Year                                                            May 18,    March 16,
                                          Ended       For the Period                                       1998 to    1998 to
                                         December     May 18, 1998 to        For the Period March 16,      December   December
                                         31, 1998    December 31, 1998      1998 to December 31, 1998      31, 1998   31, 1998
                                         --------   -------------------   ------------------------------   ---------  ---------
                                                    Compet-
                                                     itive
                                                     Edge                 Inter-     Emerging                U.S.
                                          Income    "Best      S&P 500   national     Markets    Equity      Real     Emerging
                                          Builder    Ideas"     Index     Magnum      Equity     Growth     Estate     Growth
                                         --------   --------   --------  ---------   --------   --------   --------   --------
<S>                                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>

INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividends                                $  4,591   $     --   $     --   $     20   $      7   $    106   $     54   $     --
Charges from Northbrook Life Insurance
  Company:
  Mortality and expense risk               (1,007)      (199)      (159)       (25)        (9)      (172)       (10)       (44)
  Administrative expense                      (76)       (15)       (12)        (2)        (1)       (13)        (1)        (3)
                                         --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
      Net investment income (loss)          3,508       (214)      (171)        (7)        (3)       (79)        43        (47)
                                         --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS
  (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS
  Realized gains (losses) from sales of
   investments:
    Proceeds from sales                     9,687      9,230      1,921      1,007        603      2,815        298      1,422
    Cost of investments sold                9,828      9,577      1,955      1,082        669      3,027        328      1,474
                                         --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
      Net realized gains (losses)            (141)      (347)       (34)       (75)       (66)      (212)       (30)       (52)
                                         --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
 Change in unrealized gains (losses)       (3,234)     1,277      4,614       (176)      (177)     1,400        (56)     1,499
                                         --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
      Net gains (losses) on investments    (3,375)       930      4,580       (251)      (243)     1,188        (86)     1,447
                                         --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING
  FROM OPERATIONS                        $    133   $    716   $  4,409   $   (258)  $   (246)  $  1,109   $    (43)  $  1,400
                                         ========   ========   ========   ========   ========   ========   ========   ========

<FN>

See notes to financial statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>



                                       5
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

NORTHBROOK VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT II


STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

($ in thousands)
                                                     Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series Portfolios
                                       --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  For the Year Ended December 31, 1998
                                       --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                      Quality
                                          Money          High                         Income                        Dividend
                                         Market         Yield          Equity          Plus         Strategist       Growth
                                       -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
<S>                                    <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>

FROM OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)           $    12,549    $    38,497    $    97,600    $    21,957    $    49,765    $   182,347
Net realized gains (losses)                     --         (9,716)        21,892            883          9,013         50,981
Change in unrealized gains (losses)             --        (58,495)       101,407          7,935         48,208        (11,845)
                                       -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
      Change in net assets resulting
        from operations                     12,549        (29,714)       220,899         30,775        106,986        221,483

FROM CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS
Deposits                                   129,304         89,840        172,406         61,783         73,193        365,505
Benefit payments                           (10,995)        (6,105)        (8,144)        (7,285)        (6,681)       (20,960)
Payments on termination                    (87,147)       (37,591)       (87,507)       (51,273)       (53,776)      (208,790)
Contract maintenance charges                  (141)          (129)          (381)          (199)          (221)          (878)
Transfers among the portfolios and
  with the Fixed Account - net              56,130        (15,774)         4,500         38,984         13,210        (16,301)
                                       -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
      Change in net assets resulting
        from capital transactions           87,151         30,241         80,874         42,010         25,725        118,576
                                       -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS           99,700            527        301,773         72,785        132,711        340,059

NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR            301,234        336,538        736,514        423,067        423,637      1,746,643
                                       -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR              $   400,934    $   337,065     $1,038,287    $   495,852    $   556,348    $ 2,086,702
                                       ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========
<FN>

See notes to financial statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>

                                       6
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


NORTHBROOK VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT II


STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

($ in thousands)
                                                      Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series Portfolios
                                              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  For the Year Ended December 31, 1998
                                              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                        Global
                                                            European      Capital     Dividend      Pacific      Capital
                                                Utilities    Growth        Growth      Growth       Growth    Appreciation
                                              ----------   -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- ------------
<S>                                           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>

FROM OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)                  $    28,488  $    26,853  $     7,627  $    50,159  $     1,966  $      (252)
Net realized gains (losses)                        19,386       24,493        4,424        9,838      (23,717)         (47)
Change in unrealized gains (losses)                41,969       25,370        6,985      (15,619)      14,937       (2,968)
                                              -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
      Change in net assets resulting
        from operations                            89,843       76,716       19,036       44,378       (6,814)      (3,267)

FROM CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS
Deposits                                           58,091       77,756       17,878       54,785        5,414       12,585
Benefit payments                                   (7,223)      (4,658)        (965)      (4,783)        (481)        (278)
Payments on termination                           (56,603)     (44,010)     (15,021)     (45,080)      (5,343)      (2,047)
Contract maintenance charges                         (207)        (197)         (51)        (209)         (24)         (13)
Transfers among the portfolios and with the
  Fixed Account - net                              14,560        8,524      (10,068)     (45,404)      (7,740)      (6,494)
                                              -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
      Change in net assets resulting from
        capital transactions                        8,618       37,415       (8,227)     (40,691)      (8,174)       3,753
                                              -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS                  98,461      114,131       10,809        3,687      (14,988)         486

NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR                   409,538      358,005      117,633      450,284       62,342       30,797
                                              -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR                     $   507,999  $   472,136  $   128,442  $   453,791  $    47,354  $    31,283
                                              ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
<FN>

See notes to financial statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>

                                       7
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

NORTHBROOK VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT II


STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
($ in thousands)
                                                                                                                        Van Kampen
                                                                                                                           Life
                                        Morgan Stanley Dean Witter                                                      Investment
                                        Variable Investment Series            Morgan Stanley Dean Witter                   Trust
                                                Portfolio                  Universal Funds, Inc. Portfolio               Portfolio
                                    ----------------------------------   ---------------------------------------------  ----------
                                                                                                              For the     For the
                                                                                                              Period      Period
                                     For the                                                                  May 18,    March 16,
                                    Year Ended      For the Period                   For the Period          1998 to      1998 to
                                     December       May 18, 1998 to                March 16, 1998 to         December    December
                                     31, 1998      December 31, 1998               December 31, 1998         31, 1998    31, 1998
                                    ----------   ---------------------   ---------------------------------   ---------   ---------
                                                  Competi-
                                                 tive Edge                 Inter-     Emerging                  U.S.
                                      Income       "Best      S&P 500     national    Markets      Equity       Real     Emerging
                                      Builder      Ideas"      Index       Magnum     Equity       Growth      Estate     Growth
                                     ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------

<S>                                  <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>

FROM OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)         $   3,508   $    (214)  $    (171)  $      (7)  $      (3)  $     (79)  $      43   $     (47)
Net realized gains (losses)               (141)       (347)        (34)        (75)        (66)       (212)        (30)        (52)
Change in unrealized gains (losses)     (3,234)      1,277       4,614        (176)       (177)      1,400         (56)      1,499
                                     ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
    Change in net assets resulting
      from operations                      133         716       4,409        (258)       (246)      1,109         (43)      1,400


FROM CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS
Deposits                                34,230      19,127      20,590       2,610       1,114      21,346       1,559       5,514
Benefit payments                          (920)       (168)        (60)        (11)         --        (354)         --          --
Payments on termination                 (5,563)       (423)       (593)       (168)         (7)       (594)        (35)       (272)
Contract maintenance charges               (31)        (10)        (12)         (1)         --          (7)         (1)         (3)
Transfers among the portfolios and
  with the Fixed Account - net           3,008      16,059      22,143       1,291         598       4,177         500       2,999
                                     ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
     Change in net assets resulting
       from capital transactions        30,724      34,585      42,068       3,721       1,705      24,568       2,023       8,238
                                     ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS       30,857      35,301      46,477       3,463       1,459      25,677       1,980       9,638

NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD       52,998          --          --          --          --          --          --          --
                                     ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
NET ASSETS AT END OF PERIOD          $  83,855   $  35,301   $  46,477   $   3,463   $   1,459   $  25,677   $   1,980   $   9,638
                                     =========   =========   =========   =========   =========   =========   =========   =========
<FN>

See notes to financial statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>

                                       8
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

NORTHBROOK VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT II

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

($ and units in thousands, except value per unit)

                                                       Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series Portfolios
                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   For the Year Ended December 31, 1997
                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 Quality
                                       Money          High                       Income                    Dividend
                                       Market        Yield         Equity         Plus      Strategist       Growth     Utilities
                                     -----------   -----------   -----------   ----------   -----------   -----------   ----------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>           <C>              <C>       <C>           <C>           <C>

FROM OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)         $    12,015   $    30,441   $    33,669   $   21,868   $    15,247   $    79,397   $   12,658
Net realized gains (losses)                   --          (164)       14,161       (1,005)        6,525        27,352       15,934
Change in unrealized gains (losses)           --        (2,116)      125,556       16,518        21,328       191,096       56,029
                                     -----------   -----------   -----------   ----------   -----------   -----------   ----------
   Change in net assets resulting
     from operations                      12,015        28,161       173,386       37,381        43,100       297,845       84,621

FROM CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS
Deposits                                 149,402       104,526       162,502       50,521        85,569       446,039       30,744
Benefit payments                          (9,812)       (3,029)       (4,642)      (7,406)       (4,738)      (13,976)      (6,217)
Payments on termination                  (82,460)      (34,243)      (76,080)     (55,141)      (53,102)     (185,959)     (53,999)
Contract maintenance charges                (101)         (123)         (296)        (182)         (184)         (748)        (192)
Transfers among the portfolios and
  with the Fixed Account - net           (68,644)       13,062        30,461      (17,577)        6,753        59,898      (32,932)
                                     -----------   -----------   -----------   ----------   -----------   -----------   ----------
   Change in net assets resulting
     from capital transactions           (11,615)       80,193       111,945      (29,785)       34,298       305,254      (62,596)
                                     -----------   -----------   -----------   ----------   -----------   -----------   ----------

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS            400       108,354       285,331        7,596        77,398       603,099       22,025

NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD        300,834       228,184       451,183      415,471       346,239     1,143,544      387,513
                                     -----------   -----------   -----------   ----------   -----------   -----------   ----------
NET ASSETS AT END OF PERIOD          $   301,234   $   336,538   $   736,514   $  423,067   $   423,637   $ 1,746,643   $  409,538
                                     ===========   ===========   ===========   ==========   ===========   ===========   ==========
CONTRACTS WITHOUT THE
  DEATH BENEFIT OPTIONS
Net asset value per unit at end
 of period                           $     12.55   $     26.65   $     38.87   $    17.98   $     21.54   $     32.59   $    24.21
                                     ===========   ===========   ===========   ==========   ===========   ===========   ==========
Units outstanding at end of period        18,622         8,795        13,509       20,834        16,149        39,665       15,170
                                     ===========   ===========   ===========   ==========   ===========   ===========   ==========
CONTRACTS WITH THE
  DEATH BENEFIT OPTIONS
Net asset value per unit at
 end of period                       $     12.51   $     26.57   $     38.76   $    17.93   $     21.48   $     32.50   $    24.14
                                     ===========   ===========   ===========   ==========   ===========   ===========   ==========
Units outstanding at end
 of period                                 5,407         3,844         5,455        2,701         3,529        13,970        1,754
                                     ===========   ===========   ===========   ==========   ===========   ===========   ==========

<FN>

See notes to the financial statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>

                                       9
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

NORTHBROOK VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT II

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

($ and units in thousands, except value per unit)

                                               Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series Portfolios
                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                            For the Period January 21,
                                              For the Year Ended December 31, 1997             to December 31, 1997
                                     -----------------------------------------------------  --------------------------
                                                                    Global
                                      European       Capital      Dividend       Pacific        Capital       Income
                                       Growth         Growth        Growth        Growth    Appreciation     Builder
                                      ----------   -----------   -----------   -----------  ------------   -----------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>

FROM OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)         $    15,664       $ 9,696   $    17,676   $       231   $      (214)  $       934
Net realized gains (losses)               12,290         3,189         3,995        (8,369)          158            34
Change in unrealized gains (losses)       15,432         4,657        12,263       (35,707)        1,144         3,598
                                     -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
   Change in net assets resulting
     from operations                      43,386        17,542        33,934       (43,845)        1,088         4,566

FROM CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS
Deposits                                  87,645        24,982       128,566        15,672        18,352        31,208
Benefit payments                          (2,725)         (910)       (3,466)       (1,262)         (109)         (165)
Payments on termination                  (37,732)      (11,218)      (41,571)      (11,743)         (944)       (1,458)
Contract maintenance charges                (148)          (49)         (199)          (37)          (12)          (15)
Transfers among the portfolios and
  with the Fixed Account - net            (3,726)        8,692        25,556       (26,769)       12,422        18,862
                                     -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
   Change in net assets resulting
     from capital transactions            43,314        21,497       108,886       (24,139)       29,709        48,432
                                     -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS         86,700        39,039       142,820       (67,984)       30,797        52,998

NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD        271,305        78,594       307,464       130,326            --            --
                                     -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
NET ASSETS AT END OF PERIOD          $   358,005   $   117,633   $   450,284   $    62,342   $    30,797   $    52,998
                                     ===========   ===========   ===========   ===========   ===========   ===========
CONTRACTS WITHOUT THE
  DEATH BENEFIT OPTIONS
Net asset value per unit at end
  of period                          $     27.87   $     20.18   $     15.30   $      6.06   $     11.18   $     12.08
                                     ===========   ===========   ===========   ===========   ===========   ===========
Units outstanding at end of period         9,762         4,469        21,656         8,190         1,609         2,363
                                     ===========   ===========   ===========   ===========   ===========   ===========

CONTRACTS WITH THE
  DEATH BENEFIT OPTIONS
Net asset value per unit at end
  of period                          $     27.79   $     20.12   $     15.26   $      6.04   $     11.16   $     12.07
                                     ===========   ===========   ===========   ===========   ===========   ===========

Units outstanding at end of period         3,091         1,365         7,789         2,105         1,148         2,025
                                     ===========   ===========   ===========   ===========   ===========   ===========

<FN>

See notes to the financial statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>

                                       10
<PAGE>


NORTHBROOK VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT II


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


1.   ORGANIZATION

     Northbrook  Variable Annuity Account II (the "Account"),  a unit investment
     trust  registered  with the  Securities and Exchange  Commission  under the
     Investment  Company Act of 1940, is a Separate  Account of Northbrook  Life
     Insurance  Company  ("Northbrook  Life").  The  assets of the  Account  are
     legally segregated from those of Northbrook Life. Northbrook Life is wholly
     owned by Allstate  Life  Insurance  Company,  a wholly owned  subsidiary of
     Allstate  Insurance  Company,   which  is  wholly  owned  by  The  Allstate
     Corporation.

     Northbrook  Life issues two  variable  annuity  contracts,  the  Northbrook
     Variable  Annuity II and the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Annuity II
     Asset  Manager,  the deposits of which are invested at the direction of the
     contractholder  in the sub-accounts  ("portfolios" for the purposes of this
     report) that comprise the Account. Contractholders bear all investment risk
     for amounts  allocated to the Account.  The portfolios invest in the Morgan
     Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series,  Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
     Universal Funds, Inc., and Van Kampen Life Investment Trust  (collectively,
     the "Funds").

     Northbrook  Life  provides  insurance  and  administrative  services to the
     contractholders for a fee.


2.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     VALUATION OF  INVESTMENTS - Investments  consist of shares of the Funds and
     are stated at fair value  based on quoted  market  prices at  December  31,
     1998.

     INVESTMENT INCOME - Investment income consists of dividends declared by the
     Funds and is recognized on the date of record.

     REALIZED  GAINS AND  LOSSES -  Realized  gains  and  losses  represent  the
     difference  between  the  proceeds  from sales of  portfolio  shares by the
     Account  and the cost of such  shares,  which is  determined  on a weighted
     average basis.

     FEDERAL INCOME TAXES - The Account intends to qualify as a segregated asset
     account as defined in the Internal  Revenue  Code  ("Code").  As such,  the
     operations  of the  Account are  included  in the tax return of  Northbrook
     Life.  Northbrook Life is taxed as a life insurance company under the Code.
     No federal  income  taxes are payable by the Account in 1998 as the Account
     did not generate taxable income.


                                       11
<PAGE>



3.   CONTRACT CHARGES

     Northbrook  Life charges each  contractholder  daily at a per annum rate as
     follows:

                                                 Mortality and    Administrative
                                                 expense risk         expense
                                                 ------------         -------
      Northbrook Variable Annuity II               1.25% (a)           .10%

      Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable
             Annuity II Asset Manager               1.49% (b)          .10%

     (a)  Two optional  death  benefit  provisions  (enhanced  death benefit and
          performance death benefit) and an optional  performance income benefit
          are available at an additional  charge of .13% for each,  bringing the
          mortality  and expense risk charge to 1.38% when one of these  options
          has been selected.  When both the  performance  income benefit and the
          performance  death benefit are selected,  an additional charge of .24%
          is assessed for a total mortality and expense risk charge of 1.49%.

     (b)  Two optional  death  benefit  provisions  (enhanced  death benefit and
          performance death benefit) and an optional  performance income benefit
          are available at an additional  charge of .13% for each,  bringing the
          mortality  and expense risk charge to 1.62% when one of these  options
          has been selected.  When both the  performance  income benefit and the
          performance  death benefit are selected,  an additional charge of .24%
          is assessed for a total mortality and expense risk charge of 1.73%.

     Northbrook Life charges an annual contract  maintenance fee of $30 for each
     Northbrook  Variable  Annuity II contract.  If aggregate  deposits are less
     than $50,000 in the Morgan  Stanley Dean Witter  Variable  Annuity II Asset
     Manager contract,  Northbrook Life will deduct an annual maintenance fee of
     $35 on each contract anniversary.

4.   FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

     The  investments of the Account are carried at fair value,  based on quoted
     market prices.  Accrued  contract  maintenance  charges are of a short-term
     nature. It is assumed that their carrying value approximates fair value.


                                       12
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

5. UNITS ISSUED AND REDEEMED
   (Units in whole amounts)

                                                                         Northbrook Variable Annuity II

                                                                             Unit activity during 1998:
                                                                     --------------------------------------
                                                            Units                                  Units     Accumulation
                                                         Outstanding                             Outstanding   Unit Value
                                                          December       Units        Units       December      December
                                                          31, 1997      Issued      Redeemed      31, 1998     31, 1998
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------   ----------- ------------
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>

Investments in the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable
 Investment Series Portfolios:
   Money Market                                          18,622,471   29,618,231  (27,081,671)   21,159,031  $     12.98
   High Yield                                             8,795,791    2,662,861   (3,259,510)    8,199,142        24.66
   Equity                                                13,509,402    2,779,303   (3,679,964)   12,608,741        50.02
   Quality Income Plus                                   20,834,557    4,548,681   (5,071,041)   20,312,197        19.27
   Strategist                                            16,149,246    2,137,422   (3,712,656)   14,574,012        26.88
   Dividend Growth                                       39,664,627    5,856,411   (9,186,865)   36,334,173        36.73
   Utilities                                             15,169,533    2,081,739   (3,709,730)   13,541,542        29.46
   European Growth                                        9,762,952    3,453,911   (4,248,976)    8,967,887        34.08
   Capital Growth                                         4,468,723      591,637   (1,397,402)    3,662,958        23.81
   Global Dividend Growth                                21,656,308    2,154,837   (6,176,673)   17,634,472        16.99
   Pacific Growth                                         8,189,699    5,896,210   (7,759,942)    6,325,967         5.36
   Capital Appreciation                                   1,609,271      675,388     (843,723)    1,440,936        10.15
   Income Builder                                         2,364,018    1,697,157   (1,081,195)    2,979,980        12.30
   Competitive Edge "Best Ideas"                                 --    2,229,816     (797,071)    1,432,745         9.73
   S&P 500 Index                                                 --    2,077,746     (355,037)    1,722,709        11.13

Investments in the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
 Universal Funds, Inc. Portfolios:
  International Magnum                                           --      200,313      (63,685)      136,628         9.79
  Emerging Markets Equity                                        --      133,597      (51,595)       82,002         7.10
  Equity Growth                                                  --      986,727     (164,689)      822,038        10.10
  U.S. Real Estate                                               --      104,232      (24,503)       79,729         9.06

Investments in the Van Kampen Life Investment
 Trust Portfolios:
  Emerging Growth                                                --      343,599      (88,895)      254,704        12.00

</TABLE>


Units  relating to accrued  contract  maintenance  charges are included in units
redeemed.

                                       13
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

5. UNITS ISSUED AND REDEEMED
   (Units in whole amounts)

                                                                Northbrook Variable Annuity II with Death Benefit or
                                                                           Peformance Income Benefit Option

                                                                             Unit activity during 1998:
                                                                     --------------------------------------
                                                            Units                                  Units     Accumulation
                                                         Outstanding                             Outstanding   Unit Value
                                                          December       Units        Units       December      December
                                                          31, 1997      Issued      Redeemed      31, 1998     31, 1998
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------   ----------- ------------
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>
Investments in the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable
 Investment Series Portfolios:
   Money Market                                           5,406,811   21,513,035  (17,980,986)    8,938,860  $     12.96
   High Yield                                             3,843,598    3,574,266   (2,113,354)    5,304,510        24.56
   Equity                                                 5,455,102    4,060,420   (1,584,262)    7,931,260        49.82
   Quality Income Plus                                    2,701,037    3,748,051   (1,339,495)    5,109,593        19.20
   Strategist                                             3,529,251    2,975,852     (865,951)    5,639,152        26.78
   Dividend Growth                                       13,969,794    9,295,313   (3,328,670)   19,936,437        36.59
   Utilities                                              1,754,323    2,529,566     (773,386)    3,510,503        29.44
   European Growth                                        3,091,241    3,420,945   (1,843,647)    4,668,539        33.94
   Capital Growth                                         1,365,100      814,201     (491,454)    1,687,847        23.72
   Global Dividend Growth                                 7,788,524    3,158,171   (2,016,791)    8,929,904        16.92
   Pacific Growth                                         2,105,010    8,584,871   (8,233,030)    2,456,851         5.33
   Capital Appreciation                                   1,147,553    1,051,403     (671,619)    1,527,337        10.12
   Income Builder                                         2,025,367    2,373,888     (747,044)    3,652,211        12.27
   Competitive Edge "Best Ideas"                                 --    2,682,216     (716,848)    1,965,368         9.72
   S&P 500 Index                                                 --    2,152,754     (149,453)    2,003,301        11.12

Investments in the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
 Universal Funds, Inc. Portfolios:
  International Magnum                                           --      228,450      (57,553)      170,897         9.78
  Emerging Markets Equity                                        --      147,831      (53,231)       94,600         7.09
  Equity Growth                                                  --    1,868,415     (337,596)    1,530,819        10.09
  U.S. Real Estate                                               --       92,318      (11,536)       80,782         9.05

Investments in the Van Kampen Life Investment
 Trust Portfolios:
  Emerging Growth                                                --      502,151     (100,069)      402,082        11.98

</TABLE>

Units  relating to accrued  contract  maintenance  charges are included in units
redeemed.

                                       14
<PAGE>



5. UNITS ISSUED AND REDEEMED (Continued)
   (Units in whole amounts)

      Northbrook Variable Annuity II with Performance Income Benefit and
                            Performance Death Benefit


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      Unit activity during 1998
                                                   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Units                                                 Units       Accumulation
                                                Outstanding             Units     Units       Outstanding           Unit Value
                                                December 31, 1997      Issued   edeemed     December 31, 1998    December 31, 1998
                                                -----------------   ----------  --------    ----------------     ----------------
<S>                                             <C>                 <C>         <C>          <C>                 <C>
Investments in the Dean Witter
  Variable Investment Series Portfolios:
Money Market                                                   -    1,510,549   837,515)            673,034              $ 12.77
High Yield                                                     -      179,714   (41,830)            137,884                24.18
Equity                                                         -      240,636   (19,005)            221,631                49.06
Quality Income Plus                                            -      199,475   (29,714)            169,761                18.91
 Strategist                                                    -      493,607   (20,791)            472,816                26.37
Dividend Growth                                                -      573,909   (45,768)            528,141                36.03
  Utilities                                                    -      175,090   (15,230)            159,860                28.99
European Growth                                                -      207,634   (32,277)            175,357                33.45
Capital Growth                                                 -       49,812    (7,927)             41,885                23.37
Global Dividend Growth                                         -      174,390   (17,961)            156,429                16.79
Pacific Growth                                                 -       81,292   (28,808)             52,484                 5.29
Capital Appreciation                                           -       90,771   (12,886)             77,885                10.10
Income Builder                                                 -      195,348   (30,891)            164,457                12.25
Competitive Edge "Best Ideas"                                  -      218,369   (39,607)            178,762                 9.71
S&P 500 Index                                                  -      325,073   (41,562)            283,511                11.11

Investments in the Morgan Stanley
  Universal Funds, Inc. Portfolios:
International Magnum                                           -       42,585   (10,652)             31,933                 9.77
Emerging Markets Equity                                        -       28,692    (9,192)             19,500                 7.09
Equity Growth                                                  -      181,311   (27,110)            154,201                10.37
U.S. Real Estate                                               -       42,621    (5,428)             37,193                 9.05

Investments in the Van Kampen American
  Capital Life Investment Trust Portfolios:
Emerging Growth                                                -      104,423   (21,996)             82,427                12.59

</TABLE>


Units  relating to accrued  contract  maintenance  charges are included in units
redeemed.
<PAGE>
          Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Annuity II Asset Manager

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         Unit activity during 1998
                                                 --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                  Accumulation
                                              Units Outstanding    Units      Units        Units Outstanding      Unit Value
                                              December 31, 1997   Issued    Redeemed       December 31, 1998    December 31, 1998
                                              -----------------   ------- ----------       ----------------     -----------------
Investments in the Dean Witter
  Variable Investment Series Portfolios:
<S>                                             <C>              <C>       <C>             <C>                   <C>
Money Market                                                 -    134,017  (52,312)              81,705               $ 10.15
High Yield                                                   -     93,888     (288)              93,600                  8.87
Equity                                                       -     38,121   (3,611)              34,510                 10.27
Quality Income Plus                                          -    191,794  (13,766)             178,028                 10.36
Strategist                                                   -     70,485     (449)              70,036                 10.34
Dividend Growth                                              -    155,660   (8,346)             147,314                 10.10
Utilities                                                    -     46,771     (422)              46,349                 10.90
European Growth                                              -     26,543   (4,490)              22,053                  9.01
Capital Growth                                               -      7,961   (1,769)               6,192                  9.71
Global Dividend Growth                                       -     15,248      (16)              15,232                  9.89
Pacific Growth                                               -      1,450        -                1,450                 10.99
Capital Appreciation                                         -      7,872     (279)               7,593                  8.52
Income Builder                                               -     18,610     (383)              18,227                  9.68
Competitive Edge "Best Ideas"                                -     17,981     (411)              17,570                  9.57
S&P 500 Index                                                -     35,403       (9)              35,394                 10.38

Investments in the Morgan Stanley
 Universal Funds, Inc. Portfolios:
International Magnum                                         -      6,590       (1)               6,589                  8.76
Emerging Markets Equity                                      -        463     (340)                 123                  8.12
Equity Growth                                                -     14,361       (3)              14,358                  9.88
U.S. Real Estate                                             -      3,295       (1)               3,294                  9.11

Investments in the Van Kampen American
 Capital Life Investment Trust Portfolios:
Emerging Growth                                              -     10,950       (3)              10,947                 10.51



</TABLE>

Units  relating to accrued  contract  maintenance  charges are included in units
redeemed.

                                       15
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

5. UNITS ISSUED AND REDEEMED (Continued)
   (Units in whole amounts)

                                                           Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Annuity II Asset Manager
                                                              with Death Benefit or Performance Income Benefit Option

                                                                             Unit activity during 1998:
                                                                     --------------------------------------
                                                            Units                                  Units     Accumulation
                                                         Outstanding                             Outstanding   Unit Value
                                                          December       Units        Units       December      December
                                                          31, 1997      Issued      Redeemed      31, 1998     31, 1998
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------   ----------- ------------
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>
Investments in the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable
 Investment Series Portfolios:
   Money Market                                                   --      589,224     (503,397)       85,827  $     10.15
   High Yield                                                     --      401,477     (363,262)       38,215         8.86
   Equity                                                         --       85,082       (4,965)       80,117        10.27
   Quality Income Plus                                            --       56,800       (4,022)       52,778        10.35
   Strategist                                                     --       38,941      (14,885)       24,056        10.34
   Dividend Growth                                                --      173,319       (7,329)      165,990        10.10
   Utilities                                                      --       35,912       (2,623)       33,289        10.90
   European Growth                                                --      497,082     (290,652)      206,430         9.01
   Capital Growth                                                 --        5,156           (3)        5,153         9.70
   Global Dividend Growth                                         --       39,005         (694)       38,311         9.88
   Pacific Growth                                                 --      299,447     (297,824)        1,623        10.99
   Capital Appreciation                                           --       30,193       (1,781)       28,412         8.52
   Income Builder                                                 --       17,665         (833)       16,832         9.68
   Competitive Edge "Best Ideas"                                  --       25,339         (532)       24,807         9.56
   S&P 500 Index                                                  --      109,657       (4,705)      104,952        10.38

Investments in the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
 Universal Funds, Inc. Portfolios:
  International Magnum                                            --        9,577           (2)        9,575         8.76
  Emerging Markets Equity                                         --        5,918       (1,993)        3,925         8.11
  Equity Growth                                                   --       18,569         (644)       17,925         9.88
  U.S. Real Estate                                                --       17,480          (17)       17,463         9.11

Investments in the Van Kampen Life Investment
 Trust Portfolios:
  Emerging Growth                                                 --       31,848         (797)       31,051        10.50


</TABLE>

Units  relating to accrued  contract  maintenance  charges are included in units
redeemed.

                                       16
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

5. UNITS ISSUED AND REDEEMED (Continued)
   (Units in whole amounts)

                                                           Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Annuity II Asset Manager
                                                           with Performance Income Benefit and Performance Death Benefit

                                                                             Unit activity during 1998:
                                                                     --------------------------------------
                                                            Units                                  Units     Accumulation
                                                         Outstanding                             Outstanding   Unit Value
                                                          December       Units        Units       December      December
                                                          31, 1997      Issued      Redeemed      31, 1998     31, 1998
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------   ----------- ------------
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>
Investments in the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable
 Investment Series Portfolios:
   Money Market                                                   --       67,944      (52,888)       15,056  $     10.14
   High Yield                                                     --       12,539       (1,140)       11,399         8.86
   Equity                                                         --       62,407      (31,801)       30,606        10.26
   Quality Income Plus                                            --       81,104          (33)       81,071        10.35
   Strategist                                                     --       18,099          (10)       18,089        10.33
   Dividend Growth                                                --       74,673      (15,719)       58,954        10.09
   Utilities                                                      --       19,656          (12)       19,644        10.89
   European Growth                                                --       10,229           (8)       10,221         9.00
   Capital Growth                                                 --       12,471           (7)       12,464         9.70
   Global Dividend Growth                                         --       14,658           (6)       14,652         9.88
   Pacific Growth                                                 --        4,550           --         4,550        10.98
   Capital Appreciation                                           --       11,988           (3)       11,985         8.51
   Income Builder                                                 --        3,159           (1)        3,158         9.67
   Competitive Edge "Best Ideas"                                  --       12,372           (3)       12,369         9.56
   S&P 500 Index                                                  --       41,707          (10)       41,697        10.37

Investments in the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
 Universal Funds, Inc. Portfolios:
  International Magnum                                            --          --            --            --           --
  Emerging Markets Equity                                         --        4,236           (1)        4,235         8.11
  Equity Growth                                                   --          --            --            --           --
  U.S. Real Estate                                                --          --            --            --           --

Investments in the Van Kampen Life Investment
 Trust Portfolios:
  Emerging Growth                                                 --       27,037           (7)       27,030        10.50

</TABLE>


Units  relating to accrued  contract  maintenance  charges are included in units
redeemed.


                                       17




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