SELECT LIFE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
497, 1997-05-05
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<PAGE>


SELECT*LIFE I


                                        April 30, 1997 Prospectus


                                                 FLEXIBLE PREMIUM
                                                         VARIABLE
                                                   LIFE INSURANCE
                                                           POLICY



RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

<PAGE>
                           20 Washington Avenue South
                          Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
                        -------------------------------
 
               FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES
                                   ISSUED BY
                          SELECT*LIFE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                                       OF
                        RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
    This  Prospectus describes a flexible premium variable life insurance policy
(the "Policy") offered by ReliaStar Life Insurance Company ("we", "us", "our" or
the "Company"). This  Policy, as long  as it  remains in force,  is designed  to
provide  lifetime insurance  protection up  to Age  95. It  also is  designed to
provide maximum  flexibility  in  connection with  premium  payments  and  death
benefits  by giving the Policy owner ("you", "your") the opportunity to allocate
net premiums among investment alternatives with different investment objectives.
A Policy owner may,  subject to certain  restrictions, including limitations  on
premium payments, vary the frequency and amount of premium payments and increase
or  decrease  the  level  of  death  benefits  payable  under  the  Policy. This
flexibility allows a Policy owner to provide for changing insurance needs  under
a single insurance contract.
 
    The  Policy provides for a death benefit  payable at the Insured's death. As
long as the Policy remains in force,  the death benefit will never be less  than
the  current Face Amount less  any Policy loans and  unpaid charges. The minimum
Face Amount  of  the  Policy  is  currently $25,000.  The  Face  Amount  may  be
increased,  subject to  certain limitations, provided  that the  increase is not
less than $5,000.  Generally, the Policy  will remain  in force as  long as  the
Policy's  Cash Surrender Value  (that is, the  amount that would  be paid to you
upon surrender  of the  Policy) is  sufficient to  pay certain  monthly  charges
imposed  in  connection with  the Policy  (including the  cost of  insurance and
certain administrative charges). In  addition, the Policy  will remain in  force
until  the Insured  reaches Age  65 (or five  Policy Years,  if longer), without
regard to the  Cash Surrender Value,  if on each  Monthly Anniversary the  total
premiums  paid on  the Policy,  less any  partial withdrawals  and Policy loans,
equals or exceeds the total required Minimum Monthly Premium payments  specified
in  your Policy  (which is  a feature  of the  Policy called  the "Death Benefit
Guarantee").  Under  certain  circumstances,  partial  withdrawals  may  not  be
deducted from premiums paid for the purposes of the Death Benefit Guarantee.
 
    Net  premiums  paid  under  the  Policy  are  allocated,  according  to your
instructions,  either  to  the  Select*Life  Variable  Account  (the   "Variable
Account"), which is one of our separate accounts, or to our General Account (the
"Fixed  Account").  Any  amounts  allocated  to  the  Variable  Account  will be
allocated to one  or more Sub-Accounts  of the Variable  Account. The assets  of
each  Sub-Account  will be  invested solely  in the  shares of  one of  the five
portfolios of the Variable Insurance Products Fund ("VIP"), in one of the  three
portfolios  of the Variable Insurance Products Fund  II ("VIP II"), or in one of
four funds available through Putnam  Variable Trust (collectively the  "Funds").
The  accompanying  prospectus for  each of  the  Funds describes  the investment
objectives and attendant risks of each of the Funds and portfolios.
 
                            (Continued on next page)
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE  NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY  THE SECURITIES  AND
EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR ANY  STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION  NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR  ANY  STATE SECURITIES  COMMISSION PASSED  UPON  THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
THIS  PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE  READ CAREFULLY AND RETAINED  FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. A
CURRENT PROSPECTUS FOR  EACH OF  THE FUNDS  MUST ACCOMPANY  THIS PROSPECTUS  AND
SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THIS PROSPECTUS.
 
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS APRIL 30, 1997.
 
N700.84k
<PAGE>
    If  net premiums are  allocated to the  Variable Account, the  amount of the
Policy's death benefit may,  and the Policy's Accumulation  Value (that is,  the
total  amount that a Policy  provides for investment at  any time) will, reflect
the investment performance of the Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account that  you
select.  You bear the  entire investment risk  for any amounts  allocated to the
Variable Account;  no minimum  Accumulation  Value in  the Variable  Account  is
guaranteed.  Regardless of  how net premiums  are allocated,  the Policy's death
benefit may, and  the Policy's  Accumulation Value  will, also  depend upon  the
frequency  and amount of premiums paid,  any partial withdrawals, loans, and the
charges and deductions assessed in connection with the Policy.
 
    The Policy provides  for two  types of "free  look" periods,  one after  the
issuance  of the Policy and  the other after any  requested increase in the Face
Amount. See "Free Look and Conversion Rights -- Free Look Rights".
 
    THE CHARGES IMPOSED UPON EARLY SURRENDER  OR LAPSE WILL BE SIGNIFICANT.  FOR
EXAMPLE,  IF  YOU MAKE  PREMIUM  PAYMENTS NO  GREATER  THAN THE  MINIMUM MONTHLY
PREMIUM PAYMENTS SPECIFIED IN YOUR POLICY,  YOU CAN EXPECT THAT DURING AT  LEAST
THE  EARLY POLICY YEARS, ALL OR SUBSTANTIALLY  ALL OF YOUR PREMIUM PAYMENTS WILL
BE REQUIRED TO PAY  THE SURRENDER CHARGE AND  OTHER CHARGES ASSOCIATED WITH  THE
POLICY. AS A RESULT, YOU SHOULD PURCHASE A POLICY ONLY IF YOU HAVE THE FINANCIAL
CAPABILITY  TO KEEP IT IN FORCE FOR  A SUBSTANTIAL PERIOD. ALSO, CHARGES IMPOSED
UPON SURRENDER OR THE LAPSE OF  THE POLICY WILL USUALLY EXCEED THE  ACCUMULATION
VALUE  OF THE POLICY  DURING THE EARLY  POLICY YEARS, WHICH  MEANS THAT PAYMENTS
SUFFICIENT TO MAINTAIN  THE DEATH BENEFIT  GUARANTEE WILL BE  REQUIRED TO  AVOID
LAPSE  DURING  THIS PERIOD  OF  TIME. THESE  SAME  CONSIDERATIONS APPLY  AFTER A
REQUESTED INCREASE IN FACE AMOUNT,  WHICH CREATES THE POSSIBILITY OF  ADDITIONAL
CHARGES  UPON SURRENDER OR LAPSE  OF THE POLICY. SEE  "PAYMENT AND ALLOCATION OF
PREMIUMS --  AMOUNT  AND  TIMING  OF PREMIUMS",  "DEATH  BENEFIT  GUARANTEE  AND
"DEDUCTIONS AND CHARGES -- SURRENDER CHARGE".
 
    REPLACING  EXISTING INSURANCE WITH A POLICY DESCRIBED IN THIS PROSPECTUS MAY
NOT BE  TO YOUR  ADVANTAGE. IN  ADDITION, IT  MAY NOT  BE TO  YOUR ADVANTAGE  TO
PURCHASE  THIS POLICY TO  OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INSURANCE  PROTECTION IF YOU ALREADY
OWN ANOTHER FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY.
 
    THIS PROSPECTUS  DOES NOT  CONSTITUTE  AN OFFERING  OR SOLICITATION  IN  ANY
JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING OR SOLICITATION MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE. NO
PERSON  IS AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION  OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS IN
CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING OTHER THAN  THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS  OR
THE  ACCOMPANYING FUND PROSPECTUSES  AND, IF GIVEN OR  MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR
REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED.
 
    THIS ENTIRE PROSPECTUS SHOULD  BE READ TO  COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND THE  POLICY
BEING OFFERED.
 
    THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POLICY IS TO PROVIDE INSURANCE PROTECTION FOR THE
BENEFICIARY  NAMED IN THE POLICY. NO CLAIM IS MADE THAT THE POLICY IS IN ANY WAY
SIMILAR OR COMPARABLE TO A SYSTEMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN OF A MUTUAL FUND.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                         <C>
DEFINITIONS ............................................................ 6
 
PART 1. SUMMARY
 
How does the Policy compare to traditional life insurance? ............ 10
What is the Death Benefit? ............................................ 10
What flexibility do you have to adjust the amount of the Death
 Benefit? ............................................................. 10
What is the Death Benefit Guarantee? .................................. 10
If the Death Benefit Guarantee is not in effect, what will cause the
 Policy to lapse? ..................................................... 11
What is the Fixed Account? ............................................ 11
What is the Variable Account? ......................................... 11
What are the minimum and maximum premium payments allowed? ............ 11
How are premiums allocated to the investment options? ................. 11
Who are the investment advisers of the Funds? ......................... 11
What are the charges against the Variable Account? .................... 11
What are the investment advisory fees and their Fund expenses? ........ 11
What charges do we make against each premium payment? ................. 12
What charges do we make against the Accumulation Value? ............... 12
What charges do we make upon lapse or total surrender of the Policy? ...13
What is the value of the Policy if you surrender it? .................. 13
Can you make partial withdrawals? ..................................... 13
What are the free look and conversion rights? ......................... 13
Can you transfer between the Sub-Accounts and/or the Fixed Account? ... 14
Can you borrow against the value of the Policy? ....................... 14
Are Death Benefit proceeds taxable income to the beneficiary? ......... 14
Are Accumulation Value increases included in your taxable income? ..... 14
Will exercising certain Policy rights have tax consequences? .......... 14
Who sells the Policies? ............................................... 14
 
PART 2. DETAILED INFORMATION
 
ReliaStar Life Insurance Company ...................................... 15
The Variable Account .................................................. 15
Performance Information ............................................... 15
The Policies .......................................................... 16
Death Benefit ......................................................... 16
  Death Benefit Options ............................................... 16
  Which Death Benefit Option to Choose ................................ 19
  Requested Changes in Face Amount .................................... 19
  Insurance Protection ................................................ 20
  Change in Death Benefit Option ...................................... 21
  Accelerated Benefit Rider ........................................... 21
Payment and Allocation of Premiums .................................... 22
  Issuing the Policy .................................................. 22
  Allocation of Premiums .............................................. 23
  Amount and Timing of Premiums ....................................... 23
  Planned Periodic Premiums ........................................... 24
  Unscheduled Additional Premiums ..................................... 24
  Paying Premiums by Mail ............................................. 24
Death Benefit Guarantee ............................................... 24
  Requirements ........................................................ 25
Accumulation Value .................................................... 25
Deductions and Charges ................................................ 26
  Premium Expense Charge .............................................. 26
  Monthly Deduction ................................................... 27
  Surrender Charge .................................................... 27
  Partial Withdrawal and Transfer Charges ............................. 30
  Reduction of Charges ................................................ 30
Sales Charge Refund ................................................... 30
Policy Lapse and Reinstatement ........................................ 31
</TABLE>
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                         <C>
Surrender Benefits .................................................... 32
  Total Surrender ..................................................... 32
  Partial Withdrawal .................................................. 32
Transfers ............................................................. 33
Dollar Cost Averaging Service ......................................... 34
Portfolio Rebalancing Service ......................................... 34
Policy Loans .......................................................... 35
Free Look and Conversion Rights ....................................... 37
  Free Look Rights .................................................... 37
  Conversion Rights ................................................... 37
Investments of the Variable Account ................................... 38
  Fidelity's Variable Insurance Products Fund (VIP):
    Money Market Portfolio ............................................ 38
    High Income Portfolio ............................................. 38
    Equity-Income Portfolio ........................................... 39
    Growth Portfolio .................................................. 39
    Overseas Portfolio ................................................ 39
  Fidelity's Variable Insurance Products Fund II (VIP II):
    Asset Manager Portfolio ........................................... 39
    Investment Grade Bond Portfolio ................................... 39
    Index 500 Portfolio ............................................... 39
  Putnam Variable Trust:
    Putnam VT Diversified Income Fund ................................. 39
    Putnam VT Growth and Income Fund .................................. 39
    Putnam VT Utilities Growth and Income Fund ........................ 39
    Putnam VT Voyager Fund ............................................ 39
  Addition, Deletion, or Substitution of Investments .................. 39
Voting Rights ......................................................... 40
General Provisions .................................................... 40
  Benefits at Age 95 .................................................. 40
  Ownership ........................................................... 40
  Proceeds ............................................................ 41
  Beneficiary ......................................................... 41
  Postponement of Payments ............................................ 41
  Settlement Options .................................................. 41
  Incontestability .................................................... 42
  Misstatement of Age and Sex ......................................... 42
  Adjustment of Proceeds .............................................. 42
  Suicide ............................................................. 42
  Termination ......................................................... 43
  Amendment ........................................................... 43
  Reports ............................................................. 43
  Dividends ........................................................... 43
  Collateral Assignment ............................................... 43
  Optional Insurance Benefits ......................................... 43
Federal Tax Matters ................................................... 44
  Policy Proceeds ..................................................... 44
  Taxation of Distributions ........................................... 45
  Taxation of Policies Held by Pension and Certain Deferred Compensation
   Plans .............................................................. 45
  Taxation of ReliaStar Life Insurance Company ........................ 46
  Other Considerations ................................................ 46
Legal Developments Regarding Employment -- Related Benefit Plans ...... 46
Distribution of the Policies .......................................... 46
Management ............................................................ 47
  Directors ........................................................... 47
  Executive Officers .................................................. 48
State Regulation ...................................................... 49
Montana Residents ..................................................... 49
Legal Proceedings ..................................................... 49
</TABLE>
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                         <C>
Bonding Arrangements .................................................. 49
Legal Matters ......................................................... 49
Experts ............................................................... 49
Registration Statement Contains Further Information ................... 49
Financial Statements .................................................. 50
Appendix A -- The Fixed Account ...................................... A-1
Appendix B -- Calculation of Accumulation Value ...................... B-1
Appendix C -- Illustration of Accumulation Values, Surrender Charges,
                           Cash Surrender Values and Death Benefits ...C-1
Appendix D -- Maximum Contingent Deferred Administrative Charges
              Per $1,000 of Face Amount .............................. D-1
Appendix E -- Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charges Per $1,000 of Face
              Amount ................................................. E-1
Appendix F -- Surrender Charge Guideline Per $1,000 of Face Amount ... F-1
 
Fund Prospectuses
  Fidelity's Variable Insurance Products Fund (VIP):
    Money Market Portfolio ......................................... VIP-1
    High Income Portfolio .......................................... VIP-1
    Equity-Income Portfolio ........................................ VIP-1
    Growth Portfolio ............................................... VIP-1
    Overseas Portfolio ............................................. VIP-1
  Fidelity's Variable Insurance Products Fund II (VIP II):
    Investment Grade Bond Portfolio .............................. VIPII-1
    Asset Manager Portfolio ...................................... VIPII-1
    Index 500 Portfolio .......................................... VIPII-1
  Putnam Variable Trust:
    Putnam VT Diversified Income Fund ........................ Putnam VT-1
    Putnam VT Growth and Income Fund ......................... Putnam VT-1
    Putnam VT Utilities Growth and Income Fund ............... Putnam VT-1
    Putnam VT Voyager Fund ................................... Putnam VT-1
</TABLE>
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
DEFINITIONS
 
ACCUMULATION  VALUE. The total  value attributable to  a specific Policy, equals
the sum of  the Variable Accumulation  Value (the  total of the  values in  each
   Sub-Account  of the Variable  Account) and the  Fixed Accumulation Value (the
   value in the Fixed Account).
 
AGE. The Insured's age at  the last birthday determined  as of the beginning  of
each Policy Year.
 
CASH  SURRENDER VALUE.  The Accumulation Value  less any  Surrender Charge, Loan
Amount, and unpaid Monthly Deductions.
 
CODE. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
 
   
CONTINGENT DEFERRED  ADMINISTRATIVE  CHARGE.  A contingent  deferred  charge  to
reimburse  us  for  expenses  incurred in  issuing  the  Policy.  The Contingent
   Deferred Administrative Charge will only  be imposed upon total surrender  or
   lapse  of the Policy during the first 15 Policy Years and during the first 15
   years following any requested increase in Face Amount. The sum of this charge
   and the  Contingent  Deferred  Sales  Charge is  the  Surrender  Charge.  See
   "Deductions and Charges -- Surrender Charge" at page 27.
    
 
   
CONTINGENT  DEFERRED SALES CHARGE. A contingent  deferred charge to reimburse us
for expenses relating to the distribution of the Policy. The Contingent Deferred
   Sales Charge will only be imposed upon total surrender or lapse of the Policy
   during the first 15 Policy Years and during the first 15 years following  any
   requested  increase in Face Amount. The sum of this charge and the Contingent
   Deferred Administrative Charge is the  Surrender Charge. See "Deductions  and
   Charges -- Surrender Charge" at page 27.
    
 
DEATH  BENEFIT. The amount determined under  the applicable Death Benefit Option
(the Level Amount Option or the Variable Amount Option). The proceeds payable to
   the beneficiary of  the Policy  upon the death  of the  Insured under  either
   Death  Benefit  Option will  be reduced  by  any Loan  Amount and  any unpaid
   Monthly Deductions. See "Death Benefit" at page 16.
 
DEATH BENEFIT GUARANTEE. A  feature of the Policy  guaranteeing that the  Policy
will  not lapse  before the  Insured reaches  Age 65  (or five  Policy Years, if
   longer) if,  on each  Monthly Anniversary,  the total  premiums paid  on  the
   Policy,  less any partial withdrawals and  any Loan Amount, equals or exceeds
   the total required Minimum Monthly Premium payments specified in your Policy.
   Under certain circumstances,  partial withdrawals  may not  be deducted  from
   premiums  paid for  the purposes of  the Death Benefit  Guarantee. See "Death
   Benefit Guarantee" at page 24.
 
DEATH BENEFIT GUARANTEE CHARGE. A monthly  charge to compensate us for the  risk
we  assume in providing the Death Benefit Guarantee. This charge is deducted for
   each Policy Month the Death Benefit Guarantee is in effect and is part of the
   Monthly Deduction.  The amount  of this  charge is  $.01 per  $1,000 of  Face
   Amount.  See "Death Benefit Guarantee" at page 24 and "Deductions and Charges
   -- Monthly Deduction" at page 27.
 
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION. Either  of two death benefit  options available under  the
Policy  (the Level  Amount Option  and the  Variable Amount  Option). See "Death
   Benefit -- Death Benefit Options" at page 16.
 
FACE AMOUNT. The minimum Death  Benefit under the Policy  as long as the  Policy
remains in force. See "Death Benefit" at page 16.
 
FIXED  ACCOUNT. The assets of ReliaStar  Life Insurance Company other than those
allocated to the Variable Account or any other separate account. See Appendix A.
 
FIXED ACCUMULATION VALUE.  The value attributable  to a specific  Policy to  the
extent  such amount is attributable to  the Fixed Account (our General Account).
   Unlike the Variable Accumulation Value, the Fixed Accumulation Value will not
   reflect the investment performance of the Funds. See "Accumulation Value"  at
   page 25 and Appendix B.
 
FUNDS.   Any  open-end management investment  company (or  portfolio thereof) or
unit investment trust  (or series  thereof) in  which a  Sub-Account invests  as
   described herein.
 
INSURED. The person upon whose life the Policy is issued.
 
ISSUE DATE. The date insurance coverage under a Policy begins.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
LEVEL  AMOUNT  OPTION. One  of  two Death  Benefit  Options available  under the
Policy. Under this option, the Death Benefit is the greater of the current  Face
   Amount  or the applicable  percentage of Accumulation  Value on the Valuation
   Date on or next following the date of the Insured's death. See "Death Benefit
   -- Death Benefit Options" at page 16.
 
LOAN AMOUNT. The sum of all unpaid Policy loans including unpaid interest due.
 
MINIMUM FACE AMOUNT.  The minimum  Face Amount  shown in  the Policy  (currently
$25,000).
 
MINIMUM  MONTHLY PREMIUM. A  monthly premium amount specified  in the Policy and
determined by us at issuance of the Policy. The initial Minimum Monthly  Premium
   will  depend  upon the  Insured's  sex, Age  at  issue, Rate  Class, optional
   insurance benefits added by rider, and  the initial Face Amount. A  requested
   increase  or  decrease in  the Face  Amount,  a change  in the  Death Benefit
   Option, or the  addition or  termination of a  Policy rider  will change  the
   Minimum  Monthly Premium. The Minimum Monthly Premium determines the payments
   required  to  maintain  the  Death  Benefit  Guarantee.  See  "Death  Benefit
   Guarantee" at page 24.
 
MONTHLY  ANNIVERSARY. The same date in each succeeding month as the Policy Date.
The first  Monthly Anniversary  is  on the  Policy  Date. Whenever  the  Monthly
   Anniversary  falls  on  a  date  other than  a  Valuation  Date,  the Monthly
   Anniversary will be considered to be the next Valuation Date.
 
MONTHLY DEDUCTION. A monthly charge deducted from the Accumulation Value of  the
Policy.  This charge includes the cost of insurance, the Monthly Expense Charge,
   the Death Benefit Guarantee  Charge, and any  charges for optional  insurance
   benefits. See "Deductions and Charges -- Monthly Deduction" at page 27.
 
MONTHLY  EXPENSE CHARGE. A monthly charge  to reimburse us for expenses incurred
in administering the Policy. This charge  is part of the Monthly Deduction.  The
   amount of this charge is $3.50 per month plus $.01 per $1,000 of Face Amount.
   See "Deductions and Charges -- Monthly Deduction" at page 27.
 
MORTALITY  AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE. A daily charge deducted only from amounts in
the Variable Account to compensate us for certain mortality and expense risks we
   assume under the  Policy. The Mortality  and Expense Risk  Charge will be  an
   annual  rate of .80  of 1% (.80%)  of the Variable  Accumulation Value of the
   Policy. See "Deductions and Charges -- Mortality and Expense Risk Charge"  at
   page 29.
 
NET  PREMIUM.  The gross  premium less  a  Premium Expense  Charge of  5%, which
consists of a sales charge of 2.50% and a premium tax charge of 2.50%. We may in
   the future also make a charge of up to $2.00 per premium payment to reimburse
   us for the cost  of collecting and processing  premiums. See "Deductions  and
   Charges -- Premium Expense Charge" at page 26.
 
PUTNAM VARIABLE TRUST.
   Putnam VT Diversified Income Fund
   Putnam VT Growth and Income Fund
   Putnam VT Utilities Growth and Income Fund
   Putnam VT Voyager Fund
 
PLANNED  PERIODIC  PREMIUM. The  scheduled premium  selected by  you of  a level
amount at a fixed interval. The initial Planned Periodic Premium you select will
   be shown in the  Policy. See "Payment and  Allocation of Premiums --  Planned
   Periodic Premiums" at page 24.
 
POLICY, POLICIES. The flexible premium variable life insurance Policy offered by
us and described in this Prospectus.
 
POLICY  ANNIVERSARY. The same date  in each succeeding year  as the Policy Date.
Whenever the Policy Anniversary falls on a date other than a Valuation Date, the
   Policy Anniversary will be considered to be the next Valuation Date.
 
POLICY DATE. The Policy Date is used in determining Policy Years, Policy Months,
Monthly Anniversaries, and Policy Anniversaries.  The Policy Date will be  shown
   in the Policy.
 
POLICY MONTH. A month beginning on the Monthly Anniversary.
 
POLICY YEAR. A year beginning on the Policy Anniversary.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
PREMIUM  EXPENSE  CHARGE.  An amount  deducted  from each  premium  payment. The
Premium Expense Charge is currently 5%  of each premium payment, which  consists
   of  a sales charge of 2.50% and a premium  tax charge of 2.50%. We may in the
   future also make a charge of up to $2.00 per premium payment to reimburse  us
   for  the  cost of  collecting and  processing  premiums. See  "Deductions and
   Charges -- Premium Expense Charge" at page 26.
 
RATE CLASS. A group of Insureds we determine based on our expectation that  they
will have similar mortality experience.
 
SALES  CHARGE  REFUND. An  amount designated  as Sales  Charge Refund  may exist
during the first  two Policy  Years or during  any 24-month  period following  a
   requested  increase  in Face  Amount. Any  such Sales  Charge Refund  will be
   applied to supplement the Cash Surrender  Value so as to continue the  Policy
   in  force for some months during either of these 24-month periods if there is
   insufficient Cash  Surrender Value  to cover  Monthly Deductions.  The  Sales
   Charge  Refund, if any, to  the extent not so  applied, will be refunded upon
   total surrender of the  Policy during either of  these 24-month periods.  See
   "Sales Charge Refund" at page 30.
 
SEC. Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
SIGNATURE  GUARANTEE. A guarantee of your signature  by a member firm of the New
York, American, Boston, Midwest, Philadelphia, or Pacific Stock Exchange, or  by
   a  commercial bank  (not a  savings bank)  which is  a member  of the Federal
   Deposit Insurance Corporation, or, in certain cases, by a member firm of  the
   National  Association of  Securities Dealers, Inc.  that has  entered into an
   appropriate agreement with us.
 
SUB-ACCOUNT. A sub-division  of the Variable  Account. Each Sub-Account  invests
exclusively in the shares of a specified Fund.
 
SURRENDER  CHARGE. A charge imposed upon total  surrender or lapse of the Policy
during the first 15 Policy Years and the first 15 years following any  requested
   increase  in Face  Amount. The  Surrender Charge  consists of  the Contingent
   Deferred Administrative Charge and the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge.  See
   "Deductions and Charges -- Surrender Charge" at page 27.
 
SURRENDER  CHARGE GUIDELINE. An amount used  in calculating Sales Charge Refunds
(see "Sales Charge Refund" at  page 30) and in  calculating the sales charge  on
   requested  increases in Face Amount (see "Deductions and Charges -- Surrender
   Charge -- Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" at page 27). The Surrender Charge
   Guideline will equal the amount obtained  by dividing the Face Amount or  the
   amount  of  a  requested  increase,  as  the  case  may  be,  by  $1,000, and
   multiplying the  result  by  the  applicable  factor  from  Appendix  F.  The
   Surrender  Charge  Guideline  factors included  in  Appendix F  are  based on
   certain provisions of Rule 6e-3(T), adopted by the SEC.
 
UNIT VALUE. The unit measure by which the value of the Policy's interest in each
Sub-Account is determined. See Appendix B.
 
VALUATION DATE.  Each day  on which  the New  York Stock  Exchange is  open  for
business  except for a day that a  Sub-Account Corresponding Fund does not value
   its shares. The New York Stock  Exchange is currently closed on weekends  and
   on  the following  holidays: New  Year's Day;  President's Day;  Good Friday;
   Memorial Day; July Fourth; Labor Day; Thanksgiving Day; and Christmas Day.
 
VALUATION PERIOD. The period between two successive Valuation Dates,  commencing
at the close of business of a Valuation Date and ending at the close of business
   of the next Valuation Date. See Appendix B.
 
VARIABLE  ACCOUNT. Select*Life  Variable Account, a  separate investment account
established by us to receive and invest Net Premiums paid under the Policy.  See
   "The Variable Account" at page 14.
 
VARIABLE  ACCUMULATION VALUE. The value attributable to a specific Policy to the
extent such amount is  attributable to the  Variable Account. See  "Accumulation
   Value" and Appendix B.
 
VARIABLE  AMOUNT OPTION.  One of two  Death Benefit Options  available under the
Policy. Under this option, the Death Benefit  is the greater of the Face  Amount
   plus  the Accumulation Value  of the Policy, or  the applicable percentage of
   Accumulation Value on the Valuation Date on or next following the date of the
   Insured's death. See "Death Benefit -- Death Benefit Options" at page 16.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
VIP. Variable Insurance Products Fund
   Money Market Portfolio
   High Income Portfolio
   Equity-Income Portfolio
   Growth Portfolio
   Overseas Portfolio
 
VIP II. Variable Insurance Products Fund II
   Investment Grade Bond Portfolio
   Asset Manager Portfolio
   Index 500 Portfolio
 
WE, US, OUR, OR THE COMPANY. ReliaStar Life Insurance Company.
 
YOU, YOUR. The Policy owner as designated  in the application for the Policy  or
as  subsequently changed. If a Policy has been absolutely assigned, the assignee
   is the Policy owner. A collateral assignee is not the Policy owner.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
PART 1. SUMMARY
 
    This is a brief summary of the Policy's features. More detailed  information
follows later in this Prospectus.
 
HOW DOES THE POLICY COMPARE TO TRADITIONAL LIFE INSURANCE?
    Like traditional life insurance:
 
    - The  Policy  provides  a  guaranteed  minimum  amount  of  life  insurance
      coverage.
 
    - As long as you meet the requirements for the Death Benefit Guarantee, your
      Policy will remain  in force  until the Insured  reaches Age  65 (or  five
      Policy Years, if longer).
 
    - You  can surrender the Policy while the  Insured is living and receive its
      Cash Surrender Value.
 
    - The Policy has a loan value.
 
    - The Fixed Accumulation Value is guaranteed.
 
    Unlike traditional life insurance:
 
    - You choose where the Net Premiums for the Policy are invested.
 
    - You may transfer existing values among the investment options.
 
    - The Variable  Accumulation Value  may increase  or decrease  based on  the
      investment performance of the Funds you select.
 
    - You choose between two Death Benefit Options.
 
    - You choose the amount and frequency of your premium payments.
 
    - After  the  second Policy  Year,  you can  increase  or decrease  the Face
      Amount.
 
WHAT IS THE DEATH BENEFIT?
    You choose one of two  Death Benefit Options --  the Level Amount Option  or
the  Variable Amount Option. The Death Benefit  under the Level Amount Option is
the greater of  the Face  Amount or  the applicable  percentage of  Accumulation
Value  on the Valuation Date  on or the next  following Valuation Date following
the Insured's death. The Death Benefit under the Variable Amount Option is equal
to the greater of the Face Amount plus the Accumulation Value, or the applicable
percentage of Accumulation Value on the Valuation Date on or next following  the
date of the Insured's death. See "Death Benefit".
 
    The  proceeds  payable upon  the  death of  the  Insured under  either Death
Benefit Option  will  be reduced  by  any Loan  Amount  and any  unpaid  Monthly
Deductions.
 
    The  Death Benefit will  never be less than  the Face Amount  as long as the
Policy is in force and there is no Loan Amount or unpaid Monthly Deductions.
 
    Under certain circumstances a part of the  Death Benefit may be paid to  you
when  the  Insured  has  been  diagnosed  as  having  a  terminal  illness.  See
"Accelerated Benefit Rider".
 
WHAT FLEXIBILITY DO YOU HAVE TO ADJUST THE AMOUNT OF THE DEATH BENEFIT?
    Although we reserve the  right to limit increases  and decreases during  the
first  two policy  years, you  have flexibility to  adjust the  Death Benefit by
increasing or decreasing the  Face Amount. You cannot  decrease the Face  Amount
below  the Minimum  Face Amount shown  in the  Policy. Any increase  in the Face
Amount may require additional  evidence of insurability  satisfactory to us  and
will  result in additional  charges. See "Death Benefit  -- Requested Changes in
Face Amount".
 
    Generally, you may  also change the  Death Benefit Option  at any time.  See
"Death Benefit -- Change in Death Benefit Option".
 
    For  a discussion of available techniques  to adjust the amount of insurance
protection to satisfy changing insurance needs, see "Death Benefit --  Insurance
Protection".
 
WHAT IS THE DEATH BENEFIT GUARANTEE?
    Until  the Insured reaches Age 65 (or  five Policy Years, if longer), if you
meet the requirements  for the Death  Benefit Guarantee we  will not lapse  your
Policy,  even if the Cash Surrender Value is not sufficient to cover the Monthly
Deduction that is due. See "Death Benefit Guarantee".
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
IF THE DEATH BENEFIT GUARANTEE IS NOT IN EFFECT, WHAT WILL CAUSE THE POLICY TO
LAPSE?
    The Policy  will only  lapse if  (a) the  Loan Amount  is greater  than  the
Accumulation  Value  plus  any Sales  Charge  Refund reduced  by  the applicable
Surrender Charge, or (b) the Cash  Surrender Value plus any Sales Charge  Refund
is  less than the Monthly Deduction due, and  in both cases if a grace period of
61 days expires  without a sufficient  payment. The Policy  thus differs in  two
important  respects from traditional life insurance. First, the failure to pay a
Planned Periodic  Premium will  not  automatically cause  the Policy  to  lapse.
Second,  even if Planned Periodic Premiums have been paid, the Policy may lapse.
See "Policy Lapse and Reinstatement -- Lapse".
 
WHAT IS THE FIXED ACCOUNT?
    The Fixed Account  consists of all  of our  assets other than  those in  our
separate  accounts (including  the Variable Account).  We credit  interest of at
least 4% per year  on any amounts you  have in the Fixed  Account. From time  to
time  we may guarantee interest in excess  of 4%. Interests in the Fixed Account
have not been  registered under  the Securities  Act of  1933 nor  is the  Fixed
Account  subject to the restrictions of the  Investment Company Act of 1940. See
Appendix A.
 
WHAT IS THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT?
    The Select*Life  Variable Account  is  one of  our separate  accounts.  Only
premiums  from our variable life insurance policies are invested in the Variable
Account. See "The Variable Account".
 
    The Variable Account  is divided  into Sub-Accounts.  Premiums allocated  to
each Sub-Account are invested in shares, at net asset value, of the Fund related
to  that Sub-Account.  The Variable Accumulation  Value of the  Policy will vary
with, among  other things,  the investment  performance of  the Funds  to  which
Policy  premiums  are  allocated  and the  charges  deducted  from  the Variable
Accumulation Value. See "Accumulation Value".
 
WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM PREMIUM PAYMENTS ALLOWED?
    With certain restrictions, you can choose when you pay premiums and how much
each payment will  be. In most  cases, however, payment  of cumulative  premiums
sufficient  to maintain the Death Benefit Guarantee will be required to keep the
Policy in  force during  at least  the first  several Policy  Years (see  "Death
Benefit  Guarantee"). We may choose not to accept a payment of less than $25.00.
We do, however, reserve the right to limit the amount of any payment and certain
maximum limits apply. We will return to you any premium paid to the extent  that
total  premiums paid, both  scheduled and unscheduled,  would exceed the current
maximum premium payments allowed for life  insurance under Federal tax law.  See
"Payment and Allocation of Premiums -- Amount and Timing of Premiums".
 
HOW ARE PREMIUMS ALLOCATED TO THE INVESTMENT OPTIONS?
    You  choose  the premium  allocation on  the  application. You  can allocate
premiums to the Fixed  Account and/or one or  more Sub-Accounts of the  Variable
Account.  The  initial  allocation  remains in  effect  for  any  future premium
payments until  you  change it.  See  "Payment  and Allocation  of  Premiums  --
Allocation of Premiums".
 
WHO ARE THE INVESTMENT ADVISERS OF THE FUNDS?
    Fidelity  Management & Research  Company is the  investment adviser of VIP's
five portfolios and of VIP II's three portfolios.
 
    Putnam Investment Management, Inc.  ("Putnam Management") is the  investment
adviser of Putnam Variable Trust's four funds.
 
WHAT ARE THE CHARGES AGAINST THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT?
    Certain  charges will be  deducted as a  percentage of the  value of the net
assets of the Variable Account. These  charges will not be deducted from  assets
in the Fixed Account.
 
    TAXES.  Currently  no charge  is made  to the  Variable Account  for Federal
income taxes that may be attributable to the Variable Account. We may,  however,
make  such a charge in the future. Charges for other taxes, if any, attributable
to the Variable Account may also be made.
 
WHAT ARE THE INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEES AND THEIR FUND EXPENSES?
    Because the Variable Account  purchases shares of the  Funds, the net  asset
value  of the  investments of the  Variable Account will  reflect the investment
advisory fees and other expenses incurred by
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
the Funds. Set forth  below is information  provided by each  Fund on its  total
1996  annual expenses as a percentage of the Fund's average net assets. For more
information concerning these expenses, see  the prospectuses for the Funds  that
accompany this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 Total Investment
                                                                     Other          Fund Annual
                                                Management Fees    Expenses          Expenses
                                                ---------------  -------------  -------------------
<S>                                             <C>              <C>            <C>
VIP Money Market Portfolio....................         0.21%           0.09%             0.30%
VIP High Income Portfolio.....................         0.59%           0.12%             0.71%
VIP Equity-Income Portfolio (a)...............         0.51%           0.07%             0.58%
VIP Growth Portfolio (a)......................         0.61%           0.08%             0.69%
VIP Overseas Portfolio (a)....................         0.76%           0.17%             0.93%
 
VIP II Asset Manager Portfolio (a)............         0.64%           0.10%             0.74%
VIP II Investment Grade Bond Portfolio........         0.45%           0.13%             0.58%
VIP II Index 500 Portfolio (b)................         0.13%           0.15%             0.28%
 
Putnam VT Diversified Income Fund.............         0.70%           0.13%             0.83%
Putnam VT Growth and Income Fund..............         0.49%           0.05%             0.54%
Putnam VT Utilities Growth and Income Fund
 (c)..........................................         0.69%           0.09%             0.78%
Putnam VT Voyager Fund........................         0.57%           0.06%             0.63%
</TABLE>
 
(a)  A portion of the  brokerage commissions that certain  funds pay was used to
    reduce  funds  expenses.  In  addition,  certain  funds  have  entered  into
    arrangements  with their custodan and transfer agent whereby interest earned
    on univested cash balances was used  to reduce custodian and transfer  agent
    expenses. Including these reductions, the total operating expenses presented
    in  the table  would have  been .56% for  Equity Income  Portfolio, .67% for
    Growth Portfolio, .92%  for Overseas  Portfolio and .73%  for Asset  Manager
    Portfolio.
 
(b)  FMR agreed to reimburse a portion  of Index 500 Portfolio's expenses during
    the period. Without  this reimbursement,  the funds'  management fee,  other
    expenses   and  total  expenses   would  have  been   .28%,  .15%  and  .43%
    respectively.
 
(c) On July 11, 1996, shareholders approved  an increase in the fees payable  to
    Putnam  Management  under the  Management Contract  for Putnam  VT Utilities
    Growth and Income Fund. The management fees and total expenses shown in  the
    table have been restated to reflect the increase. Actual management fees and
    total expenses were 0.64% and 0.73%, respectively.
 
WHAT CHARGES DO WE MAKE AGAINST EACH PREMIUM PAYMENT?
    We  deduct  an amount  (the Premium  Expense Charge)  from each  premium and
credit the remaining premium (the  Net Premium) to the  Fixed Account or to  the
Variable  Account  in accordance  with  your instructions.  The  Premium Expense
Charge is 5% of each premium payment, which consists of a sales charge of  2.50%
and  a premium tax charge of  2.50%. Although we do not  currently do so, we may
choose to make an additional charge of  up to $2.00 per premium payment as  part
of  the Premium Expense Charge to  reimburse us for premium processing expenses.
See "Deductions and Charges -- Premium Expense Charge".
 
WHAT CHARGES DO WE MAKE AGAINST THE ACCUMULATION VALUE?
    The Accumulation Value of  the Policy is subject  to several charges --  the
Monthly  Deduction,  the Mortality  and Expense  Risk  Charge, and  transfer and
partial withdrawal charges. Only the  Variable Accumulation Value is subject  to
the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge.
 
    The  Monthly  Deduction  will  be  deducted  monthly  from  both  the  Fixed
Accumulation Value and the Variable Accumulation Value and includes the cost  of
insurance,  the Monthly Expense  Charge, the Death  Benefit Guarantee Charge and
charges  for  optional  insurance  benefits.  The  cost  of  insurance  will  be
determined  by multiplying the  applicable cost of insurance  rate(s) by the net
amount at risk. The Monthly Expense Charge will be $3.50 per month plus $.01 per
$1,000 of  Face Amount.  The Death  Benefit Guarantee  Charge will  be $.01  per
$1,000  of Face Amount for each month  the Death Benefit Guarantee is in effect.
The charges  for  optional  insurance  benefits will  vary  depending  upon  the
benefit(s) selected. See "Deductions and Charges -- Monthly Deduction".
 
    The  Mortality  and Expense  Risk  Charge will  be  deducted daily  from the
Variable Accumulation Value only. The Mortality and Expense Risk Charge will  be
equal to, on an annual basis, .80 of 1%
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
(.80%)  of  the daily  Variable  Accumulation Value  (that  is, the  total value
attributable to a specific Policy in  the Sub-Accounts of the Variable  Account)
of  the  Policy. See  "Deductions and  Charges --  Charges Against  the Variable
Account".
 
    There is currently  no charge  imposed for  each transfer  but we  presently
charge  $10.00 for each partial withdrawal. The charge for transfers and partial
withdrawals  is  guaranteed  not  to  exceed  $10.00  per  transfer  or  partial
withdrawal.  See  "Deductions and  Charges  -- Partial  Withdrawal  and Transfer
Charges".
 
WHAT CHARGES DO WE MAKE UPON LAPSE OR TOTAL SURRENDER OF THE POLICY?
    During the first  15 years the  Policy is in  force and the  first 15  years
following  a requested  increase in the  Face Amount,  there is a  charge if the
Policy lapses or you surrender the Policy (the Surrender Charge). The  Surrender
Charge  consists of  the Contingent Deferred  Sales Charge to  recover our sales
expenses, and  the  Contingent Deferred  Administrative  Charge to  recover  our
policy  administration  expenses.  See  "Deductions  and  Charges  --  Surrender
Charge".
 
    The maximum  Contingent Deferred  Sales Charge  and the  maximum  Contingent
Deferred  Administrative Charge on the initial  Face Amount and on any requested
increases in  Face Amount  will be  determined on  the Policy  Date and  on  the
effective date of any such requested increase, as the case may be. These maximum
charges  then remain level during  the first five years  in the relevant 15-year
period, and then reduce  in equal monthly increments  until they become zero  at
the  end of  15 years. Thus,  if the Policy  remains in force  during the entire
relevant 15-year period, you do not pay this charge.
 
    The Contingent Deferred  Administrative Charge  on the  initial Face  Amount
will  depend upon the  initial Face Amount  and the Insured's  Age on the Policy
Date. The Contingent Deferred Administrative Charge on any requested increase in
Face Amount will depend upon the Face  Amount of the increase and the  Insured's
Age on the effective date of the increase (see Appendix D).
 
    The  Contingent Deferred Sales Charge on the initial Face Amount will depend
upon the initial  Face Amount, the  Insured's Age  on the Policy  Date, and  the
Insured's sex. The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge on any requested increase in
Face  Amount will depend upon the Face Amount of the increase, the Insured's Age
on the effective date of the increase, and the Insured's sex (see Appendix E).
 
    The Contingent  Deferred  Sales  Charge applicable  to  Policies  issued  in
Montana  will not  be affected by  the Insured's sex.  Therefore, the Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge applied to Policies issued in that state will differ  from
the charge made on Policies issued in other states.
 
    The  Surrender  Charge  imposed  upon  early  surrender  or  lapse  will  be
significant. As a  result, you should  purchase a  Policy only if  you have  the
financial capability to keep it in force for a substantial period of time.
 
WHAT IS THE VALUE OF THE POLICY IF YOU SURRENDER IT?
    In  general, the Cash Surrender Value is the amount you would receive if you
surrender the Policy. To determine  the Cash Surrender Value, your  Accumulation
Value is reduced by the Surrender Charge, if any, and any Loan Amount and unpaid
Monthly  Deductions. During the first two Policy  Years and the first two Policy
Years following an increase in  the Face Amount, you may  also be entitled to  a
refund  of a  portion of  any charges  made for  sales expenses.  See "Surrender
Benefits -- Total Surrender" and "Sales Charge Refund".
 
CAN YOU MAKE PARTIAL WITHDRAWALS?
    Yes, you can withdraw part of your Cash Surrender Value. You will not  incur
a  Surrender Charge, but partial withdrawals  are subject to a $10.00 processing
charge. Only  one  partial  withdrawal  is  allowed  in  any  Policy  Year.  See
"Surrender Benefits -- Partial Withdrawal".
 
WHAT ARE THE FREE LOOK AND CONVERSION RIGHTS?
    You  have a limited free look period during which you have a right to return
the Policy  and receive  a  refund of  all premiums  paid.  See "Free  Look  and
Conversion Rights -- Free Look Rights". The Policy must be returned to us by the
latest of:
 
    - Midnight of the 20th day after you receive it;
 
    - Midnight  of the 20th day after a written Notice of Right of Withdrawal is
      mailed or delivered to you; or
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
    - Midnight of the 45th day after the date your application for the Policy is
      signed.
 
    Also, the Policy may in effect be converted in whole or in part to a  "fixed
benefit"  policy  (providing  benefits  that do  not  vary  with  the investment
performance of the Variable Account) at any time by transferring all or part  of
the  Accumulation Value  of the  Policy from the  Variable Account  to the Fixed
Account. See "Free Look and Conversion Rights -- Conversion Rights".
 
    Similar free  look and  conversion rights  will be  available for  requested
increases in the Face Amount. See "Free Look and Conversion Rights".
 
CAN YOU TRANSFER BETWEEN THE SUB-ACCOUNTS AND/OR THE FIXED ACCOUNT?
    Subject  to  certain restrictions,  you  can transfer  all  or part  of your
Accumulation Value between the  investment options of  the Policy. We  currently
allow  up to  twelve transfers  per year. Transfers  from the  Fixed Account are
subject to certain additional restrictions. We reserve the right to limit you to
four transfers per year and to make a  $ 10.00 charge for each transfer. To  the
extent,  however, that you request  a transfer from the  Variable Account to the
Fixed Account in  connection with  exercising your conversion  rights under  the
Policy  (see  "Free  Look  and Conversion  Rights  --  Conversion  Rights"), the
transfer limit and the $10.00 charge will not apply. See "Transfers".
 
CAN YOU BORROW AGAINST THE VALUE OF THE POLICY?
    You can borrow  up to 75%  of the Cash  Surrender Value of  the Policy.  (In
Texas,  the  percentage  is 100%  and  in  Alabama, Maryland  and  Virginia, the
percentage is 90%. In  Indiana you can  borrow up to 75%  of the Cash  Surrender
Value  of the Policy during  the first Policy Year.) Each  loan must be at least
$500, except in Connecticut  it must be  at least $200.  Interest is payable  in
advance  for each Policy Year and accrues daily at an effective annual rate that
will not exceed 8.00% (which is 7.40% when payable in advance). After the  tenth
Policy  Year, we will charge interest at an annual rate of 5.75% (which is 5.44%
when payable in  advance) on  the portion  of your Loan  Amount that  is not  in
excess  of (a) the Accumulation  Value, less (b) the  total of all premiums paid
net of all partial withdrawals. See "Policy Loans".
 
ARE DEATH BENEFIT PROCEEDS TAXABLE INCOME TO THE BENEFICIARY?
    Under current  Federal tax  law, as  long as  the Policy  qualifies as  life
insurance the Death Benefit under the Policy will be subject to the same Federal
income  tax treatment as proceeds of  traditional life insurance. Therefore, the
Death Benefit should not be taxable income to the beneficiary. See "Federal  Tax
Matters -- Policy Proceeds".
 
ARE ACCUMULATION VALUE INCREASES INCLUDED IN YOUR TAXABLE INCOME?
    Under  current Federal  tax law,  as long  as the  Policy qualifies  as life
insurance Accumulation Value increases will also be subject to the same  Federal
income  tax treatment as  traditional life insurance  cash values. Therefore any
increases should accumulate on a tax deferred basis. See "Federal Tax Matters --
Policy Proceeds".
 
WILL EXERCISING CERTAIN POLICY RIGHTS HAVE TAX CONSEQUENCES?
    A change of  owners, a partial  withdrawal, a total  surrender, or a  Policy
loan  may have tax  consequences depending on  the particular circumstances. See
"Federal Tax Matters -- Policy Proceeds".
 
WHO SELLS THE POLICIES?
    The Policies are sold by licensed  insurance agents who are also  registered
representatives  of broker-dealers registered under  the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 who are members of the National Association of Securities Dealers,  Inc.
Washington  Square  Securities, Inc.,  an affiliate  of  ours, is  the Principal
Underwriter of the Policies. See "Distribution of the Policies".
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
PART 2. DETAILED INFORMATION
 
RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
    We  are a  stock life insurance  company organized in  1885 and incorporated
under the  laws  of  the State  of  Minnesota.  Effective January  3,  1989,  we
converted  from  a stock  and  mutual life  insurance  company to  a  stock life
insurance company,  and  through a  merger,  we became  a  direct,  wholly-owned
subsidiary  of ReliaStar Financial Corp., (formerly known as The NWNL Companies,
Inc.). We offer individual life  insurance and annuities, employee benefits  and
retirement   contracts.   The  Policies   described   in  this   Prospectus  are
nonparticipating. On  a  consolidated  basis,  we  have  $190  billion  of  life
insurance  in force and our  assets are $16.7 billion. Our  Home Office is at 20
Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401 (telephone 612-372-5507).
 
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
 
    The Variable Account is a Separate Account of ours, established by the Board
of Directors on October 11, 1984 pursuant to the laws of the State of Minnesota.
The Variable Account will receive and invest the Net Premiums paid and allocated
to it under  this Policy.  In addition, the  Variable Account  will receive  and
invest  net  premiums  for  another  class  of  flexible  premium  variable life
insurance policy and may  do so for  additional classes in  the future. We  have
registered  the Variable Account with  the SEC as a  unit investment trust under
the  Investment  Company  Act  of  1940.  The  registration  does  not   involve
supervision  by the SEC of the management or investment policies or practices of
the Variable Account, us, or the Funds.
 
    We own the assets of the Variable Account. However, the Minnesota laws under
which the Variable  Account was  established provide that  the Variable  Account
cannot  be charged  with liabilities  arising out of  any other  business we may
conduct. We are  required to maintain  assets which  are at least  equal to  the
reserves  and other liabilities of the  Variable Account. We may transfer assets
which exceed these reserves  and liabilities to our  general account (the  Fixed
Account).
 
    For a description of the Fixed Account, see Appendix A.
 
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
 
    Performance information for the Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account and the
Funds   available  for  investment  by  the   Variable  Account  may  appear  in
advertisements, sales literature,  or reports  to Policy  owners or  prospective
purchasers.  Performance information for the Sub-Accounts will reflect deduction
of Fund  expenses and  the Mortality  and Expense  Risk Charge  at the  Variable
Account  level.  Quotations of  performance information  for  the Funds  will be
accompanied  by  performance  information  for  the  Sub-Accounts.   Performance
information  for the Funds  will take into  account all fees  and charges at the
Fund level,  but will  not reflect  any deductions  from the  Variable  Account.
Performance   information  reflects  only  the  performance  of  a  hypothetical
investment during a particular time period in which the calculations are  based.
Performance  information  should  be  considered  in  light  of  the  investment
objectives and policies,  characteristics and  quality of the  portfolio of  the
Fund  in which  the Sub-Account  invests, and  the market  conditions during the
given period of time, and should not  be considered as a representation of  what
may be achieved in the future.
 
    Performance  of the Sub-Accounts  and/or the Funds as  reported from time to
time in advertisements and  sales literature may be  compared to other  variable
life  insurance issuers in general or to  the performance of particular types of
variable life insurance policies investing in mutual funds, or investment series
of mutual funds with investment objectives similar to each of the  Sub-Accounts,
whose performance is reported by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. ("Lipper") and
Morningstar,  Inc.  ("Morningstar")  or  reported  by  other  series, companies,
individuals or other  industry or  financial publications  of general  interest,
such  as  FORBES,  MONEY,  THE WALL  STREET  JOURNAL,  BUSINESS  WEEK, BARRON'S,
KIPLINGER'S  PERSONAL  FINANCE,   and  FORTUNE.  Lipper   and  Morningstar   are
independent  services which monitor  and rank the  performances of variable life
insurance issuers in each of the major categories of investment objectives on an
industry-wide basis.
 
    Lipper's and Morningstar's rankings include variable annuity issuers as well
as variable life insurance issuers. The performance analysis prepared by  Lipper
and  Morningstar  ranks such  issuers  on the  basis  of total  return, assuming
reinvestment of distributions, but does not take sales charges, redemption  fees
or certain expense deductions at the separate account level into consideration.
 
    We  may also compare the performance  of each Sub-Account in advertising and
sales literature to the Standard & Poor's Index of 500 common stocks and the Dow
Jones Industrials, which are widely
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
used measures of stock market performance.  We may also compare the  performance
of  each Sub-Account to  other widely recognized  indices. Unmanaged indices may
assume  the  reinvestment  of  dividends,  but  typically  do  not  reflect  any
"deduction" for the expense of operating or managing an investment portfolio.
 
THE POLICIES
 
    The  Policies are  flexible premium  variable life  insurance contracts with
death benefits, cash values,  and other features  of traditional life  insurance
contracts.  They are "flexible premium" because premiums  do not have to be paid
according to  a fixed  schedule.  They are  "variable"  because, to  the  extent
Accumulation  Value is attributable to the Variable Account, Accumulation Values
and, under certain circumstances, the  Death Benefit will increase and  decrease
based  on  the investment  performance of  the Funds  in which  the Sub-Accounts
invest.
 
DEATH BENEFIT
 
    Like traditional life insurance, we pay a death benefit if the Insured  dies
while the Policy is in force. The proceeds payable upon the death of the Insured
will  be the Death  Benefit (see "Death  Benefit Options" below)  reduced by any
Loan Amount and unpaid Monthly  Deductions. All or part  of the proceeds may  be
paid  in  cash to  your beneficiaries  or under  one or  more of  the settlement
options we offer (see "General Provisions -- Settlement Options").
 
    The Policy provides two Death Benefit  Options: the Level Amount Option  and
the  Variable  Amount  Option.  You  choose  the  Death  Benefit  Option  on the
application for the Policy. Subject to  certain limitations, you can change  the
Death  Benefit Option after issuance of the Policy. See "Death Benefit -- Change
in Death Benefit Option".
 
    The Death Benefit may vary with  the Policy's Accumulation Value. Under  the
Level  Amount Option,  the Death  Benefit will  only vary  with the Accumulation
Value whenever the  Accumulation Value multiplied  by the applicable  percentage
(see  "Death Benefit Options -- Level Amount Option") exceeds the Face Amount of
the Policy, The Death Benefit under the Variable Amount Option will always  vary
with  the Accumulation  Value because the  Death Benefit equals  the Face Amount
plus the Accumulation Value,  or the applicable  percentage of the  Accumulation
Value.  Under either Death Benefit Option, however, the Death Benefit will never
be less than the current Face Amount of  the Policy and will be payable only  as
long as the Policy remains in force.
 
    In addition to affecting the amount of the Death Benefit as described above,
the  Accumulation  Value generally  determines how  long  the Policy  remains in
force. See "Policy  Lapse and  Reinstatement". This  means that,  to the  extent
Accumulation  Value  is attributable  to  the Variable  Account,  the investment
performance of the Variable  Account (and the underlying  Funds) may affect  the
duration  of the Policy by affecting the  amount of Accumulation Value. You bear
the investment  risk with  respect  to any  amounts  allocated to  the  Variable
Account.  If,  however, the  Death Benefit  Guarantee is  in effect  (see "Death
Benefit Guarantee"), the Policy will stay in force until the Insured reaches Age
65  (or  five  Policy  Years,  if  longer)  without  regard  to  the  investment
performance under the Policy.
 
    Appendix   C  illustrates  Accumulation   Values,  Surrender  Charges,  Cash
Surrender Values,  and  Death  Benefits assuming  different  levels  of  premium
payments and investment returns for selected Ages and Face Amounts.
 
DEATH BENEFIT OPTIONS
    The Level Amount Option and the Variable Amount Option are described below.
 
    LEVEL  AMOUNT OPTION. The Death  Benefit is the greater  of the current Face
Amount of the Policy or the  applicable percentage of Accumulation Value on  the
Valuation  Date  on or  next  following the  date  of the  Insured's  death. The
applicable percentage is 250% for an Insured Age 40 or below, and the percentage
declines with increasing  Ages as shown  in the Applicable  Percentage Table  on
page  17.  Accordingly, under  the Level  Amount Option  the Death  Benefit will
remain level unless the applicable percentage of Accumulation Value exceeds  the
current  Face Amount, in which case the amount of the Death Benefit will vary as
the Accumulation Value varies.
 
    ILLUSTRATION OF  LEVEL AMOUNT  OPTION. For  purposes of  this  illustration,
assume that the Insured is under Age 40, and that there is no Loan Amount. Under
the  Level Amount Option,  a Policy with  a $100,000 Face  Amount will generally
have a $100,000 Death Benefit. However, because the Death Benefit must be  equal
to  or be greater than 250% of the Accumulation Value, any time the Accumulation
Value of the Policy exceeds $40,000, the Death Benefit will exceed the  $100,000
Face Amount.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
Each  additional  dollar  added to  the  Accumulation Value  above  $40,000 will
increase the Death  Benefit by $2.50.  Thus, if the  Accumulation Value  exceeds
$40,000  and  increases by  $100 because  of  investment performance  or premium
payments, the  Death Benefit  will increase  by  $250. A  Policy owner  with  an
Accumulation  Value of $50,000 will  be entitled to a  Death Benefit of $125,000
($50,000 X 250%); an Accumulation Value of $75,000 will yield a Death Benefit of
$187,500 ($75,000 X 250%);  and an Accumulation Value  of $100,000 will yield  a
Death Benefit of $250,000 ($100,000 X 250%).
 
    Similarly,  as long as  the Accumulation Value  exceeds $40,000, each dollar
taken out of the Accumulation Value will reduce the Death Benefit by $2.50.  If,
for  example, the Accumulation Value is  reduced from $75,000 to $70,000 because
of partial withdrawals, charges, or  negative investment performance, the  Death
Benefit  will be reduced from $187,500 to $175,000. If at any time, however, the
Accumulation Value multiplied by the applicable percentage is less than the Face
Amount, the Death Benefit will equal the current Face Amount of the Policy.
 
    The applicable percentage becomes lower  as the Insured's Age increases.  If
the  current Age of the Insured in  the illustration above were, for example, 50
(rather than under Age 40), the  applicable percentage would be 185%. The  Death
Benefit  would not exceed the $100,000 Face Amount unless the Accumulation Value
exceeded approximately $54,055 (rather than $40,000), and each $1 then added  to
or  taken from the  Accumulation Value would  change the Death  Benefit by $1.85
(rather than $2.50).
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
                          APPLICABLE PERCENTAGE TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    Insured's Age on
     Previous Policy        Applicable Percentage
       Anniversary          of Accumulation Value
- -------------------------  -----------------------
<S>                        <C>
      40 or younger                     250%
           41                           243
           42                           236
           43                           229
           44                           222
           45                           215
           46                           209
           47                           203
           48                           197
           49                           191
           50                           185
           51                           178
           52                           171
           53                           164
           54                           157
           55                           150
           56                           146
           57                           142
           58                           138
           59                           134
           60                           130
           61                           128
           62                           126
           63                           124
           64                           122
           65                           120
           66                           119
           67                           118
           68                           117
           69                           116
           70                           115
           71                           113
           72                           111
           73                           109
           74                           107
          75-90                         105
           91                           104
           92                           103
           93                           102
           94                           101
           95                           100
</TABLE>
 
    VARIABLE AMOUNT OPTION.  The Death Benefit  is equal to  the greater of  the
current Face Amount plus the Accumulation Value of the Policy, or the applicable
percentage  of the Accumulation Value on the Valuation Date on or next following
the date  of the  Insured's death.  The  applicable percentage  is 250%  for  an
Insured  Age 40  or below,  and the percentage  declines with  increasing Age as
shown in the Applicable Percentage Table above. Accordingly, under the  Variable
Amount  Option  the  amount  of  the  Death  Benefit  will  always  vary  as the
Accumulation Value varies.
 
    ILLUSTRATION OF VARIABLE AMOUNT OPTION.  For purposes of this  illustration,
assume  that the Insured is under Age 40 and that there is no Loan Amount. Under
the Variable  Amount  Option, a  Policy  with a  Face  Amount of  $100,000  will
generally pay a Death Benefit of $100,000 plus the Accumulation Value. Thus, for
example,  a  Policy with  an Accumulation  Value  of $20,000  will have  a Death
Benefit of $120,000 ($100,000 + $20,000); an Accumulation Value of $40,000  will
yield  a  Death Benefit  of $140,000  ($100,000 +  $40,000). The  Death Benefit,
however, must be at least  250% of the Accumulation Value.  As a result, if  the
Accumulation Value of the Policy exceeds approximately
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
$66,667,  the  Death Benefit  will  be greater  than  the Face  Amount  plus the
Accumulation Value.  Each  additional dollar  of  the Accumulation  Value  above
$66,667  will increase  the Death  Benefit by  $2.50. Thus,  if the Accumulation
Value exceeds $66,667 and increases by $100 because of investment performance or
premium payments, the Death Benefit will  increase by $250. A Policy owner  with
an Accumulation Value of $75,000 will be entitled to a Death Benefit of $187,500
($75,000  X 250%); an Accumulation Value of  $100,000 will yield a Death Benefit
of $250,000 ($100,000 X 250%); and an Accumulation Value of $125,000 will  yield
a Death Benefit of $312,500 ($125,000 X 250%).
 
    Similarly,  any  time the  Accumulation Value  exceeds $66,667,  each dollar
taken out of the Accumulation Value will reduce the Death Benefit by $2.50.  If,
for  example, the Accumulation Value is  reduced from $75,000 to $70,000 because
of partial withdrawals, charges, or  negative investment performance, the  Death
Benefit  will be reduced from $187,500 to $175,000. If at any time, however, the
Accumulation Value multiplied by the applicable percentage is less than the Face
Amount plus the Accumulation Value, then  the Death Benefit will be the  current
Face Amount plus the Accumulation Value of the Policy.
 
    The  applicable percentage becomes lower as  the Insured's Age increases. If
the current Age of the Insured in  the illustration above were, for example,  50
(rather  than under 40), the applicable percentage  would be 185%. The amount of
the Death  Benefit would  be the  sum of  the Accumulation  Value plus  $100,000
unless  the  Accumulation  Value exceeded  approximately  $117,647  (rather than
$66,667), and each  $1.00 then  added to or  taken from  the Accumulation  Value
would change the Death Benefit by $1.85 (rather than $2.50).
 
WHICH DEATH BENEFIT OPTION TO CHOOSE
    If  you prefer to have premium payments and favorable investment performance
reflected partly in the form of  an increasing Death Benefit, you should  choose
the  Variable  Amount Option.  If  you are  satisfied  with the  amount  of your
existing insurance coverage and  prefer to have  premium payments and  favorable
investment  performance  reflected to  the  maximum extent  in  the Accumulation
Value, you should choose the Level Amount Option.
 
REQUESTED CHANGES IN FACE AMOUNT
    Subject to certain limitations, you may  request an increase or decrease  in
the  Face Amount. We  reserve the right  to limit increases  or decreases in the
Face Amount during the first two Policy Years.
 
    INCREASES. For an  increase in the  Face Amount, a  written request must  be
submitted.  We may also require additional evidence of insurability satisfactory
to us. The effective date of the increase will be the Monthly Anniversary on  or
next  following our approval of the increase.  The increase may not be less than
$5,000 and no increase will  be permitted after the  Insured reaches Age 75.  We
will  deduct any charges associated with the increase (the increases in the cost
of insurance,  Death  Benefit Guarantee  Charge,  Surrender Charge  and  Monthly
Expense  Charge -- see "Effect of Requested  Changes in Face Amount" below) from
the Accumulation  Value,  whether  or  not you  pay  an  additional  premium  in
connection  with  the  increase. You  will  be  entitled to  limited  free look,
conversion, and  refund  rights with  respect  to requested  increases  in  Face
Amount. See "Sales Charge Refund" and "Free Look and Conversion Rights".
 
    DECREASES. For a decrease in the Face Amount, a written request must also be
submitted.  Any decrease  in the  Face Amount will  be effective  on the Monthly
Anniversary on or next  following our receipt of  a written request. You  cannot
request  a  decrease in  the Face  Amount  more frequently  than once  every six
months. The Face Amount remaining in force after any requested decrease may  not
be  less than  the Minimum Face  Amount shown  in the Policy.  Under our current
policies, the  Minimum Face  Amount is  $25,000,  but we  reserve the  right  to
establish  a  different  Minimum Face  Amount  in  the future.  If,  following a
decrease in Face Amount,  the Policy would no  longer qualify as life  insurance
under  Federal  tax law  (see  "Federal Tax  Matters  -- Policy  Proceeds"), the
decrease will be limited to the extent necessary to meet these requirements.
 
    For purposes of  determining the cost  of insurance, decreases  in the  Face
Amount will be applied to reduce the current Face Amount in the following order:
 
    (a) The Face Amount provided by the most recent increase;
 
    (b) The next most recent increases successively; and
 
    (c) The Face Amount when the Policy was issued.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
    By  reducing  the  current  Face  Amount  in  this  manner,  the  Rate Class
applicable to the most recent increase in Face Amount will be eliminated  first,
then  the Rate Class applicable to the next most recent increase, and so on, for
the purposes of calculating the cost  of insurance. This assumption will  affect
the  cost of insurance under the Policy only if different Rate Classes have been
applied to the  current Face  Amount. A  Rate Class is  a group  of Insureds  we
determine  based  upon our  expectation that  they  will have  similar mortality
experience. We  currently place  Insureds  into standard  Rate Classes  or  into
substandard  Rate Classes that  involve a higher mortality  risk (for example, a
200% Rate Class  or a 300%  Rate Class).  In an otherwise  identical Policy,  an
Insured  in the standard Rate Class will have  a lower cost of insurance than an
Insured in a substandard Rate Class with higher mortality risks. See "Deductions
and Charges -- Monthly Deduction".
 
    For example, assume that the initial Face Amount was $50,000 with a standard
Rate Class, and that successive increases of  $25,000 (at a Rate Class of  200%)
and  $50,000 (at a Rate Class  of 300%) were added. If  a decrease of $50,000 or
less is requested, the amount of insurance at a 300% Rate Class will be  reduced
first.  If a decrease  of more than $50,000  is requested, the  amount at a 300%
Rate Class will be eliminated, and the excess over $50,000 will next reduce  the
amount of insurance at a 200% Rate Class.
 
    EFFECT OF REQUESTED CHANGES IN FACE AMOUNT.  An increase or decrease in Face
Amount  will affect  the Monthly  Deduction because  the cost  of insurance, the
Monthly Expense Charge, and the Death  Benefit Guarantee Charge depend upon  the
Face  Amount. The  charge for  certain optional  insurance benefits  may also be
affected. See "Deductions and Charges -- Monthly Deduction". An increase in  the
Face  Amount will  increase the  Surrender Charge,  but a  decrease in  the Face
Amount will not reduce the Surrender  Charge. The Surrender Charge is,  however,
imposed  only  upon  lapse or  total  surrender of  the  Policy and  not  upon a
requested decrease  in Face  Amount. See  "Deductions and  Charges --  Surrender
Charge".
 
    An  increase in the Face Amount will increase the Minimum Monthly Premium as
of the effective date  of the increase.  Therefore, additional premium  payments
may  be required to maintain the Death Benefit Guarantee. A decrease in the Face
Amount will reduce the Minimum Monthly Premium  as of the effective date of  the
decrease. See "Death Benefit Guarantee".
 
    The  additional Surrender Charge on a  requested increase in the Face Amount
will reduce the Cash Surrender Value  (which is the Accumulation Value less  any
Surrender  Charge, Loan Amount and unpaid  Monthly Deductions). If the resulting
Cash Surrender  Value is  not sufficient  to cover  the Monthly  Deduction,  the
Policy  may lapse unless the  Death Benefit Guarantee is  in effect. See "Policy
Lapse and Reinstatement -- Lapse" and "Death Benefit Guarantee".
 
INSURANCE PROTECTION
    You may increase or decrease the  pure insurance protection provided by  the
Policy  (that is, the difference between  the Death Benefit and the Accumulation
Value) in one  of several  ways as insurance  needs change.  These ways  include
increasing  or decreasing  the Face Amount  of insurance, changing  the level of
premium payments, and, to a lesser extent, making a partial withdrawal under the
Policy. Although the consequences of each of these methods will depend upon  the
individual circumstances, they may be generally summarized as follows:
 
(a)  A decrease in  the Face Amount  will, subject to  the applicable percentage
    limitations (see "Death  Benefit --  Death Benefit  Options"), decrease  the
    pure  insurance protection without  reducing the Accumulation  Value. If the
    Face Amount  is decreased,  the Policy  charges generally  will decrease  as
    well.  (Note that the Surrender Charge  will NOT be reduced. See "Deductions
    and Charges -- Surrender Charge".)
 
(b) An increase in the Face  Amount (which is generally subject to  underwriting
    approval  -- see "Death  Benefit -- Requested Changes  in Face Amount") will
    likely increase the amount  of pure insurance  protection, depending on  the
    amount  of  Accumulation  Value  and  the  resultant  applicable  percentage
    limitation. If the  insurance protection  is increased,  the Policy  charges
    generally will increase as well.
 
(c)  A partial withdrawal will reduce the Death Benefit. See "Surrender Benefits
    -- Partial Withdrawal". However,  it has a limited  effect on the amount  of
    pure insurance protection and charges under the Policy, because the decrease
    in    the   Death   Benefit   is   usually    equal   to   the   amount   of
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
    Accumulation Value withdrawn. The primary use of a partial withdrawal is  to
    withdraw  Accumulation Value. Furthermore, it results in a reduced amount of
    Accumulation Value and increases the possibility that the Policy will lapse.
 
(d)  Under  the  Level  Amount  Option,  until  the  applicable  percentage   of
    Accumulation  Value  exceeds  the Face  Amount,  (i) an  increased  level of
    premium payments will reduce  the amount of  pure insurance protection,  and
    (ii)  a reduced level of  premium payments will increase  the amount of pure
    insurance protection.
 
(e) Under  the  Variable  Amount  Option, until  the  applicable  percentage  of
    Accumulation  Value exceeds the Face Amount plus the Accumulation Value, the
    level of  premium payments  will not  affect the  amount of  pure  insurance
    protection. (However, both the Accumulation Value and the Death Benefit will
    be  increased  if premium  payments are  increased,  and reduced  if premium
    payments are reduced.)
 
(f) Under either Death  Benefit Option, if the  Death Benefit is the  applicable
    percentage  of Accumulation  Value, then (i)  an increased  level of premium
    payments will increase the amount  of pure insurance protection (subject  to
    underwriting  approval -- see "Payment and  Allocation of Premiums -- Amount
    and Timing of Premiums"), and (ii) a reduced level of premium payments  will
    reduce the pure insurance protection.
 
    THE  TECHNIQUES DESCRIBED  IN THIS SECTION  FOR CHANGING THE  AMOUNT OF PURE
    INSURANCE PROTECTION  UNDER  THE  POLICY (FOR  EXAMPLE,  CHANGING  THE  FACE
    AMOUNT,  MAKING A  PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL,  AND CHANGING  THE AMOUNT  OF PREMIUM
    PAYMENTS) MUST  BE  CONSIDERED  TOGETHER WITH  THE  OTHER  RESTRICTIONS  AND
    CONSIDERATIONS DESCRIBED ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
 
CHANGE IN DEATH BENEFIT OPTION
    You  must submit  a written  request to change  the Death  Benefit Option. A
change in the  Death Benefit Option  will also  change the Face  Amount. If  the
Death  Benefit Option is  changed from the  Level Amount Option  to the Variable
Amount Option, the  Face Amount  will be  decreased by  an amount  equal to  the
Accumulation  Value on the effective date of  the change. You cannot change from
the Level Amount  Option to  the Variable Amount  Option if  the resulting  Face
Amount would fall below the Minimum Face Amount (currently $25,000).
 
    If  the Death Benefit Option  is changed from the  Variable Amount Option to
the Level Amount Option, the Face Amount will be increased by an amount equal to
the Policy's Accumulation Value on the effective date of the change.
 
    An increase or decrease in Face Amount resulting from a change in the  Death
Benefit  Option will affect the Monthly Deduction because the cost of insurance,
the Monthly Expense Charge, and the  Death Benefit Guarantee Charge depend  upon
the  Face Amount. The charge for certain optional insurance benefits may also be
affected. See  "Deductions  and Charges  --  Monthly Deduction".  The  Surrender
Charge,  however, will not be affected by an increase or decrease in Face Amount
resulting from a change in Death Benefit Option.
 
    Changes in the Death  Benefit Option do not  require additional evidence  of
insurability.
 
ACCELERATED BENEFIT RIDER
    Under  certain circumstances, the Accelerated  Benefit Rider allows a Policy
owner to accelerate  benefits from the  Policy that would  be otherwise  payable
upon  the death  of the  Insured. The benefit  may vary  state-by-state and your
registered representative should be consulted as  to whether and to what  extent
the Rider is available in a particular state and on any particular Policy.
 
    Generally,  we  will provide  an Accelerated  Benefit if  the Insured  has a
terminal illness that will result in the death of the Insured within 12  months,
as certified by a physician.
 
    The  Accelerated Benefit will not be more  than 50% of the amount that would
be payable at the death  of the Insured. The  Accelerated Benefit will first  be
used  to pay off any outstanding Policy loans and interest due. The remainder of
the Accelerated Benefit will be in a lump sum to the Policy owner.  Limitations,
as described in the Accelerated Benefit Rider, may apply.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
    A  lien  will  be established  against  the  Policy for  the  amount  of the
Accelerated Benefit plus the administrative  charge, plus interest on the  lien.
Any  proceeds from the Policy will be first  used to repay this lien. The Policy
owner's access to the Cash Value will be reduced by the amount of the lien.  The
proceeds payable to the beneficiary will be reduced by the amount of the lien.
 
    The  administrative charge will not exceed $300  and will be assessed at the
time the benefit is accelerated.
 
    The premium payable on  the Policy will not  be affected by the  Accelerated
Benefit.
 
    Receipt  of a benefit under  the Accelerated Benefit Rider  may give rise to
Federal or State  income tax. A  competent tax adviser  should be consulted  for
further information.
 
    The above information is not intended to be a complete summary of the Rider.
All  of the terms and provisions of  the Accelerated Benefit Rider are set forth
in the Rider and should be referred to in order to fully ascertain its  benefits
and limitations.
 
PAYMENT AND ALLOCATION OF PREMIUMS
 
ISSUING THE POLICY
    To  apply  for a  Policy,  an individual  must  complete an  application and
personally deliver  it  to  our  licensed agent.  The  minimum  Face  Amount  is
currently  $25,000, but we reserve the right to specify a different minimum Face
Amount in the future for  issuing a new Policy. We  will generally only issue  a
Policy  to an  applicant Age  75 or less  who supplies  evidence of insurability
satisfactory to  us. Acceptance  is subject  to our  underwriting rules  and  we
reserve the right to reject an application for any reason permitted by law.
 
    SPONSORED   MARKET  PLANS.    Policies  may  be  purchased  under  sponsored
arrangements where permitted by state law. A "sponsored arrangement" includes an
arrangement where an employer permits group solicitation of its employees or  an
association  permits  group solicitations  of its  members  for the  purchase of
Policies on an individual basis.
 
    All participants in  sponsored arrangements  are individually  underwritten.
Persons  purchasing  under  a  sponsored arrangement  may  apply  for simplified
underwriting. If simplified underwriting is  granted, the cost of insurance  may
increase  as a result of higher  than anticipated mortality experience. However,
any such increase  will not cause  the cost  of insurance charge  to exceed  the
guaranteed rates set forth in the Policy.
 
    COVERAGE.  Coverage under a Policy begins on  the later of the Issue Date or
the date  we receive  at  least the  minimum  initial premium  (see  immediately
following  section).  In general,  if the  applicant pays  at least  the minimum
initial premium with the application,  the Issue Date will  be the later of  the
date  of the application or the date  of any medical examination required by our
underwriting procedures.  However, if  underwriting  approval has  not  occurred
within 45 days after we receive the application, or if you authorize premiums to
be  paid by bank account  monthly deduction, the Issue Date  will be the date of
underwriting approval.
 
    MINIMUM INITIAL  PREMIUM.  The  minimum initial  premium  is  three  Minimum
Monthly  Premiums  (see "Death  Benefit Guarantee").  If however,  you authorize
premiums to be paid by bank  account monthly deduction or government  allotment,
we   will  accept  one  Minimum  Monthly  Premium  together  with  the  required
authorization forms. The Minimum Monthly Premium is specified in the Policy  and
determines the payments required to maintain the Death Benefit Guarantee.
 
    TEMPORARY INSURANCE. At the time the application is taken, the applicant can
receive  temporary  insurance  coverage by  paying  a  premium equal  to  10% of
annualized Minimum Monthly Premium. The temporary insurance will be for the face
amount specified in the premium receipt and will be effective until the earliest
of the following:
 
    - The date the coverage under the Policy is effective.
 
    - The date the  applicant receives  an offer  for an  alternative policy,  a
      notice  of termination of temporary insurance  coverage, or notice that we
      have rejected the application.
 
    - The date  of  death  of  the proposed  Insured,  any  proposed  additional
      Insured, or any proposed Insured child.
 
    - The 75th day after the date of the receipt for the temporary insurance.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
    CREDITING  NET PREMIUMS. We will credit  Net Premiums to the Sub-Accounts of
the Variable Account and to  the Fixed Account on  the basis of the  applicant's
allocation on the latest of the following dates:
 
    - The Valuation Date following the date of underwriting approval.
 
    - The Valuation Date on or next following the Policy Date.
 
    - The Valuation Date on or next following the date we have received at least
      the required minimum initial premium payment.
 
    - In  the case of  Policies issued under  government allotment programs, the
      Valuation Date next following the Issue Date.
 
    Until the  date on  which  Net Premiums  are  credited as  described  above,
premium payments will be held in our General Account. No interest will be earned
on these premium payments during this period of time.
 
    REFUNDING  PREMIUM. We will return all premiums paid without interest if any
of the following occur:
 
    - We send notice to the applicant that the insurance is declined.
 
    - The applicant refuses an offer for an alternative policy.
 
    - The applicant does not  supply required medical exams  or tests within  30
      days of the date of the application.
 
    - The  applicant returns the  Policy under the limited  free look right. See
      "Free Look and Conversion Rights -- Free Look Rights".
 
ALLOCATION OF PREMIUMS
    You choose the initial allocation of your Net Premiums (your gross  premiums
less  the Premium Expense Charge)  to the Fixed Account  and the Sub-Accounts of
the Variable Account on the application for the Policy. If you fail to  instruct
us  where to allocate your  Net Premiums, we reserve the  right to place them in
the Money  Market  Portfolio. You  may  change the  allocation  at any  time  by
notifying us in writing. Changes will not be effective until the date we receive
your request and will only affect premiums we receive on or after that date. The
new premium allocation may be 100% to any Account or divided in whole percentage
points totaling 100%. We reserve the right to adjust any allocation to eliminate
fractional  percentages. Changing the current premium allocation will not affect
the allocation of existing Accumulation Value.
 
AMOUNT AND TIMING OF PREMIUMS
    The amount and frequency  of premium payments  will affect the  Accumulation
Value,  the Cash Surrender Value,  and how long the  Policy will remain in force
(including affecting whether  the Death Benefit  Guarantee is in  effect --  see
"Death  Benefit Guarantee").  After the initial  premium, you  may determine the
amount  and  timing  of  subsequent   premium  payments  within  the   following
restrictions:
 
    - IN  MOST CASES, PAYMENT OF CUMULATIVE  PREMIUMS SUFFICIENT TO MAINTAIN THE
      DEATH BENEFIT  GUARANTEE WILL  BE REQUIRED  TO KEEP  THE POLICY  IN  FORCE
      DURING  AT  LEAST  THE  FIRST SEVERAL  POLICY  YEARS.  SEE  "DEATH BENEFIT
      GUARANTEE".
 
    - We may choose not to accept any premium less than $25.00.
 
    - We reserve  the right  to limit  the  amount of  any premium  payment.  In
      general,  during the  first Policy Year  we will not  accept total premium
      payments in excess of  $250,000 on the life  of any Insured, whether  such
      payments  are received on a Policy or on any other insurance policy issued
      by us or our affiliates. Also, we  will not accept any premium payment  in
      excess  of  $50,000 on  any Policy  after  the first  Policy Year.  In our
      discretion, however, we may waive any of these premium limitations.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
    - We  may require additional evidence of  insurability satisfactory to us if
      any premium would increase  the difference between  the Death Benefit  and
      the  Accumulation  Value (that  is,  the net  amount  at risk).  A premium
      payment would increase the net  amount at risk if  at the time of  payment
      the  Death  Benefit  would  be based  upon  the  applicable  percentage of
      Accumulation Value. See "Death Benefit -- Death Benefit Options".
 
    - In no  event  may the  total  of all  premiums  paid, both  scheduled  and
      unscheduled,  exceed the current maximum premium payments allowed for life
      insurance under Section 7702 of the  Federal Internal Revenue Code. If  at
      any  time a premium is paid which would result in total premiums exceeding
      the current maximum premiums allowed, we will only accept that portion  of
      the premium which would make total premiums equal the maximum. Any part of
      the  premium in  excess of  that amount will  be returned,  and no further
      premiums will be  accepted until  allowed by the  current maximum  premium
      limitations.
 
    - If you contemplate a large premium payment under this Policy, and you wish
      to avoid Modified Endowment Contract classification, you may contact us in
      writing  before making the payment and we will tell you the maximum amount
      which can be  paid into  the Policy. See  "Federal Tax  Matters --  Policy
      Proceeds".
 
PLANNED PERIODIC PREMIUMS
    You  may  choose  a  Planned Periodic  Premium  schedule  which  indicates a
preference as to future amounts and  frequency of payment. The Planned  Periodic
Premiums  may be paid annually, semi-annually,  quarterly or, if you choose, you
can pay  the Planned  Periodic Premiums  by bank  account monthly  deduction  or
government allotment.
 
    The  amount and frequency  of your initial Planned  Periodic Premium will be
shown in the Policy. You may change the Planned Periodic Premium at any time  by
written request. We may limit the amount of any increase.
 
    As mentioned above, the amount and frequency of premium payments will affect
Accumulation Value, Cash Surrender Value, and how long the Policy will remain in
force.  Failure to make any Planned  Periodic Premium payment will not, however,
necessarily result in  lapse of the  Policy. On the  other hand, making  Planned
Periodic  Premium payments will not guarantee  that the Policy remains in force.
See "Death Benefit Guarantee" and "Policy Lapse and Reinstatement".
 
UNSCHEDULED ADDITIONAL PREMIUMS
    Premiums, other than  Planned Periodic  Premiums, may  be paid  at any  time
while  the Policy  is in  force. We  may limit  the number  and amount  of these
additional payments.
 
PAYING PREMIUMS BY MAIL
    Planned Periodic Premiums and Unscheduled Additional Premiums may be paid to
the Company by mailing them to:
 
    ReliaStar Life Insurance Company
    P.O. Box 802511
    Chicago, Illinois 60680-2511
 
DEATH BENEFIT GUARANTEE
 
    If you meet the requirements described below, we guarantee that we will  not
lapse the Policy even if the Cash Surrender Value is not sufficient to cover the
Monthly  Deduction that is due. This feature  of the Policy is called the "Death
Benefit Guarantee". The Death Benefit Guarantee expires at the Insured's Age  65
(or five Policy Years, if longer).
 
    In  general,  the  two  most significant  benefits  from  the  Death Benefit
Guarantee are  as  follows. First,  during  the  early Policy  Years,  the  Cash
Surrender  Value  (even  when  supplemented by  the  Sales  Charge  Refund) will
generally not be sufficient  to cover the Monthly  Deduction, so that the  Death
Benefit  Guarantee will be necessary  to avoid lapse of  the Policy. See "Policy
Lapse and  Reinstatement".  This occurs  because  the Surrender  Charge  usually
exceeds  the  Accumulation Value  in  these years.  In  this regard,  you should
consider that if you request an increase in Face Amount, an additional Surrender
Charge would apply  for the fifteen  years following the  increase, which  could
create  a similar possibility of lapse as  exists during the early Policy Years.
Second, to  the extent  Cash Surrender  Value declines  due to  poor  investment
performance,  or  due  to  an  additional  Surrender  Charge  after  a requested
increase, Cash Surrender Value may not be sufficient even in later Policy  Years
to cover the
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
Monthly  Deduction, so that the Death Benefit Guarantee may also be necessary in
later Policy Years to avoid  lapse of the Policy.  THUS, EVEN THOUGH THE  POLICY
PERMITS  PREMIUM PAYMENTS THAT  ARE LESS THAN THE  MINIMUM MONTHLY PREMIUMS, YOU
MAY LOSE THE SIGNIFICANT PROTECTION PROVIDED  BY THE DEATH BENEFIT GUARANTEE  BY
PAYING LESS THAN THE MINIMUM MONTHLY PREMIUMS.
 
    In  general,  the  Death Benefit  Guarantee  applies  if the  total  of your
premiums paid  under the  Policy,  less any  partial  withdrawals and  any  Loan
Amount, equals or exceeds the sum of the Minimum Monthly Premiums required since
the  Policy Date (including the current Monthly Anniversary). However, if at the
time of a partial withdrawal, the Policy's current Accumulation Value exceeds  a
target  amount determined  by us based  on certain  assumptions regarding Policy
charges and earnings, then all or part of the partial withdrawal may not  reduce
premium  payments for the purposes of the Death Benefit Guarantee. In this case,
we will notify you of the amount of the partial withdrawal that does not  reduce
premiums paid.
 
REQUIREMENTS
    The  Death Benefit Guarantee  will be in  effect if the  sum of all premiums
paid minus any partial withdrawals  and any loans are  equal to or greater  than
the sum of the Minimum Monthly Premiums since the Policy Date.
 
    The  requirements for  the Death Benefit  Guarantee must be  satisfied as of
each Monthly Anniversary, even though you do not have to pay premiums monthly.
 
    EXAMPLE: The Policy Date is January 1, 1997. The Minimum Monthly Premium  is
$100/month.  No Policy loans or partial withdrawals are taken and no Face Amount
changes have occurred.
 
    Case 1.  You pay $100 each month. The Death Benefit Guarantee is maintained.
 
    Case 2.  You pay $1,000 on January 1,  1997. The $1,000 maintains the  Death
             Benefit  Guarantee without your paying  any additional premiums for
             the next 10 months (through October 31, 1997. However, you must pay
             at least $100  by November 1,  1997 to maintain  the Death  Benefit
             Guarantee through November 30, 1997.
 
    The  amount of the initial Minimum Monthly  Premium will be determined by us
at issuance of the Policy and will  be shown in the Policy. The initial  Minimum
Monthly  Premium will depend upon  the Insured's sex, Age  at issue, Rate Class,
optional insurance benefits added by rider, and the initial Face Amount.
 
    The following Policy changes will change the Minimum Monthly Premium:
 
    - A requested increase or decrease in the Face Amount (see "Death Benefit --
      Requested Changes in Face Amount").
 
    - A change in  the Death  Benefit Option (see  "Death Benefit  -- Change  in
      Death Benefit Option").
 
    - The  addition or termination of a Policy rider (see "General Provisions --
      Optional Insurance Benefits").
 
    We will notify you in writing of any changes in the Minimum Monthly Premium.
 
    If, as of  any Monthly  Anniversary, you  have not  made sufficient  premium
payments to maintain the Death Benefit Guarantee, we will send you notice of the
premium  payment required  to maintain  it. If  we do  not receive  the required
premium payment within 61 days  from the date of  our notice, the Death  Benefit
Guarantee will terminate. THE DEATH BENEFIT GUARANTEE CANNOT BE REINSTATED.
 
    Even  if  the  Death  Benefit  Guarantee  terminates,  the  Policy  will not
necessarily lapse. For a discussion of the circumstances under which the  Policy
may lapse, see "Policy Lapse and Reinstatement".
 
ACCUMULATION VALUE
 
    The  Accumulation Value of the Policy (that is, the total value attributable
to a specific Policy in the Variable Account and the Fixed Account) is equal  to
the  sum  of the  Variable Accumulation  Value (the  amount attributable  to the
Variable Account) plus the Fixed Accumulation Value (the amount attributable  to
the Fixed Account). The Accumulation Value should be distinguished from the Cash
Surrender  Value that would actually be paid  to you upon total surrender of the
Policy, which is the Accumulation Value  less any Surrender Charge, Loan  Amount
and unpaid Monthly Deductions. See
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
"Surrender  Benefits -- Total Surrender". (During the first two Policy Years and
the first two years following a requested increase in Face Amount, you may  also
be entitled to a Sales Charge Refund. See "Sales Charge Refund".)
 
    The  Variable Accumulation  Value will increase  or decrease  to reflect the
investment performance  of  the Funds  in  which Sub-Accounts  of  the  Variable
Account  have  been  invested.  The Variable  Accumulation  Value  will  also be
increased by (a) any Net Premiums credited  to the Variable Account and (b)  any
transfers  from the Fixed Account. The  Variable Accumulation Value will also be
reduced by (a) the Monthly Deduction  attributable to the Variable Account,  (b)
the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge, (c) partial withdrawals from the Variable
Account,  (d) any  transfer and partial  withdrawal charges  attributable to the
Variable Account, and (e) any amounts  transferred from the Variable Account  to
the  Fixed Account (including  amounts transferred from  the Variable Account to
the Fixed  Account as  security for  Policy loans  -- see  "Policy Loans").  The
Variable Accumulation Value will generally vary daily.
 
    The  Fixed  Accumulation Value  will be  increased by  (a) any  Net Premiums
credited to the Fixed  Account, (b) any interest  credited to the Fixed  Account
(determined  at our discretion, but guaranteed not  to be less than 4%), and (c)
any  amounts  transferred  from  the  Variable  Account  to  the  Fixed  Account
(including amounts transferred to the Fixed Account as security for Policy loans
- --  see "Policy Loans"). The Fixed Accumulation Value will be reduced by (a) the
Monthly Deduction attributable  to the  Fixed Account,  (b) partial  withdrawals
from  the  Fixed  Account,  (c)  any  transfer  and  partial  withdrawal charges
attributable to the  Fixed Account,  and (d)  any amounts  transferred from  the
Fixed Account to the Variable Account.
 
    For  a detailed  discussion of  the calculation  of Accumulation  Value, see
Appendix B. An illustration of  various Accumulation Values, Surrender  Charges,
Cash  Surrender Values, and Death Benefits, assuming different levels of premium
payments and various investment returns for  selected Ages and Face Amounts,  is
shown in Appendix C.
 
DEDUCTIONS AND CHARGES
 
    Charges  will be deducted in connection with the Policy to compensate us for
(a) providing the insurance benefits of  the Policy (including any riders),  (b)
administering  the Policy,  (c) assuming  certain risks  in connection  with the
Policy, and (d) incurring expenses in distributing the Policy.
 
    Some of these charges are deducted from each premium payment. Certain  other
charges  are  deducted monthly  from  both the  Fixed  Account and  the Variable
Account, or from  the Variable  Account only.  A charge  is also  made for  each
partial withdrawal and a charge may be made for each transfer.
 
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE
    We  deduct a sales charge  and a charge for  premium taxes from each premium
payment. We may in the future deduct a premium processing charge of up to  $2.00
from  each premium  payment. The  total of these  charges is  called the Premium
Expense Charge. The amount remaining after we have deducted the Premium  Expense
Charge  is called the Net Premium. The Net Premium is then credited to the Fixed
Account  and  the  Sub-Accounts  of  the  Variable  Account  according  to  your
allocation.
 
    SALES  CHARGE.  A sales  charge of  2.50%  of each  premium payment  will be
deducted to  compensate us  for expenses  relating to  the distribution  of  the
Policy,  including  agents' commissions,  advertising, and  the printing  of the
prospectuses and sales literature for new and prospective buyers of this policy.
In addition, we may charge a  contingent deferred sales charge if you  surrender
the  Policy  or the  Policy  lapses. See  "Deductions  and Charges  -- Surrender
Charge".
 
    PREMIUM TAX CHARGE. Various states and subdivisions impose a tax on premiums
received by  insurance companies.  Premium taxes  vary from  state to  state.  A
charge  of 2.50% of each  premium payment will be  deducted by us. The deduction
represents an  amount we  consider necessary  to pay  all taxes  imposed by  the
states and any subdivisions.
 
    PREMIUM  PROCESSING CHARGE. We may make a  charge of up to $2.00 per premium
payment to reimburse  us for  the cost  of collecting  and processing  premiums,
although  we currently make  no such charge.  If a premium  processing charge is
made, it will be deducted from premium payments before the percentage deductions
for sales charge and premium taxes.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
MONTHLY DEDUCTION
    We deduct the  charges described below  from the Accumulation  Value of  the
Policy  on a  monthly basis. The  total of  these charges is  called the Monthly
Deduction.
 
    The Monthly Deduction will be deducted on each Monthly Anniversary from  the
Fixed  Account and the  Sub-Accounts of the Variable  Account on a proportionate
basis depending on their relative Accumulation Values at that time. For purposes
of determining these proportions, the Fixed Accumulation Value is reduced by the
Loan Amount. Because  portions of  the Monthly Deduction,  such as  the cost  of
insurance,  can vary from month to month, the Monthly Deduction itself will vary
in amount from month to month.
 
    If the Cash Surrender Value plus  any Sales Charge Refund is not  sufficient
to  cover the Monthly Deduction on a  Monthly Anniversary, the Policy may lapse.
See "Death Benefit Guarantee" and "Policy Lapse and Reinstatement".
 
    COST OF  INSURANCE. We  will  determine the  monthly  cost of  insurance  by
multiplying  the applicable cost of insurance rate or rates by the net amount at
risk under the  Policy. The net  amount at risk  under the Policy  for a  Policy
Month  is (a) the Death Benefit at the  beginning of the Policy Month divided by
1.004074 (which reduces the net amount at risk, solely for purposes of computing
the cost of  insurance, by taking  into account assumed  monthly earnings at  an
annual  rate of  5%), less (b)  the Accumulation  Value at the  beginning of the
Policy Month (reduced by any charges for  rider benefits). As a result, the  net
amount  at risk may be  affected by changes in the  Accumulation Value or in the
Death Benefit.
 
    The Rate Class of an Insured may affect the cost of insurance. A Rate  Class
is  a group of Insureds  we determine based upon  our expectation that they will
have similar mortality  experience. We  currently place  Insureds into  standard
Rate  Classes or into  substandard Rate Classes that  involve a higher mortality
risk. In an otherwise  identical Policy, an Insured  in the standard Rate  Class
will  have a lower cost of insurance than an Insured in a Rate Class with higher
mortality risks.
 
    If there is an increase in the Face Amount and the Rate Class applicable  to
the  increase is different  from that for  the initial Face  Amount or any prior
requested increases in Face  Amount, the net amount  at risk will be  calculated
separately  for each Rate Class.  For purposes of determining  the net amount at
risk for each Rate  Class, the Accumulation  Value will first  be assumed to  be
part  of the initial Face Amount. If  the Accumulation Value is greater than the
initial Face Amount,  it will then  be assumed to  be part of  each increase  in
order, starting with the first increase.
 
    Cost  of insurance rates will be based on the sex, Age and Rate Class(es) of
the Insured.  The  actual monthly  cost  of  insurance rates  will  reflect  our
expectations  as to future  experience. They will not,  however, be greater than
the guaranteed cost of insurance rates shown  in the Policy, which are based  on
the  Commissioner's  1980  Standard  Ordinary  Mortality  Table  for  smokers or
nonsmokers, respectively.
 
    MONTHLY EXPENSE CHARGE. Each month we deduct an expense charge of $3.50 plus
$.01 per $1,000 of Face Amount. This charge reimburses us for expenses  incurred
in  administering the  Policy, such  as processing  claims, maintaining records,
making Policy changes and communicating with  you and other owners of  Policies.
We  do not anticipate that we will make  any profit on this charge. Because this
charge is intended to cover the average anticipated administrative expenses  for
all  Policies,  however, there  is not  necessarily  a relationship  between the
amount of this charge for a given Policy and the amount of expenses that may  be
attributable to that Policy.
 
    DEATH  BENEFIT GUARANTEE  CHARGE. For  each Policy  Month the  Death Benefit
Guarantee is in effect, we deduct a charge of $.01 per $ 1,000 of Face Amount to
compensate us for the risk we assume in providing the Death Benefit Guarantee.
 
    OPTIONAL INSURANCE BENEFIT  CHARGES. Each  month we deduct  charges for  any
optional  insurance  benefits  added  to  the  Policy  by  rider.  See  "General
Provisions -- Optional Insurance Benefits".
 
SURRENDER CHARGE
 
    GENERAL. During the  first 15  Policy Years and  during the  first 15  years
following  any requested increase in Face Amount,  we make a Surrender Charge if
you surrender the  Policy or  the Policy lapses.  The Surrender  Charge has  two
parts    --   The   Contingent   Deferred    Administrative   Charge   and   the
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge which are determined separately. The  Surrender
Charge  will not be affected by any decrease  in Face Amount or by any change in
Face Amount resulting from a change in the Death Benefit Option.
 
    The  Surrender  Charge  imposed  upon  early  surrender  or  lapse  will  be
significant.  As a  result, you should  purchase a  Policy only if  you have the
financial capability to keep it in force for a substantial period of time.
 
    The Contingent  Deferred Administrative  Charge reimburses  us for  expenses
incurred  in issuing the  Policy, such as  processing the application (primarily
underwriting) and setting up computer  records. Because this charge is  intended
to  cover  the average  anticipated  administrative expenses  for  all Policies,
however, there is  not necessarily  a relationship  between the  amount of  this
charge for a given Policy and the amount of expenses that may be attributable to
that Policy.
 
    The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge compensates us for expenses relating to
the  distribution of the Policy, including agents' commissions, advertising, and
the printing of the prospectus and sales literature.
 
    CONTINGENT DEFERRED ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE.  The maximum Contingent  Deferred
Administrative  Charge for the initial Face Amount and any requested increase in
Face Amount is determined on  the Policy Date and on  the effective date of  any
requested  increase in  Face Amount.  The maximum  charge remains  level for the
first five years  in the  relevant 15  year period,  and then  reduces in  equal
monthly increments until it becomes zero at the end of 15 years.
 
    The Contingent Deferred Administrative Charge for the initial Face Amount or
a  requested increase in  Face Amount can  be determined by  multiplying (a) the
applicable factor per $1,000 of Face Amount from Appendix D (using the Insured's
Age on  the  Policy  Date  or  on  the  effective  date  of  such  increase,  as
appropriate), by (b) the initial Face Amount or the Face Amount of the increase,
as  the case may be, by (c)  the applicable percentage from the Surrender Charge
Percentage Table on page 28 and then dividing by 1,000. For example, assume that
an Insured Age 35 buys a Policy with an initial Face Amount of $100,000. If  the
Policy is surrendered at any time in the first five Policy Years, the Contingent
Deferred  Administrative  Charge  is  equal to  $3.50  (factor  per  $1,000 from
Appendix D, Age 35) times 100,000 (of initial Face Amount) times 100% (from  the
Surrender  Charge Percentage Table), and then dividing this amount by 1,000 or a
total of $350 ($3.50 X  100,000 X 100%/1,000). If  the initial Face Amount  were
$50,000,  the Contingent Deferred Administrative Charge would instead be $3.50 X
50 X 100%, or $175 for the first five Policy Years.
 
    The calculation  of  the Contingent  Deferred  Administrative Charge  for  a
requested  increase in Face Amount  is the same as  for the initial Face Amount,
except that the charges are based on the Insured's Age on the effective date  of
the increase and the years and months are measured from that date.
 
    CONTINGENT  DEFERRED  SALES CHARGE.  The  maximum Contingent  Deferred Sales
Charge for the initial Face Amount or any requested increase in Face Amount will
be determined on  the Policy  Date or  on the  effective date  of any  requested
increase.  The maximum charge will remain level  for the first five years in the
relevant 15 year period, and then  reduces in equal monthly increments until  it
becomes  zero at the end of 15  years. The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge will
vary depending upon the Insured's  Age (on the Policy  Date or on the  effective
date of an increase in Face Amount) and the Insured's sex.
 
    If  you surrender the Policy during the first two Policy Years or during the
first 24  months following  a requested  increase  in Face  Amount, you  may  be
entitled  to a refund of a portion  of the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. See
"Sales Charge Refund."
 
    The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge will be equal to the lesser of:
 
    (a.) 47.50% of the premiums attributable  to the initial Face Amount of  the
       Policy and any premiums attributable to an increase in Face Amount; or
 
    (b.)  The  result  of  the  Contingent  Deferred  Sales  Charge  Calculation
       described below
 
    CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE CALCULATION.  For purposes of b. above, the
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge  for the initial Face  Amount or any  requested
increase  in Face Amount is determined  by multiplying (i) the applicable Charge
per   $1,000    of    Face   Amount    from    Appendix   E    by    (ii)    the
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
Initial  Face Amount or the  Face Amount of the  increase, as applicable, and by
(iii) the  applicable  percentage from  the  Surrender Charge  Percentage  Table
below, and then dividing this amount by 1,000.
 
    EXAMPLE.    The following  example illustrates  how the  Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge is determined.  Assume that a  male, Age 35 buys  a policy with  an
initial  Face Amount of $100,000  and he surrenders the  Policy during the third
Policy Year at which time  he has paid cumulative  premiums of $3,000. Based  on
these assumptions the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge will be the lesser of:
 
    (a.)  47.50%  times the  cumulative premiums  paid on  the Policy,  which is
       $1,425 (47.50 x $3,000); or
 
    (b.) The result of the  Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Calculation,  which
       is  determined by multiplying (i) $15.18 (from  Appendix E for a male age
       35) by (ii)  $100,000 (the Initial  Face Amount) and  by (iii) 100%  (the
       applicable  percentage from  the Surrender Charge  Percentage Table), and
       then dividing  by 1000,  which results  in a  total of  $1,518 ($15.18  x
       100,000 x 100%/1000).
 
    The  Contingent Deferred Sales Charge for requested increases in Face Amount
will be  calculated in  the same  manner as  illustrated in  the example  above.
However,  for purposes of determining  the amount in (a.)  in the above example,
the cumulative premiums  paid is replaced  by the premiums  attributable to  the
increase  in  Face Amount.  The premiums  attributable to  the increase  in Face
Amount will consist  of a  portion of the  existing Accumulation  Value and  the
portion  of the premium payments made after  the effective date of the increase.
The proportion of  existing Accumulation Value  and subsequent premium  payments
attributable  to the increase will equal  (a) the Surrender Charge Guideline for
the increase found in Appendix F, divided by (b) the sum of the Surrender Charge
Guideline(s) for the initial Face Amount and each increase in Face Amount.
 
    MONTANA RESIDENTS.  Appendix C,  Appendix E and the preceding  illustrations
of  the Contingent  Deferred Sales  Charge do  not apply  to Policies  issued in
Montana. The  Contingent Deferred  Sales Charge  applied to  Policies issued  in
Montana is not affected by the Insured's sex. Therefore, the Contingent Deferred
Sales  Charge made on Policies issued in  this state will differ from the charge
made in other states.
 
                       SURRENDER CHARGE PERCENTAGE TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
If surrender or lapse occurs
             in
  the last month of Policy      The following percentage of the
           Year:*             Surrender Charge will be payable:**
- ----------------------------  -----------------------------------
<S>                           <C>
        1 through 5                             100%
             6                                   90%
             7                                   80%
             8                                   70%
             9                                   60%
             10                                  50%
             11                                  40%
             12                                  30%
             13                                  20%
             14                                  10%
        15 and later                              0%
</TABLE>
 
 *For requested increases, years are measured from the date of the increase.
 
**The percentages reduce equally for each  Policy Month during the years  shown.
For example, during the seventh Policy Year, the percentage reduces equally each
month  from 90% at  the end of  the sixth Policy Year  to 80% at  the end of the
seventh Policy Year.
 
    MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK  CHARGE. We will deduct  a daily charge from  the
Variable  Account at an  annual rate of .80  of 1% (.80%)  of the daily Variable
Accumulation Value of the Policy. This  deduction is guaranteed not to  increase
for the duration of the Policy.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
    The mortality risk assumed is that Insureds may live for a shorter period of
time  than we estimated  and that, as a  result, we would have  to pay a greater
amount in Death Benefits than we  collect in premium payments. The expense  risk
assumed  is that expenses incurred in  issuing and administering the Policy will
be greater than we estimated.
 
PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL AND TRANSFER CHARGES
    There is currently  no charge  imposed for  each transfer  but we  presently
charge  $10.00 for each partial withdrawal. The charge for transfers and partial
withdrawals  is  guaranteed  not  to  exceed  $10.00  per  transfer  or  partial
withdrawal. The transfer charge will not be imposed on transfers that occur as a
result of Policy loans or the exercise of conversion rights.
 
REDUCTION OF CHARGES
    Any  of the charges under the Policy, as well as the minimum Face Amount set
forth in this Prospectus, may be  reduced because of special circumstances  that
result  in  lower sales,  administrative,  or mortality  expenses.  For example,
special  circumstances  may  exist  in   connection  with  group  or   sponsored
arrangements,  sales  to  our  policyholders or  those  of  affiliated insurance
companies, or sales to employees or  clients of members of our affiliated  group
of  insurance companies. The  amount of any reductions  will reflect the reduced
sales effort and administrative costs resulting from, or the different mortality
experience expected as a result  of, the special circumstances. Reductions  will
not be unfairly discriminatory against any person, including the affected Policy
owners and owners of all other policies funded by the Variable Account.
 
SALES CHARGE REFUND
 
    During  the first  two Policy  Years and during  the first  24 Policy Months
following the effective date of any requested increase in Face Amount, we may be
required to refund  a portion  of the Contingent  Deferred Sales  Charge if  you
surrender the Policy. This refund is called the Sales Charge Refund.
 
    Any amount used in the calculation described below will be determined on the
effective date of surrender.
 
    INITIAL  FACE  AMOUNT. If  the Policy  is surrendered  during the  first two
Policy Years, a Sales Charge  Refund will be made to  the extent that the  total
sales  charge deducted (which  consists of the 2.50%  sales charge deducted from
each premium payment and the Contingent  Deferred Sales Charge) exceeds (i)  30%
of actual premium payments made in the first Policy Year up to the amount of the
Surrender Charge Guideline (see below) for the initial face amount, plus (ii) 9%
of  any actual premium payments made that exceed (i). In addition, the amount of
the refund will never decrease as the result of the payment of a premium.  After
the  second Policy  Year, there is  no Sales  Charge Refund with  respect to the
initial Face Amount.
 
    As  described  above,  the  Sales  Charge  Refund  is  calculated  based  on
percentages of premium payments. While the total sales charge deducted under the
Policy  is not based solely on premium payments, it is possible to translate the
total sales charge into a percentage of premium payments. In general, the  total
sales  charge deducted (before calculating the  Sales Charge Refund) will be 50%
of each premium payment until premium payments reach a certain level. This level
ranges from approximately  80% of a  Surrender Charge Guideline  (for a male  at
issue  Age 75) to approximately  275% of a Surrender  Charge Guideline (at issue
Ages 0-52). After premium payments reach this level, the total sales charge will
equal 2.50% of each additional premium payment. During the two Policy Years when
the Sales Charge Refund applies, however, the total sales charge will be limited
to 30%  of actual  premium  payments up  to the  amount  of a  Surrender  Charge
Guideline,  9% of actual  premium payments until payments  reach the level where
the total  sales charge  drops to  2.50%, and  2.50% of  any additional  premium
payments  beyond that level. If  you have any questions  regarding the amount of
your Sales Charge Refund, please call us.
 
    Due to the Sales Charge Refund, the total sales charge for the initial  Face
Amount  will be significantly less  if a Policy is  surrendered during the first
two Policy Years rather than shortly thereafter.
 
    The Surrender Charge Guideline  will equal the  amount obtained by  dividing
the  Face Amount or the amount  of the increase, as the  case may be, by $1,000,
and multiplying the result by the applicable factor from Appendix F.
 
    REQUESTED INCREASES IN FACE  AMOUNT. If you cancel  a requested increase  in
Face  Amount during the first 24 Policy Months following the increase (but after
the free look period -- see "Free Look and
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
Conversion Rights -- Free  Look Rights"), and the  Policy is surrendered at  any
time thereafter, a Sales Charge Refund will be made to the extent that the total
sales  charge  for  the  increase  (which  consists  of  2.50%  of  the premiums
attributable to the increase  and the Contingent Deferred  Sales Charge for  the
increase) exceeds (i) 30% of the premiums attributable to the increase in the 12
Policy  Months following the increase  up to the amount  of 30% of the Surrender
Charge Guideline for  the increase (see  immediately preceding paragraph),  plus
(ii)  9%  of any  premiums  attributable to  the  increase that  exceed  (i). In
addition, the amount  of the refund  will never  decrease as the  result of  the
payment of a premium. This refund is only available if the increase is cancelled
within  the 24  Policy Months  following its effective  date, and  the Policy is
subsequently surrendered. No refund  is available if  the increase is  cancelled
after the 24-month period.
 
    Calculating  total sales charge deducted for  an increase as a percentage of
premiums attributable to  the increase  is, in  general, the  same as  described
above  for the initial  Face Amount. Thus,  due to the  Sales Charge Refund, the
total sales charge for a requested increase in Face Amount may be  significantly
less  if  the increase  is cancelled  during the  24-month period  following the
increase rather than shortly thereafter. If you have any questions regarding the
amount of your Sales Charge Refund, please call us.
 
    For the purposes of  the preceding paragraph,  the premiums attributable  to
the increase will be determined as described in the section entitled "Deductions
and  Charges --  Surrender Charge  -- Calculation  of Contingent  Deferred Sales
Charge", which means  that, in effect,  a proportionate amount  of the  existing
Accumulation  Value on the effective date of the increase will be deemed to be a
premium payment  for  the increase,  and  subsequent premium  payments  will  be
prorated.
 
    EFFECT  OF SALES CHARGE REFUND.  The Sales Charge Refund  will be applied to
maintain the Policy in  force when the Cash  Surrender Value is insufficient  to
cover  the Monthly Deduction. If the  remaining Sales Charge Refund (not already
applied to  keep the  Policy in  force)  is insufficient  to cover  the  Monthly
Deduction,  this  remaining Sales  Charge Refund  may be  applied for  the grace
period under the Policy. See "Policy Lapse and Reinstatement". Any Sales  Charge
Refund  not so applied will  be refunded to you upon  the total surrender of the
Policy.
 
POLICY LAPSE AND REINSTATEMENT
 
    LAPSE. Unlike traditional  life insurance  policies, the failure  to make  a
Planned  Periodic Payment will not  by itself cause the  Policy to lapse. If the
Death Benefit Guarantee is not in effect,  the Policy will lapse only if, as  of
any  Monthly Anniversary, (a)  the Loan Amount is  greater than the Accumulation
Value plus any Sales Charge Refund, less the applicable Surrender Charge, or (b)
the Cash Surrender Value plus any Sales  Charge Refund is less than the  Monthly
Deduction  due, and in both cases if a grace period of 61 days expires without a
sufficient payment. If (during the first two Policy Years or the first 24 Policy
Months after a requested increase in Face Amount) there exists any Sales  Charge
Refund  (see "Sales Charge Refund") sufficient  to supplement the Cash Surrender
Value so as to cover the Monthly Deduction, then the Sales Charge Refund will be
applied by us to  keep the Policy  in force. The amount  of Sales Charge  Refund
available  for such  application is  reduced on  each Monthly  Anniversary as so
applied. Any payment made by you after we have kept the Policy in force in  this
manner  will first be used to reimburse us for the amount of Sales Charge Refund
so applied.
 
    During  the  early  Policy  Years,  the  Cash  Surrender  Value  (even  when
supplemented  by the  Sales Charge Refund)  will generally not  be sufficient to
cover the Monthly Deduction, so that premium payments sufficient to maintain the
Death Benefit Guarantee  will be  required to  avoid lapse.  See "Death  Benefit
Guarantee".
 
    The  Policy does not lapse, and  the insurance coverage continues, until the
expiration of a 61-day grace period which begins on the date we send you written
notice indicating that  (a) the  Loan Amount  is greater  than the  Accumulation
Value plus any Sales Charge Refund, less the applicable Surrender Charge, or (b)
the  Cash Surrender Value plus any Sales  Charge Refund is less than the Monthly
Deduction due. Our written notice to you will indicate the amount of the payment
required to avoid lapse. Failure to  make a sufficient payment within the  grace
period will result in lapse of the Policy without value.
 
    As  discussed above,  any Sales  Charge Refund will  be applied  to keep the
Policy in  force  when  the  Cash  Surrender Value  is  less  than  the  Monthly
Deduction.  When a total surrender of the Policy is requested after the start of
a grace period, any remaining Sales  Charge Refund (not already applied to  keep
the  Policy in force) will be so  applied for the grace period, and consequently
not refunded, unless  the surrender  request is received  by us  within 30  days
after we mail the grace period notice to you. If
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
such  a request is timely received, you will  be refunded an amount equal to any
unapplied Sales Charge  Refund that  existed as  of the  Monthly Anniversary  on
which  the  Cash  Surrender Value  deficiency  causing the  grace  period notice
occurred,  plus  any  unearned  prepaid   loan  interest  as  of  such   Monthly
Anniversary.
 
    If the Insured dies during the grace period, the proceeds payable will equal
the  amount of the Death Benefit on the  Valuation Date on or next following the
date of the Insured's death, reduced by  any Loan Amount and any unpaid  Monthly
Deductions.
 
    If  the Death Benefit Guarantee is in  effect, we will not lapse the Policy.
See "Death Benefit Guarantee".
 
    REINSTATEMENT. Reinstatement means  putting a lapsed  Policy back in  force.
You  may reinstate a lapsed Policy by written request any time within five years
after it has lapsed if it has not been surrendered for its Cash Surrender Value.
 
    To reinstate  the  Policy  and  any  riders  you  must  submit  evidence  of
insurability  satisfactory to us and you must pay a premium large enough to keep
the Policy in force for at least two months.
 
    The Death  Benefit  Guarantee  cannot  be  reinstated.  See  "Death  Benefit
Guarantee".
 
SURRENDER BENEFITS
 
    Subject to certain limitations, you may make a total surrender of the Policy
or  a partial withdrawal  of the Policy's  Cash Surrender Value  by sending us a
written  request.  The  amount  available  for  a  total  surrender  or  partial
withdrawal  will be determined at  the end of the  Valuation Period during which
your written request is received. Any amounts payable from the Variable  Account
upon  total surrender or partial withdrawal  will generally be paid within seven
days of receipt of your written request. Postponement of payments may,  however,
occur  in  certain circumstances.  See  "General Provisions  --  Postponement of
Payments".
 
TOTAL SURRENDER
    By making a written request,  you may surrender the  Policy at any time  for
its  Cash Surrender Value plus any Sales Charge Refund. The Cash Surrender Value
is the Accumulation Value  of the Policy reduced  by any Surrender Charge,  Loan
Amount and unpaid Monthly Deductions. If the Cash Surrender Value at the time of
a  surrender  exceeds  $25,000, the  written  request must  include  a Signature
Guarantee. An  illustration  of  Accumulation Values,  Surrender  Charges,  Cash
Surrender  Values,  and  Death  Benefits assuming  different  levels  of premium
payments and investment returns for selected Ages and Face Amounts, is shown  in
Appendix C.
 
PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL
    You  may also withdraw part of the  Policy's Cash Surrender Value by sending
us a written request. If the amount being withdrawn exceeds $25,000, the written
request must  include a  Signature  Guarantee. Only  one partial  withdrawal  is
allowed  in  any Policy  Year. We  currently make  a charge  of $10.00  for each
partial withdrawal. This charge is guaranteed  not to increase for the  duration
of  the Policy. See  "Deductions and Charges --  Partial Withdrawal and Transfer
Charges". The amount of any partial withdrawal must be at least $500 and, during
the first 15 Policy Years, may not be more than 20% of the Cash Surrender  Value
on the date we receive your written request.
 
    Unless  you specify a different allocation, we make partial withdrawals from
the  Fixed  Account  and  the  Sub-Accounts   of  the  Variable  Account  on   a
proportionate basis based upon the Accumulation Value. These proportions will be
determined  at the end of the Valuation Period during which your written request
is received. For purposes of determining these proportions, any outstanding Loan
Amount is first subtracted from the Fixed Accumulation Value.
 
    EFFECT OF PARTIAL WITHDRAWALS. The Accumulation Value will be reduced by the
amount of any partial withdrawal. The Death Benefit will also be reduced by  the
amount  of the withdrawal, or,  if the Death Benefit  is based on the applicable
percentage of Accumulation Value (see "Death Benefit -- Death Benefit Options"),
by an amount equal to the applicable percentage times the amount of the  partial
withdrawal.
 
    If  the Level Amount Option is in effect, the Face Amount will be reduced by
the amount of  the partial withdrawal.  When increases in  the Face Amount  have
occurred  previously, we  reduce the  current Face Amount  by the  amount of the
partial withdrawal in the following order:
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
    (a) The Face Amount provided by the most recent increase;
 
    (b) The next most recent increases successively; and
 
    (c) The Face Amount when the policy was issued.
 
    (This assumption also applies to requested  decreases in Face Amount --  see
"Death  Benefit -- Requested Changes in Face Amount".) Thus, partial withdrawals
may affect the way in which the  cost of insurance is calculated and the  amount
of  pure insurance protection under the  Policy. See "Death Benefit -- Requested
Changes in  Face Amount",  "Deductions  and Charges  -- Monthly  Deduction"  and
"Death Benefit -- Insurance Protection".
 
    We  do not  allow a partial  withdrawal if  the Face Amount  after a partial
withdrawal would be less than the Minimum Face Amount (currently $25,000).
 
    If the Variable Amount  Option is in effect,  a partial withdrawal does  not
affect the Face Amount.
 
    A  partial withdrawal  may also cause  the termination of  the Death Benefit
Guarantee because the  amount of  the partial withdrawal  is generally  deducted
from  the total  premiums paid in  calculating whether  sufficient premiums have
been paid  in order  to  maintain the  Death  Benefit Guarantee.  Under  certain
circumstances,  a partial withdrawal may not  be deducted from premiums paid for
purposes of the Death Benefit Guarantee. See "Death Benefit Guarantee".
 
    Like partial withdrawals, Policy loans are a means of withdrawing funds from
the Policy. See "Policy Loans". A partial  withdrawal or a Policy loan may  have
tax  consequences depending on the circumstances of such withdrawal or loan. See
"Federal Tax Matters -- Policy Proceeds".
 
TRANSFERS
 
    You may transfer all or part of the Variable Accumulation Value between  the
Sub-Accounts  or to the Fixed Account subject  to any conditions the Funds whose
shares are involved may impose. Transfer requests must be in writing unless  you
have  completed a telephone transfer authorization  form. You may also direct us
to automatically  make periodic  transfers under  the Dollar  Cost Averaging  or
Portfolio Rebalancing services as described below.
 
    To  transfer  all  or  part  of  the  Variable  Accumulation  Value  from  a
Sub-Account, Accumulation Units are redeemed and their values are reinvested  in
other  Sub-Accounts, or the Fixed Account, as  directed in your request. We will
effect transfers, and determine all values in connection with transfers, at  the
end  of the  Valuation Period  during which we  receive your  request, except as
otherwise specified  for  the Dollar  Cost  Averaging or  Portfolio  Rebalancing
services.  With respect  to future Net  Premium payments,  however, your current
premium allocation  will remain  in effect  unless (i)  you have  requested  the
Portfolio  Rebalancing service, or (ii) you are transferring all of the Variable
Accumulation Value from the Variable Account to the Fixed Account in exercise of
conversion rights. See "Free Look and Conversion Rights -- Conversion Rights".
 
    Transfers from the Fixed Account to the Variable Account are subject to  the
following  additional restrictions: (i) your transfer request must be postmarked
no more than 30  days before or  after the Policy Anniversary  in any year,  and
only  one transfer is permitted during this period, (ii) no more than 50% of the
Fixed Accumulation Value, less  any Loan Amount, may  be transferred unless  the
balance,  after the transfer, would be less than $1,000, in which event the full
Fixed Accumulation Value, less  any Loan Amount, may  be transferred, and  (iii)
you  must transfer at least  the lesser of $500  or the total Fixed Accumulation
Value, less any Loan Amount. See Appendix  A. Some of these restrictions may  be
waived for transfers due to the Portfolio Rebalancing service.
 
    TELEPHONE/FAX TRANSFER REQUESTS. You may request a transfer by telephone/fax
on  any Valuation Date after you complete a telephone/fax transfer authorization
form. If you elect to  complete the authorization form,  you agree that we  will
not be liable for any loss, liability, cost or expense when we act in accordance
with  the telephone/fax transfer instructions that  are received and recorded on
voice  recording  equipment.  If  a  telephone/fax  transfer  request  is  later
determined  not to have been made by you or was made without your authorization,
and loss results  from such  unauthorized transfer, you  bear the  risk of  this
loss.  Any requests via fax  are considered telephone requests  and are bound by
the condition in the telephone/fax transfer authorization form you sign. Any fax
request should include your name,  daytime telephone number, Policy number  and,
in the case of tranfers, the names of Sub-Accounts from which and to which money
will    be    transferred    and   the    allocation    percentage.    We   will
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
employ  reasonable  procedures  to  confirm  that  instructions  communicated by
telephone/fax are genuine. In the event we do not employ such procedures, we may
be liable for any  losses due to unauthorized  or fraudulent instructions.  Such
procedures may include, among others, requiring forms of personal identification
prior  to acting upon telephone/fax instructions, providing written confirmation
of such instructions, and/or tape recording telephone instructions.
 
    TRANSFER LIMITS.  We currently  allow  twelve transfers  in a  Policy  Year,
although  we reserve the right  to limit you to no  more than four transfers per
year. All  transfers that  are effective  on  the same  Valuation Date  will  be
treated  as  one transfer  transaction. Transfers  made due  to the  Dollar Cost
Averaging or Portfolio Rebalancing  services do not  currently count toward  the
limit on number of transfers.
 
    TRANSFER  CHARGES. While there is currently  no charge imposed on a transfer
we reserve the right to make a charge not to exceed $10.00 per transfer for  the
duration  of the Policy. We do not anticipate that we will make a profit on this
charge. See "Deductions and Charges -- Partial Withdrawal and Transfer Charges".
In no event, however, will any charge be imposed in connection with the exercise
of a conversion right or transfers occurring as the result of Policy Loans.  All
transfers  are also subject  to any charges  and conditions imposed  by the Fund
whose shares  are  involved.  All  transfers that  are  effective  on  the  same
Valuation Date will be treated as one transfer transaction.
 
    DOLLAR  COST AVERAGING  SERVICE. You may  request this service  if your Face
Amount is at least $100,000 and  your Accumulation Value, less any Loan  Amount,
is  at least $5,000. If you request this service, you direct us to automatically
make specific  periodic transfers  of a  fixed  dollar amount  from any  of  the
Sub-Accounts  to one  or more of  the Sub-Accounts  or to the  Fixed Account. No
transfers from the Fixed Account are permitted under this service. Transfers  of
this  type may be  made on a  monthly, quarterly, semi-annual,  or annual basis.
This service is intended  to allow you  to use "Dollar  Cost Averaging", a  long
term investment method which provides for regular investments over time. We make
no  guarantees that  Dollar Cost  Averaging will result  in a  profit or protect
against loss. You may discontinue  this service at any  time by notifying us  in
writing.
 
    If  you are interested in the Dollar Cost Averaging service you may obtain a
separate application form and full  information concerning this service and  its
restrictions from us or our registered representative.
 
    If  you are using  the Dollar Cost  Averaging service, this  service will be
discontinued immediately (i)  on receipt  of any  request to  begin a  Portfolio
Rebalancing  service, (ii) if the Policy is in the grace period on any date when
Dollar Cost  Averaging  transfers  are  scheduled, or  (iii)  if  the  specified
transfer amount from any Sub-Account is more than the Accumulation Value in that
Sub-Account.
 
    We  reserve the right  to discontinue, modify, or  suspend this service. Any
such modification or discontinuation would not affect any Dollar Cost  Averaging
service requests already commenced.
 
    PORTFOLIO  REBALANCING SERVICE.  You may request  this service  if your Face
Amount is at least $200,000 and  your Accumulation Value, less any Loan  Amount,
is at least $10,000. If you request this service, you direct us to automatically
make  periodic  transfers to  maintain your  specified percentage  allocation of
Accumulation Value, less any Loan Amount, among the Sub-Accounts of the Variable
Account and the Fixed  Account; your allocation of  future Net Premium  payments
will  also  be changed  to  be equal  to  this specified  percentage allocation.
Transfers made under this  service may be made  on a quarterly, semi-annual,  or
annual  basis.  This service  is intended  to maintain  the allocation  you have
selected consistent with your personal objectives.
 
    The Accumulation Value in each Sub-Account  of the Variable Account and  the
Fixed  Account  will grow  or decline  at different  rates over  time. Portfolio
Rebalancing will periodically transfer  Accumulation Values from those  accounts
that  have increased in value to those  accounts that have increased at a slower
rate or declined in value.  If all accounts decline  in value, it will  transfer
Accumulation  Values from those that have decreased  less in value to those that
have decreased more in value. We  make no guarantees that Portfolio  Rebalancing
will  result  in a  profit or  protect  against loss.  You may  discontinue this
service at any time by notifying us in writing.
 
    If you are interested in the Portfolio Rebalancing service you may obtain  a
separate  application form and full information  concerning this service and its
restrictions from us or our registered representative.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
    If you are  using the Portfolio  Rebalancing service, this  service will  be
discontinued  immediately (i) on receipt of any request to change the allocation
of premiums to the Fixed Account and Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account,  (ii)
on  receipt of any request to begin  a Dollar Cost Averaging service, (iii) upon
receipt of any  request to transfer  Accumulation Value among  the accounts,  or
(iv)  if the policy is  in the grace period or  the Accumulation Value, less any
Loan  Amount,  is  less  than  $7,500  on  any  Valuation  Date  when  Portfolio
Rebalancing transfers are scheduled.
 
    We  reserve the right  to discontinue, modify, or  suspend this service. Any
such modification or discontinuation could affect Portfolio Rebalancing services
currently in effect, but only after 30 days notice to affected Policy owners.
 
POLICY LOANS
 
    GENERAL. As long as the Policy remains in effect, you may borrow money  from
us  at any time after the first Policy Year using the Policy as security for the
loan (except that in Indiana  loans may be made  during the first Policy  Year).
The  maximum amount that may be borrowed at  any time is 75% of the Accumulation
Value less any existing Loan Amount, and unpaid Monthly Deductions) except  that
in  Texas the  percentage is  100% and  in Alabama,  Maryland and  Virginia, the
percentage is 90%. After Age 65, we currently allow 100% of the Cash Value to be
borrowed. Each Policy loan must be at least $500, except in Connecticut it  must
be at least $200.
 
    Loan  requests may be made in writing  or by telephoning us on any Valuation
Date. Any loan request in excess  of $25,000 will require a signature  guarantee
and telephone loan requests cannot exceed $10,000. No election form is currently
required  to make telephone loan requests.  We will employ reasonable procedures
to confirm that loan requests made by telephone are genuine. In the event we  do
not  employ such procedures, we may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized
or fraudulent instructions. Such procedures may include, among others, requiring
forms of personal  identification prior to  acting upon telephone  instructions,
providing  written  confirmations  of such  instructions  and/or  tape recording
telephone instructions.
 
    Policy loans have priority over the claims of any assignee or other  person.
A  Policy loan may be  repaid in whole or  in part at any  time on or before the
Insured reaches Age 95, while the Insured is living.
 
    The loan proceeds will normally  be paid to you  within seven days after  we
receive  your  request. Postponement  of loan  proceeds  may be  postponed under
certain circumstances. See "General Provisions -- Postponement of Payments".
 
    Payments made by you generally will  be treated as premium payments,  rather
than  Policy loan  repayments, unless  you indicate  that the  payment should be
treated otherwise or unless we decide,  in our discretion, to apply the  payment
as a Policy loan repayment. As a result, unless you indicate that a payment is a
loan repayment, all payments you make to the Policy will generally be subject to
the  Premium  Expense Charge.  See "Deductions  and  Charges --  Premium Expense
Charge".
 
    The total of your outstanding Policy loans is called the "Loan Amount".
 
    IMMEDIATE EFFECT OF  POLICY LOANS.  When we make  a Policy  loan, an  amount
equal  to the Policy loan  (which includes interest payable  in advance) will be
segregated within the Accumulation  Value of your Policy  and held in the  Fixed
Account  as security for the loan. As  described below, you will pay interest to
us on the Policy  loan, but we will  also credit interest to  you on the  amount
held in the Fixed Account as security for the loan. The amount segregated in the
Fixed  Account as security for  the Policy loan will be  included as part of the
Fixed Accumulation Value  under the  Policy, but  will (as  described below)  be
credited  with interest  on a  basis different from  other amounts  in the Fixed
Account.
 
    Unless you specify differently, amounts held as security for the Policy loan
will come proportionately  from the  Fixed Accumulation Value  and the  Variable
Accumulation  Value (with the proportions  being determined as described below).
Assets equal  to  the  portion of  the  Policy  loan coming  from  the  Variable
Accumulation  Value will  be transferred from  the Sub-Accounts  of the Variable
Account to the  Fixed Account,  THEREBY REDUCING THE  POLICY VALUE  HELD IN  THE
SUB-ACCOUNTS.  These transfers are not treated  as transfers for the purposes of
the transfer charge or the transfer limit.
 
    ILLUSTRATION OF  DETERMINATION OF  PROPORTIONS. The  segregated amount  that
will  be security for a Policy loan  will come from the Fixed Accumulation Value
and the Variable Accumulation Value in the
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
same proportion that the sum of (a) the Policy's Fixed Accumulation Value,  less
any existing Loan Amount, and (b) the Policy's Variable Accumulation Value, bear
to  the  Policy's  total  Accumulation  Value  less  any  existing  Loan  Amount
(determined, in each case, at the end of the Valuation Period during which  your
request is received).
 
    This can be illustrated as follows. Assume that the Fixed Accumulation Value
is  $5,000 and the Variable Accumulation Value is $6,000, with Sub-Account XXX =
$2,000, and Sub-Account YYY  = $4,000. Assume that  the existing Loan Amount  is
$1,000,  and the new Policy loan request  is $5,000. For purposes of determining
the proportions,  we first  subtract the  existing Loan  Amount from  the  Fixed
Accumulation  Value, and then  we add the Variable  Accumulation Value, which in
our example  would be  ($5,000-$1,000)  + $6,000  = $10,000.  The  proportionate
percentages  of the Policy loan coming from the Fixed Accumulation Value and the
Variable Accumulation Value are then determined  as a percentage of this  total,
which  would  be $4,000/$10,000  = 40%  from the  Fixed Accumulation  Value, and
$6,000/$10,000 =  60%  from  the Variable  Accumulation  Value.  The  percentage
deducted  from the Variable Accumulation Value  would be distributed as follows:
$2,000/$10,000 =  20%  from  Sub-Account  XXX; and  $4,000/$10,000  =  40%  from
Sub-Account  YYY.  The  actual  amounts  coming  from  the  various  Accounts in
connection with the new $5,000 Policy loan  would be 40% X $5,000 = $2,000  from
the  Fixed Account; 20% X $5,000 = $1,000 from Sub-Account XXX; and 40% X $5,000
= $2,000 from Sub-Account YYY.
 
    EFFECT ON INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE. Amounts  coming from the Variable  Account
as  security  for Policy  loans  will no  longer  participate in  the investment
performance of the Variable  Account. All amounts held  in the Fixed Account  as
security  for Policy loans (that is, the Loan Amount) will only be credited with
interest at an effective annual rate equal to 5.75%. NO ADDITIONAL INTEREST WILL
BE CREDITED TO THESE AMOUNTS. On  the Policy Anniversary, any interest  credited
on  these amounts  will be  credited to the  Fixed Account  and Variable Account
according to the premium allocation then in effect (see "Payment and  Allocation
of Premiums -- Allocation of Premiums").
 
    Although  Policy loans may be repaid in whole  or in part at any time before
the Insured's  Age  95,  Policy  loans  will  permanently  affect  the  Policy's
potential  Accumulation Value. As a result, to the extent that the Death Benefit
depends upon  the  Accumulation  Value  (see "Death  Benefit  --  Death  Benefit
Options"),  Policy loans  will also affect  the Death Benefit  under the Policy.
This  effect  could  be  favorable  or  unfavorable  depending  on  whether  the
investment  performance of  the assets allocated  to the  Sub-Account(s) is less
than or greater than  the interest being credited  on the assets transferred  to
the  Fixed Account  while the  loan is outstanding.  Compared to  a Policy under
which no loan is made, values under the Policy will be lower when such  interest
credited  is  less  than  the  investment  performance  of  assets  held  in the
Sub-Account(s).
 
    EFFECT ON POLICY COVERAGE. If, on  any Monthly Anniversary, the Loan  Amount
is  greater than the Accumulation Value, plus  any Sales Charge Refund, less the
then applicable  Surrender Charge,  we will  notify you.  If we  do not  receive
sufficient  payment within  61 days  from the  date we  send notice  to you, the
Policy will lapse and  terminate without value. Our  written notice to you  will
indicate  the amount  of the  payment required to  avoid lapse.  The Policy may,
however, later be reinstated. See "Policy Lapse and Reinstatement".
 
    A Policy loan  may also cause  termination of the  Death Benefit  Guarantee,
because  the Loan Amount is deducted from the total premiums paid in calculating
whether sufficient  premiums have  been  paid in  order  to maintain  the  Death
Benefit Guarantee. See "Death Benefit Guarantee".
 
    Proceeds  payable upon the death of the  Insured will be reduced by any Loan
Amount.
 
    INTEREST. The interest rate charged on  Policy loans will be an annual  rate
of  7.40%,  payable in  advance. After  the  tenth Policy  Year, we  will charge
interest at an annual rate of 5.44%, payable in advance, on that portion of your
Loan Amount that is not  in excess of (a) the  Accumulation Value, less (b)  the
total  of all premiums paid  and plus (c) the  total of all partial withdrawals.
Any excess of this amount will be charged interest at the annual rate of 7.40%.
 
    Interest is payable in advance (for the rest of the Policy Year) at the time
any Policy loan is made and at the beginning of each Policy Year thereafter (for
that entire Policy Year). If interest is not paid when due, it will be  deducted
from  the Accumulation Value as an additional Policy loan (see "Immediate Effect
of Policy Loans" above) and will be added to the existing Loan Amount.
 
    Because we charge interest in advance, any interest that we have not  earned
will  be refunded to you  upon lapse or surrender of  the Policy or repayment of
the Policy Loan.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
    REPAYMENT OF LOAN AMOUNT. The Loan Amount  may be repaid any time while  the
Insured  is living before the Insured reaches Age 95 (see "General Provisions --
Benefits at Age 95"). If not repaid, the Loan Amount will be deducted by us from
any amount payable under the Policy.  As described above, unless you provide  us
with  notice  to the  contrary, any  payments  on the  Policy will  generally be
treated as premium payments,  which are subject to  the Premium Expense  Charge,
rather  than repayments on  the Loan Amount.  Any repayments on  the Loan Amount
will result  in  amounts being  reallocated  to the  Fixed  Account and  to  the
Sub-Accounts   of  the  Variable  Account  according  to  your  current  premium
allocation.
 
    TAX CONSIDERATIONS. A Policy loan may have tax consequences depending on the
circumstances of the loan. See "Federal Tax Matters -- Policy Proceeds".
 
FREE LOOK AND CONVERSION RIGHTS
 
FREE LOOK RIGHTS
    The Policy provides  for two  types of return  or "free  look" periods,  one
after  application  for and  issuance  of the  Policy  and the  other  after any
requested increase in Face Amount.
 
    AT INITIAL ISSUE. The Policy provides for an initial free look period during
which you have  a right  to return  the Policy  for cancellation  and receive  a
refund  of all premiums paid. You must return the Policy to us or your agent and
ask us to cancel the Policy by the latest of:
 
    - Midnight of the 20th day after receiving it;
 
    - Midnight of the 20th day after a written Notice of Right of Withdrawal  is
      mailed or delivered to you; or
 
    - Midnight of the 45th day after the date your application for the Policy is
      signed.
 
    FOLLOWING  A REQUESTED  INCREASE IN FACE  AMOUNT. Any  requested increase in
Face Amount is also subject to a free look period during which you have a  right
to  cancel the increase and  receive a refund. You must  notify us or your agent
and ask us to cancel the increase by the latest of:
 
    - Midnight of the 20th day after receiving a new Policy Data Page;
 
    - Midnight of the 20th day after a written Notice of Right of Withdrawal  is
      mailed or delivered to you; or
 
    - Midnight  of the 45th day after the  date your request for the increase is
      signed.
 
    Upon requesting cancellation of the increase, you will receive a refund,  if
you  so request, or  otherwise a restoration to  the Policy's Accumulation Value
(allocated among the Fixed Account and the Sub-Accounts of the Variable  Account
as  if  it were  a  Net Premium  payment),  in an  amount  equal to  all Monthly
Deductions attributable to the  increase in Face  Amount, including rider  costs
arising  from the increase. This refund or credit will be made within seven days
after we  receive the  request  for cancellation  on  the appropriate  form.  In
addition,  the Surrender Charge will be adjusted so that it will be as though no
such increase in Face  Amount had occurred. Premiums  paid after an increase  in
Face  Amount will not be refunded following cancellation of the increase. If you
request an increase in Face Amount you should take this into account in deciding
whether to  make  any premium  payments  during the  free  look period  for  the
increase.
 
CONVERSION RIGHTS
    Under  applicable SEC rules, we  must provide you with  an option to convert
the Policy or any requested increase in  Face Amount to a life insurance  policy
on  the  life of  the Insured  under which  the  benefits do  not vary  with the
investment experience of the  Variable Account. In effect,  we make this  option
available  to you at any time while the  Policy is in force by permitting you to
transfer all or  any part  of the Policy's  Variable Accumulation  Value to  the
Fixed  Account. If, at any  time during the first two  Policy Years or the first
two years following a  requested increase in Face  Amount, you request  transfer
from  the Variable Account to the Fixed Account and indicate that you are making
the transfer in  exercise of your  conversion rights, the  transfer will not  be
subject to the transfer charge and will not count against the transfer limit. At
the  time of such  transfer, there is  no effect on  the Policy's Death Benefit,
Face Amount, net amount at risk, Rate Class(es) or issue Age -- only the  method
of  funding the Accumulation Value under the Policy will be affected. See "Death
Benefit", "Accumulation Value" and Appendix A, "The Fixed Account".
 
    If you transfer  all of the  Variable Accumulation Value  from the  Variable
Account  to the Fixed Account and indicate  that you are making this transfer in
exercise of  your conversion  rights, we  will automatically  credit all  future
premium  payments  on the  Policy  to the  Fixed  Account unless  you  request a
different allocation.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
INVESTMENTS OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
 
    There are currently 12 investment alternatives available under the  Variable
Account.  Fidelity Management &  Research Company is  the investment adviser for
the five portfolios of VIP and the three portfolios of VIP II. Putnam Management
is the investment adviser for the four funds of Putnam Variable Trust.
 
    We reserve the right  to establish additional  Sub-Accounts of the  Variable
Account,  each of which could  invest in a new  Fund with a specified investment
objective. The Variable  Account would  then consist  of more  than the  current
twelve  investment options. You would only be permitted, however, to participate
in a maximum  of seventeen  of the then  available investment  options over  the
lifetime of your Policy. You would not have to choose your investment options in
advance,  but  upon participation  in the  seventeenth Fund  since issue  of the
Policy, you would only  be able to transfer  within the seventeen Funds  already
utilized and which are still available.
 
    The  Company or its affiliates may receive compensation from an affiliate or
affiliates of  certain of  the Funds  based  upon an  annual percentage  of  the
average  net assets  held in  that Fund  by the  Company and  by certain  of the
Company's insurance company affiliates. These amounts are intended to compensate
the Company  or  the  Company's affiliates  for  administrative,  recordkeeping,
distribution,  and other services provided by  the Company and its affiliates to
Funds and/or the Funds' affiliates. Payments of such amounts by an affiliate  or
affiliates  of the  Funds do not  increase the fees  paid by the  Funds or their
shareholders.
 
    The Company recently has entered  into agreements with Fidelity  Investments
Institutional  Operations  Company and  Fidelity Distributors  Corporation which
provide that, assuming aggregated  net asset goals are  met, the Company or  its
affiliates  will receive a quarterly  payment for administrative, recordkeeping,
and distribution  services  provided  by  the  Company  or  such  affiliates  in
connection with the sale and servicing of certain of the Fidelity VIP and VIP II
Funds.
 
    The  Funds  currently  offered  are  described  below.  A  brief  summary of
investment objectives is contained in the description of each Fund. In addition,
you should read  the prospectuses  of the Funds,  which are  combined with  this
prospectus,  for  more detailed  information and  particularly, a  more thorough
explanation  of  investment  objectives,  because  several  of  the  Funds   and
portfolios  may have  objectives that are  quite similar. There  is no assurance
that any Fund will achieve its  investment objective(s). There is a  possibility
that one Fund might become liable for any misstatement, inaccuracy or incomplete
disclosure in another Fund's prospectus.
 
    The  Fund  shares may  be  available to  fund  benefits under  both variable
annuity and variable  life contracts and  policies. This could,  in the  future,
result in an irreconcilable conflict between the interests of the holders of the
different  types of variable contracts. The Funds have advised us that they will
monitor for  such  conflicts  and  will promptly  provide  us  with  information
regarding  any such conflicts should  they arise or become  imminent and we will
promptly advise the Funds if we become aware of any such conflicts. If any  such
material  irreconcilable conflict arises we will arrange to eliminate and remedy
such conflict  up to  and  including establishing  a new  management  investment
company  and  segregating  the  assets  underlying  the  variable  policies  and
contracts at no cost to the holders  of the policies and contracts. For a  brief
explanation  of the conflicts that may be  involved in such situations, refer to
the  section  entitled  "FMR  and  Its  Affiliates"  in  the  VIP  and  VIP   II
Prospectuses,  and the  section entitled "Sales  And Redemptions"  in the Putnam
Variable Trust Prospectus.
 
    The Funds described below distribute  dividends and capital gains.  However,
distributions  are automatically  reinvested in  additional Fund  shares, at net
asset value. The Sub-Account receives the distributions which are then reflected
in the Unit Value of that Sub-Account. See "Accumulation Value".
 
FIDELITY'S VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND (VIP)
    VIP is a mutual fund  trust currently including five investment  portfolios,
each with a different investment objective.
 
    MONEY  MARKET PORTFOLIO seeks to obtain as high a level of current income as
is consistent with  preserving capital  and providing  liquidity. The  portfolio
will   invest  only  in  high-quality   U.S.  dollar  denominated  money  market
instruments of domestic and foreign issuers.  An investment in the Portfolio  is
not  insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, and there can be no assurance
that the portfolio will maintain a stable net asset value per share of $1.00.
 
    HIGH INCOME PORTFOLIO  seeks to  obtain a high  level of  current income  by
investing   primarily  in  high-yielding,  lower-rated  fixed-income  securities
(sometimes referred  to  as "junk  bonds"),  while also  considering  growth  of
capital.  Lower-rated  fixed-income  securities are  considered  speculative and
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
involve greater risk  of default than  higher-rated fixed-income securities  and
are  more sensitive to the issuer's capacity  to pay. Consult the VIP Prospectus
for further information on the risks associated with the portfolio's  investment
in lower-rated, fixed-income securities.
 
    EQUITY-INCOME  PORTFOLIO seeks  reasonable income by  investing primarily in
income-producing equity securities. In  choosing these securities the  portfolio
will  also consider the potential for capital appreciation. The Portfolio's goal
is to  achieve a  yield which  exceeds  the composite  yield on  the  securities
comprising the Standard & Poor's Composite Index of 500 Stocks.
 
    GROWTH  PORTFOLIO  seeks  to  achieve  capital  appreciation.  The portfolio
normally purchases common stocks, although its investments are not restricted to
any one type of security. Capital appreciation may also be found in other  types
of securities, including bonds and preferred stocks.
 
    OVERSEAS  PORTFOLIO  seeks long  term  growth of  capital  primarily through
investments in foreign securities. The  Overseas Portfolio provides a means  for
investors  to diversify their  own portfolios by  participating in companies and
economies outside of the United States.
 
FIDELITY'S VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND II (VIP II)
    VIP  II  is  a  mutual  fund  trust  currently  including  five   investment
portfolios,  each  with a  different investment  objective. Presently,  only the
following three portfolios are available within this Policy.
 
    ASSET MANAGER PORTFOLIO seeks high total  return with reduced risk over  the
long-term  by allocating its assets among domestic and foreign stocks, bonds and
short-term fixed-income instruments.
 
    INVESTMENT GRADE BOND PORTFOLIO seeks as  high a level of current income  as
is  consistent with the preservation of capital by investing in a broad range of
investment-grade fixed-income securities.
 
    INDEX 500 PORTFOLIO seeks to  provide investment results that correspond  to
the total return (i.e., the combination of capital changes and income) of common
stocks  publicly traded  in the  United States.  In seeking  this objective, the
portfolio attempts to duplicate the composition and total return of the Standard
& Poor's Composite Index of 500 Stocks while keeping transaction costs and other
expenses low.
 
PUTNAM VARIABLE TRUST
    Putnam Variable Trust is a mutual fund currently offering sixteen investment
funds each with a  different investment objective.  However, only the  following
four funds are available under this contract.
 
    PUTNAM  VT DIVERSIFIED INCOME FUND seeks high current income consistent with
capital preservation by investing  in the following three  sectors of the  fixed
income securities markets: a U.S. Government Sector, a High-Yield Sector, (which
invests primarily in securities that are commonly known as "junk bonds"), and an
International  Sector. Consult the Putnam  Variable Trust Prospectus for further
information on the risks associated with this Fund's investments in  high-yield,
higher-risk fixed income securities.
 
    PUTNAM  VT GROWTH AND INCOME FUND seeks capital growth and current income by
investing primarily in common  stocks that offer  potential for capital  growth,
current income, or both.
 
    PUTNAM  VT UTILITIES GROWTH AND INCOME FUND seeks capital growth and current
income by concentrating its investments in debt and equity securities issued  by
companies in the public utilities industries.
 
    PUTNAM  VT VOYAGER FUND seeks capital appreciation by investing primarily in
common stocks of companies  that Putnam Management  believes have potential  for
capital appreciation that is significantly greater than that of market averages.
 
ADDITION, DELETION, OR SUBSTITUTION OF INVESTMENTS
    We  reserve the  right, subject to  compliance with applicable  law, to make
additions to, deletions from, or substitutions  for the shares that are held  by
the  Variable Account or that the Variable  Account may purchase. We reserve the
right to eliminate the shares  of any of the Funds  and to substitute shares  of
another  Fund  or of  another open-end,  registered  investment company,  if the
shares of a Fund are no longer  available for investment, or if in our  judgment
further  investment  in any  Fund  should become  inappropriate  in view  of the
purposes of the Variable Account. We will not substitute any shares attributable
to your interest  in a Sub-Account  of the Variable  Account without notice  and
prior  approval of the SEC, to the extent required by the Investment Company Act
of 1940 or  other applicable  law. Nothing  contained herein  shall prevent  the
Variable  Account from purchasing other securities  of other Funds or classes of
policies, or from permitting a conversion  between Funds or classes of  policies
on the basis of requests made by Policy owners.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
    We  also  reserve  the right  to  establish additional  Sub-Accounts  of the
Variable Account, each  of which would  invest in a  new Fund, or  in shares  of
another   investment  company,  with  a   specified  investment  objective.  New
Sub-Accounts may be established when, in our sole discretion, marketing needs or
investment conditions warrant, and any  new Sub-Accounts will be made  available
to  existing  Policy owners  on a  basis to  be  determined by  us. We  may also
eliminate one or more Sub-Accounts if,  in our sole discretion, marketing,  tax,
or investment conditions warrant.
 
    In the event of any such substitution or change, we may make such changes in
this  and other  policies as  may be  necessary or  appropriate to  reflect such
substitution or change. If all or a portion of your investments are allocated to
any of  the current  funds  that are  being substituted  for  on the  date  such
substitution  is announced,  you may surrender  the portion  of the Accumulation
Value funded by such Fund(s) without payment of the associated Surrender Charge.
You may transfer the portion of the Accumulation Value affected without  payment
of  a Transfer Charge.  If deemed by us  to be in the  best interests of persons
having voting rights under the Policies, the Variable Account may be operated as
a management  company  under the  Investment  Company Act  of  1940, it  may  be
deregistered  under  that  Act  in  the event  such  registration  is  no longer
required, or it may be combined with our other separate accounts.
 
VOTING RIGHTS
 
    You have the right to instruct us  how to vote the Fund shares  attributable
to  the Policy at  regular meetings and  special meetings of  the Funds. We will
vote the  Fund  shares  held  in  Sub-Accounts  according  to  the  instructions
received, as long as:
 
    - The  Variable Account is  registered as a unit  investment trust under the
      Investment Company Act of 1940; and
 
    - The assets of the Variable Account are invested in Fund shares.
 
    If we determine  that, because of  applicable law or  regulation, we do  not
have  to vote according  to the voting  instructions received, we  will vote the
Fund shares at our discretion.
 
    All persons entitled to voting rights and the number of votes they may  cast
are determined as of a record date, selected by us, not more than 90 days before
the  meeting of the Fund. All Fund proxy materials and appropriate forms used to
give voting instructions will be sent to persons having voting interests.
 
    Any Fund shares held  in the Variable  Account for which  we do not  receive
timely voting instructions, or which are not attributable to Policy owners, will
be voted by us in proportion to the instructions received from all Policy owners
having  a voting interest in the Fund. Any Fund  shares held by us or any of our
affiliates in general accounts  will, for voting purposes,  be allocated to  all
separate  accounts having  voting interests  in the  Fund in  proportion to each
account's voting interest in the respective Fund, and will be voted in the  same
manner as are the respective account's votes.
 
    Owning  the Policy does  not give you the  right to vote  at meetings of our
stockholders.
 
    DISREGARD OF VOTING INSTRUCTIONS. We  may, when required by state  insurance
regulatory  authorities,  disregard  voting  instructions  if  the  instructions
require  that  the  shares   be  voted  so   as  to  cause   a  change  in   the
subclassification  or  investment  objective  of  any  Fund  or  to  approve  or
disapprove an investment  advisory contract for  any Fund. In  addition, we  may
disregard voting instructions in favor of changes initiated by a Policy owner in
the  investment policy or  the investment adviser  of any Fund  if we reasonably
disapprove of such changes. A change  would be disapproved only if the  proposed
change is contrary to state law or prohibited by state regulatory authorities or
we  determine  that the  change would  have  an adverse  effect on  the Variable
Account in  that  the  proposed investment  policy  for  a Fund  may  result  in
speculative  or  unsound  investments.  In  the  event  we  do  disregard voting
instructions, a summary of that action and  the reasons for such action will  be
included in the next annual report to owners.
 
GENERAL PROVISIONS
 
BENEFITS AT AGE 95
    If  the Insured is living and  the Policy is in force,  we will pay the Cash
Surrender Value of the Policy to you when the Insured reaches Age 95.
 
OWNERSHIP
    While the Insured is alive, subject to the Policy's provisions you may:
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
    - Change the amount and frequency of premium payments.
 
    - Change the allocation of premiums.
 
    - Change the Death Benefit Option.
 
    - Change the Face Amount.
 
    - Make transfers between accounts.
 
    - Surrender the Policy for cash.
 
    - Make a partial withdrawal for cash.
 
    - Receive a cash loan.
 
    - Assign the Policy as collateral.
 
    - Change the beneficiary.
 
    - Transfer ownership of the Policy.
 
    - Enjoy any other rights the Policy allows.
 
PROCEEDS
    At the Insured's death, the proceeds payable include the Death Benefit  then
in force:
 
    - Plus any additional amounts provided by rider on the life of the Insured;
 
    - Plus any Policy loan interest that we have collected but not earned;
 
    - Minus any Loan Amount; and
 
    - Minus any unpaid Monthly Deductions.
 
BENEFICIARY
    You may name one or more beneficiaries on the application when you apply for
the  Policy.  You  may later  change  beneficiaries  by written  request.  If no
beneficiary is surviving when the Insured  dies, the Death Benefit will be  paid
to you, if surviving, or otherwise to your estate.
 
POSTPONEMENT OF PAYMENTS
    Payments  from  the Variable  Account  for Death  Benefits,  cash surrender,
partial withdrawal, or loans will generally  be made within seven days after  we
receive all the documents required for the payments.
 
    We  may, however, delay making  a payment when we  are not able to determine
the Variable  Accumulation Value  because (i)  the New  York Stock  Exchange  is
closed,  other than customary weekend or holiday closings, or trading on the New
York Stock Exchange  is restricted by  the SEC,  (ii) the SEC  by order  permits
postponement  for the protection of Policyholders, or (iii) an emergency exists,
as determined by the  SEC, as a  result of which disposal  of securities is  not
reasonably  practicable or  it is  not reasonably  practicable to  determine the
value of the  Variable Account's  net assets.  Transfers and  allocation to  and
against  any Sub-Account  of the  Variable Account  may also  be postponed under
these circumstances.
 
    Any of the payments  described above which are  made from the Fixed  Account
may be delayed up to six months from the date we receive the documents required.
We  will pay interest at  an effective annual rate of  3.50% if we delay payment
more than  30 days.  No additional  interest  will be  credited to  any  delayed
payments.
 
SETTLEMENT OPTIONS
    Settlement  Options are  ways you can  choose to have  the Policy's proceeds
paid. These options apply to proceeds paid:
 
    - At the Insured's death.
 
    - On total surrender of the Policy.
 
    The proceeds are paid to one or more  payees. The proceeds may be paid in  a
lump  sum  or may  be  applied to  one of  the  following Settlement  Options. A
combination of options  may be  used. At  least $2,500  must be  applied to  any
option  for  each payee  under that  option. Under  an installment  Option, each
payment must be at least $25.00. We may adjust the interval to make each payment
at least $25.00.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
    Proceeds applied to any Option no  longer earn interest at the rate  applied
to the Fixed Account or participate in the investment performance of the Funds.
 
    Option  1 -- Proceeds are left with us to earn interest. Withdrawals and any
    changes are subject to our approval.
 
    Option 2  -- Proceeds  and interest  are  paid in  equal installments  of  a
    specified amount until the proceeds and interest are all paid.
 
    Option  3 --  Proceeds and  interest are  paid in  equal installments  for a
    specified period until the proceeds and interest are all paid.
 
    Option 4 -- The proceeds provide an annuity payment with a specified  number
    of  months "certain". The payments are continued for the life of the primary
    payee. If the  primary payee  dies before the  certain period  is over,  the
    remaining payments are paid to a contingent payee.
 
    Option  5 --  The proceeds provide  a life  income for two  payees. When one
    payee dies, the  surviving payee receives  two-thirds of the  amount of  the
    joint monthly payment for life.
 
    Option  6 -- The proceeds are used to  provide an annuity based on the rates
    in effect when the proceeds  are applied. We do not  apply this Option if  a
    similar option would be more favorable to the payee at that time.
 
    INTEREST  ON  SETTLEMENT OPTIONS.  We base  the  interest rate  for proceeds
applied under Options 1 and 2 on the  interest rate we declare on funds that  we
consider  to be in the same classification  based on the Option, restrictions on
withdrawal, and other  factors. The  interest rate will  never be  less than  an
effective annual rate of 3.50%.
 
    In  determining amounts to be paid under Options 3 and 4, we assume interest
at an effective annual rate of 3.50%.  Also, for Option 3 and "certain"  periods
under  Option 4, we credit  any excess interest we may  declare on funds that we
consider to be in the same  classification based on the Option, restrictions  on
withdrawal, and other factors.
 
INCONTESTABILITY
    After  the Policy has  been in force  during the Insured's  lifetime for two
years from the Policy's Issue Date, we cannot claim the Policy is void or refuse
to pay any proceeds unless the Policy has lapsed.
 
    If you make a Face Amount increase or a premium payment which requires proof
of insurability, the corresponding Death  Benefit increase has its own  two-year
contestable period measured from the date of the increase.
 
    If  the Policy  is reinstated, the  contestable period is  measured from the
date of reinstatement  with respect to  statements made on  the application  for
reinstatement.
 
MISSTATEMENT OF AGE AND SEX
    If the Insured's Age or sex or both are misstated (except where unisex rates
apply),  we adjust the proceeds by the difference between the Monthly Deductions
made and those that should have been made.
 
ADJUSTMENT OF PROCEEDS
    If we make incorrect payments because  of incorrect Age or sex  information,
or  any  error  or  miscalculation,  we  adjust  the  proceeds.  We  deduct  any
overpayments from  the next  payment or  payments  or request  a refund  of  the
overpayment.  We add underpayments  to the next  payment or pay  you that amount
immediately. In adjusting the proceeds we  use the interest rates in effect  for
the  Fixed Accumulation Value and the  applicable Sub-Account Unit Values at the
time the Monthly Deduction, error or miscalculation was originally made.
 
SUICIDE
    If the Insured commits suicide, whether sane or insane, within two years  of
the Policy's Issue Date, we do not pay the Death Benefit. Instead, we refund all
premiums paid for the Policy and any attached riders, minus any Loan Amounts and
partial withdrawals.
 
    If you make a Face Amount increase or a premium payment which requires proof
of  insurability, the corresponding Death Benefit  increase has its own two-year
suicide limitation for the proceeds
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
associated with that increase. If the  Insured commits suicide, whether sane  or
insane, within two years of the effective date of the increase, we pay the Death
Benefit  prior  to  the increase  and  refund  the cost  of  insurance  for that
increase.
 
    In Colorado and North Dakota, the suicide period is shortened to one year.
 
TERMINATION
    The Policy terminates when any of the following occurs:
 
    - The Policy lapses. See "Policy Lapse and Reinstatement".
 
    - The Insured dies.
 
    - The Policy is surrendered for its Cash Surrender Value.
 
    - The Policy is amended according to the amendment provision described below
      and you do not accept the amendment.
 
    - The Policy matures. See "General Provisions -- Benefits of Age 95".
 
AMENDMENT
    We reserve the  right to amend  the Policy  in order to  include any  future
changes relating to the following:
 
    - Any SEC rulings and regulations.
 
    -  The Policy's qualification for treatment as a life insurance policy under
the following:
     -- The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
     -- Internal Revenue Service rulings and regulations.
     -- Any requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Service.
 
REPORTS
 
    ANNUAL STATEMENT.  We will  send you  an Annual  Statement once  each  year,
showing  the  Face Amount,  Death  Benefit, Accumulation  Value,  Cash Surrender
Value, Loan Amount, premiums paid, Planned Periodic Premiums, interest  credits,
partial withdrawals, transfers, and charges since the last statement.
 
    Additional statements are available for a fee upon request.
 
    PROJECTION  REPORT. Upon  request, we  will for a  fee provide  you a report
projecting future results  based on the  Death Benefit Option  you specify,  the
Planned Periodic Premiums you specify, and the Accumulation Value of your Policy
at the end of the prior Policy Year.
 
DIVIDENDS
    The Policy does not entitle you to participate in our surplus. We do not pay
you dividends under the Policy.
 
    The  Sub-Account receives any  dividends paid by the  related Fund. Any such
dividend is credited to you through  the calculation of the Sub-Account's  daily
Unit Value.
 
COLLATERAL ASSIGNMENT
    You  may assign the  benefits of the  Policy as collateral  for a debt. This
limits your rights to the Cash  Surrender Value and the beneficiary's rights  to
the  proceeds.  An assignment  is not  binding  on us  until we  receive written
notice.
 
OPTIONAL INSURANCE BENEFITS
    The Policy can  include additional benefits,  in the form  of riders to  the
Policy,  if our  requirements for  issuing such  benefits are  met. We currently
offer the following benefit riders:
 
    ACCELERATED BENEFIT RIDER. Under certain  circumstances a part of the  Death
Benefit  may be  paid to  you when the  Insured has  been diagnosed  as having a
terminal illness.  This Rider  may not  be  available in  all states.  Ask  your
registered representative about the availability of this Rider in your state.
 
    ACCIDENTAL  DEATH  BENEFIT  RIDER.  Provides an  additional  benefit  if the
Insured dies from an accidental injury.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
    ADDITIONAL  INSURED RIDER. Provides a 10  year, guaranteed level premium and
level term coverage for  the Insured, the  Insured's spouse, or  a child of  the
Insured.
 
    WAIVER  OF MONTHLY DEDUCTION RIDER. The  Monthly Deduction for the Policy is
waived while the Insured is totally disabled under the terms of the rider.
 
    CHILDREN'S INSURANCE RIDER. Provides up to $10,000 of term life insurance on
the life of each of the Insured's children.
 
    COST OF LIVING INCREASE RIDER. Provides optional increases in Face Amount on
the life of  the Insured every  two years based  on the cost  of living  without
evidence of insurability.
 
    WAIVER OF SPECIFIED PREMIUM RIDER. Contributes a specified amount of premium
to  the Policy each month while the  Insured is totally disabled under the terms
of the rider. This rider may not be available in all states. Ask your registered
representative about the availability of this rider in your state.
 
FEDERAL TAX MATTERS
 
    The following discussion is not intended to be a complete description of the
tax status of the Policies. Rather, it provides information about how we believe
the tax  laws  apply in  the  most  commonly occurring  circumstances.  The  tax
treatment  of certain  aspects of the  Policies, such as  surrenders and partial
withdrawals, is  uncertain or  may  be changed  by  regulations adopted  in  the
future.  For these reasons, Policy owners are  advised to consult with their own
tax advisers with regard to the tax implications of the Policies.
 
POLICY PROCEEDS
 
    GENERAL. The Policy should qualify as  a life insurance contract as long  as
it  satisfies certain  definitional tests under  Section 7702 and  817(d) of the
Internal Revenue Code (the "Code") and as long as the underlying investments for
the Contract satisfy  diversification requirements under  Section 817(h) of  the
Code  (see "Diversification  Requirements"). Section  7702 of  the Code provides
that the Policy will so qualify if  it satisfies a cash value accumulation  test
or  a guideline premium requirement and falls  within a cash value corridor. The
qualification of the Policy  under Section 7702 depends  in part upon the  Death
Benefit  payable under  the Policy at  any time. To  the extent a  change in the
Policy, such as a decrease in Face  Amount or a change in Death Benefit  Option,
would  cause the Policy not to qualify, we will not make the change. Also, if at
any time a premium is  paid which would result  in total premiums exceeding  the
current  maximum  premiums allowed,  we  will only  accept  that portion  of the
premium which would  make total  premiums equal  the maximum  (see "Payment  and
Allocation of Premiums -- Amount and Timing of Premiums").
 
    MODIFIED  ENDOWMENT CONTRACTS. In 1988 Congress created a new classification
of life  insurance  policies known  as  "Modified Endowment  Contracts".  Policy
loans, partial surrenders and partial withdrawals of cash from a policy which is
classified  as a Modified  Endowment Contract are taxable  as ordinary income to
the Policy owner. Additionally, taxable distributions, if made before the Policy
owner is 59 1/2, are subject to a Federal income tax penalty of 10%.
 
    Modified Endowment Contract  classification may be  avoided by limiting  the
amount  of premiums paid  under the Policy.  If you contemplate  a large premium
payment under this  Policy, and you  wish to avoid  Modified Endowment  Contract
classification,  you may contact us in writing  before making the payment and we
will tell you the maximum amount which can be paid into the Policy.
 
    DIVERSIFICATION  REQUIREMENTS.  Flexible  premium  variable  life  insurance
policies  such as  these Policies  will be  treated as  life insurance contracts
under the Code  as long as  the separate accounts  funding them are  "adequately
diversified"  under Section  817(h) of  the Code  and regulations  issued by the
Treasury Department. If the Variable Account is determined to be not  adequately
diversified, Policy owners in the Variable Account will be treated as the owners
of  the underlying  assets and  thus the  earnings and  gains will  be currently
taxable. The investment adviser of the respective mutual fund investment options
has responsibility for maintaining the investment diversification required under
the Code.
 
    DEATH BENEFITS. The Death  Benefit proceeds payable  under either the  Level
Amount  Option or the Variable  Amount Option will be  excludable from the gross
income of the beneficiary under Section 101(a) of the Code.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
TAXATION OF DISTRIBUTIONS
 
    SURRENDERS AND PARTIAL WITHDRAWALS. A surrender  or lapse of the Policy  may
have  tax consequences. Upon surrender, the owner  will not be taxed on the Cash
Surrender Value except for the amount,  if any, that exceeds the gross  premiums
paid less the untaxed portion of any prior withdrawals. The amount of any Policy
loan  will, upon surrender  or lapse, be  added to the  Cash Surrender Value and
treated, for this  purpose, as if  it had  been received. A  loss incurred  upon
surrender  is generally not deductible. The  tax consequences of a surrender may
differ if the proceeds are received under any income payment settlement option.
 
    A complete surrender of the Policy will, and a partial withdrawal may, under
Section 72(e)(5) of the  Code, be included  in your gross  income to the  extent
that  the distribution  exceeds your  investment in  the Policy.  Withdrawals or
partial  surrenders  generally  are  not  taxable  unless  the  total  of   such
withdrawals  exceeds  total premiums  paid to  the date  of withdrawal  less the
untaxed portion of  any prior  withdrawals. During  the first  15 Policy  Years,
however, an additional amount may be taxable if the partial surrender results in
or is necessitated by a reduction in benefits. A qualified tax adviser should be
consulted  regarding the tax consequences of any surrender or partial withdrawal
during the first 15 Policy Years.
 
    The increase in  Accumulation Value of  the Policy will  not be included  in
gross  income unless and until there is  a total surrender or partial withdrawal
under the  Policy.  A complete  surrender  of the  Policy  will, and  a  partial
withdrawal  may, under Section 72(e)(5)  of the Code, be  included in your gross
income to the extent the distribution exceeds your investment in the Policy.
 
    The Unemployment  Compensation Amendments  of 1992  require us  to  withhold
Federal  income tax  at the  rate of  20% on  most distributions  from qualified
plans, unless the distribution is an "eligible rollover distribution" as defined
by the  Unemployment Compensation  Act of  1992  and the  Policy owner  files  a
written  request  with us  for  a direct  rollover  to an  individual retirement
account as  described  in 408(b)  of  the Code,  or  as applicable,  to  another
qualified plan or a Section 403(b) arrangement that accepts rollovers.
 
    POLICY  LOANS. Under Section 72(e)(5) of  the Code, loans received under the
Policy will be generally recognized  as loans for tax  purposes and will not  be
considered  to be distributions subject  to tax. Pursuant to  Section 163 of the
Code, interest paid to us with respect to the loan may or may not be deductible,
depending upon  a number  of factors.  If  the Policy  is a  Modified  Endowment
Contract,  a Policy loan or assignment of  any portion of the Accumulation Value
will be  taxable  in  an amount  equal  to  the  lesser of  the  amount  of  the
loan/assignment  or the excess of Accumulation Value over the Owner's investment
in the Policy. Due  to the complexity  of these factors,  a Policy owner  should
consult  a competent tax adviser as to the deductibility of interest paid on any
Policy loans.
 
    OTHER TAXES. Federal estate  taxes and state  and local estate,  inheritance
and   other  taxes  may  become  due   depending  on  applicable  law  and  your
circumstances or  the circumstances  of the  Policy beneficiary  if you  or  the
Insured  dies. Any person concerned about  the estate implications of the Policy
should consult a competent tax adviser.
 
TAXATION OF POLICIES HELD BY PENSION AND CERTAIN DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS
 
    PENSION AND PROFIT-SHARING PLANS. If a Policy is purchased by a trust  which
forms part of a pension or profit-sharing plan qualified under Section 401(a) of
the  Code for the  benefit of participants  covered under the  plan, the Federal
income tax  treatment of  such Policies  will be  somewhat different  from  that
described above. A competent tax adviser should be consulted on these matters.
 
    DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS FOR PUBLIC EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYEES OF TAX EXEMPT
ORGANIZATIONS.  Section  457  of the  Code  permits state  and  local government
employers and tax exempt employers to establish deferred compensation plans  for
eligible  employees and independent contractors. Eligible plans limit the amount
of compensation  which may  be deferred.  Distribution from  eligible plans  may
occur  only upon the death of the employee, attainment of age 70 1/2, separation
from service or in the event of an unforseeable emergency. Amounts deferred  may
be  transferred  directly to  another eligible  deferred compensation  plan. The
employer will be the Owner and Beneficiary of all policies issued to an eligible
plan. Policies are subject  to the claims of  the employer's general  creditors.
Death  Benefit  proceeds payable  to  the employer,  some  or all  of  which are
subsequently paid by the employer to  the employee's beneficiary under the  plan
will not be excludable from gross income under
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
Section  101(a) or Section  101(b) of the  Code and will  be taxable as ordinary
income. An  employee has  no present  legal  right or  vested interest  in  such
policies;  an  employee is  entitled to  distributions  only in  accordance with
eligible plan provisions.
 
TAXATION OF RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
    We do not initially expect to incur any income tax burden upon the  earnings
or  the realized  capital gains attributable  to the Variable  Account. Based on
this expectation, no charge is being made currently to the Variable Account  for
Federal  income taxes which may be attributable  to the Account. If, however, we
determine that we may  incur such tax  burden, we may assess  a charge for  such
burden from the Variable Account.
 
    We  may also incur state  and local taxes, in  addition to premium taxes, in
several states.  At present  these taxes  are  not significant.  If there  is  a
material  change in  state or local  tax laws,  charges for such  taxes, if any,
attributable to the Variable Account, may be made.
 
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
    The foregoing discussion is general and  is not intended as tax advice.  Any
person  concerned about  these tax implications  should consult  a competent tax
adviser. This discussion is  based on our understanding  of the present  Federal
income  tax laws as they are currently interpreted by the IRS. No representation
is made  as  to  the  likelihood  of continuation  of  these  current  laws  and
interpretations.  It should be further  understood that the foregoing discussion
is not exhaustive and that special rules not described in this Prospectus may be
applicable in certain situations. Moreover, no attempt has been made to consider
any applicable state or other tax laws.
 
LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS REGARDING EMPLOYMENT -- RELATED BENEFIT PLANS
 
    The Policy is based  on actuarial tables which  distinguish between men  and
women and therefore provide different benefits to men and women of the same Age.
Employers and employee organizations should consider, in consultation with legal
counsel,  the impact of  the Supreme Court  decision of July  6, 1983 in ARIZONA
GOVERNING COMMITTEE  V.  NORRIS.  That decision  stated  that  optional  annuity
benefits  provided  under an  employee's deferred  compensation plan  could not,
under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act  of 1964, vary between men and women  on
the  basis of sex. Employers and employee organizations should also consider, in
consultation with  legal  counsel,  the  impact  of  Title  VII  generally,  and
comparable  state  laws  that  may  be  applicable,  on  any  employment-related
insurance or benefit plan for which a Policy may be purchased.
 
    Because of  the NORRIS  decision, the  charges under  the Policy  that  vary
depending  on sex may in some cases not  vary on the basis of the Insured's sex.
Unisex rates to be provided  by us will apply  if requested on the  application,
for  tax-qualified plans  and those  plans where  an employer  believes that the
NORRIS decision applies. In this case,  references made to the mortality  tables
applicable to this Policy are to be disregarded and substituted with an 80% male
20%  female  blend  of  the 1980  Commissioner's  Standard  Ordinary  Smoker and
Non-Smoker Mortality Tables, Age Last Birthday.
 
DISTRIBUTION OF THE POLICIES
 
    We intend to sell the Policies  in all jurisdictions where we are  licensed.
The  Policies will be sold by licensed  insurance agents who are also registered
representatives of broker-dealers registered with  the SEC under the  Securities
Exchange  Act of 1934 who are members  of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc.
 
    The Policies  will be  distributed by  the general  distributor,  Washington
Square  Securities, Inc., (WSSI), a Minnesota corporation, which is an affiliate
of ours. WSSI is  a securities broker-dealer  registered with the  SEC and is  a
member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. It is primarily a
mutual  funds dealer and has dealer agreements  under which it markets shares of
more than  50 mutual  funds.  It also  markets  limited partnerships  and  other
tax-sheltered  or  tax-deferred  investments, and  acts  as  general distributor
(principal underwriter) for other variable  life insurance and variable  annuity
products issued by us.
 
    Registered  representatives who  sell the Policies  will receive commissions
based on a commission schedule. In the first Policy Year, commissions will be no
more than 50% of the premiums paid up to the annualized Minimum Monthly Premium,
plus 2% of additional premiums. In any subsequent Policy Year, commissions  will
be  2% of  premiums paid  in that year.  Corresponding commissions  will be paid
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
upon a requested increase in Face Amount.  In addition, a commission of .25%  of
the  average monthly  Accumulation Value  during each  Policy Year  may be paid.
Further, registered representatives may be eligible to receive certain overrides
and other benefits based on the amount of earned commissions.
 
MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          TERM                       PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
                         EXPIRES                   AND BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
                       -----------  ------------------------------------------------------
<S>                    <C>          <C>
R. Michael Conley            1997   Senior Vice  President  of ReliaStar  Financial  Corp.
                                    since  1991; Senior Vice President, ReliaStar Employee
                                    Benefits of  ReliaStar  Life Insurance  Company  since
                                    1986;  President  of NWNL  Benefits  Corporation since
                                    1988; Executive  Vice President  of ReliaStar  Bankers
                                    Security  Life Insurance Company  since 1996; Director
                                    of subsidiaries of ReliaStar Financial Corp.
Richard R. Crowl             1999   Senior Vice President,  General Counsel and  Secretary
                                    of  ReliaStar Financial Corp.  since 1996; Senior Vice
                                    President  and  General  Counsel  of  ReliaStar   Life
                                    Insurance  Company,  ReliaStar  Bankers  Security Life
                                    Insurance Company,  Northern Life  Insurance  Company,
                                    and  ReliaStar United Services  Life Insurance Company
                                    since  1996;  Executive  Vice  President  and  General
                                    Counsel  of  Washington  Square  Advisers,  Inc. since
                                    1986; Vice President and Associate General Counsel  of
                                    ReliaStar  Financial  Corp.  from 1989  to  1996; Vice
                                    President and Associate  General Counsel of  ReliaStar
                                    Life Insurance Company from 1985 to 1996; Director and
                                    Vice  President of subsidiaries of ReliaStar Financial
                                    Corp.
John H. Flittie              1999   Vice Chairman, President  and Chief Operating  Officer
                                    of   ReliaStar  Life  Insurance  Company  since  1996;
                                    President and  Chief  Operating Officer  of  ReliaStar
                                    Financial  Corp. and ReliaStar  Life Insurance Company
                                    since 1993; Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and
                                    President of ReliaStar Bankers Security Life Insurance
                                    Company since 1996; Vice Chairman of ReliaStar  United
                                    Services  Life Insurance Company and ReliaStar Bankers
                                    Security Life  Insurance  Company since  1995;  Senior
                                    Executive  Vice President and  Chief Operating Officer
                                    of  ReliaStar  Financial  Corp.  and  ReliaStar   Life
                                    Insurance  Company from 1992 to 1993; Senior Executive
                                    Vice  President   and  Chief   Operating  Officer   of
                                    ReliaStar Financial Corp. from 1991 to 1992; Executive
                                    Vice   President  and   Chief  Financial   Officer  of
                                    ReliaStar Financial Corp. and ReliaStar Life Insurance
                                    Company from 1989 to 1991; Director of Community First
                                    BankShares, Inc. and Director  and Officer of  various
                                    subsidiaries of ReliaStar Financial Corp.
Wayne R. Huneke              1998   Senior  Vice  President, Chief  Financial  Officer and
                                    Treasurer of ReliaStar  Financial Corp. and  ReliaStar
                                    Life  Insurance  Company since  1994;  Vice President,
                                    Treasurer and Chief  Accounting Officer  from 1990  to
                                    1994;   Director  and   Officer  of   subsidiaries  of
                                    ReliaStar Financial Corp.
Kenneth U. Kuk               1997   Senior Vice President of ReliaStar Financial Corp. and
                                    ReliaStar Life  Insurance  Company  since  1996;  Vice
                                    President,  Strategic Marketing of ReliaStar Financial
                                    Corp. and ReliaStar Life Insurance Company since 1996;
                                    Vice President,  Investments  of  ReliaStar  Financial
                                    Corp.  from  1991  to  1996;  President  of Washington
                                    Square  Advisers,   Inc.  since   1995;  Chairman   of
                                    ReliaStar  Mortgage  Corp.  since  1988;  Director  of
                                    National   Commercial    Finance    Association    and
                                    subsidiaries of ReliaStar Financial Corp.
</TABLE>
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          TERM                       PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
                         EXPIRES                   AND BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
                       -----------  ------------------------------------------------------
<S>                    <C>          <C>
William R. Merriam           1999   Senior  Vice President,  Life &  Health Reinsurance of
                                    ReliaStar Life  Insurance  Company  since  1991;  Vice
                                    President from 1984 to 1991
Robert C. Salipante          1997   Senior  Vice President of  Personal Financial Services
                                    of  ReliaStar  Financial  Corp.  and  ReliaStar   Life
                                    Insurance Company since 1996; Executive Vice President
                                    of  ReliaStar Bankers Security  Life Insurance Company
                                    since  1996;  Senior  Vice  President  of   Individual
                                    Division  and Technology  of ReliaStar  Life Insurance
                                    Company since 1996; Senior Vice President of Strategic
                                    Marketing and Technology of ReliaStar Financial  Corp.
                                    and  ReliaStar  Life  Insurance Company  from  1994 to
                                    1996;  Senior  Vice  President  and  Chief   Financial
                                    Officer  of  ReliaStar Financial  Corp.  and ReliaStar
                                    Life Insurance Company  from 1992  to 1994;  Executive
                                    Vice  President of Ameritrust Corporation from 1988 to
                                    1992; Director and Officer of various subsidiaries  of
                                    ReliaStar Financial Corp.
Donald L. Swanson            1997   Senior  Vice President, ReliaStar  Retirement Plans of
                                    ReliaStar Life  Insurance  Company  since  1993;  Vice
                                    President from 1990 to 1993
John G. Turner               1998   Chairman  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of ReliaStar
                                    Financial Corp. and  ReliaStar Life Insurance  Company
                                    since 1993; Chairman of ReliaStar United Services Life
                                    Insurance  Company and ReliaStar Bankers Security Life
                                    Insurance Company  since  1995; Chairman  of  Northern
                                    Life Insurance Company since 1992; Chairman, President
                                    and  Chief  Executive Officer  of  ReliaStar Financial
                                    Corp. and ReliaStar  Life Insurance  Company in  1993;
                                    President  and  Chief Executive  Officer  of ReliaStar
                                    Financial Corp. and  ReliaStar Life Insurance  Company
                                    from  1991  to  1993;  President  and  Chief Operating
                                    Officer of  ReliaStar  Financial Corp.  from  1989  to
                                    1991;   President  and  Chief   Operating  Officer  of
                                    ReliaStar Life Insurance  Company from  1986 to  1991;
                                    Director of subsidiaries of ReliaStar Financial Corp.
Steven W. Wishart            1999   Senior  Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of
                                    ReliaStar Financial  Corp.  since  1989;  Senior  Vice
                                    President  of ReliaStar  Life Insurance  Company since
                                    1981;  President  and   Chief  Executive  Officer   of
                                    ReliaStar   Investment   Research  Inc.   since  1996;
                                    President of Washington Square Capital, Inc. from 1981
                                    to 1996; President  of WSCR, Inc.  from 1986 to  1996;
                                    Director  of National Benefit Resources Group Services
                                    Inc. and subsidiaries of ReliaStar Financial Corp.
</TABLE>
 
The Executive Committee and Finance Committee of our Board of Directors consists
of Directors Flittie, Huneke, Salipante, Crowl and Turner.
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                              <C>
John G. Turner                   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
John H. Flittie                  Vice Chairman, President and Chief Operating Officer
R. Michael Conley                Senior Vice President
Richard R. Crowl                 Senior Vice President and General Counsel
Wayne R. Huneke                  Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
                                 Treasurer
Kenneth U. Kuk                   Senior Vice President
Robert C. Salipante              Senior Vice President
Donald L. Swanson                Senior Vice President
Steven W. Wishart                Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer
</TABLE>
 
    All of the foregoing executive officers  have been officers or employees  of
ours for the past five years.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
STATE REGULATION
 
    We  are subject to  the laws of  the State of  Minnesota governing insurance
companies and to  regulation and supervision  by the Insurance  Division of  the
State  of Minnesota. An annual statement in  a prescribed form is filed with the
Insurance Division each  year, and in  each state we  do business, covering  our
operations  for the preceding year and our  financial condition as of the end of
that year.  Our  books and  accounts  are subject  to  review by  the  Insurance
Division  and a  full examination  of our  operations is  conducted periodically
(usually  every  three   years)  by  the   National  Association  of   Insurance
Commissioners.  This  regulation  does  not,  however,  involve  supervision  or
management of our investment practices or policies.
 
    In addition, we are subject to regulation under the insurance laws of  other
jurisdictions in which we operate.
 
    We  are  also  subject  to  supervision and  verification  by  the  State of
Minnesota regarding participating business  allocated to the Participation  Fund
Account,  which  was  established  in  connection  with  the  reorganization and
demutualization of  the Company  in  1989. The  Participation Fund  Account  was
established  for the purpose  of maintaining the  dividend practices relative to
certain policies previously  issued by the  Company's former Mutual  Department.
The  Participation Fund  Account is  not a  separate account  as described under
Minnesota Statutes Chapter 61A. An annual examination of the Participation  Fund
Account  is made by independent  consulting actuaries representing the Insurance
Division of the State of Minnesota.
 
MONTANA RESIDENTS
 
    All Policy provisions described in the prospectus that are based on the  sex
of  the Insured should  be disregarded. This  Policy will be  issued on a unisex
basis.
 
    References made to the mortality tables applicable to this Policy are to  be
disregarded  and  substituted with  an 80%  male  20% female  blend of  the 1980
Commissioner's Standard  Ordinary Smoker  and Non-Smoker  Mortality Tables,  Age
Last Birthday.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
    There  are no legal proceedings to which the Variable Account is a party. We
are engaged in  litigation of various  kinds; however, our  management does  not
believe that any of this litigation is of material importance in relation to our
total assets.
 
BONDING ARRANGEMENTS
 
    An  insurance  company  blanket  bond  is  maintained  providing $25,000,000
coverage  for  our  officers  and  employees  and  those  of  Washington  Square
Securities, Inc., subject to a $500,000 deductible.
 
LEGAL MATTERS
 
    Legal  matters  in  connection  with the  Variable  Account  and  the Policy
described in this Prospectus have been passed upon by James E. Nelson,  Esquire,
Attorney for the Company.
 
EXPERTS
 
    The  financial statements of ReliaStar's  Select*Life Variable Account as of
December 31, 1996 and for each of the  three years in the period then ended  and
the  annual financial statements of ReliaStar Life Insurance Company included in
this Prospectus  have  been  audited  by  Deloitte  &  Touche  LLP,  independent
auditors, as stated in their reports which are included herein, and have been so
included in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority of
that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
    Actuarial matters included in this Prospectus have been examined by Craig A.
Krogstad,  F.S.A., M.A.A.A., as stated in the opinion filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.
 
REGISTRATION STATEMENT CONTAINS FURTHER INFORMATION
 
    A Registration Statement has  been filed with the  SEC under the  Securities
Act  of 1933 with respect to the  Policies. This Prospectus does not contain all
information included in the Registration Statement, its amendments and exhibits.
For further information concerning the Variable Account, the Funds, the Policies
and us, please refer to the Registration Statement.
 
    Statements in this Prospectus concerning provisions of the Policy and  other
legal  documents are summaries. Please refer to  the documents as filed with the
SEC for a complete statement of the provisions of those documents.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
    Information may be obtained from  the SEC's principal office in  Washington,
D.C., for a fee it prescribes, or examined there without charge.
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
    The  financial statements for the Variable Account reflect the operations of
the Variable Account and its Sub-Accounts as  of December 31, 1996 and for  each
of  the three years in the period  then ended. Although the financial statements
are audited, the period they cover  is not necessarily indicative of the  longer
term performance of the assets held in the Variable Account.
 
    The  financial  statements of  ReliaStar  Life Insurance  Company  which are
included  in  this  Prospectus  should  be  distinguished  from  the   financial
statements of the Variable Account and should be considered only as bearing upon
the  ability of ReliaStar  Life Insurance Company to  meet its obligations under
the Policies.  They  should not  be  considered  as bearing  on  the  investment
performance of the assets held in the Variable Account.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
 
Board of Directors
ReliaStar Life Insurance
Company and Policyowners of
Select*Life Variable Account:
 
  We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of
Select*Life Variable Account as of December 31, 1996 and the related combined
statements of operations and changes in Policyowners' equity for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1996. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the management of ReliaStar Life Insurance Company.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audits.
 
  We have 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
misstatements. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures include
confirmation of the securities owned as of December 31, 1996, by correspondence
with the Account custodians. 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, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Select*Life Variable Account as
of December 31, 1996, and the results of its operations and changes in
Policyowners' equity for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 7, 1997
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
                          SELECT*LIFE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                      STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
 
                               December 31, 1996
                   (In Thousands, Except Share and Unit Data)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 FIDELITY'S      FIDELITY'S     FIDELITY'S      FIDELITY'S
                                    VIPF            VIPF           VIPF            VIPF
                                MONEY MARKET    HIGH INCOME    EQUITY-INCOME      GROWTH
ASSETS:                           PORTFOLIO      PORTFOLIO       PORTFOLIO      PORTFOLIO
- ------------------------------  -------------  --------------  -------------  --------------
<S>                             <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>
Investments in mutual funds at
  market value:
FIDELITY'S VIPF AND VIPF II:
  Money Market Portfolio
    8,331,158 shares (cost
    $8,331)                           $8,331
  High Income Portfolio
    1,174,765 shares (cost
    $13,271)                                         $14,708
  Equity-Income Portfolio
    2,768,870 shares (cost
    $43,522)                                                        $58,229
  Growth Portfolio
    2,471,620 shares (cost
    $57,986)                                                                        $76,996
  Overseas Portfolio
    1,218,598 shares (cost
    $19,635)
  Asset Manager Portfolio
    1,698,514 shares (cost
    $24,709)
  Investment Grade Bond
    Portfolio
    263,226 shares (cost
    $3,060)
  Index 500 Portfolio
    85,097 shares (cost
    $6,398)
  Contrafund Portfolio
    614,293 shares (cost
    $8,989)
PUTNAM'S VT:
  Diversified Income Fund
    123,850 shares (cost
    $1,309)
  Growth and Income Fund
    470,133 shares (cost
    $9,975)
  Utilities Growth and Income
    Fund
    104,825 shares (cost
    $1,314)
  Voyager Fund
    872,112 shares (cost
    $25,432)
  Asia Pacific Growth Fund
    146,046 shares (cost
    $1,546)
  New Opportunities Fund
    587,344 shares (cost
    $10,080)
NORTHSTAR'S:
  Income and Growth Fund
    50,357 shares (cost $591)
  Multi-Sector Bond Fund
    56,204 shares (cost $292)
                                -------------  --------------  -------------  --------------
 
  Total Assets                        $8,331         $14,708        $58,229         $76,966
                                -------------  --------------  -------------  --------------
                                -------------  --------------  -------------  --------------
LIABILITIES AND POLICYOWNERS'
  EQUITY:
- ------------------------------
Due to (from) ReliaStar Life
  Insurance Company for
  accrued mortality and
  expense risk:                           $5             $13            $22             $48
Policyowners' Equity:                  8,326          14,695         58,207          76,918
                                -------------  --------------  -------------  --------------
 
  Total Liabilities and
    Policyowners' Equity              $8,331         $14,708        $58,229         $76,966
                                -------------  --------------  -------------  --------------
                                -------------  --------------  -------------  --------------
 
  Units Outstanding:             654,425.374     773,942.356   2,622,030.390  3,452,718.980
 
Net Asset Value per Unit:
  Select*Life I                   $15.890521      $25.660930     $27.587247      $29.496120
  Select*Life Series 2000         $11.630991      $13.428116     $16.455088      $15.517378
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
 
                 STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, CONTINUED
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  FIDELITY'S VIPF
                                  FIDELITY'S    FIDELITY'S VIPF          II         FIDELITY'S VIPF   FIDELITY'S VIPF
                                     VIPF              II            INVESTMENT            II                II
                                   OVERSEAS      ASSET MANAGER       GRADE BOND        INDEX 500         CONTRAFUND
                                  PORTFOLIO        PORTFOLIO         PORTFOLIO         PORTFOLIO         PORTFOLIO
                                --------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------
<S>                             <C>             <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Investments in mutual funds at
  market value:
FIDELITY'S VIPF AND VIPF II:
  Money Market Portfolio
    8,331,158 shares (cost
    $8,331)
  High Income Portfolio
    1,174,765 shares (cost
    $13,271)
  Equity-Income Portfolio
    2,768,870 shares (cost
    $43,522)
  Growth Portfolio
    2,471,620 shares (cost
    $57,986)
  Overseas Portfolio
    1,218,598 shares (cost
    $19,635)                          $22,958
  Asset Manager Portfolio
    1,698,514 shares (cost
    $24,709)                                           $28,756
  Investment Grade Bond
    Portfolio
    263,226 shares (cost
    $3,060)                                                               $3,222
  Index 500 Portfolio
    85,097 shares (cost
    $6,398)                                                                                 $7,585
  Contrafund Portfolio
    614,293 shares (cost
    $8,989)                                                                                                  $10,173
PUTNAM'S VT:
  Diversified Income Fund
    123,850 shares (cost
    $1,309)
  Growth and Income Fund
    470,133 shares (cost
    $9,975)
  Utilities Growth and Income
    Fund
    104,825 shares (cost
    $1,314)
  Voyager Fund
    872,112 shares (cost
    $25,432)
  Asia Pacific Growth Fund
    146,046 shares (cost
    $1,546)
  New Opportunities Fund
    587,344 shares (cost
    $10,080)
NORTHSTAR'S:
  Income and Growth Fund
    50,357 shares (cost $591)
  Multi-Sector Bond Fund
    56,204 shares (cost $292)
                                --------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------
 
  Total Assets                        $22,958          $28,756            $3,222            $7,585           $10,173
                                --------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------
                                --------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------
LIABILITIES AND POLICYOWNERS'
  EQUITY:
- ------------------------------
Due to (from) ReliaStar Life
  Insurance Company for
  accrued mortality and
  expense risk:                           $10              $13                $1                $2                $-
Policyowners' Equity:                  22,948           28,743             3,221             7,583            10,173
                                --------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------
 
  Total Liabilities and
    Policyowners' Equity              $22,958          $28,756            $3,222            $7,585           $10,173
                                --------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------
                                --------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------
 
  Units Outstanding:            1,536,316.506    1,892,481.312       247,189.999       441,948.368       686,514.792
 
Net Asset Value per Unit:
  Select*Life I                    $18.132967       $17.774921        $14.638773        $17.724683                $-
  Select*Life Series 2000          $12.518269       $12.498123        $11.631128        $16.991905        $14.817873
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
                          SELECT*LIFE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                 STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, Continued
 
                               December 31, 1996
                   (In Thousands, Except Share and Unit Data)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  PUTNAM'S VT
                                 PUTNAM'S VT     PUTNAM'S VT       UTILITIES
                                 DIVERSIFIED      GROWTH AND        GROWTH        PUTNAM'S VT
                                    INCOME          INCOME        AND INCOME        VOYAGER
ASSETS:                              FUND            FUND            FUND             FUND
- ------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  --------------
<S>                             <C>             <C>             <C>              <C>
Investments in mutual funds at
  market value:
FIDELITY'S VIPF AND VIPF II:
  Money Market Portfolio
    8,331,158 shares (cost
    $8,331)
  High Income Portfolio
    1,174,765 shares (cost
    13,271)
  Equity-Income Portfolio
    2,768,870 shares (cost
    $43,522)
  Growth Portfolio
    2,471,620 shares (cost
    $57,986)
  Overseas Portfolio
    1,218,598 shares (cost
    $19,635)
  Asset Manager Portfolio
    1,698,514 shares (cost
    $24,709)
  Investment Grade Bond
    Portfolio
    263,226 shares (cost
    $3,060)
  Index 500 Portfolio
    85,097 shares (cost
    $6,398)
  Contrafund Portfolio
    614,293 shares (cost
    $8,989)
PUTNAM'S VT:
  Diversified Income Fund
    123,850 shares (cost
    $1,309)                            $1,396
  Growth and Income Fund
    470,133 shares (cost
    $9,975)                                           $11,547
  Utilities Growth and Income
    Fund
    104,825 shares (cost
    $1,314)                                                             $1,551
  Voyager Fund
    872,112 shares (cost
    $25,432)                                                                           $28,370
  Asia Pacific Growth Fund
    146,046 shares (cost
    $1,546)
  New Opportunities Fund
    587,344 shares (cost
    $10,080)
NORTHSTAR'S:
  Income and Growth Fund
    50,357 shares (cost $591)
  Multi-Sector Bond Fund
    56,204 shares (cost $292)
                                --------------  --------------  ---------------  --------------
 
  Total Assets                         $1,396         $11,547           $1,551         $28,370
                                --------------  --------------  ---------------  --------------
                                --------------  --------------  ---------------  --------------
LIABILITIES AND POLICYOWNERS'
  EQUITY:
- ------------------------------
Due to (from) ReliaStar Life
  Insurance Companyfor accrued
  mortality and expense risks:             $1              $-               $4              $6
Policyowners' Equity:                   1,395          11,547            1,547          28,364
                                --------------  --------------  ---------------  --------------
 
  Total Liabilities and
    Policyowners' Equity               $1,396         $11,547           $1,551         $28,370
                                --------------  --------------  ---------------  --------------
                                --------------  --------------  ---------------  --------------
 
  Units Outstanding:              112,611.941     691,973.875      107,970.108   1,750,710.230
 
Net Asset Value per Unit:
  Select*Life I                    $12.597066      $16.669506       $14.583970      $16.420248
  Select*Life Series 2000          $12.377481      $16.688048       $14.292632      $16.172504
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
 
                 STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, CONTINUED
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 PUTNAM'S VT     PUTNAM'S VT    NORTHSTAR'S
                                 ASIA PACIFIC        NEW          INCOME        NORTHSTAR'S
                                    GROWTH      OPPORTUNITIES   AND GROWTH   MULTI-SECTOR BOND
                                     FUND            FUND          FUND            FUND             TOTAL
                                --------------  --------------  -----------  -----------------  --------------
<S>                             <C>             <C>             <C>          <C>                <C>
Investments in mutual funds at
  market value:
FIDELITY'S VIPF AND VIPF II:
  Money Market Portfolio
    8,331,158 shares (cost
    $8,331)                                                                                             $8,331
  High Income Portfolio
    1,174,765 shares (cost
    13,271)                                                                                             14,708
  Equity-Income Portfolio
    2,768,870 shares (cost
    $43,522)                                                                                            58,229
  Growth Portfolio
    2,471,620 shares (cost
    $57,986)                                                                                            76,966
  Overseas Portfolio
    1,218,598 shares (cost
    $19,635)                                                                                            22,958
  Asset Manager Portfolio
    1,698,514 shares (cost
    $24,709)                                                                                            28,756
  Investment Grade Bond
    Portfolio
    263,226 shares (cost
    $3,060)                                                                                              3,222
  Index 500 Portfolio
    85,097 shares (cost
    $6,398)                                                                                              7,585
  Contrafund Portfolio
    614,293 shares (cost
    $8,989)                                                                                             10,173
PUTNAM'S VT:
  Diversified Income Fund
    123,850 shares (cost
    $1,309)                                                                                              1,396
  Growth and Income Fund
    470,133 shares (cost
    $9,975)                                                                                             11,547
  Utilities Growth and Income
    Fund
    104,825 shares (cost
    $1,314)                                                                                              1,551
  Voyager Fund
    872,112 shares (cost
    $25,432)                                                                                            28,370
  Asia Pacific Growth Fund
    146,046 shares (cost
    $1,546)                            $1,608                                                            1,608
  New Opportunities Fund
    587,344 shares (cost
    $10,080)                                          $10,114                                           10,114
NORTHSTAR'S:
  Income and Growth Fund
    50,357 shares (cost $591)                                          $590                                590
  Multi-Sector Bond Fund
    56,204 shares (cost $292)                                                           $295               295
                                --------------  --------------  -----------  -----------------  --------------
 
  Total Assets                         $1,608         $10,114          $590             $295          $286,399
                                --------------  --------------  -----------  -----------------  --------------
                                --------------  --------------  -----------  -----------------  --------------
LIABILITIES AND POLICYOWNERS'
  EQUITY:
- ------------------------------
Due to (from) ReliaStar Life
  Insurance Companyfor accrued
  mortality and expense risks:             $-              $1            $-               $-              $126
Policyowners' Equity:                   1,608          10,113           590              295          $286,273
                                --------------  --------------  -----------  -----------------  --------------
 
  Total Liabilities and
    Policyowners' Equity               $1,608         $10,114          $590             $295          $286,399
                                --------------  --------------  -----------  -----------------  --------------
                                --------------  --------------  -----------  -----------------  --------------
 
  Units Outstanding:              144,086.091     681,263.859    42,551.251       22,576.638    15,861,312.069
 
Net Asset Value per Unit:
  Select*Life I                            $-              $-            $-               $-
  Select*Life Series 2000          $11.161174      $14.844820    $13.870191       $13.078392
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
                          SELECT*LIFE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                      STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES
                            IN POLICYOWNERS' EQUITY
                                 (In Thousands)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    YEAR ENDED     YEAR ENDED     YEAR ENDED
                                                                                   DECEMBER 31,   DECEMBER 31,   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                       1996           1995           1994
                                                                                   -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                                                                <C>            <C>            <C>
Net investment income:
  Reinvested dividend income.....................................................       $2,990         $2,259         $1,454
  Reinvested capital gains.......................................................        8,110          1,456          2,880
  Mortality and expense risk charge..............................................       (1,935)        (1,186)          (692)
                                                                                   -------------  -------------  -------------
    Net investment income and capital gains......................................        9,165          2,529          3,642
                                                                                   -------------  -------------  -------------
Realized and unrealized gains (losses):
  Net realized gains on redemptions of fund shares...............................        3,085          1,345            896
  Increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation of investments..................       15,731         27,857         (4,458)
                                                                                   -------------  -------------  -------------
    Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)...................................       18,816         29,202         (3,562)
                                                                                   -------------  -------------  -------------
      Net additions from operations..............................................       27,981         31,731             80
                                                                                   -------------  -------------  -------------
Policyowner transactions:
  Net premium payments...........................................................      108,108         66,506         49,268
  Transfers from (to) Fixed Accounts.............................................           95           (401)           (35)
  Policy loans...................................................................       (2,266)        (1,582)          (781)
  Loan collateral interest crediting.............................................          174            101             69
  Surrenders.....................................................................       (5,080)        (3,576)        (2,080)
  Death benefits.................................................................         (203)          (220)           (87)
  Cost of insurance charges......................................................      (19,202)       (12,860)        (8,762)
  Death benefit guarantee charges................................................         (459)          (488)          (531)
  Monthly expense charges........................................................       (2,932)        (1,831)        (1,057)
                                                                                   -------------  -------------  -------------
    Additions for policyowner transactions.......................................       78,235         45,649         36,004
                                                                                   -------------  -------------  -------------
      Net additions for the year.................................................      106,216         77,380         36,084
Policyowners' Equity, beginning of the year......................................      180,057        102,677         66,593
                                                                                   -------------  -------------  -------------
Policyowners' Equity, end of the year............................................     $286,273       $180,057       $102,677
                                                                                   -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                                   -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
                          SELECT*LIFE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
  ORGANIZATION AND CONTRACTS:
  ReliaStar Select*Life Variable Account (the "Account") is a separate account
  of ReliaStar Life Insurance Company ("ReliaStar Life"), a wholly owned
  subsidiary of ReliaStar Financial Corp (formerly The NWNL Companies, Inc.).
  The Account is registered as a unit investment trust under the Investment
  Company Act of 1940.
 
  Payments received under the contracts are allocated to Sub-Accounts of the
  Account, each of which invested in one of the Funds listed below during the
  year:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FIDELITY'S VIPF AND VIPF II:                PUTNAM VT:                                  NORTHSTAR FUNDS:
- ------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>                                         <C>
Money Market Portfolio                      Diversified Income Fund                     Income and Growth Fund
High Income Portfolio                       Growth and Income Fund                      Multi-Sector Bond Fund
Equity-Income Portfolio                     Utilities Growth and Income Fund
Growth Portfolio                            Voyager Fund
Overseas Portfolio                          Asia Pacific Growth Fund
Asset Manager Portfolio                     New Opportunities Fund
Investment Grade Bond Portfolio
Index 500 Portfolio
Contrafund Portfolio
</TABLE>
 
  Northstar Investment Management Corporation, an affiliate of ReliaStar Life,
  is the investment adviser for the two Northstar Funds and is paid fees for its
  services by the Northstar Funds. Fidelity Management & Research Company is the
  investment adviser for Fidelity's VIPF and VIPF II and is paid for its
  services by the VIPF and VIPF II Portfolios. Putnam Investment Management,
  Inc. is the investment adviser for the Putnam VT Funds and is paid fees for
  its services by the Putnam VT Funds. On May 3, 1993, ReliaStar Life added the
  Sub-Account investing in the VIPF II Index 500 Portfolio. On January 1, 1994,
  Sub-Accounts investing in Putnam VT's Diversified Income Fund, Growth and
  Income Fund, Utilities Growth and Income Fund and Voyager Fund were made
  available through the Select*Life Series 2000 policies and on May 2, 1994,
  Sub-Accounts investing in these Putnam VT Funds were made available to
  Select*Life I policies. On December 30, 1994, Sub-Accounts investing in the
  Northstar Funds were made available to Select*Life Series 2000 policies. On
  April 30, 1995 Sub-Accounts investing in the VIPF II Contrafund Portfolio, the
  Putnam VT Asia Pacific Growth Fund and the Putnam VT New Opportunities Fund
  were made available to Select*Life Series 2000 policies.
 
  SECURITIES VALUATION AND TRANSACTIONS:
  The market value of investments in the Sub-Accounts is based on the closing
  net asset values of the Fund shares held at the end of the period. Investment
  transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to purchase
  or redeem is executed) and dividend income and capital distributions are
  recorded on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains and losses on redemptions
  of shares of the Funds are determined on the basis of specific identification
  of Fund's share costs. Net investment income and realized and unrealized gain
  (loss) on investments of each Sub-Account are allocated to the Policies on
  each valuation date based on each policy's pro-rata share of the net assets of
  each Sub-Account as of the beginning of the valuation period.
 
2. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES:
  Under current tax law, the income, gains and losses from the separate account
  investments are not taxable to either the Account or ReliaStar Life.
 
3. POLICY CHARGES:
  Certain charges are made by ReliaStar Life to Policyowners' Variable
  Accumulation Values in the Account in accordance with the terms of the
  Policies. These charges may include: Cost of Insurance, computed as set forth
  in the Policies; a Monthly Expense Charge as set forth in the Policies: Death
  Benefit Guarantee Charge; Optional Insurance benefit charges based upon the
  policy terms for optional benefits; and Surrender Charges and Sales Charge
  Refunds, as set forth in the Policies.
 
4. RELIASTAR LIFE'S SELECT FUNDS:
  On May 1, 1995, Select Capital Growth Fund, Inc. ("SCG") and Select Managed
  Fund, Inc. ("SMF") were liquidated, and Policy Owners' values in the
  Sub-Accounts investing in SCG and SMF were transferred to the Sub-Accounts
  investing in shares of the VIPF Growth Portfolio and VIPF II Asset Manager
  Portfolio, respectively.
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
                          SELECT*LIFE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                    NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
 
5. INVESTMENTS:
   The net realized gains (losses) on redemptions of fund shares during the
   years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 were as follows, (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    SELECT
                                                                                                CAPITAL GROWTH
                                                        TOTAL                                     FUND, INC.
                                     -------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------
                                      Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended
                                       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,
                                         1996           1995           1994           1996           1995           1994
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Proceeds from redemptions..........        $19,497        $18,128         $7,424             $-         $2,470           $347
Cost...............................         16,412         16,783          6,528              -          2,608            385
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Net realized gains (losses) on
  redemptions of fund shares.......         $3,085         $1,345           $896             $-          $(138)          $(38)
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   FIDELITY'S VIPF                              FIDELITY'S VIPF
                                                     HIGH INCOME                                 EQUITY INCOME
                                                      PORTFOLIO                                    PORTFOLIO
                                     -------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------
                                      Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended
                                       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,
                                         1996           1995           1994           1996           1995           1994
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Proceeds from redemptions..........         $1,328         $1,149           $551         $2,160         $1,111         $1,079
Cost...............................          1,166            947            407          1,348            821            877
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Net realized gains (losses) on
  redemptions of fund shares.......           $162           $202           $144           $812           $290           $202
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 FIDELITY'S VIPF II                           FIDELITY'S VIPF II
                                                    ASSET MANAGER                              INVESTMENT GRADE
                                                      PORTFOLIO                                 BOND PORTFOLIO
                                     -------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------
                                      Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended
                                       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,
                                         1996           1995           1994           1996           1995           1994
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Proceeds from redemptions..........         $1,703         $2,494           $941           $483           $329           $247
Cost...............................          1,534          2,326            839            471            327            254
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Net realized gains (losses) on
  redemptions of fund shares.......           $169           $168           $102            $12             $2            $(7)
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
                                       58
<PAGE>
                          SELECT*LIFE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                    NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       SELECT                                   FIDELITY'S VIPF
                                                       MANAGED                                   MONEY MARKET
                                                     FUND, INC.                                    PORTFOLIO
                                     -------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------
                                      Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended
                                       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,
                                         1996           1995           1994           1996           1995           1994
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Proceeds from redemptions..........             $-         $4,660           $820         $7,266         $2,499         $1,572
Cost...............................              -          4,677            741          7,266          2,499          1,572
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Net realized gains (losses) on
  redemptions of fund shares.......             $-           $(17)           $79             $-             $-             $-
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   FIDELITY'S VIPF                              FIDELITY'S VIPF
                                                       GROWTH                                      OVERSEAS
                                                      PORTFOLIO                                    PORTFOLIO
                                     -------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------
                                      Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended
                                       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,
                                         1996           1995           1994           1996           1995           1994
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Proceeds from redemptions..........         $2,114           $967         $1,007         $1,483         $1,486           $729
Cost...............................          1,134            538            717          1,129          1,219            606
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Net realized gains (losses) on
  redemptions of fund shares.......           $980           $429           $290           $354           $267           $123
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 FIDELITY'S VIPF II                           FIDELITY'S VIPF II
                                                      INDEX 500                                   CONTRAFUND
                                                      PORTFOLIO                                    PORTFOLIO
                                     -------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------
                                      Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended
                                       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,
                                         1996           1995           1994           1996           1995           1994
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Proceeds from redemptions..........           $261           $208            $53           $235            $92             $-
Cost...............................            181            168             53            210             79              -
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Net realized gains (losses) on
  redemptions of fund shares.......            $80            $40             $-            $25            $13             $-
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
                                       59
<PAGE>
                          SELECT*LIFE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                    NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
 
5. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED):
   The net realized gains (losses) on redemptions of fund shares during the
   years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 were as follows, (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     PUTNAM'S VT                                  PUTNAM'S VT
                                                 DIVERSIFIED INCOME                            GROWTH AND INCOME
                                                        FUND                                         FUND
                                     -------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------
                                      Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended
                                       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,
                                         1996           1995           1994           1996           1995           1994
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Proceeds from redemptions..........           $293            $40             $9           $464           $102             $7
Cost...............................            283             38              9            339             85              7
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Net realized gains (losses) on
  redemptions of fund shares.......            $10             $2             $-           $125            $17             $-
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     PUTNAM'S VT                                  PUTNAM'S VT
                                                    ASIA PACIFIC                               NEW OPPORTUNITIES
                                                     GROWTH FUND                                     FUND
                                     -------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------
                                      Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended
                                       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,
                                         1996           1995           1994           1996           1995           1994
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Proceeds from redemptions..........           $259            $23             $-           $517           $113             $-
Cost...............................            245             23              -            418             91              -
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Net realized gains (losses) on
  redemptions of fund shares.......            $14             $-             $-            $99            $22             $-
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
                                       60
<PAGE>
                          SELECT*LIFE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                    NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     PUTNAM'S VT                                  PUTNAM'S VT
                                             UTILITIES GROWTH AND INCOME                            VOYAGER
                                                        FUND                                         FUND
                                     -------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------
                                      Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended
                                       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,
                                         1996           1995           1994           1996           1995           1994
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Proceeds from redemptions..........           $354           $184            $49           $517           $154            $13
Cost...............................            283            164             48            348            126             13
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Net realized gains (losses) on
  redemptions of fund shares.......            $71            $20             $1           $169            $28             $-
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     NORTHSTAR'S                                  NORTHSTAR'S
                                                  INCOME AND GROWTH                            MULTI-SECTOR BOND
                                                        FUND                                         FUND
                                     -------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------
                                      Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended
                                       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,
                                         1996           1995           1994           1996           1995           1994
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Proceeds from redemptions..........            $30             $3             $-            $30            $44             $-
Cost...............................             28              3              -             29             44              -
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Net realized gains (losses) on
  redemptions of fund shares.......             $2             $-             $-             $1             $-             $-
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
                                       61
<PAGE>
                          SELECT*LIFE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                    NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
 
6. POLICYOWNERS' TRANSACTIONS:
   Unit transactions in each Sub-Account for the years ended December 31, 1996,
   1995 and 1994 were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   SELECT CAPITAL                                   SELECT
                                                       GROWTH                                       MANAGED
                                                     FUND, INC.                                   FUND, INC.
                                     -------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------
                                      Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended
                                       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,
                                         1996           1995           1994           1996           1995           1994
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Units outstanding, beginning of
  year.............................              -    157,399.779    162,138.780              -    286,168.977    311,725.041
Units purchased....................              -      9,126.623     27,211.524              -     12,895.412     43,556.351
Units redeemed.....................              -     (7,913.917)   (21,989.106)             -    (10,403.233)   (46,804.601)
Units transferred between
  Sub-Accounts and/or
  Fixed Account....................              -   (158,612.485)    (9,961.419)             -   (288,661.156)   (22,307.814)
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Units outstanding, end of year.....              -              -    157,399.779              -              -    286,168.977
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   FIDELITY'S VIPF                              FIDELITY'S VIPF
                                                       GROWTH                                      OVERSEAS
                                                      PORTFOLIO                                    PORTFOLIO
                                     -------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------
                                      Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended
                                       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,
                                         1996           1995           1994           1996           1995           1994
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Units outstanding, beginning of
  year.............................  2,622,289.757  1,761,649.810  1,096,817.909  1,229,928.330    900,424.038    379,052.212
Units purchased....................  1,248,929.016  1,030,790.587    953,158.878    536,747.626    617,148.362    556,399.917
Units redeemed.....................   (429,120.324)  (342,106.549)  (244,337.361)  (188,865.914)  (177,939.623)  (111,750.664)
Units transferred between
  Sub-Accounts and/or
  Fixed Account....................     10,620.532    171,955.909    (43,989.616)   (41,493.536)  (109,704.447)    76,722.573
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Units outstanding,
  end of year......................  3,452,718.980  2,622,289.757  1,761,649.810  1,536,316.506  1,229,928.330    900,424.038
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
                                       62
<PAGE>
                          SELECT*LIFE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                    NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   FIDELITY'S VIPF                              FIDELITY'S VIPF
                                                    MONEY MARKET                                  HIGH INCOME
                                                      PORTFOLIO                                    PORTFOLIO
                                     -------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------
                                      Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended
                                       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,
                                         1996           1995           1994           1996           1995           1994
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Units outstanding, beginning of
  year.............................    454,516.667    240,089.964    156,045.604    577,083.123    397,251.963    254,797.519
Units purchased....................    680,738.566    409,244.895    165,487.964    307,417.472    262,813.321    211,773.478
Units redeemed.....................    (88,518.792)   (51,202.041)   (28,807.773)   (91,762.343)   (82,813.141)   (56,358.865)
Units transferred between
  Sub-Accounts and/or
  Fixed Account....................   (392,311.067)  (143,616.151)   (52,635.831)   (18,795.895)      (169.020)   (12,960.169)
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Units outstanding, end of year.....    654,425.374    454,516.667    240,089.964    773,942.356    577,083.123    397,251.963
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                   FIDELITY'S VIPF
                                                    EQUITY-INCOME
                                                      PORTFOLIO
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                      Year ended     Year ended     Year ended
                                       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,
                                         1996           1995           1994
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>            <C>
Units outstanding, beginning of
  year.............................  2,023,713.030  1,463,010.155  1,055,644.747
Units purchased....................    931,595.789    749,089.473    601,244.662
Units redeemed.....................   (293,135.228)  (256,323.181)  (192,736.128)
Units transferred between
  Sub-Accounts and/or
  Fixed Account....................    (40,143.201)    67,936.583     (1,143.126)
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------
Units outstanding, end of year.....  2,622,030.390  2,023,713.030  1,463,010.155
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  FIDELITY'S VIPF II                             FIDELITY'S VIPF II
                                                     ASSET MANAGER                                INVESTMENT GRADE
                                                       PORTFOLIO                                   BOND PORTFOLIO
                                    -----------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------
                                      Year ended       Year ended      Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended
                                       Dec. 31,         Dec. 31,        Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,
                                         1996             1995            1994           1996           1995           1994
                                    ---------------  ---------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------
<S>                                 <C>              <C>              <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Units outstanding, beginning of
  year.............................  1,704,151.254    1,132,373.018    397,491.821    214,771.624    153,890.893    73,061.118
Units purchased....................    516,081.976      711,584.303    860,156.216     83,199.869     89,695.793    93,970.791
Units redeemed.....................   (233,834.183)    (245,931.324)  (135,570.699)   (26,334.967)   (25,144.781)  (15,634.489)
Units transferred between
  Sub-Accounts and/or
  Fixed Account....................    (93,917.735)     106,125.257     10,295.680    (24,446.527)    (3,670.281)    2,493.473
                                    ---------------  ---------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------
Units outstanding,
  end of year......................  1,892,481.312    1,704,151.254   1,132,373.018   247,189.999    214,771.624   153,890.893
                                    ---------------  ---------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------
                                    ---------------  ---------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                FIDELITY'S VIPF II
                                                     INDEX 500
                                                     PORTFOLIO
                                     -----------------------------------------
                                      Year ended     Year ended    Year ended
                                       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,      Dec. 31,
                                         1996           1995          1994
                                     -------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                 <C>             <C>           <C>
Units outstanding, beginning of
  year.............................   181,509.017    70,686.713    23,356.992
Units purchased....................   235,038.604   108,548.505    53,563.087
Units redeemed.....................   (42,862.946)  (20,962.032)   (8,321.224)
Units transferred between
  Sub-Accounts and/or
  Fixed Account....................    68,263.694    23,235.831     2,087.858
                                     -------------  ------------  ------------
Units outstanding,
  end of year......................   441,948.368   181,509.017    70,686.713
                                     -------------  ------------  ------------
                                     -------------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
                                       63
<PAGE>
                          SELECT*LIFE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                    NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
 
6. POLICYOWNERS' TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED):
   Unit transactions in each Sub-Account for the years ended December 31, 1996,
   1995 and 1994 were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 FIDELITY'S VIPF II                               PUTNAM'S VT
                                                     CONTRAFUND                               DIVERSIFIED INCOME
                                                      PORTFOLIO                                      FUND
                                     -------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------
                                      Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended
                                       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,
                                         1996           1995           1994           1996           1995           1994
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Units outstanding,
  beginning of year................    160,147.180              -              -     70,401.445     25,076.593              -
Units purchased....................    558,061.891    131,616.362              -     60,427.261     37,489.819     18,122.626
Units reedeemed....................    (83,680.846)   (12,028.370)             -    (11,808.045)    (7,437.939)    (1,598.271)
Units transferred between
  Sub-Accounts and/or
  Fixed Account....................     51,986.567     40,559.188              -     (6,408.720)    15,272.972      8,552.238
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Units outstanding,
  end of year......................    686,514.792    160,147.180              -    112,611.941     70,401.445     25,076.593
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     PUTNAM'S VT                                  PUTNAM'S VT
                                                 ASIA PACIFIC GROWTH                           NEW OPPORTUNITIES
                                                        FUND                                         FUND
                                     -------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------
                                      Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended
                                       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,
                                         1996           1995           1994           1996           1995           1994
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Units outstanding,
  beginning of year................     29,436.771              -              -    110,223.166              -              -
Units purchased....................    111,743.026     25,202.823              -    536,749.300     86,605.419              -
Units redeemed.....................    (15,459.659)    (2,640.223)             -    (71,815.080)    (8,233.093)             -
Units transferred between
  Sub-Accounts and/or
  Fixed Account....................     18,365.954      6,874.171              -    106,106.472     31,850.840              -
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Units outstanding,
  end of year......................    144,086.091     29,436.771              -    681,263.859    110,223.166              -
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
                                       64
<PAGE>
                          SELECT*LIFE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                    NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     PUTNAM'S VT                                  PUTNAM'S VT
                                                  GROWTH AND INCOME                          UTILITIES GROWTH AND
                                                        FUND                                      INCOME FUND
                                     -------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------
                                      Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended
                                       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,
                                         1996           1995           1994           1996           1995           1994
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Units outstanding,
  beginning of year................    282,045.753     64,421.965              -     81,748.531     46,807.467              -
Units purchased....................    406,240.138    209,131.345     61,265.475     52,797.542     47,951.821     30,500.830
Units reedeemed....................    (74,223.988)   (32,341.113)    (6,093.938)   (16,817.701)   (10,123.479)    (3,408.255)
Units transferred between
  Sub-Accounts and/or
  Fixed Account....................     77,911.972     40,833.556      9,250.428     (9,758.265)    (2,887.278)    19,714.892
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Units outstanding,
  end of year......................    691,973.875    282,045.753     64,421.965    107,970.108     81,748.531     46,807.467
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                     PUTNAM'S VT
                                                       VOYAGER
                                                        FUND
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                      Year ended     Year ended     Year ended
                                       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,
                                         1996           1995           1994
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>            <C>
Units outstanding,
  beginning of year................    781,013.273    199,880.663              -
Units purchased....................  1,040,657.483    611,602.541    191,562.886
Units reedeemed....................   (220,017.675)  (101,392.794)   (18,498.061)
Units transferred between
  Sub-Accounts and/or
  Fixed Account....................    149,057.148     70,922.863     26,815.838
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------
Units outstanding,
  end of year......................  1,750,710.230    781,013.273    199,880.663
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     NORTHSTAR'S                                  NORTHSTAR'S
                                                  INCOME AND GROWTH                            MULTI-SECTOR BOND
                                                        FUND                                         FUND
                                     -------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------
                                      Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended
                                       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,
                                         1996           1995           1994           1996           1995           1994
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Units outstanding,
  beginning of year................      8,746.326              -              -      9,904.096              -              -
Units purchased....................     33,180.420      6,057.272              -     10,103.684      3,255.666              -
Units redeemed.....................     (3,841.706)      (537.367)             -     (1,468.579)      (424.093)             -
Units transferred between
  Sub-Accounts and/or
  Fixed Account....................      4,466.211      3,226.421              -      4,037.437      7,072.523              -
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Units outstanding,
  end of year......................     42,551.251      8,746.326              -     22,576.638      9,904.096              -
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
                                       65
<PAGE>
                          SELECT*LIFE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                    NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, Continued
 
7. COMBINING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN POLICYOWNERS' EQUITY:
   Operations and changes in Policyowners' equity for the year ended December
   31, 1996 were as follows, (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           FIDELITY'S  FIDELITY'S  FIDELITY'S                          FIDELITY'S
                                              VIPF        VIPF        VIPF     FIDELITY'S  FIDELITY'S   VIPF II
                                             MONEY        HIGH      EQUITY-       VIPF        VIPF       ASSET
                                             MARKET      INCOME      INCOME      GROWTH     OVERSEAS    MANAGER
                                  TOTAL    PORTFOLIO   PORTFOLIO   PORTFOLIO   PORTFOLIO   PORTFOLIO   PORTFOLIO
                                ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                             <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Net investment income:
  Reinvested dividend
    income....................     $2,990       $417        $832         $67        $156        $202        $840
  Reinvested capital gains....      8,110          -         163       1,929       3,939         223         692
  Mortality and expense risk
    charge....................     (1,935)       (68)       (103)       (458)       (557)       (119)       (210)
                                ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
      Net investment income
        (loss)
        and capital gains.....      9,165        349         892       1,538       3,538         306       1,322
                                ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Realized and unrealized gains
  (losses):
  Net realized gains on
    redemptions
    of fund shares............      3,085          -         162         812         980         354         169
  Increase (decrease) in
    unrealized
    appreciation on
    investments...............     15,731          -         473       3,943       3,837       1,706       1,834
                                ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
      Net realized and
        unrealized gains
        (losses)..............     18,816          -         635       4,755       4,817       2,060       2,003
                                ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
        Net additions
          from operations.....     27,981        349       1,527       6,293       8,355       2,366       3,325
                                ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Policyowner transactions:
  Net premium payments........    108,108      7,798       4,359      15,950      21,247       6,819       6,607
  Transfers from (to) Fixed
    Account...................         95     (4,502)       (267)       (782)        329        (582)     (1,215)
  Policy loans................     (2,266)       (97)        (67)       (576)       (758)       (235)       (209)
  Loan collateral interest
    crediting.................        174          7           9          49          57          16          26
  Surrenders..................     (5,080)      (164)       (286)       (977)     (1,807)       (493)       (545)
  Death benefits..............       (203)        (1)        (10)        (72)        (53)        (17)        (25)
  Cost of insurance charges...    (19,202)      (698)       (995)     (3,423)     (4,894)     (1,500)     (1,948)
  Death benefit guarantee
    charges...................       (459)        (8)        (32)       (115)       (173)        (47)        (61)
  Monthly expense charges.....     (2,932)       (62)       (121)       (475)       (739)       (227)       (262)
                                ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
      Net additions for
        policyowner
        transactions..........     78,235      2,273       2,590       9,579      13,209       3,734       2,368
                                ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
        Net additions
          for the year........    106,216      2,622       4,117      15,872      21,564       6,100       5,693
 
Policyowners' Equity,
  beginning of the year.......    180,057      5,704      10,578      42,335      55,354      16,848      23,050
                                ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 
Policyowners' Equity,
  end of the year.............   $286,273     $8,326     $14,695     $58,207     $76,918     $22,948     $28,743
                                ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                                       66
<PAGE>
                          SELECT*LIFE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                    NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                FIDELITY'S
                                  VIPF II                              PUTNAM'S     PUTNAM'S
                                INVESTMENT   FIDELITY'S  FIDELITY'S       VT           VT
                                   GRADE      VIPF II      VIPF II    DIVERSIFIED  GROWTH AND
                                   BOND      INDEX 500   CONTRAFUND     INCOME       INCOME
                                 PORTFOLIO   PORTFOLIO    PORTFOLIO      FUND         FUND
                                -----------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ------------
<S>                             <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>
Net investment income:
  Reinvested dividend
    income....................        $139         $33           $-         $63          $117
  Reinvested capital gains....           -          84           22           -           204
  Mortality and expense risk
    charge....................         (24)        (40)         (48)        (10)          (60)
                                -----------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ------------
      Net investment income
        (loss)
        and capital gains.....         115          77          (26)         53           261
                                -----------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ------------
Realized and unrealized gains
  (losses):
  Net realized gains on
    redemptions
    of fund shares............          12          80           25          10           125
  Increase (decrease) in
    unrealized
    appreciation on
    investments...............         (51)        793        1,155          25         1,043
                                -----------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ------------
      Net realized and
        unrealized gains
        (losses)..............         (39)        873        1,180          35         1,168
                                -----------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ------------
        Net additions
          from operations.....          76         950        1,154          88         1,429
                                -----------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ------------
Policyowner transactions:
  Net premium payments........         986       3,577        7,406         696         6,047
  Transfers from (to) Fixed
    Account...................        (300)      1,125          730         (65)        1,274
  Policy loans................         (19)         (9)         (21)         (4)          (38)
  Loan collateral interest
    crediting.................           1           1            -           -             1
  Surrenders..................         (47)        (76)         (60)        (17)         (109)
  Death benefits..............          (5)         (4)           -          (1)           (5)
  Cost of insurance charges...        (211)       (447)        (837)        (92)         (784)
  Death benefit guarantee
    charges...................          (6)         (5)           -          (1)           (2)
  Monthly expense charges.....         (27)        (86)        (155)        (15)         (130)
                                -----------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ------------
      Net additions for
        policyowner
        transactions..........         372       4,076        7,063         501         6,254
                                -----------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ------------
        Net additions
          for the year........         448       5,026        8,217         589         7,683
 
Policyowners' Equity,
  beginning of the year.......       2,773       2,557        1,956         806         3,864
                                -----------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ------------
 
Policyowners' Equity,
  end of the year.............      $3,221      $7,583      $10,173      $1,395       $11,547
                                -----------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ------------
                                -----------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
                                       67
<PAGE>
                          SELECT*LIFE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                    NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
 
7. COMBINING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN POLICYOWNERS' EQUITY
   (CONTINUED):
   Operations and changes in Policyowners' equity for the year ended December
   31, 1996 were as follows, (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              PUTNAM'S
                                                  PUTNAM'S                       VT         PUTNAM'S
                                                     VT          PUTNAM'S       ASIA           VT        NORTHSTAR'S  NORTHSTAR'S
                                              UTILITIES GROWTH      VT         PACIFIC         NEW       INCOME AND   MULTI-SECTOR
                                                 AND INCOME       VOYAGER      GROWTH     OPPORTUNITIES    GROWTH         BOND
                                                    FUND           FUND         FUND          FUND          FUND          FUND
                                              ----------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ------------
<S>                                           <C>               <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
Net investment income:
  Reinvested dividend income................     $       41      $      48    $       8     $       -     $      13    $       14
  Reinvested capital gains..................              -            811            -             -            38             5
  Mortality and expense risk charge.........            (11)          (171)          (8)          (44)           (3)           (1)
                                                   --------     -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ------------
      Net investment income
        (loss) and capital gains............             30            688            -           (44)           48            18
                                                   --------     -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ------------
Realized and unrealized gains (losses):
  Net realized gains on
    redemptions of fund shares..............             71            169           14            99             2             1
  Increase (decrease) in unrealized
    appreciation on investments.............             83            921           54           (86)           (2)            3
                                                   --------     -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ------------
      Net realized and
        unrealized gains....................            154          1,090           68            13             -             4
                                                   --------     -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ------------
        Net additions (reductions)
          from operations...................            184          1,778           68           (31)           48            22
                                                   --------     -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ------------
Policyowner transactions:
  Net premium payments......................            663         16,198        1,193         8,025           413           124
  Transfers (to) from Fixed Account.........           (104)         2,466          204         1,664            68            52
  Policy loans..............................            (36)          (187)          (2)           (8)            -             -
  Loan collateral interest crediting........              1              6            -             -             -             -
  Surrenders................................            (35)          (395)          (5)          (64)            -             -
  Death benefits............................             (4)            (6)           -             -             -             -
  Cost of insurance charges.................           (117)        (2,268)        (130)         (804)          (39)          (15)
  Death benefit guarantee charges...........             (1)            (8)           -             -             -             -
  Monthly expense charges...................            (19)          (430)         (21)         (154)           (7)           (2)
                                                   --------     -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ------------
      Net additions for
        policyowner transactions............            348         15,376        1,239         8,659           435           159
                                                   --------     -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ------------
        Net additions
          for the year......................            532         17,154        1,307         8,628           483           181
 
Policyowners' Equity,
  beginning of the year.....................          1,015         11,210          301         1,485           107           114
                                                   --------     -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ------------
Policyowners' Equity,
  end of the year...........................     $    1,547      $  28,364    $   1,608     $  10,113     $     590    $      295
                                                   --------     -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ------------
                                                   --------     -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
                                       68
<PAGE>
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
Board of Directors and Shareholder
ReliaStar Life Insurance Company
(A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of ReliaStar Financial Corp.)
Minneapolis, Minnesota
 
    We  have audited the  accompanying consolidated balance  sheets of ReliaStar
Life Insurance Company, formerly known  as Northwestern National Life  Insurance
Company,  and Subsidiaries  as of  December 31, 1996  and 1995,  and the related
statements of income, shareholder's equity, and  cash flows for each of the  two
years  in the period ended December 31, 1996. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company'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 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, the  consolidated financial  statements referred  to above
present fairly, in all  material respects, the  financial position of  ReliaStar
Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the
results  of their operations and  their cash flows for each  of the two years in
the period  ended  December  31,  1996 in  conformity  with  generally  accepted
accounting principles.
 
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
Minneapolis, Minnesota
January 31, 1997, except for Note 14,
as to which the date is February 23, 1997
 
                                       69
<PAGE>
               RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           DECEMBER 31
                                                                       --------------------
                                                                         1996
                                                                       ---------
                                                   ASSETS                           1995
                                                                                  ---------
<S>                                                                    <C>        <C>
Investments
  Fixed Maturity Securities (Amortized Cost: 1996, $8,993.5; 1995,
   $8,485.4).........................................................  $ 9,298.2  $ 9,053.7
  Equity Securities (Cost: 1996, $32.0; 1995, $34.8).................       36.9       35.9
  Mortgage Loans on Real Estate......................................    1,855.4    1,948.4
  Real Estate and Leases.............................................       77.5       97.9
  Policy Loans.......................................................      549.0      499.8
  Other Invested Assets..............................................       60.2       47.0
  Short-Term Investments.............................................       99.3      122.4
                                                                       ---------  ---------
    Total Investments................................................   11,976.5   11,805.1
Cash.................................................................       15.9       43.0
Accounts and Notes Receivable........................................      136.9      150.9
Reinsurance Receivable...............................................      199.0      162.9
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs....................................    1,006.0      860.7
Present Value of Future Profits......................................      220.2      192.0
Property and Equipment, Net..........................................      118.2      122.6
Accrued Investment Income............................................      164.7      164.7
Other Assets.........................................................      319.5      275.0
Participation Fund Account Assets....................................      316.2      319.6
Assets Held in Separate Accounts.....................................    2,096.0    1,369.0
                                                                       ---------  ---------
    Total Assets.....................................................  $16,569.1  $15,465.5
                                                                       ---------  ---------
                                                                       ---------  ---------
 
                                        LIABILITIES
Future Policy and Contract Benefits..................................  $11,332.2  $11,033.2
Pending Policy Claims................................................      287.6      257.7
Other Policyholder Funds.............................................      190.6      174.4
Notes and Mortgages Payable - Unaffiliated...........................      170.8      144.6
Note Payable - Parent................................................      100.0      100.0
Income Taxes.........................................................      135.3      169.2
Other Liabilities....................................................      338.4      328.9
Participation Fund Account Liabilities...............................      316.2      319.6
Liabilities Related to Separate Accounts.............................    2,090.5    1,362.9
                                                                       ---------  ---------
    Total Liabilities................................................   14,961.6   13,890.5
                                                                       ---------  ---------
 
                                   SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common Stock (2.0 Million Shares Issued in 1996 and 1995)............        2.5        2.5
Additional Paid-In Capital...........................................      538.9      538.9
Net Unrealized Investment Gains......................................      140.8      246.8
Retained Earnings....................................................      925.3      786.8
                                                                       ---------  ---------
    Total Shareholder's Equity.......................................    1,607.5    1,575.0
                                                                       ---------  ---------
      Total Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity.....................  $16,569.1  $15,465.5
                                                                       ---------  ---------
                                                                       ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       70
<PAGE>
               RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                                                           ----------------------
                                                                                              1996        1995
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
<S>                                                                                        <C>         <C>
REVENUES
Premiums.................................................................................  $    836.9  $    851.5
Net Investment Income....................................................................       937.2       890.3
Realized Investment Gains................................................................        11.2         7.4
Policy and Contract Charges..............................................................       245.9       218.5
Other Income.............................................................................        81.8        94.4
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
    Total................................................................................     2,113.0     2,062.1
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
Benefits to Policyholders................................................................     1,288.3     1,321.9
Sales and Operating Expenses.............................................................       370.3       344.4
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and
 Present Value of Future Profits.........................................................       113.0        90.5
Interest Expense.........................................................................        16.2        13.5
Dividends and Experience Refunds to Policyholders........................................        19.7        23.4
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
    Total................................................................................     1,807.5     1,793.7
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes....................................       305.5       268.4
Income Tax Expense.......................................................................       105.9        94.4
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
Income from Continuing Operations........................................................       199.6       174.0
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
Loss from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax............................................          --        (5.4)
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
    Net Income...........................................................................  $    199.6  $    168.6
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       71
<PAGE>
               RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                                                          ----------------------
                                                                                             1996        1995
                                                                                          ----------  ----------
<S>                                                                                       <C>         <C>
COMMON STOCK
Beginning and End of Year...............................................................  $      2.5  $      2.5
                                                                                          ----------  ----------
ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL
Beginning of Year.......................................................................       538.9       216.4
Capital Contributions from Parent.......................................................          --       322.5
                                                                                          ----------  ----------
    End of Year.........................................................................       538.9       538.9
                                                                                          ----------  ----------
NET UNREALIZED INVESTMENT GAINS (LOSSES)
Beginning of Year.......................................................................       246.8       (79.4)
Change for the Year.....................................................................      (106.0)      326.2
                                                                                          ----------  ----------
    End of Year.........................................................................       140.8       246.8
                                                                                          ----------  ----------
RETAINED EARNINGS
Beginning of Year.......................................................................       786.8       670.2
Net Income..............................................................................       199.6       168.6
Dividends to Shareholder................................................................       (61.1)      (52.0)
                                                                                          ----------  ----------
    End of Year.........................................................................       925.3       786.8
                                                                                          ----------  ----------
Total Shareholder's Equity..............................................................  $  1,607.5  $  1,575.0
                                                                                          ----------  ----------
                                                                                          ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       72
<PAGE>
               RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                                                         ------------------------
                                                                                            1996         1995
                                                                                         -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                      <C>          <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net Income.............................................................................  $     199.6  $     168.6
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net
 Cash Provided by Operating Activities
  Interest Credited to Insurance Contracts.............................................        500.1        500.1
  Future Policy Benefits...............................................................       (238.9)      (117.5)
  Capitalization of Policy Acquisition Costs...........................................       (196.2)      (176.6)
  Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and
   Present Value of Future Profits.....................................................        113.0         90.5
  Deferred Income Taxes................................................................         22.3         11.5
  Net Change in Receivables and Payables...............................................         47.2          8.5
  Other Assets.........................................................................        (48.4)       (83.4)
  Realized Investment Gains, Net.......................................................        (11.2)        (7.4)
  Other................................................................................          1.6         (3.1)
                                                                                         -----------  -----------
    Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities..........................................        389.1        391.2
                                                                                         -----------  -----------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from Sales of Fixed Maturity Securities.......................................        204.1        190.5
Proceeds from Maturities or Repayment of Fixed Maturity Securities
  Available-for-Sale...................................................................        882.3        329.9
  Held-to-Maturity.....................................................................           --        415.6
Cost of Fixed Maturity Securities Acquired
  Available-for-Sale...................................................................     (1,594.7)      (971.4)
  Held-to-Maturity.....................................................................           --       (519.8)
Sales of Equity Securities, Net........................................................          5.6         31.0
Proceeds of Mortgage Loans Sold, Matured or Repaid.....................................        483.8        314.2
Cost of Mortgage Loans Acquired........................................................       (407.3)      (385.2)
Sales of Real Estate and Leases, Net...................................................         35.7         28.8
Policy Loans Issued, Net...............................................................        (49.2)       (63.0)
Sales (Purchases) of Other Invested Assets, Net........................................          (.4)        39.0
Sales (Purchases) of Short-Term Investments, Net.......................................         11.4        (56.4)
                                                                                         -----------  -----------
    Net Cash Used by Investing Activities..............................................       (428.7)      (646.8)
                                                                                         -----------  -----------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Deposits to Insurance Contracts........................................................      1,173.3      1,265.6
Maturities and Withdrawals from Insurance Contracts....................................     (1,133.0)    (1,015.3)
Increase in Notes and Mortgages Payable................................................         26.8         72.1
Repayment of Notes and Mortgages Payable...............................................          (.6)        (2.3)
Dividends to Shareholder...............................................................        (54.0)       (41.3)
                                                                                         -----------  -----------
    Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities..........................................         12.5        278.8
                                                                                         -----------  -----------
Increase (Decrease) in Cash............................................................        (27.1)        23.2
Cash at Beginning of Year..............................................................         43.0         19.8
                                                                                         -----------  -----------
Cash at End of Year....................................................................  $      15.9  $      43.0
                                                                                         -----------  -----------
                                                                                         -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       73
<PAGE>
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
               RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
 
NOTE 1. CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
 
    ACCOUNTING FOR THE IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS AND FOR LONG-LIVED ASSETS
TO BE DISPOSED OF
 
    Effective January 1, 1996, ReliaStar Life Insurance Company (ReliaStar Life)
and  its subsidiaries  (the Company)  adopted Statement  of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 121,  "Accounting for the  Impairment of Long-Lived  Assets
and  for  Long-Lived  Assets  to  be  Disposed  Of."  SFAS  No.  121 establishes
accounting  standards  for   the  impairment  of   long-lived  assets,   certain
identifiable  intangibles, and goodwill  related to those assets  to be held and
used and  for  long-lived assets  and  certain identifiable  intangibles  to  be
disposed  of.  This  Statement  requires  that  long-lived  assets  and  certain
identifiable intangibles  to be  held and  used  by an  entity be  reviewed  for
impairment  whenever  events  or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate  that the
carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Measurement of an impairment
loss for long-lived assets and  identifiable intangibles that an entity  expects
to  hold and  use should  be based on  the fair  value of  the asset. Long-lived
assets and certain identifiable intangibles to  be disposed of must be  reported
at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. The adoption of
this  standard did not have a significant effect on the financial results of the
Company.
 
    ACCOUNTING BY CREDITORS FOR IMPAIRMENT OF A LOAN
 
    Effective January 1, 1995, the Company adopted SFAS No. 114, "Accounting  by
Creditors  for Impairment of a Loan," and SFAS No. 118, "Accounting by Creditors
for Impairment of a  Loan -- Income Recognition  and Disclosures." SFAS No.  114
and  SFAS No. 118 require a company to measure impairment based upon the present
value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective  interest
rate,  the loan's observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if
the loan is collateral dependent. If foreclosure is probable, the measurement of
impairment must be based upon the fair value of the collateral. The adoption  of
these  standards did not have  a significant effect on  the financial results of
the Company.
 
NOTE 2. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
    NATURE OF OPERATIONS
 
    The Company  is  principally  engaged  in the  business  of  providing  life
insurance and related financial services products. Through its subsidiaries, the
Company  issues and distributes  individual life insurance  and annuities; group
life and health insurance; and life and health reinsurance. The Company operates
primarily in the United States and,  through its subsidiaries, is authorized  to
do business in all 50 states.
 
    PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
 
    The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ReliaStar Life
and  its subsidiaries. ReliaStar Life is  a wholly owned subsidiary of ReliaStar
Financial  Corp.  (ReliaStar).  ReliaStar  Life's  principal  subsidiaries   are
Northern  Life  Insurance  Company (Northern),  ReliaStar  United  Services Life
Insurance Company (United Services),  ReliaStar Bankers Security Life  Insurance
Company  (Bankers Security) and ReliaStar  Mortgage Corporation. United Services
and Bankers  Security were  formerly  known as  United Services  Life  Insurance
Company  and Bankers Security Life Insurance Society, respectively. During 1995,
The North Atlantic  Life Insurance Company  of America was  merged into  Bankers
Security.  These consolidated  financial statements  exclude the  effects of all
material intercompany transactions.
 
    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 reported amounts of
 
                                       74
<PAGE>
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
 
NOTE 2. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
assets and liabilities, the disclosure  of contingent assets and liabilities  at
the  date of the financial  statements and the reported  amounts of revenues and
expenses during the  reporting period.  Actual results could  differ from  those
estimates.
 
    INVESTMENTS
 
    Fixed  maturity  securities  (bonds  and  redeemable  preferred  stocks) are
classified as available-for-sale and are valued at fair value.
 
    Equity securities  (common stocks  and nonredeemable  preferred stocks)  are
valued at fair value.
 
    Mortgage  loans  on  real  estate  are carried  at  amortized  cost  less an
impairment allowance for estimated uncollectible amounts.
 
    Investment real estate owned directly by the Company is carried at cost less
accumulated depreciation  and allowances  for estimated  losses. Investments  in
real  estate  joint ventures  are accounted  for using  the equity  method. Real
estate acquired through foreclosure is carried at the lower of fair value  minus
estimated costs to sell or cost.
 
    Short-term investments are carried at amortized cost.
 
    Unrealized  investment  gains  and  losses of  equity  securities  and fixed
maturity securities classified  as available-for-sale, net  of related  deferred
acquisition  costs  (DAC),  present  value and  future  profits  (PVFP)  and tax
effects, are accounted  for as a  direct increase or  decrease in  shareholder's
equity.
 
    Realized  investment gains  and losses enter  into the  determination of net
income. Realized  investment  gains  and  losses  on  sales  of  securities  are
determined on the specific identification method. Write-offs of investments that
decline  in value below cost  on other than a temporary  basis and the change in
the allowance for mortgage loans and wholly owned real estate are included  with
realized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
 
    The  Company records write-offs or allowances for its investments based upon
an evaluation  of  specific  problem  investments. The  Company  reviews,  on  a
continual  basis,  all  invested  assets  (including  marketable  bonds, private
placements, mortgage loans and real estate investments) to identify  investments
where  the Company has credit concerns. Investments with credit concerns include
those the  Company  has identified  as  problem investments,  which  are  issues
delinquent  in a required payment of principal or interest, issues in bankruptcy
or  foreclosure  and  restructured  or  foreclosed  assets.  The  Company   also
identifies  investments as potential problem  investments, which are investments
where the Company  has serious  doubts as  to the  ability of  the borrowers  to
comply with the present loan repayment terms.
 
    PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property  and equipment are carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation
of $90.7 million and $79.8 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.
The  Company provides for depreciation of property and equipment using straight-
line and accelerated  methods over  the estimated  useful lives  of the  assets.
Buildings  are generally depreciated  over 35 to  50 years. Depreciation expense
for 1996 and 1995 amounted to $5.9 million and $9.1 million, respectively.
 
                                       75
<PAGE>
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
 
NOTE 2. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    PARTICIPATION FUND ACCOUNT
 
    On January 3, 1989, the Commissioner  of Commerce of the State of  Minnesota
approved  a Plan  of Conversion  and Reorganization  (the Plan)  which provided,
among other things, for the conversion  of ReliaStar Life from a combined  stock
and mutual insurance company to a stock life insurance company.
 
    The  Plan provided  for the  establishment of  a Participation  Fund Account
(PFA) for  the  benefit  of  certain  participating  individual  life  insurance
policies  and annuities issued by ReliaStar Life  prior to the effective date of
the Plan. Under the terms of the PFA, the insurance liabilities and assets  with
respect  to such policies are segregated  in the accounting records of ReliaStar
Life to  assure the  continuation of  current policyholder  dividend  practices.
Assets  and liabilities  of the PFA  are presented in  accordance with statutory
accounting practices. Earnings derived from the operation of the PFA will  inure
solely  to the benefit  of the policies covered  by the PFA  and no benefit will
inure to  the  Company. Accordingly,  results  of  operations for  the  PFA  are
excluded from the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income. In the event that
the  assets  of the  PFA are  insufficient to  provide the  contractual benefits
guaranteed  by  the  affected  policies,   ReliaStar  Life  must  provide   such
contractual benefits from its general assets.
 
    SEPARATE ACCOUNTS
 
    The Company operates separate accounts. The assets (principally investments)
and  liabilities (principally  to contractholders)  of each  account are clearly
identifiable and  distinguishable  from  other assets  and  liabilities  of  the
Company. Assets are carried at fair value.
 
    PREMIUM REVENUE AND BENEFITS TO POLICYHOLDERS
 
    RECOGNITION  OF  TRADITIONAL LIFE,  GROUP  AND ANNUITY  PREMIUM  REVENUE AND
BENEFITS TO POLICYHOLDERS -- Traditional  life insurance products include  those
products   with  fixed  and  guaranteed   premiums  and  benefits,  and  consist
principally of whole  life insurance  policies and certain  annuities with  life
contingencies  (immediate  annuities).  Life  insurance  premiums  and immediate
annuity premiums are  recognized as  premium revenue when  due. Group  insurance
premiums  are recognized as  premium revenue over  the time period  to which the
premiums relate. Benefits and expenses are associated with earned premiums so as
to result  in  recognition of  profits  over the  life  of the  contracts.  This
association is accomplished by means of the provision for liabilities for future
policy benefits and the amortization of DAC and PVFP.
 
    RECOGNITION  OF  UNIVERSAL  LIFE-TYPE  CONTRACTS  REVENUE  AND  BENEFITS  TO
POLICYHOLDERS -- Universal life-type policies are insurance contracts with terms
that are not fixed and guaranteed. The  terms that may be changed could  include
one  or more  of the  amounts assessed  the policyholder,  premiums paid  by the
policyholder or interest accrued to  policyholder balances. Amounts received  as
payments for such contracts are not reported as premium revenues.
 
    Revenues  for  universal  life-type  policies  consist  of  charges assessed
against policy  account values  for  deferred policy  loading  and the  cost  of
insurance and policy administration. Policy benefits and claims that are charged
to expense include interest credited to contracts and benefit claims incurred in
the period in excess of related policy account balances.
 
    RECOGNITION  OF INVESTMENT CONTRACT REVENUE AND BENEFITS TO POLICYHOLDERS --
Contracts that do  not subject the  Company to risks  arising from  policyholder
mortality  or  morbidity are  referred  to as  investment  contracts. Guaranteed
Investment Contracts  (GICs)  and  certain  deferred  annuities  are  considered
investment  contracts. Amounts received  as payments for  such contracts are not
reported as premium revenues.
 
                                       76
<PAGE>
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
 
NOTE 2. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    Revenues for investment  contracts consist of  investment income and  policy
administration  charges. Contract benefits  that are charged  to expense include
benefit claims incurred in  the period in excess  of related contract  balances,
and interest credited to contract balances.
 
    POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS
 
    Those  costs of  acquiring new business,  which vary with  and are primarily
related to the production of new business, have been deferred to the extent that
such costs are deemed recoverable. Such costs include commissions, certain costs
of policy issuance and underwriting and certain variable agency expenses.
 
    Costs deferred related to traditional life insurance are amortized over  the
premium  paying period of  the related policies,  in proportion to  the ratio of
annual premium revenues to total anticipated premium revenues. Such  anticipated
premium  revenues are  estimated using the  same assumptions  used for computing
liabilities for future policy benefits.
 
    Costs deferred  related  to  universal  life-type  policies  and  investment
contracts  are amortized  over the  lives of  the policies,  in relation  to the
present value of estimated gross  profits from mortality, investment,  surrender
and expense margins.
 
    PRESENT VALUE OF FUTURE PROFITS
 
    The present value of future profits reflects the estimated fair value of the
acquired  insurance  business  in  force  and  represents  the  portion  of  the
acquisition cost  that was  allocated to  the value  of future  cash flows  from
insurance  contracts  existing at  the date  of acquisition.  Such value  is the
present value of the  actuarially determined projected net  cash flows from  the
acquired  insurance  contracts.  The  weighted  average  discount  rate  used to
determine such value was approximately 15%.
 
    An analysis of the PVFP asset account is presented below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          YEAR ENDED
                                                                                         DECEMBER 31
                                                                                     --------------------
                                                                                       1996       1995
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
                                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                  <C>        <C>
Balance, Beginning of Year.........................................................  $   192.0         --
Additions Arising from Acquisitions of Life Insurance Companies....................         --  $   300.0
Imputed Interest...................................................................       16.4       17.6
Amortization.......................................................................      (37.5)     (32.6)
Impact of Net Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses...............................       49.3      (93.0)
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
Balance, End of Year...............................................................  $   220.2  $   192.0
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Based on current conditions and assumptions as to future events on  acquired
policies  in force, the Company expects that the net amortization of the initial
PVFP balance will be between 5% and 6%  in each of the years 1997 through  2001.
The  interest rates  used to  determine the  amount of  imputed interest  on the
unamortized PVFP balance ranged from 5% to 8%.
 
    GOODWILL
 
    Goodwill is the excess of the amount paid to acquire a company over the fair
value of the net assets acquired and is amortized on a straight-line basis  over
40  years. The carrying value  of goodwill is monitored  for impairment of value
based on  the Company's  estimate  of future  earnings.  The carrying  value  of
goodwill  is reduced and  a charge to  income is recorded  when an impairment in
value is identified. No such goodwill impairment charges have been recorded.
 
                                       77
<PAGE>
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
 
NOTE 2. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    FUTURE POLICY AND CONTRACT BENEFITS
 
    Liabilities for future  policy benefits for  traditional life contracts  are
calculated  using the net level premium  method and assumptions as to investment
yields, mortality,  withdrawals  and dividends.  The  assumptions are  based  on
projections  of past experience and  include provisions for possible unfavorable
deviation. These assumptions are made at the time the contract is issued or, for
purchased contracts, at the date of acquisition.
 
    Liabilities for future policy and  contract benefits on universal  life-type
and investment contracts are based on the policy account balance.
 
    The  liabilities for future policy and  contract benefits for group disabled
life reserves and  long-term disability  reserves are based  upon interest  rate
assumptions  and morbidity and termination rates from published tables, modified
for Company experience.
 
    INCOME TAXES
 
    The provision  for  income  taxes includes  amounts  currently  payable  and
deferred  income taxes resulting  from the cumulative  differences in the assets
and liabilities determined on a tax return and financial statement basis.
 
    INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENTS
 
    Interest rate  swap  agreements  are  used  as  hedges  for  asset/liability
management  of adjustable rate and short-term  invested assets. The Company does
not enter  into any  interest rate  swap agreements  for trading  purposes.  The
interest  rate swap transactions involve the exchange of fixed and floating rate
interest payments without the  exchange of underlying  principal amounts and  do
not  contain other optional provisions. The  difference between amounts paid and
amounts received on interest rate swaps is reflected in net investment income.
 
    INTEREST RATE FUTURES CONTRACTS
 
    Futures contracts are used as hedges for asset/liability management of fixed
maturity securities and liabilities arising  from GICs. Realized and  unrealized
gains  and losses on futures contracts are  deferred and amortized over the life
of the hedged asset or liability.
 
NOTE 3. ACQUISITION
    On January 17, 1995, ReliaStar acquired USLICO Corporation (USLICO).  USLICO
was a holding company with two primary subsidiaries: United Services and Bankers
Security.  ReliaStar contributed all of the capital stock of United Services and
Bankers Security to  the Company. The  acquisition was accounted  for using  the
purchase  method  of  accounting  and,  therefore,  the  consolidated  financial
statements include the accounts  of United Services  and Bankers Security  since
the  date  of  acquisition. At  the  acquisition date,  goodwill  totaling $44.3
million was recorded, representing the excess  of the amount paid and  allocated
to  United Services and Bankers  Security over the fair  value of the net assets
acquired.
 
                                       78
<PAGE>
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
 
NOTE 4. INVESTMENTS
    Investment income summarized by type of investment was as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          YEAR ENDED
                                                                                         DECEMBER 31
                                                                                     --------------------
                                                                                       1996       1995
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
                                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                  <C>        <C>
Fixed Maturity Securities..........................................................  $   709.4  $   673.4
Equity Securities..................................................................        4.1        3.1
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate......................................................      187.6      184.3
Real Estate and Leases.............................................................       18.0       16.8
Policy Loans.......................................................................       32.2       28.9
Other Invested Assets..............................................................        7.3        7.8
Short-Term Investments.............................................................        5.7        7.6
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
  Gross Investment Income..........................................................      964.3      921.9
Investment Expenses................................................................       27.1       31.6
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
  Net Investment Income............................................................  $   937.2  $   890.3
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Net pretax realized investment gains (losses) were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           YEAR ENDED
                                                                                          DECEMBER 31
                                                                                      --------------------
                                                                                        1996       1995
                                                                                      ---------  ---------
                                                                                         (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                   <C>        <C>
Net Gains (Losses) on Sales
  Fixed Maturity Securities.........................................................  $     3.2  $     3.3
  Equity Securities.................................................................        1.3       15.1
  Mortgage Loans....................................................................         .1        (.1)
  Foreclosed Real Estate............................................................        1.8         .6
  Real Estate.......................................................................        2.7        1.7
  Other.............................................................................       13.2        2.2
                                                                                      ---------  ---------
                                                                                           22.3       22.8
                                                                                      ---------  ---------
Provisions for Losses
  Fixed Maturity Securities.........................................................       (2.6)      (3.0)
  Equity Securities.................................................................         --        (.1)
  Mortgage Loans....................................................................       (3.5)      (6.3)
  Foreclosed Real Estate............................................................       (3.5)      (5.2)
  Real Estate.......................................................................       (1.1)       (.8)
  Other.............................................................................        (.4)        --
                                                                                      ---------  ---------
                                                                                          (11.1)     (15.4)
                                                                                      ---------  ---------
  Pretax Realized Investment Gains..................................................  $    11.2  $     7.4
                                                                                      ---------  ---------
                                                                                      ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Gross realized investment gains of $8.7  million and $8.3 million and  gross
realized  investment losses of $5.5 million  and $5.0 million were recognized on
sales of fixed maturity securities during the years ended December 31, 1996  and
1995,  respectively. All 1996  and 1995 fixed maturity  security sales were from
the available-for-sale portfolio.
 
                                       79
<PAGE>
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
 
NOTE 4. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
    The  amortized  cost  and  fair  value  of  investments  in  fixed  maturity
securities by type of investment were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                                                       ----------------------------------------------
                                                                                      GROSS UNREALIZED
                                                                       AMORTIZED   ----------------------
                                                                          COST       GAINS     (LOSSES)    FAIR VALUE
                                                                       ----------  ---------  -----------  ----------
                                                                                       (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                    <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>
United States Government and Government Agencies and Authorities.....  $    130.8  $     6.5   $     (.1)  $    137.2
States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions....................        56.7        2.8         (.2)        59.3
Foreign Governments..................................................        82.9        4.2         (.1)        87.0
Public Utilities.....................................................       754.6       42.2        (3.0)       793.8
Corporate Securities.................................................     5,800.4      223.9       (29.1)     5,995.2
Mortgage-Backed/Structured Finance Securities........................     2,166.0       66.0        (8.3)     2,223.7
Redeemable Preferred Stock...........................................         2.1         --         (.1)         2.0
                                                                       ----------  ---------  -----------  ----------
  Total..............................................................  $  8,993.5  $   345.6   $   (40.9)  $  9,298.2
                                                                       ----------  ---------  -----------  ----------
                                                                       ----------  ---------  -----------  ----------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                                     DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                                                       ----------------------------------------------
                                                                                      GROSS UNREALIZED
                                                                       AMORTIZED   ----------------------
                                                                          COST       GAINS     (LOSSES)    FAIR VALUE
                                                                       ----------  ---------  -----------  ----------
                                                                                       (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                    <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>
United States Government and Government Agencies and Authorities.....  $    172.8  $    13.2          --   $    186.0
States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions....................        64.4        4.2   $     (.1)        68.5
Foreign Governments..................................................        82.1        6.8         (.2)        88.7
Public Utilities.....................................................       775.3       74.5         (.9)       848.9
Corporate Securities.................................................     5,330.7      392.2       (21.6)     5,701.3
Mortgage-Backed/Structured Finance Securities........................     2,058.0      102.7        (2.4)     2,158.3
Redeemable Preferred Stock...........................................         2.1         --         (.1)         2.0
                                                                       ----------  ---------  -----------  ----------
  Total..............................................................  $  8,485.4  $   593.6   $   (25.3)  $  9,053.7
                                                                       ----------  ---------  -----------  ----------
                                                                       ----------  ---------  -----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
    The   amortized  cost  and  fair  value  of  fixed  maturity  securities  by
contractual maturity  are  shown below.  Expected  maturities will  differ  from
contractual  maturities because borrowers  may have the right  to call or prepay
obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    DECEMBER 31, 1996       DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                                                  ----------------------  ----------------------
                                                                  AMORTIZED      FAIR     AMORTIZED      FAIR
                                                                     COST       VALUE        COST       VALUE
                                                                  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                                  (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                               <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Due in One Year or Less.........................................  $    155.8  $    157.4  $    123.1  $    122.8
Due After One Year Through Five Years...........................     2,967.6     3,057.0     2,497.4     2,634.3
Due After Five Years Through Ten Years..........................     2,622.4     2,723.6     2,750.4     2,965.4
Due After Ten Years.............................................     1,055.3     1,108.7     1,056.5     1,172.9
Mortgage-Backed/Structured Finance Securities...................     2,192.4     2,251.5     2,058.0     2,158.3
                                                                  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Total.........................................................  $  8,993.5  $  9,298.2  $  8,485.4  $  9,053.7
                                                                  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
    The fair  values for  the marketable  bonds are  determined based  upon  the
quoted  market prices for bonds actively  traded. The fair values for marketable
bonds without an active market are obtained
 
                                       80
<PAGE>
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
 
NOTE 4. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
through several commercial  pricing services  which provide  the estimated  fair
values.  Fair values of privately placed bonds which are not considered problems
are determined  utilizing  a commercially  available  pricing model.  The  model
considers  the  current level  of  risk-free interest  rates,  current corporate
spreads, the credit quality of the  issuer and cash flow characteristics of  the
security. Using this data, the model generates estimated market values which the
Company  considers reflective of  the fair value of  each privately placed bond.
Fair values  for  privately  placed  bonds which  are  considered  problems  are
determined  though consideration of  factors such as the  net worth of borrower,
the value of collateral, the capital structure of the borrower, the presence  of
guarantees  and the Company's evaluation of the borrower's ability to compete in
the relevant market.
 
    At December  31, 1996,  the largest  industry concentration  of the  private
placement  portfolio was  financial services, where  18.6% of  the portfolio was
invested,  and  the  largest  industry  concentration  of  the  marketable  bond
portfolio  was mortgage-backed/structured finance securities, where 32.2% of the
portfolio  was  invested.   At  December  31,   1996,  the  largest   geographic
concentration  of commercial  mortgage loans  was in  the midwest  region of the
United States,  where  approximately  31.6%  of  the  commercial  mortgage  loan
portfolio was invested.
 
    At  December  31, 1996  and 1995,  gross  unrealized appreciation  of equity
securities was $5.2 million and $3.0 million, respectively, and gross unrealized
depreciation was $.3 million and $1.9 million, respectively.
 
    Invested assets which were nonincome  producing (no income received for  the
12 months preceding the balance sheet date) were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31
                                                                                       --------------------
                                                                                         1996       1995
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
                                                                                          (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                    <C>        <C>
Fixed Maturity Securities............................................................  $      .6  $      .7
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate........................................................        1.2        2.8
Real Estate and Leases...............................................................       16.0       17.6
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
  Total..............................................................................  $    17.8  $    21.1
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Allowances  for  losses on  investments  are reflected  on  the Consolidated
Balance Sheets as a reduction of the related assets and were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31
                                                                                       --------------------
                                                                                         1996       1995
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
                                                                                          (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                    <C>        <C>
Mortgage Loans.......................................................................  $    11.7  $    12.4
Foreclosed Real Estate...............................................................       11.2       10.6
Investment Real Estate...............................................................        2.1        1.0
Other Invested Assets................................................................        2.6        2.3
</TABLE>
 
                                       81
<PAGE>
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
 
NOTE 4. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
    At December 31,  1996 and 1995,  the total investment  in impaired  mortgage
loans  (before allowances for  credit losses), the  related allowance for credit
losses and the  average investment related  to impaired mortgage  loans and  the
interest  income recognized on impaired mortgage loans during 1996 and 1995 were
as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         1996       1995
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
                                                                                          (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                    <C>        <C>
Impaired Mortgage Loans
  Total Investment...................................................................  $    22.3  $    25.4
  Allowance for Credit Losses........................................................       11.7       12.4
  Average Investment.................................................................        1.9        2.0
  Interest Income Recognized.........................................................        1.4        1.7
</TABLE>
 
    Increases to the allowance for credit  losses account were $2.9 million  and
$6.3  million, and the  amount of decreases  to the allowance  account were $3.6
million and  $9.5  million for  the  years ended  December  31, 1996  and  1995,
respectively.  The Company does not accrue  interest income on impaired mortgage
loans when the likelihood of collection is doubtful. Cash receipts for  interest
payments are recognized as income in the period received.
 
    Noncash investing activities consisted of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            YEAR ENDED
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31
                                                                                       --------------------
                                                                                         1996       1995
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
                                                                                          (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                    <C>        <C>
Real Estate Assets Acquired Through Foreclosure......................................  $    14.8  $    28.0
Mortgage Loans Acquired in Sales of Real Estate Assets...............................       11.2       15.3
</TABLE>
 
    Effective December 31, 1995, the Company adopted the implementation guidance
contained  in  the  Financial  Accounting Series  Special  Report,  "A  Guide to
Implementation of Statement 115  on Accounting for  Certain Investments in  Debt
and  Equity  Securities." Concurrent  with the  adoption of  this implementation
guidance, the Company  reclassified all  of its  held-to-maturity securities  to
available-for-sale  based  upon a  reassessment  of the  appropriateness  of the
classifications of all securities held at that time. The amortized cost and  net
unrealized  appreciation of the  securities reclassified were  $2.42 billion and
$108.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 1995.
 
    The components of net unrealized investment gains reported in  shareholder's
equity are shown below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        DECEMBER 31
                                                                                    --------------------
                                                                                      1996       1995
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
                                                                                       (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                 <C>        <C>
Unrealized Investment Gains.......................................................  $   310.5  $   569.9
DAC/PVFP Adjustment...............................................................      (93.8)    (189.4)
Deferred Income Taxes.............................................................      (75.9)    (133.7)
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
  Net Unrealized Investment Gains.................................................  $   140.8  $   246.8
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                       82
<PAGE>
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
 
NOTE 5. INCOME TAXES
    The  income tax  liability as reflected  on the  Consolidated Balance Sheets
consisted of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        DECEMBER 31
                                                                                    --------------------
                                                                                      1996       1995
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
                                                                                       (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                 <C>        <C>
Current Income Taxes..............................................................  $     7.8  $     6.4
Deferred Income Taxes.............................................................      127.5      162.8
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
  Total...........................................................................  $   135.3  $   169.2
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The provision for income taxes  reflected on the Consolidated Statements  of
Income consisted of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             YEAR ENDED
                                                                                             DECEMBER 31
                                                                                     ---------------------------
                                                                                        1996            1995
                                                                                     -----------     -----------
                                                                                            (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                  <C>             <C>
Currently Payable..................................................................  $      83.6     $      82.9
Deferred...........................................................................         22.3            11.5
                                                                                     -----------           -----
  Total............................................................................  $     105.9     $      94.4
                                                                                     -----------           -----
                                                                                     -----------           -----
</TABLE>
 
    The  Internal Revenue Service has completed  its review of the Company's tax
return for all years through 1991.
 
    Deferred income taxes reflect the  impact for financial statement  reporting
purposes  of "temporary  differences" between  the financial  statement carrying
amounts and tax  bases of  assets and liabilities.  The "temporary  differences"
that  give rise to a significant portion  of the deferred tax liabilities relate
to the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      DECEMBER 31
                                                                                  --------------------
                                                                                    1996       1995
                                                                                  ---------  ---------
                                                                                     (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                               <C>        <C>
Future Policy and Contract Benefits.............................................  $  (265.1) $  (269.7)
Investment Write-Offs and Allowances............................................      (39.0)     (35.0)
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans........................................       (9.0)      (8.3)
Employee Benefits...............................................................      (11.1)      (9.3)
Deferred Futures Gains..........................................................       (1.8)      (1.8)
Other...........................................................................      (50.5)     (42.0)
                                                                                  ---------  ---------
Gross Deferred Tax Asset........................................................     (376.5)    (366.1)
                                                                                  ---------  ---------
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs...............................................      296.0      267.9
Present Value of Future Profits.................................................       92.4       99.0
Net Unrealized Investment Gains.................................................       32.1       90.2
Property and Equipment..........................................................       28.5       27.1
Real Estate Joint Ventures......................................................       12.0       12.2
Accrual of Market Discount......................................................        7.9        8.4
Policyholder Dividends..........................................................        5.2        4.4
Other...........................................................................       29.9       19.7
                                                                                  ---------  ---------
Gross Deferred Tax Liability....................................................      504.0      528.9
                                                                                  ---------  ---------
  Net Deferred Tax Liability....................................................  $   127.5  $   162.8
                                                                                  ---------  ---------
                                                                                  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                       83
<PAGE>
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
 
NOTE 5. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    Federal income tax regulations allowed  certain special deductions for  1983
and  prior years which are accumulated in a memorandum tax account designated as
"policyholders' surplus." Generally,  this policyholders'  surplus account  will
become  subject to tax at the then current rates only if the accumulated balance
exceeds certain maximum limitations or if certain cash distributions are  deemed
to be paid out of the account. At December 31, 1996, ReliaStar Life and its life
insurance  subsidiaries  have  accumulated approximately  $51  million  in their
separate policyholders' surplus accounts. Deferred taxes have not been  provided
on this temporary difference.
 
    There  have been  no deferred  taxes recorded  for the  unremitted equity in
subsidiaries as the earnings are considered  to be permanently invested or  will
be remitted only when tax effective to do so.
 
    The difference between the U.S. federal income tax rate and the consolidated
tax provision rate is summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            YEAR ENDED
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31
                                                                                     ------------------------
                                                                                        1996         1995
                                                                                     -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                  <C>          <C>
Statutory Tax Rate.................................................................       35.0%        35.0%
Other..............................................................................        (.3)          .2
                                                                                         ---          ---
  Effective Tax Rate...............................................................       34.7%        35.2%
                                                                                         ---          ---
                                                                                         ---          ---
</TABLE>
 
    Cash  paid to ReliaStar for federal income taxes was $74.5 million and $90.3
million for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
NOTE 6. NOTES AND MORTGAGES PAYABLE
    A summary of notes and mortgages payable is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        DECEMBER 31
                                                                                    --------------------
                                                                                      1996       1995
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
                                                                                       (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                 <C>        <C>
Unaffiliated:
  Commercial Paper................................................................  $   146.5  $   135.6
  Bank Borrowings.................................................................       15.9         --
  Other Indebtedness -- Current Portion...........................................         .1         .1
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
    Short-Term Debt...............................................................      162.5      135.7
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
  Other Indebtedness -- Noncurrent Portion........................................        8.3        8.9
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
    Total Unaffiliated............................................................  $   170.8  $   144.6
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
    Note Payable to Parent........................................................  $   100.0  $   100.0
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    At December  31, 1996  and 1995,  other indebtedness  is primarily  mortgage
notes  assumed in connection with certain  real estate investments with interest
rates ranging from 6.2% to 9.6%.
 
    The weighted average interest  rate on the  commercial paper outstanding  at
December  31, 1996 and  1995 was 5.56% and  6.06%, respectively, with maturities
ranging from 2 to 55 days at December 31, 1996.
 
                                       84
<PAGE>
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
 
NOTE 6. NOTES AND MORTGAGES PAYABLE (CONTINUED)
    The Company has  unsecured revolving credit  facilities with banks  totaling
$200.0  million for commercial paper back-up  and general corporate purposes. At
December 31,  1996, $15.9  million was  borrowed under  these facilities  at  an
interest  rate of 5.8%. One of the  facilities requires an annual commitment fee
of 1/10%.
 
    Principal payments required on notes  and mortgages payable to  unaffiliated
companies in each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      (IN MILLIONS)
- ----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>
1997 -- $162.5                                2000 -- $5.8
1998 -- $   .1                                2001 -- $1.9
1999 -- $   .2                 2002 and thereafter -- $ .3
</TABLE>
 
    ReliaStar  has loaned $100.0 million to ReliaStar Life under a surplus note.
The original note, dated April 1, 1989, was issued in connection with  ReliaStar
Life's  demutualization and was used to  offset the surplus reduction related to
the cash distribution to the  mutual policyholders in the demutualization.  This
original  note was replaced  by a successor  surplus note (the  1994 Note) dated
November 1, 1994. The 1994 Note provides, subject to the regulatory  constraints
discussed  below, that (i) it  is a surplus note  which will mature on September
15, 2003 with principal due at  maturity, but payable without penalty, in  whole
or  in part before maturity;  (ii) interest is at  6 5/8% payable semi-annually;
and (iii) in the event that ReliaStar Life  is in default in the payment of  any
required  interest or principal, ReliaStar Life cannot pay cash dividends on its
capital stock  (all of  which is  owned directly  by ReliaStar).  The 1994  Note
further  provides that there may be no  payment of interest or principal without
the express approval of the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
 
    Interest paid on debt was $9.3 million and $14.2 million for 1996 and  1995,
respectively.
 
NOTE 7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
    PENSION PLANS
 
    The  Company has  noncontributory defined benefit  retirement plans covering
substantially all employees. The plans, which may be terminated as to accrual of
additional benefits at any time by  the Board of Directors, provide benefits  to
employees upon retirement.
 
    The  benefits  under  the  plans  are based  on  years  of  service  and the
employee's compensation during the last five years of employment. The  Company's
policy  is  to fund  the  minimum required  contribution  necessary to  meet the
present and  future obligations  of  the plans.  Contributions are  intended  to
provide  not only for benefits attributed to  service to date but also for those
expected to be  earned in  the future. Contributions  are made  to a  tax-exempt
trust.  Plan assets consist principally of  investments in stock and bond mutual
funds, common stock  and corporate bonds.  Included in plan  assets are  616,491
shares of ReliaStar common stock with a fair value of $35.6 million.
 
    The Company and ReliaStar also have unfunded noncontributory defined benefit
plans  providing for  benefits to  employees in  excess of  limits for qualified
retirement plans and for benefits to nonemployee members of the ReliaStar  Board
of Directors.
 
                                       85
<PAGE>
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
 
NOTE 7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)
    Net periodic pension expense for ReliaStar and its subsidiaries included the
following components:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          YEAR ENDED
                                                                                         DECEMBER 31
                                                                                     --------------------
                                                                                       1996       1995
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
                                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                  <C>        <C>
Service Cost -- Benefits Earned During the Year....................................  $     3.8  $     3.4
Interest Cost on Projected Benefit Obligation......................................       13.6       11.9
Actual Return on Plan Assets.......................................................      (23.0)     (33.7)
Net Amortization and Deferral......................................................        8.4       19.1
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
  Net Periodic Pension Expense.....................................................  $     2.8  $      .7
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The following table sets forth for ReliaStar and its subsidiaries the funded
status of the plans as of December 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              FUNDED PLANS         UNFUNDED PLANS
                                                                          --------------------  --------------------
                                                                            1996       1995       1996       1995
                                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Accumulated Benefit Obligation
  Vested................................................................  $  (164.7) $  (157.1) $   (11.8) $   (10.7)
  Nonvested.............................................................       (4.0)      (5.1)       (.5)      (1.2)
Effect of Projected Future Compensation Increases.......................      (12.7)     (10.6)      (2.1)      (2.1)
                                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Projected Benefit Obligation............................................     (181.4)    (172.8)     (14.4)     (14.0)
Plan Assets at Fair Value...............................................      184.9      169.9         --         --
                                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Plan Assets Greater (Less) Than Projected Benefit Obligation............        3.5       (2.9)     (14.4)     (14.0)
Unrecognized Net Loss and Prior Service Cost............................       19.0       24.2        5.3        6.2
Unrecognized Transition Obligation (Asset)..............................        (.4)       (.8)        --         .1
Additional Minimum Liability............................................         --         --       (3.5)      (4.2)
                                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Net Pension Asset (Liability).........................................  $    22.1  $    20.5  $   (12.6) $   (11.9)
                                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The  above amounts are  for ReliaStar and its  subsidiaries as the Company's
portion is not determinable.  The net periodic pension  expense relating to  and
billed to ReliaStar was insignificant.
 
    The  projected benefit obligation  was determined using  an assumed discount
rate of  7.50% and  7.25%  at January  1, 1997  and  1996, respectively,  and  a
weighted-  average assumed long-term rate of  compensation increase of 4.5%. The
assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets was 10%.
 
    POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS
 
    The Company  provides certain  health care  and life  insurance benefits  to
retired  employees  (and their  eligible dependents).  Substantially all  of the
Company's employees  will  become  eligible  for those  benefits  if  they  meet
specified  age and service  requirements and reach  retirement age while working
for the Company, unless the plans are terminated or amended. The  postretirement
health  care plan is contributory, with retiree contributions adjusted annually;
the life insurance plan provides a flat amount of noncontributory life  benefits
and optional contributory coverage.
 
    During  1996, the Company amended its plans  to reduce the level of benefits
provided to current and future retirees.  The amendment resulted in a  reduction
of the accumulated postretirement
 
                                       86
<PAGE>
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
 
NOTE 7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)
benefit  obligation  for ReliaStar  and its  subsidiaries of  approximately $9.9
million. The plan  amendment will also  reduce current and  future net  periodic
postretirement   benefit  costs  as  the  unrecognized  prior  service  cost  is
amortized.
 
    The Company's postretirement health care plans currently are not funded. The
accumulated  postretirement   benefit   obligation  (APBO)   and   the   accrued
postretirement benefit liability were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            DECEMBER 31
                                                                                        --------------------
                                                                                          1996       1995
                                                                                        ---------  ---------
                                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                     <C>        <C>
Retirees..............................................................................  $     7.3  $    10.3
Fully Eligible Active Plan Participants...............................................         .9        4.5
Other Active Plan Participants........................................................        1.6        4.9
                                                                                        ---------  ---------
  Unfunded APBO.......................................................................        9.8       19.7
Unrecognized Prior Service Cost.......................................................        8.9         .1
Unrecognized Gain (Loss)..............................................................        1.5        (.3)
                                                                                        ---------  ---------
  Accrued Postretirement Benefit Liability............................................  $    20.2  $    19.5
                                                                                        ---------  ---------
                                                                                        ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Net  periodic  postretirement  benefit  costs  consisted  of  the  following
components:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               YEAR ENDED
                                                                                              DECEMBER 31
                                                                                          --------------------
                                                                                            1996       1995
                                                                                          ---------  ---------
                                                                                             (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                       <C>        <C>
Service Cost -- Benefits Earned.........................................................  $      .6  $     1.2
Interest Cost on APBO...................................................................        1.0        1.3
Amortization of Prior Service Cost......................................................       (1.2)       (.1)
                                                                                          ---------        ---
  Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Costs.............................................  $      .4  $     2.4
                                                                                          ---------        ---
                                                                                          ---------        ---
</TABLE>
 
    The above amounts  for 1996 are  for ReliaStar and  its subsidiaries as  the
Company's  portion  is  not  determinable.  Prior  period  amounts  reflect  the
Company's  accrued   postretirement   benefit   liability   and   net   periodic
postretirement benefit costs.
 
    The  assumed health care  cost trend rate  used in measuring  the APBO as of
January 1, 1997  was 7.0%, decreasing  gradually to  5.0% in the  year 1999  and
thereafter.  The assumed health care cost trend  rate used in measuring the APBO
as of January 1, 1996 was 10.0%,  decreasing gradually to 5.0% in the year  2010
and thereafter. The assumed discount rate used in determining the APBO was 7.50%
and  7.25% at January  1, 1997 and  1996, respectively. The  assumed health care
cost trend rate has a significant effect on the amounts reported. For example, a
one- percentage-point increase in  the assumed health care  cost trend rate  for
each  year would increase the APBO as  of December 31, 1996 by approximately $.3
million and  1996 net  postretirement  health care  costs by  approximately  $.1
million.
 
    SUCCESS SHARING PLAN AND ESOP
 
    The  Success Sharing  Plan and ESOP  (Success Sharing Plan)  was designed to
increase  employee  ownership   and  reward  employees   when  certain   Company
performance  objectives  are  met.  Essentially all  employees  are  eligible to
participate in  the Success  Sharing Plan.  The Success  Sharing Plan  has  both
qualified  and nonqualified components.  The nonqualified component  is equal to
25% of  the  annual award  and  is paid  in  cash to  employees.  The  qualified
component is equal to 75% of the annual
 
                                       87
<PAGE>
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
 
NOTE 7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)
award,  with 25% contributed to a  deferred investment account and the remaining
50% contributed to the ESOP portion  of the Success Sharing Plan. Costs  charged
to  expense for the Success  Sharing Plan were $9.4  million and $8.6 million in
1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
    STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
 
    Officers and  key  employees  of  the  Company  participate  in  stock-based
compensation  plans of ReliaStar. ReliaStar  applies Accounting Principles Board
Opinion No.  25,  "Accounting  for  Stock  Issued  to  Employees,"  and  related
interpretations   in   accounting  for   its  stock-based   compensation  plans.
Accordingly,  the  Company  has  recorded  no  compensation  expense  for  these
stock-based   compensation   plans   other  than   for   restricted   stock  and
performance-based awards.  Had compensation  cost for  ReliaStar's stock  option
plans  been determined based upon fair value  at the grant date for awards under
these plans consistent with the optional accounting methodology prescribed under
SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," ReliaStar's net  income
would  have been reduced by  approximately $2.3 million and  $.9 million for the
years ended December 31,  1996 and 1995, respectively.  The pro forma effect  on
net  income for 1996 and  1995 is not representative of  the pro forma effect on
net income in future years because it does not take into consideration pro forma
compensation expense related  to grants  prior to 1995.  The fair  value of  the
options  granted by  ReliaStar during  1996 and 1995  is estimated  as $9.45 and
$8.64, respectively, on the date  of grant using a Black-Scholes  option-pricing
model  with the following assumptions  regarding ReliaStar stock: dividend yield
2.0%, volatility ranging from .19% to .21%, risk-free interest rates of 5.1%  to
5.3% for 1996 and 7.4% for 1995, and an expected life of 3.65 to 5.65 years. The
Company's  portion  of  ReliaStar's  pro  forma  impact  on  net  income  is not
determinable.
 
NOTE 8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
    The Company and ReliaStar have entered into agreements whereby ReliaStar and
the  Company  provide  certain  management,  administrative,  legal,  and  other
services  to each other. The  net amounts billed resulted  in the Company making
payments of  $28.3 million  and $25.1  million to  ReliaStar in  1996 and  1995,
respectively.  During 1996 and 1995, the Company paid dividends of $61.1 million
and $52.0  million,  respectively  to ReliaStar  consisting  of  cash  dividends
totaling  $54.0 million and $41.3 million  and noncash dividends of $7.1 million
and $10.7 million, respectively.
 
NOTE 9. SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
    DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS
 
    The ability  of  ReliaStar  Life  to pay  cash  dividends  to  ReliaStar  is
restricted by law or subject to approval of the insurance regulatory authorities
of  Minnesota. These  authorities recognize only  statutory accounting practices
for the ability of an insurer to pay dividends to its shareholders.
 
    Under Minnesota  insurance  law  regulating  the  payment  of  dividends  by
ReliaStar  Life, any such payment must be  an amount deemed prudent by ReliaStar
Life's Board of Directors and, unless otherwise approved by the Commissioner  of
the  Minnesota Department  of Commerce (the  Commissioner), must  be paid solely
from the  adjusted earned  surplus of  ReliaStar Life.  Adjusted earned  surplus
means  the earned surplus as determined  in accordance with statutory accounting
practices (unassigned funds) less 25% of the amount of such earned surplus which
is attributable to unrealized  capital gains. Further,  without approval of  the
Commissioner,  ReliaStar  Life may  not pay  in any  calendar year  any dividend
which, when combined with other dividends  paid within the preceding 12  months,
exceeds  the greater  of (i)  10% of ReliaStar  Life's statutory  surplus at the
prior year-end  or  (ii)  100%  of ReliaStar  Life's  statutory  net  gain  from
operations  (not including realized capital gains)  for the prior calendar year.
For 1997, the amount of  dividends which can be  paid by ReliaStar Life  without
Commissioner approval is $144.0 million.
 
                                       88
<PAGE>
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
 
NOTE 9. SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY (CONTINUED)
    STATUTORY SURPLUS AND NET INCOME
 
    Net  income  of  ReliaStar  Life  and  its  subsidiaries,  as  determined in
accordance with  statutory accounting  practices was  $150.4 million  and  $97.8
million  for 1996 and 1995, respectively. ReliaStar Life's statutory capital and
surplus was $783.4  million and $728.3  million at December  31, 1996 and  1995,
respectively.
 
NOTE 10. REINSURANCE
    The  Company is  a member  of reinsurance  associations established  for the
purpose of  ceding  the excess  of  life  insurance over  retention  limits.  In
addition, the Life and Health Reinsurance Division of ReliaStar Life assumes and
cedes  reinsurance on  certain life  and health  risks as  its primary business.
Reinsurance contracts  do  not  relieve  the Company  from  its  obligations  to
policyholders.  Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in
losses to  the Company;  consequently, allowances  are established  for  amounts
deemed  uncollectible. The amount of the allowance for uncollectible reinsurance
receivables was immaterial at December 31, 1996 and 1995. The Company  evaluates
the  financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors concentrations of credit
risk to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies.
The Company's retention limit is $500,000 per life for individual coverage  and,
to  the extent that  ReliaStar Life reinsures life  policies written by Northern
and Bankers Security,  the limit is  increased to $600,000  per life. For  group
coverage  and reinsurance assumed,  the retention is $500,000  per life with per
occurrence limitations, subject to  certain maximums. As  of December 31,  1996,
$12.5  billion of  life insurance  in force  was ceded  to other  companies. The
Company has assumed $38.5 billion of life insurance in force as of December  31,
1996  (including  $33.3 billion  of  reinsurance assumed  pertaining  to Federal
Employees' Group Life  Insurance and  Servicemans' Group  Life Insurance).  Also
included  in  these amounts  are $722.5  million of  reinsurance ceded  and $5.2
billion of reinsurance assumed  by the Life and  Health Reinsurance Division  of
ReliaStar Life.
 
    The effect of reinsurance on premiums and recoveries is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          YEAR ENDED
                                                                                         DECEMBER 31
                                                                                     --------------------
                                                                                       1996       1995
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
                                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                  <C>        <C>
Direct Premiums....................................................................  $   609.9  $   643.8
Reinsurance Assumed................................................................      334.3      297.6
Reinsurance Ceded..................................................................     (107.3)     (89.9)
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
  Net Premiums.....................................................................  $   836.9  $   851.5
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
  Reinsurance Recoveries...........................................................  $    96.3  $    80.4
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                       89
<PAGE>
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
 
NOTE 11. LIABILITY FOR UNPAID ACCIDENT AND HEALTH CLAIMS AND CLAIM ADJUSTMENT
         EXPENSE
    The  change in the liability for unpaid accident and health claims and claim
adjustment expenses is summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       1996       1995
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
                                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                  <C>        <C>
Balance at January 1...............................................................  $   369.4  $   322.9
Less Reinsurance Recoverables......................................................       81.6       59.5
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
Net Balance at January 1...........................................................      287.8      263.4
Incurred Related to:
  Current Year.....................................................................      223.5      273.1
  Prior Year.......................................................................       (5.7)      (2.7)
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
Total Incurred.....................................................................      217.8      270.4
Paid Related to:
  Current Year.....................................................................      127.8      157.0
  Prior Year.......................................................................       97.1       89.0
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
Total Paid.........................................................................      224.9      246.0
Net Balance at December 31.........................................................      280.7      287.8
Plus Reinsurance Recoverables......................................................      102.6       81.6
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
  Balance at December 31...........................................................  $   383.3  $   369.4
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The liability for  unpaid accident  and health claims  and claim  adjustment
expenses  is included in Future Policy and Contract Benefits on the Consolidated
Balance Sheets.
 
NOTE 12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
    LITIGATION
 
    The Company is a defendant in a number of lawsuits arising out of the normal
course of the business of the Company, some of which include claims for punitive
damages.  In  the  opinion  of  management,  the  ultimate  resolution  of  such
litigation  will not result in any material  adverse impact to the operations or
financial condition of the Company.
 
    JOINT GROUP LIFE AND ANNUITY CONTRACTS
 
    ReliaStar Life has issued certain participating group annuity and group life
insurance contracts jointly with another  insurance company. ReliaStar Life  has
entered  into  an  arrangement with  this  insurer whereby  ReliaStar  Life will
gradually transfer these liabilities  (approximately $281.9 million at  December
31,  1996) to the other insurer over  a ten-year period which commenced in 1993.
The terms of the  arrangement specify the interest  rate on the liabilities  and
provide  for  a  transfer  of  assets  and  liabilities  scheduled  in  a manner
consistent with the expected cash flows  of the assets allocated to support  the
liabilities.  A contingent liability exists with  respect to the joint obligor's
portion of the  contractual liabilities attributable  to contributions  received
prior  to July  1, 1993 in  the event  the joint obligor  is unable  to meet its
obligations.
 
    RESERVE INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
 
    In  connection  with  the  March  1992  sale  of  Chartwell  Re  Corporation
(Chartwell),  the  Company and  the acquiring  company  entered into  a separate
reciprocal reserve indemnification agreement with
 
                                       90
<PAGE>
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
 
NOTE 12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
respect to the  adequacy of  the loss and  loss adjustment  expense reserves  of
Chartwell.  On June 28, 1996, a  final settlement of the reserve indemnification
agreement was reached. The Company's  previous accruals for this liability  were
adequate.
 
    Amounts  previously charged  against income for  the reserve indemnification
agreement  are  presented  as   discontinued  operations  in  the   Consolidated
Statements of Income.
 
    FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
    The  Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk
in the  normal course  of business  to reduce  its exposure  to fluctuations  in
interest  rates.  These  financial  instruments  include  commitments  to extend
credit, financial guarantees, futures contracts  and interest rate swaps.  Those
instruments  involve, to varying  degrees, elements of  credit, interest rate or
liquidity risk in excess  of the amount recognized  in the Consolidated  Balance
Sheets.
 
    The  Company's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the
other party to  the financial instrument  for commitments to  extend credit  and
financial  guarantees written is represented by  the contractual amount of those
instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and
conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments. For futures
contracts and interest rate swap transactions, the contract or notional  amounts
do  not represent exposure to credit loss.  For swaps, the Company's exposure to
credit loss is limited to those swaps where the Company has an unrealized  gain.
For  futures  contracts, the  Company  has no  exposure  to credit  risk  as the
contracts are marked to market daily.
 
    Unless otherwise noted,  the Company  does not require  collateral or  other
security to support financial instruments with credit risk.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           CONTRACT OR NOTIONAL
                                                                                                  AMOUNT
                                                                                               DECEMBER 31
                                                                                          ----------------------
                                                                                             1996        1995
                                                                                          ----------  ----------
                                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                       <C>         <C>
Financial Instruments Whose Contract Amounts Represent Credit Risk
  Commitments to Extend Credit..........................................................  $    181.6  $     82.6
  Financial Guarantees..................................................................        40.9        41.8
Financial Instruments Whose Notional or Contract Amounts Exceed the Amount of Credit
 Risk
  Futures Contracts.....................................................................        76.6        80.4
  Interest Rate Swap Agreements.........................................................     1,109.5     1,222.5
</TABLE>
 
    COMMITMENTS  TO EXTEND  CREDIT -- Commitments  to extend  credit are legally
binding agreements  to lend  to  a customer.  Commitments generally  have  fixed
expiration  dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee.
They generally may be terminated by the Company in the event of deterioration in
the financial  condition of  the borrower.  Since some  of the  commitments  are
expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not
necessarily  represent future liquidity requirements. The Company evaluates each
customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis.
 
    FINANCIAL GUARANTEES  -- Financial  guarantees are  conditional  commitments
issued  by the Company guaranteeing  the performance of the  borrower to a third
party. Those  guarantees are  primarily  issued to  support public  and  private
commercial   mortgage  borrowing  arrangements.  The  credit  risk  involved  is
essentially the same as that involved in issuing commercial mortgage loans.
 
                                       91
<PAGE>
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
 
NOTE 12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
    ReliaStar Life is a partner in eight real estate joint ventures where it has
guaranteed the repayment of loans of  the partnership. As of December 31,  1996,
ReliaStar  Life  had guaranteed  repayment of  $40.9  million ($41.8  million at
December 31, 1995) of such loans including the portion allocable to the PFA.  If
any  payments were made under these  guarantees, ReliaStar Life would be allowed
to make a claim for repayment from the joint venture, foreclose on the assets of
the  joint  venture  including  its  real  estate  investment  and,  in  certain
instances, make a claim against the joint venture's general partner.
 
    For   certain  of  these  partnerships,  ReliaStar  Life  has  made  capital
contributions from time to time to provide the partnerships with sufficient cash
to meet its obligations, including  operating expenses, tenant improvements  and
debt  service. Capital  contributions during  1996 and  1995 were insignificant.
Further capital contributions are  likely to be required  in future periods  for
certain  of the joint  ventures with the guarantees.  The Company cannot predict
the amount of such future contributions.
 
    FUTURES CONTRACTS -- Futures contracts are contracts for delayed delivery of
securities or  money market  instruments  in which  the  seller agrees  to  make
delivery  at a specified future  date of a specified  instrument, at a specified
price or yield. These contracts are entered into to manage interest rate risk as
part of  the Company's  asset and  liability management.  Risks arise  from  the
movements in securities values and interest rates.
 
    INTEREST  RATE SWAP AGREEMENTS -- The Company also enters into interest rate
swap agreements to  manage interest rate  exposure. The primary  reason for  the
interest  rate  swap agreements  is to  extend the  duration of  adjustable rate
investments. Interest rate swap transactions  generally involve the exchange  of
fixed and floating rate interest payment obligations without the exchange of the
underlying  principal amounts.  Changes in  market interest  rates impact income
from adjustable  rate  investments  and  have  an  opposite  (and  approximately
offsetting)  effect on  the reported income  from the swap  portfolio. The risks
under interest rate swap  agreements are generally similar  to those of  futures
contracts.  Notional principal amounts  are often used to  express the volume of
these transactions but  do not  represent the much  smaller amounts  potentially
subject to credit risk.
 
    LEASES
 
    The  Company  has operating  leases for  office  space and  certain computer
processing and other equipment. Rental expense for these items was $13.9 million
and $13.6 million for 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
    Future minimum  aggregate  rental  commitments  at  December  31,  1996  for
operating leases were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      (IN MILLIONS)
- ----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>
1997 -- $7.6                                  2000 -- $4.6
1998 -- $6.8                                  2001 -- $3.9
1999 -- $5.7                   2002 and thereafter -- $4.7
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 13. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
    The  following disclosures are  made in accordance  with the requirements of
SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments." SFAS  No.
107  requires disclosure of fair  value information about financial instruments,
whether or not recognized in the balance  sheet, for which it is practicable  to
estimate  that value.  In cases  where quoted  market prices  are not available,
 
                                       92
<PAGE>
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
 
NOTE 13. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)
fair values  are based  on  estimates using  present  value or  other  valuation
techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used,
including  the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard,
the derived  fair value  estimates, in  many  cases, could  not be  realized  in
immediate settlement of the instrument.
 
    SFAS  No. 107  excludes certain  financial instruments  and all nonfinancial
instruments from its  disclosure requirements. Accordingly,  the aggregate  fair
value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.
 
    The fair value estimates presented herein are based on pertinent information
available to management as of December 31, 1996 and 1995. Although management is
not  aware of  any factors  that would  significantly affect  the estimated fair
value amounts, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for  purposes
of  these financial statements since that  date; therefore, current estimates of
fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.
 
    The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating
its fair value disclosures for financial instruments:
 
    FIXED MATURITY SECURITIES -- The  estimated fair value disclosures for  debt
securities  satisfy the fair value disclosure  requirements of SFAS No. 107 (see
Note 4).
 
    EQUITY SECURITIES -- Fair  value equals carrying  value as these  securities
are carried at quoted market value.
 
    MORTGAGE  LOANS ON REAL ESTATE -- The fair values for mortgage loans on real
estate are estimated using discounted  cash flow analyses, using interest  rates
currently  being offered in the marketplace  for similar loans to borrowers with
similar credit ratings.  Loans with similar  characteristics are aggregated  for
purposes of the calculations.
 
    CASH,  SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS AND  POLICY LOANS --  The carrying amounts for
these assets approximate the assets' fair values.
 
    OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS REPORTED AS  ASSETS -- The carrying amounts  for
these  financial instruments  (primarily premiums and  other accounts receivable
and accrued investment income) approximate those assets' fair values.
 
    INVESTMENT CONTRACT LIABILITIES -- The fair value for deferred annuities was
estimated to be the  amount payable on  demand at the  reporting date, as  those
investment  contracts  have no  defined maturity  and are  similar to  a deposit
liability. The  amount payable  at  the reporting  date  was calculated  as  the
account balance less applicable surrender charges.
 
    The  fair value for GICs was  estimated using discounted cash flow analyses.
The discount rate used was based upon current industry offering rates on GICs of
similar durations.
 
    The fair values for supplementary  contracts without life contingencies  and
immediate  annuities  were estimated  using discounted  cash flow  analyses. The
discount rate was based upon treasury rates plus a pricing margin.
 
    The carrying amounts reported for other investment contracts, which includes
participating pension contracts and retirement plan deposits, approximate  those
liabilities' fair value.
 
    CLAIM  AND OTHER DEPOSIT FUNDS  -- The carrying amounts  for claim and other
deposit funds approximate the liabilities' fair value.
 
                                       93
<PAGE>
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
 
NOTE 13. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)
    NOTES AND  MORTGAGES PAYABLE  -- The  fair  value for  the note  payable  to
ReliaStar  was  based upon  the  quoted market  price  of the  related ReliaStar
publicly traded debt. For other debt obligations, discounted cash flow  analyses
were  used. The  discount rate  was based  upon the  Company's estimated current
incremental borrowing rates.
 
    OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS REPORTED AS LIABILITIES -- The carrying  amounts
for  other  financial instruments  (primarily  normal payables  of  a short-term
nature) approximate those liabilities' fair values.
 
    FINANCIAL GUARANTEES  --  The  fair values  for  financial  guarantees  were
estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based upon the expected future net
amounts to be expended. The estimated net amounts to be expended were determined
based on projected cash flows and a valuation of the underlying collateral.
 
    INTEREST  RATE SWAPS -- The fair value for interest rate swaps was estimated
using discounted cash  flow analyses.  The discount  rate was  based upon  rates
currently  being offered for similar interest  rate swaps available from similar
counterparties.
 
    The carrying amounts and  estimated fair values  of the Company's  financial
instruments as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           1996                      1995
                                                                 ------------------------  ------------------------
                                                                  CARRYING       FAIR       CARRYING       FAIR
                                                                   AMOUNT        VALUE       AMOUNT        VALUE
                                                                 -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                                   (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                              <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Financial Instruments Recorded as Assets
  Fixed Maturity Securities....................................  $   9,298.2  $   9,298.2  $   9,053.7  $   9,053.7
  Equity Securities............................................         36.9         36.9         35.9         35.9
  Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
    Commercial.................................................      1,359.6      1,391.9      1,465.0      1,525.8
    Residential and Other......................................        495.8        507.4        483.4        496.1
  Policy Loans.................................................        549.0        549.0        499.8        499.8
  Cash and Short-Term Investments..............................        115.2        115.2        165.4        165.4
  Other Financial Instruments Recorded as Assets...............        534.7        534.7        503.3        503.3
Financial Instruments Recorded as Liabilities
  Investment Contracts
    Deferred Annuities.........................................     (6,970.9)    (6,547.9)    (6,704.9)    (6,285.6)
    GICs.......................................................        (74.7)      (102.0)      (115.0)      (148.6)
    Supplementary Contracts and Immediate Annuities............       (134.5)      (131.4)       (99.8)       (99.7)
    Other Investment Contracts.................................       (488.3)      (488.3)      (529.2)      (529.2)
  Claim and Other Deposit Funds................................       (123.6)      (123.6)      (114.9)      (114.9)
  Notes and Mortgages Payable..................................       (169.8)      (170.4)      (243.6)      (244.4)
  Other Financial Instruments Recorded as Liabilities..........       (229.0)      (229.0)      (224.8)      (224.8)
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments
  Financial Guarantees.........................................           --         (4.5)          --         (4.6)
  Interest Rate Swaps..........................................           --         10.8           --         42.7
</TABLE>
 
    Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant
market  information  and  information  about  the  financial  instrument.  These
estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering
for   sale   at   one   time   the   Company's   holdings   of   a    particular
 
                                       94
<PAGE>
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
               RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
 
NOTE 13. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)
financial  instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the
Company's financial instruments,  fair value  estimates are  based on  judgments
regarding  future expected  loss experience,  current economic  conditions, risk
characteristics of  various  financial  instruments  and  other  factors.  These
estimates  are subjective  in nature  and involve  uncertainties and  matters of
significant judgment  and,  therefore,  cannot  be  determined  with  precision.
Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
 
    Fair  value  estimates  are  based  on  existing  on  and  off-balance sheet
financial instruments without  attempting to estimate  the value of  anticipated
future  business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered
financial instruments.  In  addition,  the  tax  ramifications  related  to  the
realization  of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on
fair value estimates and have not been considered in the estimates.
 
NOTE 14. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
    On February 23, 1997, ReliaStar signed a definitive agreement to acquire and
merge Security-Connecticut Corporation  (SRC) into ReliaStar.  SRC is a  holding
company  with  two  primary  subsidiaries:  Security-Connecticut  Life Insurance
Company of Avon,  Connecticut, and  Lincoln Security Life  Insurance Company  of
Brewster,  New York. As of December 31, 1996, SRC had assets of $2.3 billion and
total shareholders' equity of $355 million. Completion of the merger is expected
in the  second or  third  quarter of  1997, and  is  subject to  normal  closing
conditions,  including  approval  by  SRC  shareholders  and  various regulatory
approvals. The acquisition  will be accounted  for as a  purchase and SRC's  two
life  insurance  company  subsidiaries will  be  contributed to  the  Company by
ReliaStar.
 
                                       95
<PAGE>
                                   APPENDIX A
                               THE FIXED ACCOUNT
 
    The  Fixed Account  consists of all  of our  assets other than  those in our
separate accounts. We have complete ownership  and control of all of the  assets
of the Fixed Account.
 
    Because of exemptions and exclusions contained in the Securities Act of 1933
and  the  Investment  Company  Act  of 1940,  the  Fixed  Account  has  not been
registered under these acts. Neither the Fixed Account nor any interest in it is
subject to the provisions of these acts and as a result the SEC has not reviewed
the disclosures  in this  Prospectus  relating to  the Fixed  Account.  However,
disclosures  relating to the  Fixed Account are  subject to generally applicable
provisions  of  the  federal  securities  laws  relating  to  the  accuracy  and
completeness of statements made in prospectuses.
 
    We  guarantee both principal  and interest on amounts  credited to the Fixed
Account. We  credit  interest  at an  effective  annual  rate of  at  least  4%,
independent  of the  investment experience  of the  Fixed Account.  From time to
time, we may guarantee interest at a rate higher than 4%.
 
    ANY INTEREST CREDITED TO AMOUNTS ALLOCATED TO THE FIXED ACCOUNT IN EXCESS OF
4% PER YEAR WILL BE DETERMINED AT OUR SOLE DISCRETION. YOU ASSUME THE RISK  THAT
INTEREST  CREDITED TO THE FIXED ACCOUNT MAY  NOT EXCEED THE MINIMUM GUARANTEE OF
4% FOR A GIVEN YEAR.
 
    We do not use  a specific formula for  determining excess interest  credits.
However, we consider the following:
 
    - General economic trends,
 
    - Rates of return currently available on our investments,
 
    - Rates  of  return  anticipated  in  our  investments,  Regulatory  and tax
      factors, and
 
    - Competitive factors.
 
    We are  not aware  of any  statutory limitations  to the  maximum amount  of
interest we may credit and our Board of Directors has not set any limitations.
 
    The  Fixed Accumulation Value of  the Policy is the  sum of the Net Premiums
credited to the  Fixed Account. It  is increased by  transfers and Loan  Amounts
from  the Variable  Account, and  interest credits.  It is  decreased by Monthly
Deductions and partial withdrawals taken from the Fixed Account and transfers to
the Variable Account. The Fixed Accumulation  Value will be calculated at  least
monthly on the monthly anniversary date.
 
    You  may  transfer all  or  part of  your  Fixed Accumulation  Value  to the
Sub-Accounts  of  the  Variable  Account,  subject  to  the  following  transfer
limitations:
 
    - The request to transfer must be postmarked no more than 30 days before the
      Policy Anniversary and no later than 30 days after the Policy Anniversary.
      Only one transfer is allowed during this period.
 
    - The  Fixed Accumulation Value after the transfer must be at least equal to
      the Loan Amount.
 
    - No more than 50% of the  Fixed Accumulation Value (minus any Loan  Amount)
      may  be transferred unless the balance,  after the transfer, would be less
      than $1,000. If  the balance  would be less  than $1,000,  the full  Fixed
      Accumulation Value (minus any Loan Amount) may be transferred.
 
    - You must transfer at least:
 
        --  $500, or
 
        --   the total Fixed Accumulation Value  (minus any Loan Amount) if less
            than $500.
 
    We make  the  Monthly  Deduction  from  your  Fixed  Accumulation  Value  in
proportion to the total Accumulation Value of the Policy.
 
    The  Surrender  Charge  described in  the  Prospectus applies  to  the total
Accumulation Value, which includes  the Fixed Accumulation  Value. If the  Owner
surrenders the Policy for its Cash Surrender Value, the Fixed Accumulation Value
will  be reduced by any applicable Surrender  Charge, any Loan Amount and unpaid
Monthly Deductions applicable to the Fixed Account.
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
                                   APPENDIX B
                       CALCULATION OF ACCUMULATION VALUE
 
    The  Accumulation Value of  the Policy is  equal to the  sum of the Variable
Accumulation Value plus the Fixed Accumulation Value.
 
VARIABLE ACCUMULATION VALUE
    The Variable  Accumulation  Value  is  the total  of  your  values  in  each
Sub-Account. The value for each Sub-Account is equal to:
 
A multiplied by B, where:
 
A
is your current number of Accumulation Units (described below).
 
B
is the current Unit Value (described below).
 
    The  Variable Accumulation Value will vary  from Valuation Date to Valuation
Date (described below) reflecting changes in A and B above.
 
    ACCUMULATION UNITS. When  transactions are  made which  affect the  Variable
Accumulation  Value,  dollar amounts  are converted  to Accumulation  Units. The
number of Accumulation Units for a  transaction is found by dividing the  dollar
amount of the transaction by the current Unit Value.
 
    The number of Accumulation Units for a Sub-Account increases when:
 
    - Net Premiums are credited to that Sub-Account; or
 
    - Transfers  from the  Fixed Account or  other Sub-Accounts  are credited to
      that Sub-Account.
 
    The number of Accumulation Units for a Sub-Account decreases when:
 
    - You take out a Policy loan from that Sub-Account;
 
    - You take a partial withdrawal from that Sub-Account;
 
    - We take a portion  of the Monthly Deduction  or the Mortality and  Expense
      Risk Charge from that Sub-Account; or
 
    - Transfers  are made  from that Sub-Account  to the Fixed  Account or other
      Sub-Accounts.
 
    UNIT VALUE. The Unit Value for a Sub-Account on any Valuation Date is  equal
to  the previous Unit Value times the Net Investment Factor for that Sub-Account
(described below)  for the  Valuation Period  (described below)  ending on  that
Valuation  Date. The Unit  Value was initially  set at $10  when the Sub-Account
first purchased Fund shares.
 
    NET INVESTMENT FACTOR. The Net Investment  Factor is a number that  reflects
charges  to the Policy and the  investment performance during a Valuation Period
of the Fund in which a Sub-Account is invested. If the Net Investment Factor  is
greater  than one, the Unit Value is  increased. If the Net Investment Factor is
less than one, the Unit Value is decreased. The Net Investment Factor for a Sub-
Account is determined by dividing A by B and then subtracting C from the result,
 
(A DIVIDED BY B) - C, where:
 
A
is the result of:
 
    - the net asset value per share of the Fund shares in which the  Sub-Account
      invests, determined at the end of the current Valuation Period;
 
    - plus  the per share  amount of any dividend  or capital gain distributions
      made on  the Fund  shares  in which  the  Sub-Account invests  during  the
      current Valuation Period;
 
    - plus or minus a per share charge or credit for any taxes reserved which we
      determine  has resulted from the  investment operations of the Sub-Account
      and to be applicable to the Policy.
 
                                      B-1
<PAGE>
B
is the result of:
 
    - the net asset value per share of the Fund shares held in the  Sub-Account,
      determined at the end of the last prior Valuation Period;
 
    - plus  or minus  a per share  charge or  credit for any  taxes reserved for
      during the last prior  Valuation Period which  we determine resulted  from
      the  investment operations  of the Sub-Account  and was  applicable to the
      Policy.
 
C
is a factor representing the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge deducted from the
Sub-Account (see  "Deductions  and  Charges  --  Charges  Against  the  Variable
Account"), which factor is equal, on an annual basis, to .80 of 1% (.80%) of the
daily net asset value of the Sub-Account.
 
    VALUATION  DATE; VALUATION PERIOD. A Valuation Date is each day the New York
Stock Exchange  is open  for business  except  for a  day that  a  Sub-Account's
corresponding  Fund does not value its shares.  A Valuation Period is the period
between two successive Valuation Dates, commencing at the close of business of a
Valuation Date and ending at the close of business on the next Valuation Date.
 
FIXED ACCUMULATION VALUE
    The Fixed Accumulation Value on the Policy Date is your Net Premium credited
to the Fixed Account on that date minus the Monthly Deduction applicable to  the
Fixed Accumulation Value for the first Policy Month.
 
    After the Policy Date, the Fixed Accumulation Value is calculated as:
 
A + B + C + D - E - F, where:
 
A
is  the  Fixed Accumulation  Value on  the  preceding Monthly  Anniversary, plus
interest from the Monthly Anniversary to the date of the calculation.
 
B
is the  total of  your Net  Premiums credited  to the  Fixed Account  since  the
preceding Monthly Anniversary, plus interest from the date premiums are credited
to the date of the calculation.
 
C
is  the total of your  transfers from the Variable  Account to the Fixed Account
since the preceding Monthly Anniversary, plus interest from the date of transfer
to the date of the calculation.
 
D
is the total of  your Loan Amounts transferred  from the Variable Account  since
the preceding Monthly Anniversary.
 
E
is  the total of your  transfers to the Variable  Account from the Fixed Account
since the preceding Monthly Anniversary, plus interest from the date of transfer
to the date of the calculation.
 
F
is the  total of  your partial  withdrawals  from the  Fixed Account  since  the
preceding  Monthly Anniversary, plus interest from the date of withdrawal to the
date of the calculation.
 
    If the date of the calculation is a Monthly Anniversary, we also reduce  the
Fixed  Accumulation Value  by the  applicable Monthly  Deduction for  the Policy
Month following the Monthly Anniversary.
 
    The  minimum  interest  rate  applied  in  the  calculation  of  the   Fixed
Accumulation  Value is an effective annual rate of 4%. Interest in excess of the
minimum rate may be applied in the calculation of your Fixed Accumulation  Value
in a manner which our Board of Directors determines.
 
                                      B-2
<PAGE>
                                   APPENDIX C
            ILLUSTRATION OF ACCUMULATION VALUES, SURRENDER CHARGES,
                   CASH SURRENDER VALUES, AND DEATH BENEFITS
 
    The  following tables illustrate how the Accumulation Values, Cash Surrender
Values, and Death Benefits of a Policy may change with the investment experience
of the Variable Account.  In addition, the tables  illustrate the levels of  the
Surrender Charges which would be imposed if the Policy lapses or was surrendered
in  the  years indicated.  The  tables show  how  the Accumulation  Values, Cash
Surrender Values, and Death Benefits of a Policy issued to an Insured of a given
Age (who pays the given Planned Periodic Premiums annually) would vary over time
if the investment return on the assets held in the Funds were a uniform,  gross,
after-tax,  annual rate of  0 percent, 6  percent, or 12  percent. The tables on
pages C-3 through C-14 illustrate a Policy issued  to either a male Age 30 or  a
male  Age  45  (as indicated  in  each table),  in  a standard  Rate  Class, and
qualifying for  the non-smoker  rate. The  Accumulation Values,  Cash  Surrender
Values,  and Death Benefits would be lower  if the Insured were in a substandard
Rate Class or did not  qualify for the non-smoker  discount because the cost  of
insurance  would be increased.  The Accumulation Values,  Cash Surrender Values,
and Death  Benefits would  be different  from those  shown if  the gross  annual
investment  returns averaged 0 percent, 6 percent,  and 12 percent over a period
of years, but fluctuated  above and below those  averages for individual  Policy
Years.
 
    The  second column of the tables shows the accumulated value of the premiums
paid at the stated  interest rate. The third  and fourth columns illustrate  the
Accumulation  Value of the  Policy over the  designated period. The Accumulation
Value is the total amount that a Policy provides for investment at any time. The
fifth and sixth columns illustrate the Surrender Charges that would apply if the
Policy was surrendered  at the  end of the  designated period.  The seventh  and
eighth  columns  illustrate  the  Cash  Surrender Value  of  a  Policy  over the
designated period. The Cash Surrender Value  is equal to the Accumulation  Value
less any Surrender Charges, Loan Amount (assumed to be 0 in these illustrations)
and unpaid Monthly Deductions (also assumed to be 0 in these illustrations). The
last  two columns illustrate the  Death Benefit of a  Policy over the designated
period. The third, fifth, seventh and  ninth columns assume that throughout  the
life  of the Policy, the monthly charge for  the cost of insurance is based upon
the current cost-of-insurance rates. The fourth, sixth, eighth and tenth columns
assume that the monthly charge for the cost of insurance is based on the maximum
level permitted under  the Policy. These  maximum allowable rates  are based  on
100%  of the  1980 Commissioners  Standard Ordinary  Mortality Table.  The death
benefit values also vary between tables depending upon whether the Level  Amount
Death  Benefit Option (Tables at  pages C-3 through C-8)  or the Variable Amount
Death Benefit Option (Tables at pages C-9 through C-14) is illustrated.
 
    The amounts shown for  the Accumulation Values,  Cash Surrender Values,  and
Death  Benefits  reflect  the  fact  that  the  net  investment  return  of  the
Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account is  lower than the gross, after-tax  return
on the assets held in the Funds as a result of the Funds' operating expenses and
charges  made against the  Sub-Accounts. The values shown  take into account the
daily total operating expenses paid by the portfolios of VIP and VIP II, and the
four funds of  Putnam Variable Trust,  which together  are assumed to  be at  an
average  annual rate of 0.63% for all years.  This figure is derived based on an
average of the Funds'  (investment choices under  the policy) current  operating
expenses net of any limitations on such expenses paid by the Funds. In addition,
the  daily charge to  each Sub-Account for assuming  mortality and expense risks
has been deducted (which is equivalent to a charge at an annual rate of 0.80% of
the average assets of the Sub-Accounts).  After deduction of these amounts,  the
illustrated gross annual investment rates of return of 0 percent, 6 percent, and
12  percent correspond  to approximate  net annual  rates of  -1.43%, 4.57%, and
10.57%, respectively. Hypothetical Cash Surrender Value, Accumulation Values and
the Death  Benefit  may be  lower  without the  expense  reimbursement.  Expense
reimbursements are voluntary. While it is currently anticipated that the expense
reimbursements will be continued past the current year, there is no assurance of
ongoing reimbursement.
 
    The  hypothetical values shown in the tables  do not reflect any charges for
Federal income taxes  attributable to  the Variable  Account because  we do  not
currently make any such charges. However, such charges may be made in the future
and,  in that event, the  gross annual investment return  would have to exceed 0
percent, 6 percent,  or 12  percent by  an amount  sufficient to  cover the  tax
charges  in order  to produce  the Death  Benefits and  values illustrated. (See
section entitled "Federal Tax Matters" in the Prospectus).
 
                                      C-1
<PAGE>
    The tables illustrate  the Policy values  that would result  based upon  the
hypothetical  investment rates of  return if premiums are  paid as indicated, if
all Net Premiums are allocated to the  Variable Account, and if no Policy  loans
have  been made. The  tables are also  based on the  assumptions that the Policy
owner has not  requested an increase  or decrease  in the Face  Amount, that  no
partial  withdrawals  have  been made,  that  no  transfers have  been  made, no
transfer charges incurred, and total operating expenses of the Funds continue as
anticipated. Actual results will depend on  the expenses and performance of  the
investment choice made by the owner.
 
    Upon  request,  we will  provide a  comparable  illustration based  upon the
proposed Insured's Age,  sex, underwriting classification,  the Face Amount  and
Planned Periodic Premium schedule requested, and any available riders requested.
 
                                      C-2
<PAGE>
                        RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                    FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE TO AGE 95
                               MALE ISSUE AGE: 30
                                   NON-SMOKER
                             $922.00 ANNUAL PREMIUM
                              $100,000 FACE AMOUNT
                           LEVEL DEATH BENEFIT OPTION
                       ASSUMED HYPOTHETICAL GROSS ANNUAL
                         INVESTMENT RATE OF RETURN: 0%
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          GUARANTEED COSTS                                 CURRENT COSTS
                            ---------------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------
                             ACCUMULATION     CASH SURRENDER      DEATH     ACCUMULATION     CASH SURRENDER      DEATH
  POLICY      ACCUMULATED        VALUE             VALUE         BENEFIT        VALUE             VALUE         BENEFIT
   YEAR         PREMIUM         (1) (2)           (1) (2)        (1) (2)       (1) (2)           (1) (2)        (1) (2)
- -----------  -------------  ---------------  -----------------  ---------  ---------------  -----------------  ---------
<S>          <C>            <C>              <C>                <C>        <C>              <C>                <C>
     1               968             626                 0        100,000*          651                 0        100,000*
     2             1,985           1,240                64        100,000         1,290               114        100,000
     3             3,052           1,839               341        100,000         1,918               420        100,000
     4             4,173           2,423               925        100,000         2,532             1,034        100,000
     5             5,349           2,990             1,492        100,000         3,135             1,637        100,000
     6             6,585           3,538             2,190        100,000         3,723             2,375        100,000
     7             7,882           4,067             2,868        100,000         4,298             3,100        100,000
     8             9,245           4,571             3,523        100,000         4,858             3,809        100,000
     9            10,675           5,054             4,155        100,000         5,303             4,504        100,000
    10            12,177           5,509             4,760        100,000         5,930             5,181        100,000
    11            13,754           5,936             5,337        100,000         6,441             5,841        100,000
    12            15,409           6,333             5,884        100,000         6,932             6,482        100,000
    13            17,148           6,700             6,400        100,000         7,402             7,103        100,000
    14            18,973           7,033             6,883        100,000         7,850             7,700        100,000
    15            20,890           7,331             7,331        100,000         8,274             8,274        100,000
    20            32,011           8,247             8,247        100,000         9,989             9,989        100,000
    AGE
    60            64,320           5,323             5,323        100,000        10,401            10,401        100,000
    65            87,439               0                 0              0         7,990             7,990        100,000
    70           116,946               0                 0              0         2,623             2,623        100,000
    **
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)  Assumes a  $922.00 premium  (which exceeds  the Annualized  Minimum Monthly
    Premium) is  paid at  the beginning  of  each Policy  Year. Values  will  be
    different  if premiums are  paid with a different  frequency or in different
    amounts.
 
(2) Assumes  that  no  Policy  loans or  partial  withdrawals  have  been  made.
    Excessive  loans or  withdrawals may  cause the  Policy to  lapse because of
    insufficient Cash Surrender Value.
 
  * Based on (1) and (2) above, the Death Benefit Guarantee is in effect  during
    the years shown. Therefore, the Policy remains in force even though the Cash
    Surrender Value is zero.
 
 ** Policy terminates prior to Age 75.
 
THE  HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT  RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE  ONLY, AND  SHOULD NOT BE
DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RESULTS. ACTUAL  INVESTMENT
RESULTS  MAY BE MORE  OR LESS THAN THOSE  SHOWN, AND WILL DEPEND  ON A NUMBER OF
FACTORS, INCLUDING  THE  INVESTMENT  ALLOCATIONS  BY  A  POLICYHOLDER,  AND  THE
DIFFERENT  INVESTMENT  RETURNS  FOR  THE  FUNDS.  THE  ACCUMULATION  VALUE, CASH
SURRENDER VALUE, AND DEATH  BENEFIT FOR A POLICY  WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM  THOSE
SHOWN ABOVE IF THE ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS APPLICABLE TO THE POLICY AVERAGE 0%
OVER  A PERIOD  OF YEARS, BUT  ALSO FLUCTUATED  ABOVE OR BELOW  THAT AVERAGE FOR
INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO  REPRESENTATION CAN BE  MADE BY US  OR BY THE  FUNDS
THAT  THESE HYPOTHETICAL RETURNS CAN BE ACHIEVED  FOR ANY ONE YEAR, OR SUSTAINED
OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      C-3
<PAGE>
                        RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                    FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE TO AGE 95
                               MALE ISSUE AGE: 30
                                   NON-SMOKER
                             $922.00 ANNUAL PREMIUM
                              $100,000 FACE AMOUNT
                           LEVEL DEATH BENEFIT OPTION
                       ASSUMED HYPOTHETICAL GROSS ANNUAL
                         INVESTMENT RATE OF RETURN: 6%
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          GUARANTEED COSTS                               CURRENT COSTS
                            ---------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------------
                             ACCUMULATION     CASH SURRENDER      DEATH    ACCUMULATION   CASH SURRENDER     DEATH
  POLICY      ACCUMULATED        VALUE             VALUE         BENEFIT       VALUE           VALUE        BENEFIT
   YEAR         PREMIUM         (1) (2)           (1) (2)        (1) (2)      (1) (2)         (1) (2)       (1) (2)
- -----------  -------------  ---------------  -----------------  ---------  -------------  ---------------  ---------
<S>          <C>            <C>              <C>                <C>        <C>            <C>              <C>
     1               968             671                 0        100,000*         696               0       100,000*
     2             1,985           1,369               193        100,000        1,423             247       100,000
     3             3,052           2,093               595        100,000        2,180             682       100,000
     4             4,173           2,844             1,346        100,000        2,967           1,469       100,000
     5             5,349           3,621             2,123        100,000        3,787           2,289       100,000
     6             6,585           4,423             3,075        100,000        4,640           3,292       100,000
     7             7,882           5,249             4,051        100,000        5,527           4,329       100,000
     8             9,245           6,099             5,051        100,000        6,449           5,400       100,000
     9            10,675           6,971             6,073        100,000        7,405           6,507       100,000
    10            12,177           7,866             7,117        100,000        8,398           7,649       100,000
    11            13,754           8,781             8,182        100,000        9,426           8,827       100,000
    12            15,409           9,715             9,266        100,000       10,491          10,042       100,000
    13            17,148          10,670            10,370        100,000       11,593          11,294       100,000
    14            18,973          11,642            11,492        100,000       12,732          12,582       100,000
    15            20,890          12,632            12,632        100,000       13,908          13,908       100,000
    20            32,011          17,841            17,841        100,000       20,366          20,366       100,000
    AGE
    60            64,320          28,401            28,401        100,000       36,326          36,326       100,000
    65            87,439          32,401            32,401        100,000       45,929          45,929       100,000
    70           116,946          33,488            33,488        100,000       56,993          56,993       100,000
    75           154,606          27,450            27,450        100,000       69,922          69,992       100,000
    80           202,670           2,085             2,085        100,000       86,172          86,172       100,000
    85           264,013               0                 0              0      109,722         109,722       115,209
    90           342,305               0                 0              0      138,231         138,231       145,143
    95           442,227               0                 0              0      174,072         174,072       175,813
</TABLE>
    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Assumes  a $922.00  premium (which  exceeds the  annualized Minimum  Monthly
    Premium)  is  paid at  the beginning  of  each Policy  Year. Values  will be
    different if premiums are  paid with a different  frequency or in  different
    amounts.
 
(2)  Assumes  that  no  Policy  loans or  partial  withdrawals  have  been made.
    Excessive loans or  withdrawals may  cause the  Policy to  lapse because  of
    insufficient Cash Surrender Value.
 
  *  Based on (1) and (2) above, the Death Benefit Guarantee is in effect during
    the years shown. Therefore, the Policy remains in force even though the Cash
    Surrender value is zero.
 
THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT  RESULTS ARE  ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, AND  SHOULD NOT  BE
DEEMED  A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RESULTS. ACTUAL INVESTMENT
RESULTS MAY BE MORE  OR LESS THAN THOSE  SHOWN, AND WILL DEPEND  ON A NUMBER  OF
FACTORS,  INCLUDING  THE  INVESTMENT  ALLOCATIONS  BY  A  POLICYHOLDER,  AND THE
DIFFERENT INVESTMENT  RETURNS  FOR  THE  FUNDS.  THE  ACCUMULATION  VALUE,  CASH
SURRENDER  VALUE, AND DEATH BENEFIT  FOR A POLICY WOULD  BE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE
SHOWN ABOVE IF THE ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS APPLICABLE TO THE POLICY AVERAGE 6%
OVER A PERIOD  OF YEARS, BUT  ALSO FLUCTUATED  ABOVE OR BELOW  THAT AVERAGE  FOR
INDIVIDUAL  POLICY YEARS. NO  REPRESENTATION CAN BE  MADE BY US  OR BY THE FUNDS
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL RETURNS CAN BE  ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR, OR  SUSTAINED
OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      C-4
<PAGE>
                        RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                    FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE TO AGE 95
                               MALE ISSUE AGE: 30
                                   NON-SMOKER
                             $922.00 ANNUAL PREMIUM
                              $100,000 FACE AMOUNT
                           LEVEL DEATH BENEFIT OPTION
                       ASSUMED HYPOTHETICAL GROSS ANNUAL
                         INVESTMENT RATE OF RETURN: 12%
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       GUARANTEED COSTS                           CURRENT COSTS
                            ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
                            ACCUMULATION  CASH SURRENDER    DEATH    ACCUMULATION  CASH SURRENDER    DEATH
  POLICY      ACCUMULATED      VALUE          VALUE        BENEFIT      VALUE          VALUE        BENEFIT
   YEAR        PREMIUMS       (1) (2)        (1) (2)       (1) (2)     (1) (2)        (1) (2)       (1) (2)
- -----------  -------------  ------------  --------------  ---------  ------------  --------------  ---------
<S>          <C>            <C>           <C>             <C>        <C>           <C>             <C>
     1               968            716              0      100,000*         742              4      100,000
     2             1,985          1,504            328      100,000        1,561            385      100,000
     3             3,052          2,370            872      100,000        2,464            966      100,000
     4             4,173          3,321          1,823      100,000        3,458          1,960      100,000
     5             5,349          4,364          2,866      100,000        4,555          3,057      100,000
     6             6,585          5,508          4,160      100,000        5,763          4,415      100,000
     7             7,882          6,761          5,563      100,000        7,095          5,896      100,000
     8             9,245          8,132          7,084      100,000        8,562          7,513      100,000
     9            10,675          9,635          8,737      100,000       10,179          9,280      100,000
    10            12,177         11,281         10,532      100,000       11,959         11,210      100,000
    11            13,754         13,081         12,484      100,000       13,922         13,323      100,000
    12            15,409         15,057         14,607      100,000       16,084         15,634      100,000
    13            17,148         17,222         16,922      100,000       18,466         18,167      100,000
    14            18,973         19,596         19,446      100,000       21,091         20,941      100,000
    15            20,890         22,204         22,204      100,000       23,985         23,985      100,000
    20            32,011         39,776         39,776      100,000       43,629         43,629      100,000
    AGE
    60            64,320        116,078        116,078      155,545      129,094        129,094      172,986
    65            87,439        192,458        192,458      234,800      215,432        215,432      262,828
    70           116,946        314,883        314,883      365,265      355,678        355,678      412,587
    75           154,606        512,698        512,698      548,587      584,367        584,367      625,273
    80           202,670        837,360        837,360      879,229      960,325        960,325    1,008,342
    85           264,013      1,350,756      1,350,756    1,418,294    1,564,553      1,564,553    1,642,781
    90           342,305      2,144,479      2,144,479    2,251,703    2,523,457      2,523,457    2,649,631
    95           442,227      3,436,628      3,436,628    3,470,995    4,093,150      4,093,150    4,134,082
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)  Assumes a  $922.00 premium  (which exceeds  the annualized  Minimum Monthly
    Premium) is  paid at  the beginning  of  each Policy  Year. Values  will  be
    different  if premiums are  paid with a different  frequency or in different
    amounts.
 
(2) Assumes  that  no  Policy  loans or  partial  withdrawals  have  been  made.
    Excessive  loans or  withdrawals may  cause the  Policy to  lapse because of
    insufficient Cash Surrender Value.
 
  * Based on (1) and (2) above, the Death Benefit Guarantee is in effect  during
    the years shown. Therefore, the Policy remains in force even though the Cash
    Surrender Value is zero.
 
THE  HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT  RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE  ONLY, AND  SHOULD NOT BE
DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RESULTS. ACTUAL  INVESTMENT
RESULTS  MAY BE MORE  OR LESS THAN THOSE  SHOWN, AND WILL DEPEND  ON A NUMBER OF
FACTORS, INCLUDING  THE  INVESTMENT  ALLOCATIONS  BY  A  POLICYHOLDER,  AND  THE
DIFFERENT  INVESTMENT  RETURNS  FOR  THE  FUNDS.  THE  ACCUMULATION  VALUE, CASH
SURRENDER VALUE, AND DEATH  BENEFIT FOR A POLICY  WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM  THOSE
SHOWN  ABOVE IF THE  ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS APPLICABLE  TO THE POLICY AVERAGE
12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THAT AVERAGE  FOR
INDIVIDUAL  POLICY YEARS. NO  REPRESENTATION CAN BE  MADE BY US  OR BY THE FUNDS
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL RETURNS CAN BE  ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR, OR  SUSTAINED
OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      C-5
<PAGE>
                        RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                    FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE TO AGE 95
                               MALE ISSUE AGE: 30
                                   NON-SMOKER
                             $922.00 ANNUAL PREMIUM
                              $100,000 FACE AMOUNT
                         VARIABLE DEATH BENEFIT OPTION
                       ASSUMED HYPOTHETICAL GROSS ANNUAL
                         INVESTMENT RATE OF RETURN: 0%
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        Guaranteed Costs                                 Current Costs
                          ---------------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------
                           Accumulation     Cash Surrender      Death     Accumulation     Cash Surrender      Death
 Policy      Premiums          Value             Value         Benefit        Value             Value         Benefit
  Year      Accumulated       (1) (2)           (1) (2)        (1) (2)       (1) (2)           (1) (2)        (1) (2)
- ---------  -------------  ---------------  -----------------  ---------  ---------------  -----------------  ---------
<S>        <C>            <C>              <C>                <C>        <C>              <C>                <C>
    1              968             625                 0        100,625*          650                 0        100,650*
    2            1,985           1,236                60        101,237         1,287               111        101,287
    3            3,052           1,831               333        101,833         1,911               413        101,912
    4            4,173           2,411               913        102,411         2,522             1,024        102,522
    5            5,349           2,971             1,473        102,972         3,119             1,621        103,119
    6            6,585           3,512             2,164        103,513         3,701             2,353        103,701
    7            7,882           4,030             2,832        104,031         4,268             3,070        104,269
    8            9,245           4,525             3,476        104,526         4,819             3,771        104,820
    9           10,675           4,994             4,095        104,994         5,353             4,455        105,354
   10           12,177           5,433             4,684        105,434         5,869             5,120        105,870
   11           13,754           5,842             5,243        105,843         6,366             5,767        106,366
   12           15,409           6,218             5,769        106,219         6,842             6,392        106,842
   13           17,148           6,561             6,262        106,562         7,295             6,995        107,295
   14           18,973           6,867             6,717        106,868         7,722             7,573        107,723
   15           20,890           7,135             7,135        107,136         8,124             8,124        108,125
   20           32,011           7,840             7,840        107,841         9,679             9,679        109,679
   AGE
   60           64,320           4,192             4,192        104,142         9,415             9,415        109,415
   65           87,439               0                 0              0         6,468             6,468        106,468
   70          116,946               0                 0              0           656               656        101,657
   **
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)  Assumes a  $922.00 premium  (which exceeds  the annualized  Minimum Monthly
    Premium) is  paid at  the beginning  of  each Policy  year. Values  will  be
    different  if premiums are  paid with a different  frequency or in different
    amounts.
 
(2) Assumes  that  no  Policy  loans or  partial  withdrawals  have  been  made.
    Excessive  loans or  withdrawals may  cause the  Policy to  lapse because of
    insufficient Cash Surrender Value.
 
  * Based on (1) and (2) above, the Death Benefit Guarantee is in effect  during
    the years shown. Therefore, the policy remains in force even though the Cash
    Surrender Value is zero.
 
 ** Policy terminates prior to Age 75.
 
THE  HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT  RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE  ONLY, AND  SHOULD NOT BE
DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RESULTS. ACTUAL  INVESTMENT
RESULTS  MAY BE MORE  OR LESS THAN THOSE  SHOWN, AND WILL DEPEND  ON A NUMBER OF
FACTORS, INCLUDING  THE  INVESTMENT  ALLOCATIONS  BY  A  POLICYHOLDER,  AND  THE
DIFFERENT  INVESTMENT  RETURNS  FOR  THE  FUNDS.  THE  ACCUMULATION  VALUE, CASH
SURRENDER VALUE, AND DEATH  BENEFIT FOR A POLICY  WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM  THOSE
SHOWN ABOVE IF THE ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS APPLICABLE TO THE POLICY AVERAGE 0%
OVER  A PERIOD  OF YEARS, BUT  ALSO FLUCTUATED  ABOVE OR BELOW  THAT AVERAGE FOR
INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO  REPRESENTATION CAN BE  MADE BY US  OR BY THE  FUNDS
THAT  THESE HYPOTHETICAL RETURNS CAN BE ACHIEVED  FOR ANY ONE YEAR, OR SUSTAINED
OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      C-6
<PAGE>
                        RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                    FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE TO AGE 95
                               MALE ISSUE AGE: 30
                                   NON-SMOKER
                             $922.00 ANNUAL PREMIUM
                              $100,000 FACE AMOUNT
                         VARIABLE DEATH BENEFIT OPTION
                       ASSUMED HYPOTHETICAL GROSS ANNUAL
                         INVESTMENT RATE OF RETURN: 6%
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        Guaranteed Costs                                 Current Costs
                          ---------------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------
                           Accumulation     Cash Surrender      Death     Accumulation     Cash Surrender      Death
 Policy      Premiums          Value             Value         Benefit        Value             Value         Benefit
  Year      Accumulated       (1) (2)           (1) (2)        (1) (2)       (1) (2)           (1) (2)        (1) (2)
- ---------  -------------  ---------------  -----------------  ---------  ---------------  -----------------  ---------
<S>        <C>            <C>              <C>                <C>        <C>              <C>                <C>
    1              968             670                 0        100,670*          695                 0        100,696*
    2            1,985           1,365               189        101,365         1,419               243        101,420
    3            3,052           2,085               587        102,085         2,172               674        102,173
    4            4,173           2,830             1,332        102,830         2,954             1,456        102,955
    5            5,349           3,598             2,100        103,598         3,767             2,269        103,768
    6            6,585           4,389             3,041        104,390         4,611             3,263        104,612
    7            7,882           5,201             4,003        105,202         5,487             4,288        105,487
    8            9,245           6,034             4,985        106,034         6,394             5,345        106,394
    9           10,675           6,884             5,985        106,885         7,333             6,435        107,334
   10           12,177           7,751             7,002        107,752         8,305             7,556        108,305
   11           13,754           8,632             8,033        108,633         9,308             8,709        109,309
   12           15,409           9,527             9,077        109,527        10,343             9,894        110,344
   13           17,148          10,431            10,132        110,432        11,409            11,109        111,410
   14           18,973          11,346            11,196        111,346        12,504            12,355        112,505
   15           20,890          12,267            12,267        112,267        13,630            13,630        113,630
   20           32,011          16,899            16,899        116,899        19,662            19,662        119,662
   AGE
   60           64,320          23,776            23,776        123,776        32,794            32,794        132,794
   65           87,439          23,112            23,112        123,133        38,553            38,553        138,554
   70          116,946          15,868            15,868        115,868        42,206            42,206        142,207
   75          154,606               0                 0              0        40,589            40,589        140,590
   80          202,670               0                 0              0        27,665            27,665        127,666
   **
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Assumes  a $922.00  premium (which  exceeds the  annualized Minimum  Monthly
    Premium)  is  paid at  the beginning  of  each Policy  Year. Values  will be
    different if premiums are  paid with a different  frequency or in  different
    amounts.
 
(2)  Assumes  that  no  Policy  loans or  partial  withdrawals  have  been made.
    Excessive loans or  withdrawals may  cause the  Policy to  lapse because  of
    insufficient Cash Surrender Value.
 
  *  Based on (1) and (2) above, the Death Benefit Guarantee is in effect during
    the years shown. Therefore, the Policy remains in force even though the Cash
    Surrender Value is zero.
 
 ** Policy terminates prior to Age 85.
 
THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT  RESULTS ARE  ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, AND  SHOULD NOT  BE
DEEMED  A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RESULTS. ACTUAL INVESTMENT
RESULTS MAY BE MORE  OR LESS THAN THOSE  SHOWN, AND WILL DEPEND  ON A NUMBER  OF
FACTORS,  INCLUDING  THE  INVESTMENT  ALLOCATIONS  BY  A  POLICYHOLDER,  AND THE
DIFFERENT INVESTMENT  RETURNS  FOR  THE  FUNDS.  THE  ACCUMULATION  VALUE,  CASH
SURRENDER  VALUE, AND DEATH BENEFIT  FOR A POLICY WOULD  BE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE
SHOWN ABOVE IF THE ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS APPLICABLE TO THE POLICY AVERAGE 6%
OVER A PERIOD  OF YEARS, BUT  ALSO FLUCTUATED  ABOVE OR BELOW  THAT AVERAGE  FOR
INDIVIDUAL  POLICY YEARS. NO  REPRESENTATION CAN BE  MADE BY US  OR BY THE FUNDS
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL RETURNS CAN BE  ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR, OR  SUSTAINED
OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      C-7
<PAGE>
                        RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                    FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE TO AGE 95
                               MALE ISSUE AGE: 30
                                   NON-SMOKER
                             $922.00 ANNUAL PREMIUM
                              $100,000 FACE AMOUNT
                         VARIABLE DEATH BENEFIT OPTION
                       ASSUMED HYPOTHETICAL GROSS ANNUAL
                         INVESTMENT RATE OF RETURN: 12%
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      Guaranteed Costs                           Current Costs
                          ----------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------
                          Accumulation   Cash Surrender    Death    Accumulation   Cash Surrender    Death
 Policy      Premiums         Value          Value        Benefit       Value          Value        Benefit
  Year      Accumulated      (1) (2)        (1) (2)       (1) (2)      (1) (2)        (1) (2)       (1) (2)
- ---------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ---------  -------------  --------------  ---------
<S>        <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>        <C>            <C>             <C>
    1              968            715               0      100,715*         741               3      100,741
    2            1,985          1,500             324      101,500        1,557             381      101,558
    3            3,052          2,360             862      102,361        2,455             957      102,456
    4            4,173          3,303           1,805      103,304        3,443           1,945      103,444
    5            5,349          4,336           2,838      104,336        4,530           3,032      104,531
    6            6,585          5,464           4,116      105,465        5,726           4,377      105,726
    7            7,882          6,696           5,498      106,697        7,040           5,842      107,041
    8            9,245          8,042           6,993      108,042        8,485           7,437      108,486
    9           10,675          9,508           8,609      109,509       10,074           9,175      110,074
   10           12,177         11,107          10,358      111,108       11,819          11,070      111,819
   11           13,754         12,848          12,249      112,849       13,736          13,136      113,736
   12           15,409         14,745          14,296      114,746       15,840          15,391      115,841
   13           17,148         16,814          16,514      116,814       18,150          17,851      118,151
   14           18,973         19,066          18,916      119,066       20,685          20,535      120,685
   15           20,890         21,520          21,520      121,520       23,466          23,466      123,467
   20           32,011         37,562          37,562      137,562       41,998          41,998      141,998
   AGE
   60           64,320        100,106         100,106      200,107      118,368         118,368      218,369
   65           87,439        158,092         158,092      258,092      193,047         193,047      293,047
   70          116,946        246,629         246,629      346,629      312,426         312,426      412,426
   75          154,606        381,230         381,320      481,321      502,844         502,844      602,845
   80          202,670        585,211         585,211      685,211      805,474         805,474      905,474
   85          264,013        896,095         896,095      996,095    1,289,004       1,289,004    1,389,004
   90          342,305      1,372,464       1,372,464    1,472,464    2,066,485       2,066,485    2,169,810
   95          442,227      2,114,999       2,114,999    2,214,999    3,325,356       3,325,356    3,425,356
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)  Assumes a  $922.00 premium  (which exceeds  the annualized  Minimum Monthly
    Premium) is  paid at  the beginning  of  each Policy  Year. Values  will  be
    different  if premiums are  paid with a different  frequency or in different
    amounts.
 
(2) Assumes  that  no  Policy  loans or  partial  withdrawals  have  been  made.
    Excessive  loans or  withdrawals may  cause the  Policy to  lapse because of
    insufficient Cash Surrender Value.
 
  * Based on (1) and (2) above, the Death Benefit Guarantee is in effect  during
    the years shown. Therefore, the Policy remains in force even though the Cash
    Surrender Value is zero.
 
THE  HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT  RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE  ONLY, AND  SHOULD NOT BE
DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RESULTS. ACTUAL  INVESTMENT
RESULTS  MAY BE MORE  OR LESS THAN THOSE  SHOWN, AND WILL DEPEND  ON A NUMBER OF
FACTORS, INCLUDING  THE  INVESTMENT  ALLOCATIONS  BY  A  POLICYHOLDER,  AND  THE
DIFFERENT  INVESTMENT  RETURNS  FOR  THE  FUNDS.  THE  ACCUMULATION  VALUE, CASH
SURRENDER VALUE, AND DEATH  BENEFIT FOR A POLICY  WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM  THOSE
SHOWN  ABOVE IF THE  ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS APPLICABLE  TO THE POLICY AVERAGE
12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THAT AVERAGE  FOR
INDIVIDUAL  POLICY YEARS. NO  REPRESENTATION CAN BE  MADE BY US  OR BY THE FUNDS
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL RETURNS CAN BE  ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR, OR  SUSTAINED
OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      C-8
<PAGE>
                        RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                    FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE TO AGE 95
                               MALE ISSUE AGE: 45
                                   NON-SMOKER
                            $1,925.00 ANNUAL PREMIUM
                              $100,000 FACE AMOUNT
                           LEVEL DEATH BENEFIT OPTION
                       ASSUMED HYPOTHETICAL GROSS ANNUAL
                         INVESTMENT RATE OF RETURN: 0%
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Guaranteed Costs                                 Current Costs
               Premiums     ---------------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------
              Accumulated    Accumulation     Cash Surrender      Death     Accumulation     Cash Surrender      Death
  Policy         At 5%           Value             Value         Benefit        Value             Value         Benefit
   Year        Interest         (1) (2)           (1) (2)        (1) (2)       (1) (2)           (1) (2)        (1) (2)
- -----------  -------------  ---------------  -----------------  ---------  ---------------  -----------------  ---------
<S>          <C>            <C>              <C>                <C>        <C>              <C>                <C>
     1             2,021           1,277                 0        100,000*        1,435                70        100,000
     2             4,144           2,504               226        100,000         2,830               551        100,000
     3             6,372           3,681               729        100,000         4,183             1,231        100,000
     4             8,712           4,806             1,854        100,000         5,496             2,544        100,000
     5            11,169           5,877             2,925        100,000         6,764             3,812        100,000
     6            13,748           6,889             4,232        100,000         7,987             5,330        100,000
     7            16,457           7,836             5,475        100,000         9,162             6,800        100,000
     8            19,301           8,715             6,648        100,000        10,288             8,222        100,000
     9            22,287           9,516             7,745        100,000        11,362             9,591        100,000
    10            25,423          10,235             8,759        100,000        12,382            10,906        100,000
    11            28,715          10,868             9,687        100,000        13,347            12,166        100,000
    12            32,173          11,410            10,525        100,000        14,253            13,367        100,000
    13            35,802          11,859            11,269        100,000        15,100            14,509        100,000
    14            39,614          12,209            11,913        100,000        15,882            15,587        100,000
    15            43,616          12,450            12,450        100,000        16,597            16,597        100,000
    20            66,835          11,541            11,541        100,000        18,890            18,890        100,000
    AGE
    75           134,290               0                 0              0        13,712            13,712        100,000
    **
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)  Assumes a $1,925.00  premium (which exceeds  the annualized Minimum Monthly
    Premium) is  paid at  the beginning  of  each Policy  Year. Values  will  be
    different  if premiums are  paid with a different  frequency or in different
    amounts.
 
(2) Assumes  that  no  Policy  loans or  partial  withdrawals  have  been  made.
    excessive  loans or  withdrawals may  cause the  Policy to  lapse because of
    insufficient Cash Surrender Value.
 
  * Based on (1) and (2) above, the Death Benefit Guarantee is in effect  during
    the years shown. Therefore, the Policy remains in force even though the Cash
    Surrender Value is zero.
 
 ** Policy terminates prior to Age 80.
 
THE  HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT  RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE  ONLY, AND  SHOULD NOT BE
DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RESULTS. ACTUAL  INVESTMENT
RESULTS  MAY BE MORE  OR LESS THAN THOSE  SHOWN, AND WILL DEPEND  ON A NUMBER OF
FACTORS  INCLUDING  THE  INVESTMENT  ALLOCATIONS  BY  A  POLICYHOLDER,  AND  THE
DIFFERENT  INVESTMENT  RETURNS  FOR  THE  FUNDS.  THE  ACCUMULATION  VALUE, CASH
SURRENDER VALUE, AND DEATH  BENEFIT FOR A POLICY  WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM  THOSE
SHOWN ABOVE IF THE ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS APPLICABLE TO THE POLICY AVERAGE 0%
OVER  A PERIOD  OF YEARS, BUT  ALSO FLUCTUATED  ABOVE OR BELOW  THAT AVERAGE FOR
INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO  REPRESENTATION CAN BE  MADE BY US  OR BY THE  FUNDS
THAT  THESE HYPOTHETICAL RETURNS CAN BE ACHIEVED  FOR ANY ONE YEAR, OR SUSTAINED
OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      C-9
<PAGE>
                        RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                    FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE TO AGE 95
                               MALE ISSUE AGE: 45
                                   NON-SMOKER
                            $1,925.00 ANNUAL PREMIUM
                              $100,000 FACE AMOUNT
                           LEVEL DEATH BENEFIT OPTION
                       ASSUMED HYPOTHETICAL GROSS ANNUAL
                         INVESTMENT RATE OF RETURN: 6%
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Guaranteed Costs                               Current Costs
               Premiums     ---------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------------
              Accumulated    Accumulation     Cash Surrender      Death    Accumulation   Cash Surrender     Death
  Policy         At 5%           Value             Value         Benefit       Value           Value        Benefit
   Year        Interest         (1) (2)           (1) (2)        (1) (2)      (1) (2)         (1) (2)       (1) (2)
- -----------  -------------  ---------------  -----------------  ---------  -------------  ---------------  ---------
<S>          <C>            <C>              <C>                <C>        <C>            <C>              <C>
     1             2,021           1,371                 6        100,000        1,533             168       100,000
     2             4,144           2,771               492        100,000        3,116             837       100,000
     3             6,372           4,203             1,251        100,000        4,751           1,799       100,000
     4             8,712           5,666             2,714        100,000        6,438           3,486       100,000
     5            11,169           7,159             4,207        100,000        8,179           5,227       100,000
     6            13,748           8,679             6,023        100,000        9,975           7,318       100,000
     7            16,457          10,224             7,862        100,000       11,825           9,463       100,000
     8            19,301          11,788             9,721        100,000       13,731          11,665       100,000
     9            22,287          13,365            11,594        100,000       15,694          13,923       100,000
    10            25,423          14,954            13,478        100,000       17,715          16,239       100,000
    11            28,715          16,551            15,370        100,000       19,796          18,615       100,000
    12            32,173          18,155            17,269        100,000       21,939          21,053       100,000
    13            35,802          19,765            19,174        100,000       24,147          23,557       100,000
    14            39,614          21,377            21,082        100,000       26,422          26,127       100,000
    15            43,616          22,991            22,991        100,000       28,766          28,766       100,000
    20            66,835          30,748            30,748        100,000       41,542          41,542       100,000
    AGE
    75           134,290          39,770            39,770        100,000       75,631          75,631       100,000
    80           182,560          32,265            32,265        100,000      101,523         101,523       106,600
    85           244,167               0                 0              0      134,747         134,747       141,485
    90           322,794               0                 0              0      174,067         174,067       182,770
    95           423,145               0                 0              0      223,395         223,395       225,630
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Assumes a $1,925.00  premium (which exceeds  the annualized Minimum  Monthly
    Premium)  is  paid at  the beginning  of  each Policy  Year. Values  will be
    different if premiums are  paid with a different  frequency or in  different
    amounts.
 
(2)  Assumes  that  no  Policy  loans or  partial  withdrawals  have  been made.
    Excessive loans or  withdrawals may  cause the  Policy to  lapse because  of
    insufficient Cash Surrender value.
 
THE  HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT  RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE  ONLY, AND  SHOULD NOT BE
DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RESULTS. ACTUAL  INVESTMENT
RESULTS  MAY BE MORE  OR LESS THAN THOSE  SHOWN, AND WILL DEPEND  ON A NUMBER OF
FACTORS, INCLUDING  THE  INVESTMENT  ALLOCATIONS  BY  A  POLICYHOLDER,  AND  THE
DIFFERENT  INVESTMENT  RETURNS  FOR  THE  FUNDS.  THE  ACCUMULATION  VALUE, CASH
SURRENDER VALUE, AND DEATH  BENEFIT FOR A POLICY  WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM  THOSE
SHOWN ABOVE IF THE ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS APPLICABLE TO THE POLICY AVERAGE 6%
OVER  A PERIOD  OF YEARS, BUT  ALSO FLUCTUATED  ABOVE OR BELOW  THAT AVERAGE FOR
INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO  REPRESENTATION CAN BE  MADE BY US  OR BY THE  FUNDS
THAT  THESE HYPOTHETICAL RETURNS CAN BE ACHIEVED  FOR ANY ONE YEAR, OR SUSTAINED
OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      C-10
<PAGE>
                        RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                    FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE TO AGE 95
                               MALE ISSUE AGE: 45
                                   NON-SMOKER
                            $1,925.00 ANNUAL PREMIUM
                              $100,000 FACE AMOUNT
                           LEVEL DEATH BENEFIT OPTION
                       ASSUMED HYPOTHETICAL GROSS ANNUAL
                         INVESTMENT RATE OF RETURN: 12%
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        Guaranteed Costs                           Current Costs
               Premiums     ----------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------
              Accumulated   Accumulation   Cash Surrender    Death    Accumulation   Cash Surrender    Death
  Policy         At 5%          Value          Value        Benefit       Value          Value        Benefit
   Year        Interest        (1) (2)        (1) (2)       (1) (2)      (1) (2)        (1) (2)       (1) (2)
- -----------  -------------  -------------  --------------  ---------  -------------  --------------  ---------
<S>          <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>        <C>            <C>             <C>
     1             2,021          1,464              99      100,000        1,631             266      100,000
     2             4,144          3,049             770      100,000        3,414           1,135      100,000
     3             6,372          4,769           1,817      100,000        5,366           2,414      100,000
     4             8,712          6,639           3,687      100,000        7,503           4,551      100,000
     5            11,169          8,672           5,720      100,000        9,844           6,892      100,000
     6            13,748         10,884           8,227      100,000       12,411           9,754      100,000
     7            16,457         13,289          10,927      100,000       15,225          12,864      100,000
     8            19,301         15,904          13,838      100,000       18,316          16,249      100,000
     9            22,287         18,753          16,982      100,000       21,712          19,940      100,000
    10            25,423         21,858          20,382      100,000       25,447          23,971      100,000
    11            28,715         25,250          24,069      100,000       29,562          28,381      100,000
    12            32,173         28,964          28,079      100,000       34,101          33,215      100,000
    13            35,802         33,044          32,453      100,000       39,116          38,525      100,000
    14            39,614         37,537          37,242      100,000       44,663          44,368      100,000
    15            43,616         42,498          42,498      100,000       50,810          50,810      100,000
    20            66,835         76,969          76,969      100,000       93,519          93,519      114,093
    AGE
    75           134,290        230,274         230,274      246,394      278,870         278,870      298,392
    80           182,560        385,581         385,581      404,860      467,659         467,659      491,042
    85           244,167        631,346         631,346      662,914      771,186         771,186      809,746
    90           322,794      1,011,569       1,011,569    1,062,148    1,253,035       1,253,035    1,315,688
    95           423,145      1,630,409       1,630,409    1,646,714    2,041,717       2,041,717    2,062,135
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Assumes a $1,925.00  premium (which exceeds  the annualized Minimum  Monthly
    Premium)  is  paid at  the beginning  of  each Policy  Year. Values  will be
    different if premiums are  paid with a different  frequency or in  different
    amounts.
 
(2)  Assumes  that  no  Policy  loans or  partial  withdrawals  have  been made.
    Excessive loans or  withdrawals may  cause the  Policy to  lapse because  of
    insufficient Cash Surrender Value.
 
THE  HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT  RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE  ONLY, AND  SHOULD NOT BE
DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RESULTS. ACTUAL  INVESTMENT
RESULTS  MAY BE MORE  OR LESS THAN THOSE  SHOWN, AND WILL DEPEND  ON A NUMBER OF
FACTORS, INCLUDING  THE  INVESTMENT  ALLOCATIONS  BY  A  POLICYHOLDER,  AND  THE
DIFFERENT  INVESTMENT  RETURNS  FOR  THE  FUNDS.  THE  ACCUMULATION  VALUE, CASH
SURRENDER VALUE, AND DEATH  BENEFIT FOR A POLICY  WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM  THOSE
SHOWN  ABOVE IF THE  ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS APPLICABLE  TO THE POLICY AVERAGE
12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THAT AVERAGE  FOR
INDIVIDUAL  POLICY YEARS. NO  REPRESENTATION CAN BE  MADE BY US  OR BY THE FUNDS
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL RETURNS CAN BE  ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR, OR  SUSTAINED
OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      C-11
<PAGE>
                        RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                    FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE TO AGE 95
                               MALE ISSUE AGE: 45
                                   NON-SMOKER
                            $1,925.00 ANNUAL PREMIUM
                              $100,000 FACE AMOUNT
                         VARIABLE DEATH BENEFIT OPTION
                       ASSUMED HYPOTHETICAL GROSS ANNUAL
                         INVESTMENT RATE OF RETURN: 0%
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Guaranteed Costs                                 Current Costs
               Premiums     ---------------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------
              Accumulated    Accumulation     Cash Surrender      Death     Accumulation     Cash Surrender      Death
  Policy         At 5%           Value             Value         Benefit        Value             Value         Benefit
   Year        Interest         (1) (2)           (1) (2)        (1) (2)       (1) (2)           (1) (2)        (1) (2)
- -----------  -------------  ---------------  -----------------  ---------  ---------------  -----------------  ---------
<S>          <C>            <C>              <C>                <C>        <C>              <C>                <C>
     1             2,021           1,269                 0        101,270*        1,430                65        101,430
     2             4,144           2,483               204        102,483         2,814               536        102,815
     3             6,372           3,638               686        103,639         4,153             1,201        104,153
     4             8,712           4,733             1,781        104,734         5,443             2,491        105,444
     5            11,169           5,764             2,812        105,765         6,683             3,731        106,683
     6            13,748           6,727             4,071        106,728         7,869             5,212        107,869
     7            16,457           7,615             5,253        107,615         8,998             6,637        108,999
     8            19,301           8,420             6,354        108,421        10,069             8,003        110,070
     9            22,287           9,135             7,364        109,136        11,078             9,307        111,078
    10            25,423           9,752             8,277        109,753        12,020            10,544        112,021
    11            28,715          10,267             9,087        110,268        12,894            11,714        112,895
    12            32,173          10,676             9,790        110,676        13,696            12,811        113,697
    13            35,802          10,972            10,382        110,973        14,424            13,834        114,424
    14            39,614          11,152            10,857        111,152        15,071            14,776        115,071
    15            43,616          11,206            11,206        111,207        15,632            15,632        115,632
    20            66,835           9,083             9,083        109,084        16,819            16,819        116,819
    AGE
    75           134,290               0                 0              0         7,605             7,605        107,606
    **
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)  Assumes a $1,925.00  premium (which exceeds  the annualized Minimum Monthly
    Premium) is  paid at  the beginning  of  each Policy  Year. Values  will  be
    different  if premiums are  paid with a different  frequency or in different
    amounts.
 
(2) Assumes  that  no  Policy  loans or  partial  withdrawals  have  been  made.
    Excessive  loans or  withdrawals may  cause the  Policy to  lapse because of
    insufficient Cash Surrender Value.
 
  * Based on (1) and (2) above, the Death Benefit Guarantee is in effect  during
    the years shown. Therefore, the Policy remains in force even though the Cash
    Surrender Value is zero.
 
 ** Policy terminates prior to Age 80.
 
THE  HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT  RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE  ONLY, AND  SHOULD NOT BE
DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RESULTS. ACUTAL  INVESTMENT
RESULTS  MAY BE MORE  OR LESS THAN THOSE  SHOWN, AND WILL DEPEND  ON A NUMBER OF
FACTORS, INCLUDING  THE  INVESTMENT  ALLOCATIONS  BY  A  POLICYHOLDER,  AND  THE
DIFFERENT  INVESTMENT  RETURNS  FOR  THE  FUNDS.  THE  ACCUMULATION  VALUE, CASH
SURRENDER VALUE, AND DEATH  BENEFIT FOR A POLICY  WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM  THOSE
SHOWN ABOVE IF THE ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS APPLICABLE TO THE POLICY AVERAGE 0%
OVER  A PERIOD  OF YEARS, BUT  ALSO FLUCTUATED  ABOVE OR BELOW  THAT AVERAGE FOR
INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO  REPRESENTATION CAN BE  MADE BY US  OR BY THE  FUNDS
THAT  THESE HYPOTHETICAL RETURNS CAN BE ACHIEVED  FOR ANY ONE YEAR, OR SUSTAINED
OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      C-12
<PAGE>
                        RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                    FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE TO AGE 95
                               MALE ISSUE AGE: 45
                                   NON-SMOKER
                            $1,925.00 ANNUAL PREMIUM
                              $100,000 FACE AMOUNT
                         VARIABLE DEATH BENEFIT OPTION
                       ASSUMED HYPOTHETICAL GROSS ANNUAL
                         INVESTMENT RATE OF RETURN: 6%
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Guaranteed Costs                                 Current Costs
               Premiums     ---------------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------
              Accumulated    Accumulation     Cash Surrender      Death     Accumulation     Cash Surrender      Death
  Policy         At 5%           Value             Value         Benefit        Value             Value         Benefit
   Year        Interest         (1) (2)           (1) (2)        (1) (2)       (1) (2)           (1) (2)        (1) (2)
- -----------  -------------  ---------------  -----------------  ---------  ---------------  -----------------  ---------
<S>          <C>            <C>              <C>                <C>        <C>              <C>                <C>
     1             2,021           1,362                 0        101,363*        1,527               163        101,528
     2             4,144           2,747               468        102,747         3,099               820        103,100
     3             6,372           4,153             1,201        104,153         4,715             1,763        104,716
     4             8,712           5,578             2,626        105,579         6,375             3,423        106,376
     5            11,169           7,019             4,067        107,015         8,078             5,126        108,078
     6            13,748           8,469             5,813        108,471         9,821             7,165        109,822
     7            16,457           9,924             7,562        109,924        11,604             9,242        111,604
     8            19,301          11,372             9,306        111,373        13,424            11,358        113,425
     9            22,287          12,806            11,034        112,806        15,279            13,508        115,279
    10            25,423          14,215            12,739        114,215        17,165            15,689        117,165
    11            28,715          15,591            14,410        115,592        19,080            17,900        119,081
    12            32,173          16,928            16,042        116,928        21,022            20,137        120,023
    13            35,802          18,217            17,626        118,217        22,988            22,397        122,988
    14            39,614          19,449            19,153        119,448        24,970            24,675        124,971
    15            43,616          20,609            20,609        120,610        26,964            26,964        126,965
    20            66,835          24,612            24,612        124,612        36,722            36,722        136,722
    AGE
    75           134,290          11,101            11,101        111,101        50,015            50,015        150,016
    80           182,560               0                 0              0        44,926            44,926        144,926
    85           244,167               0                 0              0        23,069            23,069        123,069
    **
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Assumes a $1,925.00  premium (which exceeds  the annualized Minimum  Monthly
    Premium)  is  paid at  the beginning  of  each Policy  Year. Values  will be
    different if premiums are  paid with a different  frequency or in  different
    amounts.
 
(2)  Assumes  that  no  Policy  loans or  partial  withdrawals  have  been made.
    excessive loans or  withdrawals may  cause the  Policy to  lapse because  of
    insufficient Cash Surrender Value.
 
  *  Based on (1) and (2) above, the Death Benefit Guarantee is in effect during
    the years shown. Therefore, the Policy remains in force even though the Cash
    Surrender Value is zero.
 
 ** Policy terminates prior to Age 90.
 
THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT  RESULTS ARE  ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, AND  SHOULD NOT  BE
DEEMED  A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RESULTS. ACUTAL INVESTMENT
RESULTS MAY BE MORE  OR LESS THAN THOSE  SHOWN, AND WILL DEPEND  ON A NUMBER  OF
FACTORS,  INCLUDING  THE  INVESTMENT  ALLOCATIONS  BY  A  POLICYHOLDER,  AND THE
DIFFERENT INVESTMENT  RETURNS  FOR  THE  FUNDS.  THE  ACCUMULATION  VALUE,  CASH
SURRENDER  VALUE, AND DEATH BENEFIT  FOR A POLICY WOULD  BE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE
SHOWN ABOVE IF THE ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS APPLICABLE TO THE POLICY AVERAGE 6%
OVER A PERIOD  OF YEARS, BUT  ALSO FLUCTUATED  ABOVE OR BELOW  THAT AVERAGE  FOR
INDIVIDUAL  POLICY YEARS. NO  REPRESENTATION CAN BE  MADE BY US  OR BY THE FUNDS
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL RETURNS CAN BE  ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR, OR  SUSTAINED
OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      C-13
<PAGE>
                        RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                    FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE TO AGE 95
                               MALE ISSUE AGE: 45
                                   NON-SMOKER
                            $1,925.00 ANNUAL PREMIUM
                              $100,000 FACE AMOUNT
                         VARIABLE DEATH BENEFIT OPTION
                       ASSUMED HYPOTHETICAL GROSS ANNUAL
                         INVESTMENT RATE OF RETURN: 12%
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        Guaranteed Costs                            Current Costs
               Premiums     -----------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------
              Accumulated   Accumulation   Cash Surrender     Death    Accumulation   Cash Surrender    Death
  Policy         At 5%          Value           Value        Benefit       Value          Value        Benefit
   Year        Interest        (1) (2)         (1) (2)       (1) (2)      (1) (2)        (1) (2)       (1) (2)
- -----------  -------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------  -------------  --------------  ---------
<S>          <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>        <C>            <C>             <C>
     1             2,021          1,454              90       101,455        1,625             261      101,626
     2             4,144          3,023             744       103,023        3,396           1,117      103,396
     3             6,372          4,712           1,760       104,713        5,325           2,373      105,325
     4             8,712          6,535           3,583       106,535        7,428           4,474      107,428
     5            11,169          8,498           5,546       108,499        9,719           6,767      109,719
     6            13,748         10,613           7,956       110,613       12,214           9,557      112,214
     7            16,457         12,885          10,523       112,885       14,930          12,568      114,930
     8            19,301         15,323          13,257       115,324       17,889          15,822      117,889
     9            22,287         17,935          16,164       117,936       21,109          19,338      121,109
    10            25,423         20,731          19,255       120,732       24,616          23,140      124,616
    11            28,715         23,726          22,542       123,723       28,435          27,254      128,435
    12            32,173         26,925          26,039       126,925       32,594          31,709      132,594
    13            35,802         30,350          29,762       130,353       37,126          36,536      137,126
    14            39,614         34,023          33,728       134,024      412,062          41,767      142,062
    15            43,616         37,952          37,952       137,952       47,439          47,439      147,440
    20            66,835         61,836          61,836       161,836       82,300          82,300      182,301
    AGE
    75           134,290        135,249         135,249       235,249      217,321         217,321      317,322
    80           182,560        184,380         184,380       284,380      339,626         339,626      439,627
    85           244,167        238,503         238,503       338,503      524,401         524,401      624,401
    90           322,794        288,076         288,076       388,076      806,441         806,441      906,441
    95           423,145        319,659         319,659       419,659    1,244,283       1,244,283    1,344,284
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)  Assumes a $1,925.00  premium (which exceeds  the annualized Minimum Monthly
    Premium) is  paid at  the beginning  of  each Policy  Year. Values  will  be
    different  if premiums are  paid with a different  frequency or in different
    amounts.
 
(2) Assumes  that  no  Policy  loans or  partial  withdrawals  have  been  made.
    Excessive  loans or  withdrawals may  cause the  Policy to  lapse because of
    insufficient Cash Surrender Value.
 
THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT  RESULTS ARE  ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, AND  SHOULD NOT  BE
DEEMED  A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RESULTS. ACUTAL INVESTMENT
RESULTS MAY BE MORE  OR LESS THAN THOSE  SHOWN, AND WILL DEPEND  ON A NUMBER  OF
FACTORS,  INCLUDING  THE  INVESTMENT  ALLOCATIONS  BY  A  POLICYHOLDER,  AND THE
DIFFERENT INVESTMENT  RETURNS  FOR  THE  FUNDS.  THE  ACCUMULATION  VALUE,  CASH
SURRENDER  VALUE, AND DEATH BENEFIT  FOR A POLICY WOULD  BE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE
SHOWN ABOVE IF THE  ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS APPLICABLE  TO THE POLICY  AVERAGE
12%  OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THAT AVERAGE FOR
INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO  REPRESENTATION CAN BE  MADE BY US  OR BY THE  FUNDS
THAT  THESE HYPOTHETICAL RETURNS CAN BE ACHIEVED  FOR ANY ONE YEAR, OR SUSTAINED
OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      C-14
<PAGE>
                                   APPENDIX D
                   MAXIMUM CONTINGENT DEFERRED ADMINISTRATIVE
                       CHARGES PER $1,000 OF FACE AMOUNT
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Insured's Age at Policy Date or Effective
                  Date                        Charge Per $1,000 of Face Amount (Initial
  of Requested Increase, As Appropriate     Face Amount or Amount of Requested Increase)
- -----------------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>
                  0-20                                        $    2.00
                   21                                              2.10
                   22                                              2.20
                   23                                              2.30
                   24                                              2.40
                   25                                              2.50
                   26                                              2.60
                   27                                              2.70
                   28                                              2.80
                   29                                              2.90
                   30                                              3.00
                   31                                              3.10
                   32                                              3.20
                   33                                              3.30
                   34                                              3.40
                   35                                              3.50
                   36                                              3.60
                   37                                              3.70
                   38                                              3.80
                   39                                              3.90
                   40                                              4.00
                   41                                              4.10
                   42                                              4.20
                   43                                              4.30
                   44                                              4.40
                   45                                              4.50
                   46                                              4.60
                   47                                              4.70
                   48                                              4.80
                   49                                              4.90
                   50                                              5.00
                   51                                              5.20
                   52                                              5.40
                   53                                              5.60
                   54                                              5.80
                   55                                              6.00
                   56                                              6.20
                   57                                              6.40
                   58                                              6.60
                   59                                              6.80
                  60-75                                            7.00
</TABLE>
 
                                      D-1
<PAGE>
                                   APPENDIX E
                   MAXIMUM CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES
                           PER $1,000 OF FACE AMOUNT
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            Charge Per $1,000 of
                                    Face              Insured's Age at Policy    Charge Per $1,000 of Face
 Insured's Age at Policy    Amount (Initial Face               Date                 Amount (Initial Face
Date or Effective Date of    Amount or Amount of       or Effective Date of         Amount or Amount of
Increase, as Appropriate     Requested Increase)     Increase, as Appropriate       Requested Increase)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Male       Female                                     Male         Female
<S>                        <C>         <C>          <C>                          <C>          <C>
                0              $3.84       $3.06                    38            $   17.60     $   14.00
                1               3.86        3.09                    39                18.49         14.67
                2               3.99        3.18                    40                19.43         15.37
                3               4.12        3.28                    41                20.43         16.13
                4               4.26        3.40                    42                21.48         16.91
                5               4.42        3.52                    43                22.60         17.73
                6               4.58        3.65                    44                23.77         18.59
                7               4.77        3.78                    45                25.02         19.50
                8               4.96        3.92                    46                26.33         20.44
                9               5.16        4.06                    47                27.72         21.46
               10               5.38        4.23                    48                29.21         22.52
               11               5.61        4.40                    49                30.78         23.66
               12               5.85        4.58                    50                32.46         24.85
               13               6.09        4.77                    51                33.97         26.11
               14               6.34        4.96                    52                35.15         27.46
               15               6.60        5.16                    53                36.41         28.88
               16               6.85        5.36                    54                37.74         30.28
               17               7.11        5.59                    55                39.15         31.21
               18               7.37        5.82                    56                40.64         32.19
               19               7.64        6.05                    57                42.21         33.24
               20               7.91        6.30                    58                43.90         34.38
               21               8.21        6.56                    59                44.75         35.61
               22               8.52        6.83                    60                44.29         36.95
               23               8.86        7.13                    61                44.02         38.60
               24               9.23        7.43                    62                43.75         40.37
               25               9.62        7.76                    63                43.47         42.24
               26              10.03        8.09                    64                43.18         44.00
               27              10.47        8.46                    65                42.86         43.60
               28              10.94        8.84                    66                42.54         43.16
               29              11.45        9.24                    67                42.22         42.70
               30              11.98        9.65                    68                41.91         42.23
               31              12.55       10.11                    69                41.63         41.78
               32              13.15       10.58                    70                41.39         41.36
               33              13.79       11.07                    71                41.18         40.96
               34              14.46       11.59                    72                40.99         40.58
               35              15.18       12.15                    73                40.80         40.20
               36              15.95       12.74                    74                40.57         39.79
               37              16.74       13.35                    75                40.31         39.35
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      E-1
<PAGE>
                                   APPENDIX F
              SURRENDER CHARGE GUIDELINE PER $1,000 OF FACE AMOUNT
 
    The following table provides the Surrender Charge Guideline factors that are
used in determining the Sales Charge Refund during the first two Policy Years or
the  first two years following a requested  increase in Face Amount (see section
entitled "Sales Charge  Refund" in Prospectus).  The Surrender Charge  Guideline
factors  are based upon the provisions of Rule 6e-3(T) adopted by the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         Surrender Charge
                                 Surrender Charge                                           Guideline
                                     Guideline                                          Per $1,000 of Face
  Insured's Age at Policy    Per $1,000 of Face Amount    Insured's Age at Policy             Amount
           Date               (Initial Face Amount or              Date              (Initial Face Amount or
   or Effective Date of               Amount               or Effective Date of               Amount
 Increase, as Appropriate     of Requested Increase)     Increase, as Appropriate     of Requested Increase)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Male         Female                                     Male        Female
<S>                          <C>          <C>           <C>                          <C>         <C>
                 0               $2.96        $2.36                     38              $13.54       $10.77
                 1                2.97         2.38                     39               14.23        11.29
                 2                3.07         2.45                     40               14.95        11.83
                 3                3.17         2.53                     41               15.72        12.41
                 4                3.28         2.62                     42               16.53        13.01
                 5                3.40         2.71                     43               17.39        13.64
                 6                3.53         2.81                     44               18.29        14.30
                 7                3.67         2.91                     45               19.25        15.00
                 8                3.82         3.02                     46               20.26        15.73
                 9                3.97         3.13                     47               21.33        16.51
                10                4.14         3.26                     48               22.47        17.33
                11                4.32         3.39                     49               23.68        18.20
                12                4.50         3.53                     50               24.97        19.12
                13                4.69         3.67                     51               26.33        20.09
                14                4.88         3.82                     52               27.78        21.13
                15                5.08         3.97                     53               29.32        22.22
                16                5.27         4.13                     54               30.96        23.37
                17                5.47         4.30                     55               32.69        24.60
                18                5.67         4.48                     56               34.53        25.91
                19                5.88         4.66                     57               36.49        27.30
                20                6.09         4.85                     58               38.57        28.80
                21                6.32         5.05                     59               40.80        30.42
                22                6.56         5.26                     60               43.18        32.16
                23                6.82         5.49                     61               45.72        34.04
                24                7.10         5.72                     62               48.44        36.07
                25                7.40         5.97                     63               51.35        38.24
                26                7.72         6.23                     64               54.44        40.57
                27                8.06         6.51                     65               57.74        43.07
                28                8.42         6.80                     66               61.27        45.74
                29                8.81         7.11                     67               65.04        48.63
                30                9.22         7.43                     68               69.10        51.77
                31                9.66         7.78                     69               73.46        55.19
                32               10.12         8.14                     70               78.17        58.95
                33               10.61         8.52                     71               83.23        63.06
                34               11.13         8.92                     72               88.67        67.55
                35               11.68         9.35                     73               94.48        72.44
                36               12.27         9.80                     74              100.65        77.73
                37               12.88        10.27                     75              107.20        83.45
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>

This Prospectus is accompanied by the following Prospectuses for the Funds:

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND                            CIK                ACCESSION NUMBER
Fidelity Investments            0000356494         0000356494-97-000012
Variable Insurance
Products Funds I
Dated April 30, 1997

Fidelity Investments            0000831016          000356494-97-000013
Variable Insurance
Products Funds II 
Dated April 30, 1997

Putnam Capital Manager          0000822671         0000822671-97-000021 
Trust Dated May 1, 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<PAGE>










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RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
20 Washington Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401

SELECT*LIFE I PROSPECTUS                         N700.84K (APRIL 30, 1997)



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