SAFECO SEPARATE ACCOUNT C
485BPOS, 1999-04-28
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<PAGE>

SPINNAKER                                           File  Nos. 33-69712/811-8052
                                                    ---------------------------



                          SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                               Washington, D.C.  20549
                                       FORM N-4

     REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933                 [ ]
          Pre-Effective Amendment No.                                        [ ]
                                       ------
          Post-Effective Amendment No.   9                                   [X]
                                       ------

     REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940         [ ]
                             Amendment No.    15                             [X]
                                             ----
                          (Check appropriate box or boxes.)

                              SAFECO SEPARATE ACCOUNT C
                             --------------------------
                              (Exact Name of Registrant)

                            SAFECO Life Insurance Company
                           ------------------------------
                                 (Name of Depositor)

           15411 N.E. 51ST Street, Redmond, Washington              98052
          ---------------------------------------------------      -------
          (Address of Depositor's Principal Executive Offices)    (Zip Code)

           Depositor's Telephone Number, including Area Code (425) 867-8000
                                                            ---------------

                        Name and Address of Agent for Service
                        -------------------------------------
                              WILLIAM E. CRAWFORD, ESQ.
                                15411 N.E. 51st Street
                              Redmond, Washington 98052
                                    (425) 867-8257

                                           

Approximate date of Proposed Public Offering . . . . . . . . . . As Soon as
Practicable after Effective Date

It is proposed that this filing will become effective:
               immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
     -----
       X       on April 30, 1999 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
     -----
               60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
     -----
               on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
     -----

If appropriate, check the following:
          this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a 
    ----- previously filed post-effective amendment.

Registrant has declared that it has registered an indefinite number or amount of
securities under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Rule 24f-2 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940.  Registrant filed a Rule 24f-2 Notice for the
fiscal year ending December 31, 1998 on or about March 26, 1999.

<PAGE>

                              SAFECO SEPARATE ACCOUNT C

                          REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM N-4

                                CROSS REFERENCE SHEET

Item No.                                                         Location
- --------                                                         --------

                                        PART A
                                        ------

Item 1.   Cover Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    Cover Page

Item 2.   Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    Index of Special
                                                          Terms

Item 3.   Synopsis or Highlights . . . . . . . . . . .    Fee Table; Summary 

Item 4.   Condensed Financial Information. . . . . . .    Appendix--Accumulation
                                                          Unit Value History

Item 5.   General Description of Registrant, Depositor,
          and Portfolio Companies. . . . . . . . . . .    Other Information

Item 6.   Deductions and Expenses. . . . . . . . . . .    Expenses; Fee Table

Item 7.   General Description of Variable
          Annuity Contracts The Annuity Contract . . .    The Annuity Contract

Item 8.   Annuity Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    Annuity Payments
                                                          (Income Phase)

Item 9.   Distribution Requirements. . . . . . . . . .    Annuity Payments
                                                          (Income Phase) and
                                                          Death Benefit 

Item 10.  Purchases and Contract Value . . . . . . . .    Purchase 

Item 11.  Redemptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    Access to Your Money 

Item 12.  Taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    Taxes

Item 13.  Legal Proceedings. . . . . . . . . . . . . .    Other Information

Item 14.  Table of Contents of the Statement of. . . .    Other Information
          Additional Information

<PAGE>

Item No.                                                  Location
- --------                                                  --------

                                        PART B
                                        ------

Item 15.  Cover Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    Cover Page

Item 16.  Table of Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . .    Cover Page

Item 17.  General Information and History. . . . . . .    The Separate Account;
                                                          Experts

Item 18.  Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    Not Applicable

Item 19.  Purchase of Securities Being Offered . . . .    Not Applicable

Item 20.  Underwriters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    Distribution

Item 21.  Calculation of Performance Data. . . . . . .    Performance
                                                          Information

Item 22.  Annuity Payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    Annuity Provisions

Item 23.  Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . .    Financial Statements



                                       PART C
                                      -------

Information required to be included in Part C is set forth under the appropriate
Item, so numbered, in Part C to this Registration Statement.

                                         -4-

<PAGE>

                                        PART A

                                      PROSPECTUS


                                          -5-

<PAGE>
                                                                   SPINNAKER-TM-
                                                                Variable Annuity
                                                                       ISSUED BY
                                                                 SAFECO SEPARATE
                                                                       ACCOUNT C
                                                                             AND
                                                                     SAFECO LIFE
                                                               INSURANCE COMPANY
 
  This prospectus describes the Spinnaker Variable Annuity Contract and contains
  important information. Please read it before investing and keep it on file for
                                                               future reference.
 
   To learn more about the Spinnaker Variable Annuity Contract, you can obtain a
 copy of the Statement of Additional Information (SAI) dated April 30, 1999. The
     SAI has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is
                  legally part of the prospectus. The SEC maintains a website at
  http://www.sec.gov. You may request a free copy of the SAI, or a paper copy of
  this prospectus if you have received it in an electronic format, by calling us
       at 1-877-472-3326 or writing us at: PO Box 34690, Seattle, WA 98124-1690.
 
SAFECO RESOURCE SERIES TRUST
 
    MANAGED BY SAFECO ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY
 
         - RST Equity Portfolio
 
         - RST Growth Portfolio
 
         - RST Northwest Portfolio
 
         - RST Bond Portfolio
 
         - RST Money Market Portfolio
 
         - RST Small Company Stock Portfolio
 
FEDERATED INSURANCE SERIES
 
    MANAGED BY FEDERATED ADVISERS
 
         - Federated High Income Bond Fund II
 
         - Federated International Equity Fund II
 
         - Federated Utility Fund II
 
LEXINGTON EMERGING MARKETS FUND, INC.
 
    MANAGED BY LEXINGTON MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
 
         - Lexington Emerging Markets Fund, Inc.
 
LEXINGTON NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST
 
    MANAGED BY LEXINGTON MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
 
         - Lexington Natural Resources Trust
 
SCUDDER VARIABLE LIFE INVESTMENT FUND
 
    MANAGED BY SCUDDER KEMPER INVESTMENTS, INC.
 
         - Scudder Balanced Portfolio
 
         - Scudder International Portfolio
 
AMERICAN CENTURY VARIABLE PORTFOLIOS, INC.
 
    MANAGED BY AMERICAN CENTURY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC.
 
         - VP Balanced
 
         - VP International
 
VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND II ("VIP II")
 
    MANAGED BY FIDELITY MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH COMPANY
 
         - VIP II Contrafund Portfolio
 
VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND III ("VIP III")
 
    MANAGED BY FIDELITY MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH COMPANY
 
         - VIP III Growth Opportunities Portfolio
 
INVESCO VARIABLE INVESTMENT FUNDS, INC.
 
    MANAGED BY INVESCO FUNDS GROUP, INC.
 
         - INVESCO VIF-Realty Portfolio
 
INVESTMENT IN A VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACT IS SUBJECT TO RISKS, INCLUDING THE
POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL. THE CONTRACTS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR
GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED BY, ANY FINANCIAL INSTITUTION AND ARE NOT FEDERALLY
INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD,
OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
 
NEITHER THE SEC OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED
OF THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE OR COMPLETE.
ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
Dated: April 30, 1999
 
                                                            SPINNAKER PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      ----------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS                                  PAGE
      ----------------------------------------------
<S>        <C>                                   <C>
 
SUMMARY........................................          1
 
FEE TABLE......................................          3
 
EXAMPLES.......................................          4
 
1.         THE ANNUITY CONTRACT................          5
           Owner...............................          5
           Annuitant...........................          5
           Beneficiary.........................          5
           Assignment..........................          5
 
2.         ANNUITY PAYMENTS (INCOME PHASE).....          5
           Changing Portfolios After the
             Annuity Date......................          6
 
3.         PURCHASE............................          6
           Purchase Payments...................          6
           Allocation of Purchase Payments.....          7
           Accumulation Units..................          7
           Right to Examine....................          7
 
4.         INVESTMENT OPTIONS..................          7
           Variable Investment Options.........          7
           Fixed Account.......................          8
           Transfers...........................          8
           Scheduled Transfers.................          8
             Dollar Cost Averaging.............          8
             Appreciation or Interest Sweep....          9
             Portfolio Rebalancing.............          9
           Substitution........................          9
 
5.         EXPENSES............................          9
           Insurance Charges...................          9
           Annual Administration Maintenance
             Charge............................          9
           Contingent Deferred Sales Charge....          9
           Withdrawal Charge...................         10
           Transfer Charge.....................         10
           Premium Taxes.......................         10
           Income or Other Taxes...............         10
           Portfolio Expenses..................         10
 
6.         TAXES...............................         10
           Annuity Contracts in General........         10
           Qualified Contracts.................         10
           Non-qualified Contracts.............         10
           Diversification.....................         11
           Tax Withholding.....................         11
 
7.         ACCESS TO YOUR MONEY................         11
           Free Withdrawal Amount..............         11
           Healthcare Confinement..............         11
           Repetitive Withdrawals..............         11
           Withdrawal Restrictions on TSA or
             403(b)............................         11
           Withdrawal Restrictions on Texas
             Optional
             Retirement Program ("Texas
             ORP").............................         12
           Minimum Value.......................         12
 
8.         PERFORMANCE.........................         12
 
9.         DEATH BENEFIT.......................         12
           Death of Owner before Annuity
             Date..............................         12
           Death of Annuitant after Annuity
             Date..............................         13
           Beneficiary Designation.............         13
 
10.        OTHER INFORMATION...................         13
           SAFECO Life.........................         13
           Separate Account....................         13
           General Account.....................         14
           Distribution (Principal
             Underwriter)......................         14
           Legal Proceedings...................         14
           Right to Suspend Annuity Payments,
             Transfers or Withdrawals..........         14
           Voting Rights.......................         14
           Reduction of Charges or Additional
             Amounts Credited..................         14
           Year 2000...........................         14
           Internet Information................         15
           Financial Statements................         15
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION....................................         15
 
APPENDIX
Accumulation Unit Value History................        A-1
 
INDEX OF SPECIAL TERMS
We have used simple, clear language as much as possible in
this prospectus. However, by the very nature of the
contract certain technical words or terms are unavoidable.
We have identified the following as some of these words or
terms. They are identified in the text in italic and the
page that is indicated here is where we believe you will
find the best explanation for the word or term.
 
                                                      PAGE
Accumulation Phase.............................          5
Accumulation Unit..............................          7
Annuitant......................................          5
Annuity Date...................................          5
Annuity Payments...............................          5
Annuity Unit...................................          7
Beneficiary....................................          5
Fixed Account..................................          8
Income Phase...................................          5
Joint Owner....................................          5
Non-qualified..................................         10
Owner..........................................          5
Portfolios.....................................          8
Purchase Payment...............................          6
Qualified......................................         10
Tax Deferral...................................          5
</TABLE>
 
SPINNAKER PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    SUMMARY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 TOPICS IN THIS SUMMARY CORRESPOND TO SECTIONS IN THE PROSPECTUS WHICH DISCUSS
                              THEM IN MORE DETAIL.
 
- ---------------------------------------------------
 
THE ANNUITY CONTRACT
- ----------------------------------------------
 
The annuity contract is an agreement between you, the OWNER, and SAFECO Life
Insurance Company ("SAFECO Life", "we", and "us"). It is designed to help you
invest on a tax-deferred basis and meet long-term financial goals, such as
retirement funding. The contract provides for a guaranteed income or a death
benefit. You should not buy the contract if you are looking for a short-term
investment or if you cannot accept the risk of getting back less money than you
put in.
 
You may divide your money among any or all of our 18 variable investment
PORTFOLIOS and 1 FIXED ACCOUNT. The value of the PORTFOLIOS can fluctuate up or
down, based on the performance of the underlying investments. Your investment in
the PORTFOLIOS is not guaranteed and you may lose money. The FIXED ACCOUNT
offers an interest rate guaranteed by SAFECO Life. Your choices for the various
investment options are found in Section 4.
 
Like most annuities, this contract has an ACCUMULATION PHASE and an INCOME
PHASE. During the ACCUMULATION PHASE, you invest money in your contract.
Earnings accumulate on a tax-deferred basis and are treated as income when you
make a withdrawal. Your earnings are based on the investment performance of the
PORTFOLIOS you selected and/or the interest rate earned on the FIXED ACCOUNT.
During the INCOME PHASE, you will receive payments from your annuity.
 
The amount of money you are able to accumulate in your contract during the
ACCUMULATION PHASE will determine the amount of your payments during the INCOME
PHASE.
 
- ---------------------------------------------------
 
ANNUITY PAYMENTS (INCOME PHASE)
- ----------------------------------------------
 
You can select from one of four payment options. This selection cannot be
changed after your payments begin. During the INCOME PHASE, you have the same
investment options you had during the ACCUMULATION PHASE. You can choose to have
payments come from the FIXED ACCOUNT, the PORTFOLIOS or both. If you choose to
have any part of your payments come from the PORTFOLIOS, the dollar amount of
your payments may go up or down.
 
- ---------------------------------------------------
 
PURCHASE
- ----------------------------------------------
 
You can buy this contract with $2,000 or more under most circumstances. You can
add $250 or more as often as you like during the ACCUMULATION PHASE. Lower
limits apply to a contract purchased in connection with a retirement plan.
PURCHASE PAYMENTS can be as little as $100 if they are made automatically from
your checking or savings account.
 
- ---------------------------------------------------
 
INVESTMENT OPTIONS
- ----------------------------------------------
 
Not all PORTFOLIOS listed below may be available for all contracts. Each
PORTFOLIO is fully described in its accompanying prospectus.
 
MANAGED BY SAFECO ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY
 
  - RST Equity Portfolio
 
  - RST Growth Portfolio
 
  - RST Northwest Portfolio
 
  - RST Bond Portfolio
 
  - RST Money Market Portfolio
 
  - RST Small Company Stock Portfolio
 
MANAGED BY FEDERATED ADVISERS
 
  - Federated High Income Bond Fund II
 
  - Federated International Equity Fund II
 
  - Federated Utility Fund II
 
MANAGED BY LEXINGTON MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
 
  - Lexington Emerging Markets Fund, Inc.
 
  - Lexington Natural Resources Trust
 
MANAGED BY SCUDDER KEMPER INVESTMENTS, INC.
 
  - Scudder Balanced Portfolio
 
  - Scudder International Portfolio
 
MANAGED BY AMERICAN CENTURY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC.
 
  - VP Balanced
 
  - VP International
 
MANAGED BY FIDELITY MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH COMPANY
 
  - VIP II Contrafund Portfolio
 
  - VIP III Growth Opportunities Portfolio
 
MANAGED BY INVESCO FUNDS GROUP, INC.
 
  - INVESCO VIF-Realty Portfolio
 
Depending upon market conditions, you can make or lose money in any of these
PORTFOLIOS. You may also allocate money to the FIXED ACCOUNT which credits
guaranteed interest.
 
- ---------------------------------------------------
 
EXPENSES
- ----------------------------------------------
 
The contract has insurance features and investment features, and there are costs
related to each.
 
We deduct insurance charges which equal 1.40% annually of the average daily
value of your contract allocated to the PORTFOLIOS. The insurance charges
include: mortality and expense risk charge, 1.25%, and asset related
administration charge, .15%. These are not charged on money allocated to the
FIXED ACCOUNT.
 
Each contract year, we deduct a $30 annual administration maintenance charge
from your contract. This charge is waived if the value of your contract is
$50,000 or more.
 
                                                            SPINNAKER PROSPECTUS
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
If you take more than 10% of your contract value out in a contract year, you may
be assessed a contingent deferred sales charge. The amount of this charge
depends upon the age of your contract, not on the age of each PURCHASE PAYMENT.
The charge is based upon the amount withdrawn and starts at 8% in the first
contract year and decreases one percent each contract year until in the ninth
and later contract years when there is no charge.
 
If more than one withdrawal is made during a contract year, a separate
withdrawal charge equal to the lesser of $25 or 2% of the amount withdrawn may
apply.
 
You can transfer between investment options up to 12 times per contract year
free of charge. A transfer charge equal to the lesser of $10 or 2% of the amount
being transferred may apply to each additional transfer.
 
In a limited number of states there is a premium tax of up to 3.5%, depending
upon the state. In this case, a premium tax charge for the payment of these
taxes may be deducted.
 
There are also annual PORTFOLIO expenses which vary depending upon the
PORTFOLIOS you select. In 1998, these expenses ranged from 0.56% to 2.08%.
 
The Fee Table and Examples following this Summary show the various expenses you
will incur directly and indirectly by investing in the contract. There are
situations where all or some of the OWNER transaction expenses do not apply. See
Section 5 -- Expenses for a complete discussion.
 
- ---------------------------------------------------
 
TAXES
- ----------------------------------------------
 
Generally, earnings and amounts equal to PURCHASE PAYMENTS made with pre-tax
dollars are not taxed until you take them out. During the ACCUMULATION PHASE,
taxable amounts generally come out first and are taxed as ordinary income.
Exceptions may apply to contracts issued in connection with certain retirement
plans. If you are younger than 59 1/2 when you take money out, you may be
charged a 10% penalty on the taxable amount. During the INCOME PHASE, ANNUITY
PAYMENTS are considered partly a return of your original investment and partly
earnings, and are taxed in the year received.
 
- ---------------------------------------------------
 
ACCESS TO YOUR MONEY
- ----------------------------------------------
 
You may take money out at any time during the ACCUMULATION PHASE unless you are
restricted by requirements of a retirement plan. Each contract year, you can
take up to 10% of the contract value without paying a contingent deferred sales
charge. Amounts in excess of 10% may be subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge. This charge varies based on the age of your contract, not on the age of
particular PURCHASE PAYMENTS. You may have to pay income taxes and tax penalties
on any money you take out.
 
- ---------------------------------------------------
 
PERFORMANCE
- ----------------------------------------------
 
The value of your contract will vary up or down depending upon the investment
performance of the PORTFOLIOS you choose. Past performance is not a guarantee of
future results.
 
- ---------------------------------------------------
 
DEATH BENEFIT
- ----------------------------------------------
 
If you die before moving to the INCOME PHASE, your BENEFICIARY will receive a
death benefit.
 
- ---------------------------------------------------
 
OTHER INFORMATION
- ----------------------------------------------
 
RIGHT TO EXAMINE.  If you cancel the contract within 10 days after receiving it
(or whatever period is required in your state), we will send your money back
without assessing a contingent deferred sales charge. You will receive whatever
your contract is worth on the day we receive your request. This may be more or
less than your original PURCHASE PAYMENT. If required by law, we will return
your original PURCHASE PAYMENT.
 
TRANSACTIONS.  You can initiate transfers or withdrawals as needed or schedule
them in advance under the following strategies:
 
  - Dollar Cost Averaging: You may elect to automatically transfer a set amount
    from any PORTFOLIO or the FIXED ACCOUNT to any of the other PORTFOLIOS
    monthly or quarterly. This feature attempts to achieve a lower average cost
    per unit over time.
 
  - Appreciation or Interest Sweep: If your contract value exceeds $10,000, you
    may elect to have interest from the FIXED ACCOUNT or earnings from the RST
    Money Market Portfolio automatically swept monthly, quarterly, or annually
    into any PORTFOLIO of your choice.
 
  - Portfolio Rebalancing: If your contract value exceeds $10,000, you may elect
    to have each PORTFOLIO rebalanced quarterly, semi-annually or annually to
    maintain your specified allocation percentages.
 
  - Repetitive Withdrawals: You may elect to receive monthly, quarterly or
    annual checks during the ACCUMULATION PHASE. Any money you receive may
    result in contract charges, income taxes and tax penalties.
 
- ---------------------------------------------------
 
INQUIRIES
- ----------------------------------------------
 
If you need more information, please contact us at:
 
    SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
    15411 N.E. 51ST STREET
    REDMOND, WA 98052
    1-877-472-3326
    HTTP://WWW.SAFECO.COM
 
SPINNAKER PROSPECTUS
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
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- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      SAFECO SEPARATE ACCOUNT C FEE TABLE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES (See Note 2)
 
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (as a percentage of the amount withdrawn)
 
    No charge for first 10% of contract value withdrawn in a contract year.
Thereafter, the charge is:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                    <C>                    <C>
year 1 ........... 8%  year 4 ........... 5%  year 7 ........... 2%
year 2 ........... 7%  year 5 ........... 4%  year 8 ........... 1%
year 3 ........... 6%  year 6 ........... 3%  year 9+ .......... 0%
</TABLE>
 
Withdrawal Charge
 
   No charge for first withdrawal in a contract year; thereafter, the charge is
   $25 per withdrawal or, if less, 2% of the amount of the withdrawal.
 
Transfer Charge
 
    No charge for first 12 transfers in a contract year; thereafter, the charge
is $10 per transfer or, if less, 2% of the amount transferred.
 
ANNUAL ADMINISTRATION MAINTENANCE CHARGE
 
    $30 per contract per contract year.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>                                            <C>
SEPARATE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES               Mortality and Expense Risk Charge............  1.25%
(as a percentage of average account value)     Asset Related Administration Charge..........   .15%
                                                                                              -----
                                               Total Separate Account Annual Expenses.......  1.40%
                                                                                              -----
                                                                                              -----
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PORTFOLIO EXPENSES
(as a percentage of     Management         Other          Total Annual
average net assets)        Fees          Expenses      Portfolio Expenses
                           (after reimbursement and waiver for certain
                                           Portfolios)
<S>                   <C>              <C>            <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
MANAGED BY SAFECO
 ASSET MANAGEMENT
 COMPANY (a)
  RST Equity
    Portfolio.......          .74%            .04%               .78%
  RST Growth
    Portfolio.......          .74%            .06%               .80%
  RST Northwest
    Portfolio.......          .74%            .22%               .96%
  RST Bond
    Portfolio.......          .74%            .09%               .83%
  RST Money Market
    Portfolio.......          .65%            .16%               .81%
  RST Small Company
    Stock
    Portfolio.......          .85%            .10%               .95%
 
MANAGED BY FEDERATED
 ADVISERS (a)
  Federated High
    Income Bond Fund
    II..............          .60%            .18%               .78%
  Federated
    International
    Equity Fund
    II..............          .53%            .72%              1.25%
  Federated Utility
    Fund II.........          .68%            .25%               .93%
 
MANAGED BY LEXINGTON
 MANAGEMENT
 CORPORATION (a)
  Lexington Emerging
    Markets Fund,
    Inc.............          .85%           1.23%              2.08%
  Lexington Natural
    Resources
    Trust...........         1.00%            .29%              1.29%
 
MANAGED BY SCUDDER
 KEMPER INVESTMENTS,
 INC. (a)
  Scudder Balanced
    Portfolio.......         .475%           .082%               .56%
  Scudder
    International
    Portfolio.......         .867%           .176%              1.04%
 
MANAGED BY AMERICAN
 CENTURY INVESTMENT
 MANAGEMENT, INC.
 (a)
  VP Balanced (c)...         0.90%           0.00%              0.90%
  VP International
    (c).............         1.50%           0.00%              1.50%
 
MANAGED BY FIDELITY
 MANAGEMENT &
 RESEARCH COMPANY
 (b)
  VIP II Contrafund
    Portfolio.......          .59%            .11%               .70%
  VIP III Growth
    Opportunities
    Portfolio.......          .59%            .12%               .71%
 
MANAGED BY INVESCO
 FUNDS GROUP, INC.
 (a)
  INVESCO VIF-Realty
    Portfolio.......          .90%           1.00%              1.90%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
(a) In some cases the fund advisers agree to waive or reimburse all or a portion
    of the PORTFOLIO expenses. For those PORTFOLIOS where such an agreement
    exists, the expenses absent waiver or reimbursement would have been .99% for
    the RST Northwest Portfolio; .98% for the RST Bond Portfolio; .89% for the
    RST Money Market Portfolio; 1.18% for the RST Small Company Stock Portfolio;
    1.72% for the Federated International Equity Fund II; 1.00% for the
    Federated Utility Fund II and 8.78% for the INVESCO VIF-Realty Portfolio. In
    addition, we have Fund Participation Agreements with each of the non-SAFECO
    fund managers that describe the administrative practices and
    responsibilities of the parties.
 
(b) A portion of the brokerage commissions certain funds pay was used to reduce
    funds expenses. In addition, certain funds have entered into arrangements
    with their custodian whereby credits realized, as a result of uninvested
    cash balances were used to reduce custodian expenses. Including these
    reductions, the total operating expenses presented in the table would have
    been .66% for the VIP II Contrafund Portfolio and .70% for the VIP III
    Growth Opportunities Portfolio.
 
(c) These PORTFOLIOS charge their management fees based on assets in the
    PORTFOLIO. The highest fees are shown in this Fee Table. See the PORTFOLIO
    prospectuses for more detailed information.
 
The above PORTFOLIO expenses were provided by the PORTFOLIOS. We have not
independently verified the accuracy of the information.
 
                                                            SPINNAKER PROSPECTUS
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    EXAMPLES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5%
annual return on assets:
 
    (a) upon surrender at the end of each time period;
 
    (b) if the contract is not surrendered or is annuitized.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    1 year        3 years        5 years        10 years
<S>                                            <C>  <C>      <C>  <C>       <C>  <C>       <C>  <C>
MANAGED BY SAFECO ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY
        RST Equity Portfolio                   (a)   $ 97    (a)   $129     (a)   $163     (a)    $260
                                               (b)   $ 23    (b)   $ 71     (b)   $121     (b)    $260
        RST Growth Portfolio                   (a)   $ 97    (a)   $130     (a)   $164     (a)    $262
                                               (b)   $ 23    (b)   $ 71     (b)   $122     (b)    $262
        RST Northwest Portfolio                (a)   $ 99    (a)   $135     (a)   $171     (a)    $278
                                               (b)   $ 25    (b)   $ 76     (b)   $130     (b)    $278
        RST Bond Portfolio                     (a)   $ 97    (a)   $131     (a)   $165     (a)    $265
                                               (b)   $ 23    (b)   $ 72     (b)   $124     (b)    $265
        RST Money Market Portfolio             (a)   $ 97    (a)   $130     (a)   $164     (a)    $263
                                               (b)   $ 23    (b)   $ 72     (b)   $123     (b)    $263
        RST Small Company Stock Portfolio      (a)   $ 99    (a)   $134     (a)   $171     (a)    $277
                                               (b)   $ 25    (b)   $ 76     (b)   $130     (b)    $277
MANAGED BY FEDERATED ADVISERS
        Federated High Income Bond Fund II     (a)   $ 97    (a)   $129     (a)   $163     (a)    $260
                                               (b)   $ 23    (b)   $ 71     (b)   $121     (b)    $260
        Federated International Equity Fund
          II                                   (a)   $101    (a)   $143     (a)   $185     (a)    $307
                                               (b)   $ 28    (b)   $ 85     (b)   $145     (b)    $307
        Federated Utility Fund II              (a)   $ 98    (a)   $134     (a)   $170     (a)    $275
                                               (b)   $ 24    (b)   $ 75     (b)   $129     (b)    $275
MANAGED BY LEXINGTON MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
        Lexington Emerging Markets Fund, Inc.  (a)   $109    (a)   $166     (a)   $224     (a)    $383
                                               (b)   $ 36    (b)   $109     (b)   $185     (b)    $383
        Lexington Natural Resources Trust      (a)   $102    (a)   $144     (a)   $187     (a)    $311
                                               (b)   $ 28    (b)   $ 86     (b)   $147     (b)    $311
MANAGED BY SCUDDER KEMPER INVESTMENTS, INC.
        Scudder Balanced Portfolio             (a)   $ 95    (a)   $123     (a)   $152     (a)    $237
                                               (b)   $ 21    (b)   $ 64     (b)   $110     (b)    $237
        Scudder International Portfolio        (a)   $ 99    (a)   $137     (a)   $175     (a)    $287
                                               (b)   $ 26    (b)   $ 79     (b)   $135     (b)    $287
MANAGED BY AMERICAN CENTURY INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT, INC.
        VP Balanced                            (a)   $ 98    (a)   $133     (a)   $168     (a)    $272
                                               (b)   $ 24    (b)   $ 74     (b)   $127     (b)    $272
        VP International                       (a)   $104    (a)   $150     (a)   $197     (a)    $331
                                               (b)   $ 30    (b)   $ 92     (b)   $157     (b)    $331
MANAGED BY FIDELITY MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH
COMPANY
        VIP II Contrafund Portfolio            (a)   $ 96    (a)   $127     (a)   $159     (a)    $252
                                               (b)   $ 22    (b)   $ 68     (b)   $117     (b)    $252
        VIP III Growth Opportunities
          Portfolio                            (a)   $ 96    (a)   $127     (a)   $159     (a)    $253
                                               (b)   $ 22    (b)   $ 69     (b)   $118     (b)    $253
MANAGED BY INVESCO FUNDS GROUP, INC.
        INVESCO VIF-Realty Portfolio           (a)   $107    (a)   $161     (a)   $215     (a)    $367
                                               (b)   $ 34    (b)   $104     (b)   $176     (b)    $367
</TABLE>
 
EXPLANATION OF FEE TABLE AND EXAMPLES
 
1.  The purpose of the Fee Table is to show the various expenses you will incur
    directly and indirectly by investing in the contract. The Fee Table reflects
    expenses of the Separate Account as well as the PORTFOLIOS.
 
2.  There are situations where all or some of the OWNER transaction expenses do
    not apply. See Section 5 -- Expenses for a complete discussion.
 
3.  The examples do not reflect premium taxes that may apply depending on the
    state where you live.
 
4.  The examples should not be considered a representation of past or future
    expenses. Actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown.
 
             THE APPENDIX CONTAINS ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE HISTORY.
 
SPINNAKER PROSPECTUS
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
- ---------------------------------------------------
 
1. THE ANNUITY CONTRACT
- ----------------------------------------------
 
This prospectus describes a variable annuity contract offered by SAFECO Life.
 
The annuity contract is an agreement between SAFECO Life and you, the OWNER,
where we promise to pay you (or someone else you choose) an income in the form
of ANNUITY PAYMENTS, beginning on a date you select, or a death benefit to your
BENEFICIARY(IES). Before you begin receiving ANNUITY PAYMENTS, your annuity is
in the ACCUMULATION PHASE. Once you begin receiving ANNUITY PAYMENTS, your
contract switches to the INCOME PHASE.
 
The contract benefits from TAX DEFERRAL. You can change your investment
allocation or transfer between investment options without paying tax on contract
earnings until you take money out.
 
The contract is called a variable annuity because you can choose among 18
variable investment PORTFOLIOS in which you can make or lose money depending
upon market conditions. The investment performance of the PORTFOLIO(S) you
select affects the value of your contract and the amount of any variable ANNUITY
PAYMENTS.
 
The contract also has a FIXED ACCOUNT. Your money earns interest at a rate we
set. The annual effective interest rate credited to a PURCHASE PAYMENT will
never be less than 3% and is guaranteed for at least 12 months. The total
interest credited to you in the FIXED ACCOUNT affects the value of your
contract. The amount of fixed ANNUITY PAYMENTS you receive remains level for the
entire INCOME PHASE.
 
OWNER
 
The OWNER is as shown on the contract application, unless changed. You, as the
OWNER, may exercise all ownership rights under the contract. Once ANNUITY
PAYMENTS begin, the ANNUITANT is the OWNER.
 
The contract can be owned by JOINT OWNERS. Each JOINT OWNER has equal ownership
rights and must exercise those rights jointly.
 
ANNUITANT
 
The ANNUITANT is the person on whose life ANNUITY PAYMENTS are based and who
receives ANNUITY PAYMENTS. You are the ANNUITANT unless you designate someone
else before ANNUITY PAYMENTS begin.
 
BENEFICIARY
 
The BENEFICIARY receives any benefit payable after you die, or if applicable,
after the ANNUITANT dies.
 
ASSIGNMENT
 
You can assign the contract. This may result in current taxation and, if you are
under age 59 1/2, a 10% tax penalty. Assignments are effective when we receive
and acknowledge them. We are not liable for payments made prior to receipt of an
effective assignment. We are not responsible for the validity of any
assignments, tax consequences or actions we may take based on an assignment
later determined to be invalid.
 
If your contract is an Individual Retirement Annuity ("IRA") or otherwise
tax-qualified, your ability to assign the contract may be limited.
 
- ---------------------------------------------------
 
2. ANNUITY PAYMENTS (INCOME PHASE)
- ----------------------------------------------
 
You can switch to the INCOME PHASE at any time unless you are restricted by the
requirements of a retirement plan. During the INCOME PHASE, the ANNUITANT will
receive ANNUITY PAYMENTS beginning on the ANNUITY DATE. You may select or change
an annuity option at any time prior to the ANNUITY DATE.
 
If you want to retain ownership rights in the contract after the ANNUITY DATE,
including the right to receive ANNUITY PAYMENTS, you must designate yourself as
the ANNUITANT. After the ANNUITY DATE, you cannot change or add an ANNUITANT or
change your annuity option. If you are not the ANNUITANT and ANNUITY PAYMENTS
begin, there may be gift tax and income tax consequences.
 
ANNUITY PAYMENTS are required to begin on the earlier of:
 
  - the first available payment date after you elect to begin ANNUITY PAYMENTS;
 
  - the latest ANNUITY DATE specified in your contract; or
 
  - a different ANNUITY DATE if required by law.
 
You can choose whether ANNUITY PAYMENTS will be made on a fixed basis, variable
basis, or both. You can choose separate ANNUITY DATES for variable ANNUITY
PAYMENTS and fixed ANNUITY PAYMENTS. If the amount applied to an annuity option
is less than $5,000, we may pay you in a lump sum where permitted by state law.
You can choose one of the options listed below or any other option you want and
that we agree to provide. Life annuity options (the first three options) convert
ACCUMULATION UNITS to ANNUITY UNITS on the ANNUITY DATE and once started, cannot
be stopped. See the SAI for additional information.
 
    LIFE ANNUITY.  The ANNUITANT receives monthly ANNUITY PAYMENTS for life.
    ANNUITY PAYMENTS stop when the ANNUITANT dies.
 
    LIFE ANNUITY WITH GUARANTEED PERIOD.  The ANNUITANT receives monthly ANNUITY
    PAYMENTS for life with the promise that payments will be made for a
    guaranteed period, usually 10 or 20 years, as selected by you. If the
    ANNUITANT dies before all guaranteed payments have been made, the rest will
    be made to the BENEFICIARY. ANNUITY PAYMENTS stop the later of the date the
    ANNUITANT dies or the date the last guaranteed payment is made.
 
                                                            SPINNAKER PROSPECTUS
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
    JOINT AND SURVIVOR LIFE ANNUITY.  The ANNUITANT receives monthly ANNUITY
    PAYMENTS for life. After the ANNUITANT dies, the second ANNUITANT, if
    living, receives a specified percentage of each ANNUITY PAYMENT for life. At
    the time you elect ANNUITY PAYMENTS, you choose the second ANNUITANT and the
    percentage of payment the second ANNUITANT is to receive. ANNUITY PAYMENTS
    stop on the later of the date the ANNUITANT dies or the date the second
    ANNUITANT dies.
 
    SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL INCOME PLAN-TM-.  The ANNUITANT receives substantially
    equal ANNUITY PAYMENTS based on:
 
      - the ANNUITANT'S life expectancy; or
      - the joint life expectancy of the ANNUITANT and a BENEFICIARY, with at
        least 50% of the contract value expected to be distributed during the
        ANNUITANT'S life.
 
    ANNUITY PAYMENTS can be monthly, quarterly, or annually as selected by you.
    Each ANNUITY PAYMENT reduces the number of ACCUMULATION UNITS and/or value
    of the FIXED ACCOUNT in the contract. ANNUITY PAYMENTS continue until the
    ANNUITANT'S entire value in the PORTFOLIOS and/or FIXED ACCOUNT has been
    paid out. The ANNUITANT can stop these ANNUITY PAYMENTS and receive a lump
    sum equal to the annuity value less any contingent deferred sales charge.
    There may be tax consequences and penalties for stopping these ANNUITY
    PAYMENTS. This option does not promise to make payments for the ANNUITANT'S
    life. If the ANNUITANT dies before all ANNUITY PAYMENTS have been made,
    there will be a death benefit payable to the BENEFICIARY. See Section 9 --
    Death Benefit for more information.
 
If you do not choose an annuity option by the ANNUITY DATE, we will make ANNUITY
PAYMENTS under the Systematic Withdrawal Income Plan unless your contract states
otherwise.
 
We reserve the right to change the payment frequency if payment amounts would be
less than $250. You may elect to have payments delivered by mail or
electronically transferred to a bank account.
 
We require proof of age before beginning ANNUITY PAYMENTS that are based on life
or life expectancy. If the age of any ANNUITANT has been misstated, ANNUITY
PAYMENTS will be based on the corrected information. Underpayments will be made
up in a lump sum with the next scheduled payment. Overpayments will be deducted
from future payments until the total is repaid. We may require evidence
satisfactory to us that an ANNUITANT is living before we make any payment.
 
ANNUITY PAYMENTS based on investment in the FIXED ACCOUNT will stay the same.
Any portion of ANNUITY PAYMENTS based on investment in the PORTFOLIOS will vary
in amount depending on investment performance. If you don't tell us otherwise,
ANNUITY PAYMENTS will be based on the investment allocations in place on the
ANNUITY DATE. After the ANNUITY DATE, the ANNUITANT may not switch between fixed
and variable ANNUITY PAYMENTS.
 
If you choose to have any portion of ANNUITY PAYMENTS based on investment in the
PORTFOLIOS, the dollar amount of each payment will depend on:
 
  - the value of your contract in the PORTFOLIOS as of the first close of the
    New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") on or after the 15th day of the month
    preceding the ANNUITY DATE;
 
  - an assumed investment return; and
 
  - the investment performance of the PORTFOLIOS you selected.
 
If actual performance of the PORTFOLIOS exceeds the assumed investment return,
the value of ANNUITY UNITS increases and subsequent ANNUITY PAYMENTS will be
larger. Similarly, if the actual performance is less than the assumed investment
return, the value of your ANNUITY UNITS decreases and subsequent ANNUITY
PAYMENTS will be smaller. Under the Systematic Withdrawal Income Plan, ANNUITY
PAYMENTS remain substantially equal. However, investment performance may
increase or decrease the number of ACCUMULATION UNITS that will be liquidated to
make substantially equal payments and may shorten or lengthen the period over
which ANNUITY PAYMENTS are received.
 
CHANGING PORTFOLIOS AFTER
THE ANNUITY DATE
 
After ANNUITY PAYMENTS start, the ANNUITANT may request to change PORTFOLIO
elections once a month. Transfers are not allowed to or from the FIXED ACCOUNT.
Certain election requests may be modified to ensure that the value remaining in
a PORTFOLIO after the change is sufficient to satisfy any distribution
requirements calculated for that tax year. Changes will affect the number of
ANNUITY UNITS used to calculate ANNUITY PAYMENTS. See the SAI for more
information.
 
- ---------------------------------------------------
 
3. PURCHASE
- ----------------------------------------------
 
PURCHASE PAYMENTS
 
A PURCHASE PAYMENT is the money you give us to buy the contract, plus any
additional money you invest in the contract after you own it. You can purchase a
NON-QUALIFIED contract with a minimum initial investment of $2,000. Additional
PURCHASE PAYMENTS of $250 or more may be added at anytime during the
ACCUMULATION PHASE. For a QUALIFIED contract, all PURCHASE PAYMENTS must be $30
or more, unless your retirement plan has a different requirement. PURCHASE
PAYMENTS for NON-QUALIFIED contracts and some QUALIFIED contracts may be made
automatically from your checking or savings account for
 
SPINNAKER PROSPECTUS
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
as little as $100. This is referred to as Systematic Investing. Initial PURCHASE
PAYMENTS in Maine and South Carolina may never be less than $1,000, even if made
in connection with a QUALIFIED contract or Systematic Investing.
 
Any PURCHASE PAYMENT in excess of $1 million requires our prior approval.
 
Your initial PURCHASE PAYMENT is normally credited to you within two days of our
receipt. If your initial PURCHASE PAYMENT is not accompanied by all the
information we need to issue your contract, we will contact you to get it. If we
cannot get all the required information within five days, we will either return
your PURCHASE PAYMENT or get your permission to keep it until we have received
the necessary information. Your contract date is the date your initial PURCHASE
PAYMENT and all required information are received at SAFECO Life.
 
We reserve the right to refuse any application or PURCHASE PAYMENT.
 
ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS
 
You tell us how to apply your initial PURCHASE PAYMENT by specifying your
desired allocation on the contract application. Unless you tell us otherwise,
subsequent PURCHASE PAYMENTS will be allocated in the same proportion as your
most recent PURCHASE PAYMENT (unless that was a PURCHASE PAYMENT you directed us
to allocate on a one-time-only basis). You may change the way subsequent
PURCHASE PAYMENTS are allocated by providing us with written instructions or by
telephoning us, if we have your written authorization to accept telephone
instructions. See "Transfers" as discussed in Section 4.
 
Once a PURCHASE PAYMENT is received, the portion to be allocated to the FIXED
ACCOUNT is credited the day it is received. The portion to be allocated to the
PORTFOLIOS is effective and valued as of the next close of the NYSE. This is
usually 4:00 p.m. eastern time. If for any reason the NYSE has closed for the
day prior to our receipt of your PURCHASE PAYMENT it will be valued as of the
close of the NYSE on its next regular business day.
 
ACCUMULATION UNITS
 
The value of the variable portion of your contract will go up or down depending
upon the investment performance of the PORTFOLIO(S) you choose. In order to keep
track of this we use a unit of measure called an ACCUMULATION UNIT, which works
like a share of a mutual fund. During the INCOME PHASE, we call them ANNUITY
UNITS.
 
We calculate the value of an ACCUMULATION UNIT, for each PORTFOLIO, after the
NYSE closes each day by:
 
    1.  determining the total value of the particular PORTFOLIO;
 
    2.  subtracting from that amount insurance and other charges; and
 
    3.  dividing this amount by the number of outstanding ACCUMULATION UNITS of
        the particular PORTFOLIO.
 
The value of an ACCUMULATION UNIT may go up or down from day to day.
 
When you make PURCHASE PAYMENTS or transfers into a PORTFOLIO, we credit your
contract with ACCUMULATION UNITS. Conversely, when you request a withdrawal or a
transfer of money from a PORTFOLIO, ACCUMULATION UNITS are liquidated. In either
case, the increase or decrease in the number of your ACCUMULATION UNITS is
determined by taking the amount of the PURCHASE PAYMENT, transfer or withdrawal
and dividing it by the value of an ACCUMULATION UNIT on the date the transaction
occurs.
 
    EXAMPLE:  On Monday we receive a $1,000 PURCHASE PAYMENT from you before the
    NYSE closes. You have told us you want this to go to the RST Growth
    Portfolio. When the NYSE closes on that Monday, we determine that the value
    of an ACCUMULATION UNIT for the RST Growth Portfolio is $34.12. We then
    divide $1,000 by $34.12 and credit your contract on Monday night with 29.31
    ACCUMULATION UNITS for the RST Growth Portfolio.
 
RIGHT TO EXAMINE
 
You may cancel the contract without charge by returning it to us or your
registered representative within the period stated on the front of your
contract. This period will be at least 10 days (longer in some states). You will
receive your contract value, a return of PURCHASE PAYMENTS or the greater of the
two depending on state requirements or if your contract is an IRA. Contract
value may be more or less than PURCHASE PAYMENTS. When we are required to
guarantee a return of PURCHASE PAYMENTS, we reserve the right to initially apply
amounts designated for the PORTFOLIOS to the RST Money Market Portfolio until
the contract is 15 days old. These amounts will then be allocated in the manner
you selected unless you have canceled the contract.
 
- ---------------------------------------------------
 
4. INVESTMENT OPTIONS
- ----------------------------------------------
 
VARIABLE INVESTMENT OPTIONS
 
MANAGED BY SAFECO ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY
 
  - RST Equity Portfolio
 
  - RST Growth Portfolio
 
  - RST Northwest Portfolio
 
  - RST Bond Portfolio
 
  - RST Money Market Portfolio
 
  - RST Small Company Stock Portfolio
 
MANAGED BY FEDERATED ADVISERS
 
  - Federated High Income Bond Fund II
 
  - Federated International Equity Fund II
 
                                                            SPINNAKER PROSPECTUS
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
  - Federated Utility Fund II
 
MANAGED BY LEXINGTON MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
 
  - Lexington Emerging Markets Fund, Inc.
 
  - Lexington Natural Resources Trust
 
MANAGED BY SCUDDER KEMPER INVESTMENTS, INC.
 
  - Scudder Balanced Portfolio
 
  - Scudder International Portfolio
 
MANAGED BY AMERICAN CENTURY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC.
 
  - VP Balanced
 
  - VP International
 
MANAGED BY FIDELITY MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH COMPANY
  - VIP II Contrafund Portfolio
 
  - VIP III Growth Opportunities Portfolio
 
MANAGED BY INVESCO FUNDS GROUP, INC.
 
  - INVESCO VIF -- Realty Portfolio
 
Not all PORTFOLIOS listed above may be available for all contracts. Additional
PORTFOLIOS may be available in the future. The PORTFOLIOS are not offered
directly to the public but are available to life insurance companies as
investment options for variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts.
The performance for these PORTFOLIOS may differ substantially from publicly
traded mutual funds with similar names and objectives.
 
EACH PORTFOLIO HAS ITS OWN INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE. YOU SHOULD READ THE
PROSPECTUSES FOR THESE PORTFOLIOS CAREFULLY BEFORE INVESTING. COPIES OF THESE
PROSPECTUSES ACCOMPANY THIS PROSPECTUS AND MAY INCLUDE INFORMATION ON OTHER
PORTFOLIOS NOT AVAILABLE UNDER THIS CONTRACT.
 
FIXED ACCOUNT
 
The contract also offers a FIXED ACCOUNT with interest rates that are guaranteed
by SAFECO Life.
 
Each PURCHASE PAYMENT will be credited with the interest rate established for
the date that we receive the PURCHASE PAYMENT. This rate will apply to the
PURCHASE PAYMENT for at least 12 months from the date we receive it.
 
Thereafter we can adjust the interest rate. Adjusted rates will apply to
PURCHASE PAYMENTS and their credited interest for at least 12 months, when the
rate can be adjusted again.
 
Different interest rates may apply to each of your PURCHASE PAYMENTS depending
on the interest rate established for the date we receive the PURCHASE PAYMENT
and any subsequent rate adjustments. Annual effective interest rates will never
be less than 3%.
 
TRANSFERS
 
During the ACCUMULATION PHASE you can transfer money among the PORTFOLIOS and
the FIXED ACCOUNT 12 times per contract year free of charge. We measure a
contract year from the anniversary of your contract date. Each additional
transfer in a contract year may have a charge of $10 or 2% of the amount
transferred whichever is less.
 
The minimum amount you can transfer out of any investment option at one time is
$500. In addition to this $500 minimum, transfers out of the FIXED ACCOUNT are
limited to a maximum of 10% of the FIXED ACCOUNT value per contract year. You
must transfer the entire amount out of the investment option if, after a
transfer, the remaining balance would be less than $500. The minimum you can
transfer into any investment option is $50.
 
We will accept transfers by written request or by telephone. Each transfer must
identify:
 
  - your contract;
 
  - the amount of the transfer; and
 
  - which investment options are affected.
 
Transfers by telephone will be accepted if we have properly signed authorization
on record. You may authorize someone else to make transfers by telephone on your
behalf. We will use reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions given to
us by telephone are genuine. If we do not use such procedures, we may be liable
for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. We tape record
all telephone instructions.
 
We reserve the right to modify, suspend or terminate transfer privileges at any
time.
 
SCHEDULED TRANSFERS
 
You can choose among several investment strategies which are available for any
investment option that has not had a previous transfer or withdrawal taken
during that contract year. For each investment option, scheduled transfers can
be initiated once during each contract year. Once started, these scheduled
transfers will stop if an unscheduled transfer or withdrawal is made from the
"source" investment option. Scheduled transfers will otherwise continue until
you instruct us to stop or all money has been transferred out of the "source"
investment option. These scheduled transfers will not count against your 12 free
transfers as long as you continue them for at least six months.
 
    DOLLAR COST AVERAGING.  This strategy is designed to achieve a lower average
    cost per unit over time. It does not assure a profit nor protect against a
    loss. Investing should continue at a consistent level in both market ups and
    downs. You can systematically transfer set amounts of at least $50 each
    month or quarter from any PORTFOLIO or the FIXED ACCOUNT to any of the other
    PORTFOLIOS.
 
    Quarterly Dollar Cost Averaging transfers from the FIXED ACCOUNT are limited
    to 4% (1.33% monthly) of your value in the FIXED ACCOUNT as of the date of
    the initial transfer. By choosing to have the transfer limit
 
SPINNAKER PROSPECTUS
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
    recalculated annually, the limit is raised to 4.5% per quarter (1.5%
    monthly). There are no percentage limits on transfers out of the PORTFOLIOS.
 
    APPRECIATION OR INTEREST SWEEP.  If your contract value is at least $10,000,
    you can instruct us to automatically transfer earnings up to 10% from the
    RST Money Market Portfolio or earned interest up to 10% from the FIXED
    ACCOUNT to the other PORTFOLIOS monthly, quarterly or annually.
 
    PORTFOLIO REBALANCING.  After your money has been invested, the performance
    of the PORTFOLIOS may cause the percentage in each PORTFOLIO to change from
    your original allocations. If your contract value is at least $10,000, you
    can instruct us to adjust your investment in the PORTFOLIOS to maintain a
    predetermined mix quarterly, semiannually or annually. Portfolio Rebalancing
    can be used with Dollar Cost Averaging and Appreciation or Interest Sweep;
    however, it is not available for the FIXED ACCOUNT.
 
SUBSTITUTION
 
If any shares of the PORTFOLIOS are no longer available, or if in our view no
longer meet the purpose of the contract, it may be necessary to substitute
shares of another PORTFOLIO. We will seek prior approval of the SEC and give you
notice before doing this.
 
- ---------------------------------------------------
 
5. EXPENSES
- ----------------------------------------------
 
There are charges and other expenses associated with the contract that reduce
the return on your investment in the contract. These charges and expenses are:
 
INSURANCE CHARGES
 
Each day, we make deductions for our insurance charges. We do this as part of
our calculation of the value of ACCUMULATION and ANNUITY UNITS. The insurance
charge has two parts: 1) the mortality and expense risk charge and 2) the asset
related administration charge.
 
    MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE.  This charge is equal, on an annual
    basis, to 1.25% of the average daily net asset value of each PORTFOLIO. This
    charge is for all the insurance benefits (e.g., guaranteed annuity rates and
    death benefits) and for the risk (expense risk) that the current charges
    will not be sufficient in the future to cover the cost of administering the
    contract. If the charges under the contract are not sufficient, then we will
    bear the loss. If the charges are more than sufficient, we will retain the
    excess. The rate of the mortality and expense risk charge will not be
    increased.
 
    ASSET RELATED ADMINISTRATION CHARGE.  This charge is equal, on an annual
    basis, to .15% of the average daily net asset value of each PORTFOLIO. Since
    this charge is an asset-based charge, the amount of the charge associated
    with your particular contract may have no relationship to the administrative
    costs actually incurred. This charge, together with the annual
    administration maintenance charge (see below), is for all the expenses
    associated with contract administration. Some of these expenses are:
    preparation of the contract, confirmations and statements; maintenance of
    contract records; personnel costs; legal and accounting fees; filing fees;
    and computer and system costs. If this charge and the annual administration
    maintenance charge are not enough to cover the costs of the contract in the
    future, we will bear the loss. We do not intend to profit from this charge.
    The rate of the asset related administration charge will not be increased.
 
ANNUAL ADMINISTRATION
MAINTENANCE CHARGE
 
During the ACCUMULATION PHASE we will deduct a $30 annual administration
maintenance charge from your contract on the last day of each contract year and
if you make a complete withdrawal. This charge is for administrative expenses
(see above) and may be changed but may never exceed $35 per contract year. We
will not deduct this charge if the value of your contract is at least $50,000
when the deduction is to be made.
 
During the INCOME PHASE we will not deduct this charge unless you have chosen
the Systematic Withdrawal Income Plan as your annuity option and your contract
value is less than $50,000.
 
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE
 
A contingent deferred sales charge may be assessed on withdrawals in excess of
your free withdrawal amount that is described under Section 7 -- Access to Your
Money. This charge is for expenses incurred in connection with the promotion,
sale and distribution of the contracts. If the contingent deferred sales charge
is insufficient, excess amounts resulting from the mortality and expense risk
charge may be used to recover these expenses.
 
Unlike many annuity contracts, this contract bases contingent deferred sales
charge on the age of your contract, not on the length of time each PURCHASE
PAYMENT is in your contract. Subsequent PURCHASE PAYMENTS do not begin a new
contingent deferred sales charge period. The contingent deferred sales charge
("CDSC" in the table below) is stated as a percentage of the amount you
withdraw. It starts at 8% in the first contract year and declines one percent
each contract year as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>  <C>  <C>  <C>  <C>  <C>  <C>  <C>  <C>
Contract Year   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8   9+
- ----------------------------------------------------------
CDSC            8%   7%   6%   5%   4%   3%   2%   1%  0%
- ----------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
When the withdrawal is for only part of the value of your contract, the
contingent deferred sales charge is deducted from the remaining value in your
contract.
 
                                                            SPINNAKER PROSPECTUS
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
We will not assess the contingent deferred sales charge for:
 
  - ANNUITY PAYMENTS;
 
  - Repetitive Withdrawals taken over life expectancy;
 
  - eligible healthcare confinement withdrawals; and
 
  - death benefits.
 
We may reduce or eliminate the amount of the contingent deferred sales charge
when the contract is sold under circumstances which reduce our sales expense.
See Section 10 -- Other Information.
 
WITHDRAWAL CHARGE
 
We may deduct a separate withdrawal charge equal to $25 or 2% of the amount
withdrawn whichever is less, for each withdrawal after the first withdrawal in
any contract year. This charge is deducted from the remaining value in your
contract.
 
We will not deduct this charge for ANNUITY PAYMENTS or Repetitive Withdrawals.
 
TRANSFER CHARGE
 
You can make 12 free transfers every contract year. If you make more than 12
transfers in a contract year, we may deduct a transfer charge equal to $10 or 2%
of the amount that is transferred whichever is less.
 
If the transfer is part of Dollar Cost Averaging, Appreciation or Interest
Sweep, or Portfolio Rebalancing it will not be counted as part of your 12 free
transfers.
 
PREMIUM TAXES
 
States and other governmental entities (e.g., municipalities) may charge premium
taxes. These taxes generally range from 0% to 3.5%, depending on the state, and
are subject to change. Some states charge for these taxes at the time each
PURCHASE PAYMENT is made. In this case, PURCHASE PAYMENTS as discussed in this
prospectus may reflect a deduction for the premium tax. Other states charge for
these taxes when ANNUITY PAYMENTS begin. We may make a deduction from your
contract for the payment of these taxes.
 
INCOME OR OTHER TAXES
 
Currently we do not pay income or other taxes on earnings attributable to your
contract. However, if we ever incur such taxes, we reserve the right to deduct
them from your contract.
 
PORTFOLIO EXPENSES
 
There are deductions from and expenses paid out of the assets of the various
PORTFOLIOS. These expenses are summarized in the Fee Table of this prospectus.
For more detailed information, you should refer to the PORTFOLIO prospectuses
that accompany this prospectus.
 
- ---------------------------------------------------
 
6. TAXES
- ----------------------------------------------
 
This section and additional information in the SAI discuss how federal income
tax applies to annuities in general. This information is not complete and is not
intended as tax advice. Tax laws and their interpretations are complex and
subject to change. No attempt is made to discuss state or other tax laws. SAFECO
Life does not guarantee the tax treatment of any contract or any transaction
involving a contract. You should consult a competent tax adviser about your
individual circumstances.
 
ANNUITY CONTRACTS IN GENERAL
 
Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Code"), you generally do
not pay tax on contract earnings until received. Different tax rules apply to
PURCHASE PAYMENTS and distributions depending on how you take money out and
whether your contract is QUALIFIED or NON-QUALIFIED.
 
Earnings for corporate owned contracts and other contracts not owned for the
benefit of natural persons are generally taxed as ordinary income in the current
year. Exceptions may apply.
 
QUALIFIED CONTRACTS
 
Contracts purchased as an Individual Retirement Annuity ("IRA"), Roth IRA, Tax
Sheltered Annuity ("TSA"), Deferred Compensation Plan ("457") or specially
sponsored retirement plan, are referred to as QUALIFIED contracts. To the extent
PURCHASE PAYMENTS have a zero cost basis (were made with pre-tax dollars),
distributions will be taxed as ordinary income.
 
QUALIFIED contracts are subject to special rules and limits on PURCHASE PAYMENTS
and distributions that vary according to the type of retirement plan. Ineligible
or excess contributions to certain retirement plans can result in substantial
penalties and possible loss of the contract's or retirement plan's QUALIFIED
status. Tax penalties of 10% or more, may apply to certain distributions; for
example if you are under age 59 1/2 and not disabled as defined by the Code.
There may be substantial penalties if you fail to take required minimum
distributions, usually beginning by age 70 1/2.
 
In some cases, you must satisfy retirement plan or Code requirements before you
take money out. For example, the Code restricts certain withdrawals from TSAs.
 
NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS
 
Contracts purchased with after-tax money and not part of an IRA, Roth IRA, TSA,
457 or specially sponsored retirement plan, are referred to as NON-QUALIFIED
contracts and receive different tax treatment than QUALIFIED contracts. Your
cost basis equals the total amount of the after-tax PURCHASE PAYMENTS remaining
in the contract.
 
The Code generally treats distributions as coming first from earnings and then
from PURCHASE PAYMENTS. Contracts issued by the same insurer to the same OWNER
in the same year are treated as one contract for tax purposes. Distributions
from NON-QUALIFIED contracts are taxed as ordinary income to the extent they are
attributable to
 
SPINNAKER PROSPECTUS
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
earnings. Since you have already been taxed on the cost basis, distributions
attributable to PURCHASE PAYMENTS are generally not taxed.
 
There may be a 10% tax penalty on earnings withdrawn before you reach age
59 1/2. Certain exceptions apply, such as death or disability as defined by the
Code.
 
DIVERSIFICATION
 
Variable annuity contracts receive TAX DEFERRAL as long as investment in the
PORTFOLIOS meet diversification standards set by Treasury Regulations. This
favorable tax treatment allows you to select and make transfers among PORTFOLIOS
without paying income tax until you take money out.
 
We believe the PORTFOLIOS offered under this contract are being managed to
comply with existing standards. To date, neither Treasury Regulations nor the
Code give specific guidance as to the circumstances under which your contract
might lose its tax favored status as an annuity because of the number and type
of PORTFOLIOS you can select from, and the extent to which you can make
transfers. If issued, such guidance could be applied either prospectively or
retroactively. Due to the uncertainty in this area, we reserve the right to
modify the contract in an attempt to maintain favorable tax treatment.
 
TAX WITHHOLDING
 
Generally, federal income tax is withheld from the taxable portion of
withdrawals at a rate of 10%. Withholding on periodic payments as defined by the
Code is at the same rate as wages. Typically, you may elect not to have income
taxes withheld or to have withholding done at a different rate. Certain
distributions from 403(b) plans, which are not directly rolled over to another
eligible retirement plan or IRA, are subject to a mandatory 20% withholding.
 
- ---------------------------------------------------
 
7. ACCESS TO YOUR MONEY
- ----------------------------------------------
 
Under your contract, money may be accessed:
 
  - by withdrawing all or some of your money during the ACCUMULATION PHASE;
 
  - by receiving payments during the INCOME PHASE (see Section 2 -- Annuity
    Payments); or
 
  - when a death benefit is paid to your BENEFICIARY (see Section 9 -- Death
    Benefit).
 
During the ACCUMULATION PHASE, you can take money out by writing to us.
Withdrawals must be at least $250. Unless you tell us differently, partial
withdrawals will be made pro rata from each investment option. Once we receive
your request, withdrawals from the PORTFOLIOS will be effective as of the next
close of the NYSE.
 
A withdrawal may have a contingent deferred sales charge, a withdrawal charge,
and, if you withdraw the entire contract, an annual administration maintenance
charge. There are situations where all or some of these charges don't apply. See
Section 5 -- Expenses for a discussion of the charges.
 
FREE WITHDRAWAL AMOUNT
 
Your contract has a free withdrawal amount. There is no contingent deferred
sales charge on the first 10% of your contract value withdrawn in a contract
year. There is no withdrawal charge on the first withdrawal you make in a
contract year.
 
HEALTHCARE CONFINEMENT
 
If approved in your state, there is no contingent deferred sales charge on
withdrawals you make while you are confined in an eligible healthcare facility
(or within 60 days after confinement ends) if:
 
  - the confinement began after your contract date; and
 
  - we receive confirmation that your confinement has continued for 60 or more
    consecutive days.
 
REPETITIVE WITHDRAWALS
 
You may request Repetitive Withdrawals at a predetermined frequency and amount.
Repetitive Withdrawals may be used to avoid tax penalties for premature
withdrawals or to satisfy distribution requirements of certain retirement plans.
To do this they must be a part of substantially equal withdrawals made at least
annually and based on:
 
  - your life expectancy; or
 
  - the joint life expectancy of you and a BENEFICIARY, with at least 50% of
    your contract value expected to be withdrawn during your life.
 
You may begin Repetitive Withdrawals based on life expectancy by providing us
with the correct information we need to calculate the monthly, quarterly, or
annual withdrawal amount. If you take additional withdrawals or otherwise modify
or stop these Repetitive Withdrawals, charges may apply and there may be tax
consequences and penalties.
 
If you make Repetitive Withdrawals that are not based on life expectancy, the
same restrictions, income taxes, and tax penalties that apply to random
withdrawals also apply to Repetitive Withdrawals.
 
WITHDRAWAL RESTRICTIONS ON TSA OR 403(b)
 
Withdrawals attributable to salary reduction contributions to TSAs for years
after 1988 and any earnings accrued after 1988, cannot be taken out unless:
 
  - you attain age 59 1/2;
 
  - you leave your job;
 
  - you die or become disabled as defined by the Code;
 
  - you experience a qualifying hardship (applies to contributions only); or
 
  - you divorce and a distribution to your former spouse is permitted under a
    Qualified Domestic Relations Order.
 
                                                            SPINNAKER PROSPECTUS
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
Tax penalties may apply to withdrawals. Restrictions on withdrawals from TSAs do
not affect rollovers or transfers between certain retirement plans.
 
WITHDRAWAL RESTRICTIONS ON
TEXAS OPTIONAL RETIREMENT PROGRAM
("TEXAS ORP")
 
Withdrawals from contracts issued in connection with Texas ORP cannot be taken
unless you:
 
  - terminate employment in all eligible Texas institutions of higher education;
 
  - retire;
 
  - attain age 70 1/2; or
 
  - die.
 
You must obtain a certificate of termination from your employer before you
request a withdrawal from the Texas ORP.
 
MINIMUM VALUE
 
If, after a withdrawal, the value in any PORTFOLIO or the FIXED ACCOUNT is less
than $500, the remaining amount will also be withdrawn. If, after a withdrawal,
the remaining contract value is less than $500 ($1,000 in Maine and South
Carolina), the entire contract value will be withdrawn and your contract will
terminate.
 
Withdrawals, including any charges, reduce the number of ACCUMULATION UNITS in
the PORTFOLIOS and/or the value of the FIXED ACCOUNT as well as the death
benefit. Income taxes, tax penalties and certain restrictions may also apply.
See Section 6 -- Taxes.
 
- ---------------------------------------------------
 
8. PERFORMANCE
- ----------------------------------------------
 
From time to time, we may advertise "yield", "effective yield", "total return"
and "average annual total return" for some or all of the PORTFOLIOS. Some of the
PORTFOLIOS have been in existence prior to being offered in the contract. We
calculate performance data of any period prior to the PORTFOLIO being offered in
the contract as if the PORTFOLIO had been offered during those periods, using
current charges and expenses.
 
Performance data and rankings are based on historical results and do not promise
or project future performance.
 
Standardized performance makes it easier for you to compare performance of
variable contracts issued by different companies. It uses set time periods and
PURCHASE PAYMENT amounts and reflects the annual administration maintenance
charge and the contingent deferred sales charge.
 
Non-standardized performance helps you compare performance of PORTFOLIOS within
a contract. From time to time, non-standardized performance may accompany
standardized figures. Non-standardized performance uses different time periods
and PURCHASE PAYMENT amounts and may not reflect all of the charges included in
standardized figures. For this reason, non-standardized PORTFOLIO performance
may appear higher. Non-standardized figures may also include performance of a
PORTFOLIO prior to the PORTFOLIO'S availability in any variable annuity contract
we offer.
 
Each PORTFOLIO may, from time to time, advertise performance relative to certain
performance rankings and indices compiled on an industry-wide basis, for
example:
 
  - "Lipper Variable Insurance Products Performance Analysis Service" monitors
    performance for variable annuity PORTFOLIOS and is published by Lipper
    Analytical Services, Inc.
 
  - "VARDS Report" is a monthly, variable annuity industry analysis published by
    Financial Planning Resources, Inc.
 
  - "Variable Annuity Performance Report" is a monthly analysis of variable
    annuity performance published by Morningstar, Inc.
 
Rankings provided by these and other sources may not include all applicable
charges. More information on the method used to calculate performance for the
PORTFOLIOS and information about independent services that monitor and rank the
performance of variable annuities is in the SAI.
 
- ---------------------------------------------------
 
9. DEATH BENEFIT
- ----------------------------------------------
 
DEATH OF OWNER BEFORE ANNUITY DATE
 
If you die before ANNUITY PAYMENTS start or while you are receiving ANNUITY
PAYMENTS under the Systematic Withdrawal Income Plan, we will pay a death
benefit under your contract as follows to the:
 
  - surviving OWNER or JOINT OWNER; or if none, then
 
  - surviving primary BENEFICIARIES; or if none, then
 
  - surviving contingent BENEFICIARIES; or if none, then
 
  - estate of the last OWNER to die.
 
The death benefit is the higher of:
 
  1)  your current contract value; or
 
  2)  if you are a sole OWNER or the oldest JOINT OWNER, the Minimum Guaranteed
      Death Benefit.
 
When determining the higher of (1) or (2) above, the calculations are based on
the earlier of:
 
  - the date we receive proof of death and the BENEFICIARY'S election of how to
    receive payment; or
 
  - six months from the date of death.
 
SPINNAKER PROSPECTUS
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
The initial Minimum Guaranteed Death Benefit is equal to your first PURCHASE
PAYMENT. It is reset on each 8-year contract anniversary until the oldest OWNER
attains age 72. The reset benefit is equal to the immediately preceding Minimum
Guaranteed Death Benefit or is "stepped up" to your contract value on that date,
if higher.
 
The Minimum Guaranteed Death Benefit is immediately increased by additional
PURCHASE PAYMENTS and adjusted for:
 
  - withdrawals;
 
  - amounts paid to you as ANNUITANT under the Systematic Withdrawal Income
    Plan;
 
  - any amounts paid or payable to a surviving ANNUITANT under the Systematic
    Withdrawal Income Plan; and
 
  - any portion of the contract value converted to ANNUITY UNITS as a result of
    switching to the INCOME PHASE.
 
The death benefit is also reduced dollar for dollar for any withdrawals made
after the OWNER'S death.
 
The death benefit is immediately payable upon the death of the first OWNER to
die or, if the OWNER is not an individual (e.g. a corporation or trust), on the
death of the first ANNUITANT prior to the ANNUITY DATE. To pay the death
benefit, we need proof of death such as a certified copy of a death certificate,
plus written direction from your BENEFICIARY regarding how he or she wants to
receive the money.
 
If a death for which the death benefit is payable occurred more than six months
before we received proof of death or the BENEFICIARY selected how to receive
payment, the value of the benefit will be determined as of six months after the
date of death. From this point on the benefit value will be subject to
investment performance and applicable contract charges until the date payment is
made. This value may go up or down. Thus, BENEFICIARIES should notify us of a
death as promptly as possible to limit their risk of a decline in benefit value.
 
A BENEFICIARY under a NON-QUALIFIED contract may elect to receive the death
benefit as:
 
    1)  a lump sum made no later than five years from the date of death; or
 
    2)  ANNUITY PAYMENTS made over the BENEFICIARY'S life or life expectancy. To
        receive ANNUITY PAYMENTS, the BENEFICIARY must make this election within
        60 days from our receipt of proof of death. ANNUITY PAYMENTS must begin
        within one year from the date of death. Once ANNUITY PAYMENTS begin they
        cannot be changed.
 
A BENEFICIARY under a QUALIFIED contract may have different death benefit
elections depending upon the retirement plan.
 
In some cases, a spouse who is entitled to receive a death benefit may have the
option to continue the contract instead. If this spouse is also the oldest JOINT
OWNER, the Minimum Guaranteed Death Benefit will apply on the death of this
spouse. Otherwise, the benefit on the death of your spouse will be the contract
value.
 
DEATH OF ANNUITANT AFTER ANNUITY DATE
 
After the ANNUITY DATE the ANNUITANT is the OWNER. Once ANNUITY PAYMENTS start,
there is no longer a death benefit under the contract unless the last ANNUITANT
dies while receiving payments under the Systematic Withdrawal Income Plan. Other
annuity options may direct remaining guaranteed payments to the BENEFICIARY. All
ANNUITY PAYMENTS will be distributed to the BENEFICIARY at least as rapidly as
they would have been made to the ANNUITANT. See Section 2 -- Annuity Payments
for more information.
 
BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION
 
You may designate BENEFICIARIES on your contract application or by sending us a
signed and dated request. You may change the BENEFICIARY at any time. An
irrevocable BENEFICIARY must consent in writing to any change. A new BENEFICIARY
designation revokes any prior designation and is not effective until we record
the change. We are not responsible for the validity of any BENEFICIARY
designation nor for any actions we may take prior to receiving and recording a
BENEFICIARY change.
 
- ---------------------------------------------------
 
10. OTHER INFORMATION
- ----------------------------------------------
 
SAFECO LIFE
 
SAFECO Life was incorporated as a stock life insurance company under Washington
law on January 23, 1957. We provide individual and group life, accident and
health insurance, and annuity products and are licensed to do business in the
District of Columbia and all states except New York. We are a wholly owned
subsidiary of SAFECO Corporation which is a holding company whose subsidiaries
are primarily engaged in insurance and financial service businesses.
 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT
 
We adopted a Board Resolution to establish SAFECO Separate Account C ("Separate
Account") under Washington law on February 3, 1995. The Separate Account holds
the assets that underlie contract values invested in the PORTFOLIOS. The
Separate Account is registered with the SEC as a unit investment trust under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
 
Under Washington law, the assets in the Separate Account are the property of
SAFECO Life. However, assets in the Separate Account that are attributable to
contracts are not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business
we may conduct. Income, gains and losses (realized and unrealized), resulting
from assets in the Separate Account are credited to or charged against the
Separate Account without regard to other income,
 
                                                            SPINNAKER PROSPECTUS
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
gains or losses of SAFECO Life. Promises we make in the contract are general
corporate obligations of SAFECO Life and are not dependent on assets in the
Separate Account.
 
GENERAL ACCOUNT
 
If you put your money into the FIXED ACCOUNT, it goes into SAFECO Life's general
account. The general account is made up of all of SAFECO Life's assets other
than those attributable to separate accounts. All of the assets of the general
account are chargeable with the claims of any of our contract OWNERS as well as
our creditors. The general account invests its assets in accordance with state
insurance law.
 
We are not required to register the FIXED ACCOUNT or any interests therein, with
the SEC. For this reason, SEC staff has not reviewed disclosure relating to the
FIXED ACCOUNT. However, such disclosure may be subject to general provisions in
federal securities laws that relate to accuracy and completeness of statements
made in the prospectus.
 
DISTRIBUTION (PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER)
 
The contracts are underwritten by SAFECO Securities, Inc. ("SSI"). They are sold
by individuals who, in addition to being licensed to sell variable annuity
contracts for SAFECO Life, are also registered representatives of broker-dealers
who have a current sales agreement with SSI. SSI is an affiliate of SAFECO Life
and is located at 10865 Willows Road NE, Redmond, Washington 98052. It is
registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1934 and
is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. No amounts
are retained by SSI for acting as principal underwriter for SAFECO Life
contracts.
 
The commissions paid to registered representatives on the sale of contracts are
not more than 6% of PURCHASE PAYMENTS. In addition, commissions, allowances and
bonuses may be paid to registered representatives and/or other distributors of
the contracts. A bonus dependent upon persistency is one type of bonus that may
be paid.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
There are no legal proceedings to which the Separate Account or SSI is a party.
SAFECO Life is engaged in various kinds of litigation which, in the opinion of
SAFECO Life, are not of material importance in relation to the total capital and
surplus of SAFECO Life.
 
RIGHT TO SUSPEND ANNUITY PAYMENTS, TRANSFERS OR WITHDRAWALS
 
We may be required to suspend or postpone payment of ANNUITY PAYMENTS,
transfers, or withdrawals from the PORTFOLIOS for any period of time when:
 
  - the NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend or holiday closings);
 
  - trading on the NYSE is restricted;
 
  - an emergency exists such that disposal of or determination of the value of
    the PORTFOLIO shares is not reasonably practicable; or
 
  - the SEC, by order, so permits for your protection.
 
Additionally, we reserve the right to defer payment of transfers or withdrawals
from the FIXED ACCOUNT for the period permitted by law, but not for more than
six months.
 
VOTING RIGHTS
 
SAFECO Life is the legal owner of the PORTFOLIOS' shares. However, when a
PORTFOLIO solicits proxies in connection with a shareholder vote, we are
required to ask you for instructions as to how to vote those shares. All shares
are voted in the same proportion as the instructions we received. Should we
determine that we are no longer required to comply with the above, we will vote
the shares in our own right.
 
REDUCTION OF CHARGES OR ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS CREDITED
 
Under some circumstances we may expect to experience lower costs or higher
revenues associated with issuing and administering certain contracts. For
example, sales expenses are expected to be less when contracts are sold to a
large group of individuals. Under such circumstances we may pass a portion of
these anticipated savings on to you by reducing OWNER transaction charges
(including the contingent deferred sales charge) or crediting additional FIXED
ACCOUNT interest.
 
We may also take such action in connection with contracts sold to our officers,
directors, and employees and their family members, employees of our affiliates
and their family members, and registered representatives and employees of
broker-dealers that have a current selling agreement with us. In each
circumstance such actions will be reasonably related to the savings or revenues
anticipated and will be applied in a non-discriminatory manner. These actions
may be withdrawn or modified by us at any time.
 
YEAR 2000
 
Like other insurance, mutual fund, financial and business organizations, and
individuals around the world, SAFECO Life and the Separate Account could be
adversely affected if the computer systems used by SAFECO Life, its principal
underwriter, underlying mutual fund managers and investment advisers, or other
companies that provide services to the Separate Account do not properly process
and calculate date related information from and after January 1, 2000. This is
commonly called the "Year 2000 problem." SAFECO Life is taking steps it believes
are reasonably designed to address the Year 2000 problem with respect to the
computer systems that each of them uses and to obtain satisfactory assurances
that comparable steps are being taken by each of SAFECO Life's other, major
service
 
SPINNAKER PROSPECTUS
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
providers. It is not anticipated that the Separate Account will incur any
charges or that there will be any difficulties in accurate and timely reporting
resulting from the change in year from 1999 to 2000. However, with approximately
90% of its systems year 2000 ready, SAFECO Life is currently developing business
continuity plans for year 2000 contingencies.
 
INTERNET INFORMATION
 
You can find more information about the Spinnaker Variable Annuity Contract as
well as other products and financial services offered by SAFECO companies on the
Internet at http://www.SAFECO.com. This website is frequently updated with new
information and can help you locate a representative near you.
 
The SEC also maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov, which contains a copy of
the Separate Account's most recent registration statement and general consumer
information.
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
The financial statements of SAFECO Life and SAFECO Separate Account C are
included in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
Separate Account
Experts
Distribution
Performance Information
Federal Tax Status
Annuity Provisions
Financial Statements
 
                                                            SPINNAKER PROSPECTUS
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
                 (This page has been left blank intentionally.)
 
SPINNAKER PROSPECTUS
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    APPENDIX
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE HISTORY
 
The following schedule includes ACCUMULATION UNIT values for the periods
indicated. This data has been extracted from the Separate Account's Financial
Statements. This information should be read in conjunction with the Separate
Account's Financial Statements and related notes which are included in the
Statement of Additional Information.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              1998        1997        1996       1995       1994
                                                                           ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------
 
<S>                                                                        <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>
RST EQUITY SUB-ACCOUNT
       February 11 value (initial public offering)                                                                          $24.528
       December 31 value                                                      $60.124     $48.808     $39.633    $32.209    $25.373
       December 31 units                                                    2,488,385   1,868,135   1,055,113    438,184    144,290
 
RST GROWTH SUB-ACCOUNT
       February 11 value (initial public offering)                                                                          $13.910
       December 31 value                                                      $38.556     $38.410     $26.928    $20.668    $14.864
       December 31 units                                                    3,132,646   2,188,705   1,244,669    479,054    154,127
 
RST NORTHWEST SUB-ACCOUNT
       February 11 value (initial public offering)                                                                          $10.073
       December 31 value                                                      $15.611     $15.388     $11.905    $10.737    $10.134
       December 31 units                                                      653,977     445,999     146,690     58,302     22,082
 
RST BOND SUB-ACCOUNT
       February 11 value (initial public offering)                                                                          $16.217
       December 31 value                                                      $20.536     $19.130     $17.915    $18.045    $15.521
       December 31 units                                                      331,330     164,114     112,876     35,531     14,107
 
RST MONEY MARKET SUB-ACCOUNT
       February 11 value (initial public offering)                                                                          $13.526
       December 31 value                                                      $15.951     $15.413     $14.874    $14.370    $13.811
       December 31 units                                                      764,549     469,011     251,704     98,132    124,541
 
RST SMALL COMPANY STOCK SUB-ACCOUNT
       May 1 value (initial public offering)                                              $10.000
       December 31 value                                                      $10.040     $12.731
       December 31 units                                                      458,821     246,308
 
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL SUB-ACCOUNT
       February 11 value (initial public offering)                                                                          $10.948
       December 31 value                                                      $16.367     $14.008     $13.022    $11.504    $10.498
       December 31 units                                                      584,163     595,188     545,285    278,030    137,600
 
SCUDDER BALANCED SUB-ACCOUNT
       February 11 value (initial public offering)                                                                          $10.435
       December 31 value                                                      $20.501     $16.872     $13.771    $12.481     $9.988
       December 31 units                                                      942,422     784,022     660,227    134,772     49,575
 
LEXINGTON NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST SUB-ACCOUNT
       January 25 value (initial public offering)                                                     $11.330
       December 31 value                                                      $11.844     $14.952     $14.148
       December 31 units                                                      276,756     304,593      73,555
</TABLE>
 
                                                            SPINNAKER PROSPECTUS
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE HISTORY (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              1998        1997        1996       1995       1994
                                                                           ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------
 
<S>                                                                        <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>
LEXINGTON EMERGING MARKETS FUND, INC. SUB-ACCOUNT
       January 25 value (initial public offering)                                                     $10.350
       December 31 value                                                       $6.131      $8.670      $9.946
       December 31 units                                                      224,539     192,647      86,353
 
FEDERATED UTILITY FUND II SUB-ACCOUNT
       January 25 value (initial public offering)                                                     $11.110
       December 31 value                                                      $17.010     $15.135     $12.117
       December 31 units                                                      415,785     263,094      83,361
 
FEDERATED HIGH INCOME BOND FUND II SUB-ACCOUNT
       January 25 value (initial public offering)                                                      $9.870
       December 31 value                                                      $12.391     $12.236     $10.899
       December 31 units                                                      518,078     300,924      40,629
 
FEDERATED INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND II SUB-ACCOUNT
       January 25 value (initial public offering)                                                     $10.220
       December 31 value                                                      $14.866     $12.003     $11.056
       December 31 units                                                      223,162     127,307      34,059
 
VP BALANCED SUB-ACCOUNT
       January 25 value (initial public offering)                                                      $7.020
       December 31 value                                                      $10.287      $9.008      $7.887
       December 31 units                                                      962,809     350,262      23,490
 
VP INTERNATIONAL SUB-ACCOUNT
       January 25 value (initial public offering)                                                      $5.330
       December 31 value                                                       $8.244      $7.039      $6.016
       December 31 units                                                      995,167     467,855      24,432
 
VIP II CONTRAFUND SUB-ACCOUNT
       May 1 value (initial public offering)                                  $10.000
       December 31 value                                                      $11.317
       December 31 units                                                      153,694
 
VIP III GROWTH OPPORTUNITES SUB-ACCOUNT
       May 1 value (initial public offering)                                  $10.000
       December 31 value                                                      $11.235
       December 31 units                                                      145,263
 
INVESCO VIF-REALTY SUB-ACCOUNT
       May 1 value (initial public offering)                                  $10.000
       December 31 value                                                       $8.577
       December 31 units                                                       22,885
</TABLE>
 
SPINNAKER PROSPECTUS
 
                                      A-2
<PAGE>
                                       PART B
                                          
                        STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


                                        -6-

<PAGE>
                         SPINNAKER-TM- VARIABLE ANNUITY
 
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
    INDIVIDUAL FLEXIBLE PURCHASE PAYMENT DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACT
 
                                   ISSUED BY
 
                           SAFECO SEPARATE ACCOUNT C
 
                                      AND
 
                         SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus and should be read
in conjunction with the prospectus for the Individual Flexible Purchase Payment
Deferred Variable Annuity Contract.
The prospectus concisely sets forth information that a prospective investor
should know before investing. For a copy of the prospectus, call 1-877-472-3326
or write to SAFECO Life Insurance Company, Annuity Service Office, Retirement
Services Department, P.O. Box 34690, Seattle, Washington 98124-1690.
This Statement of Additional Information and the prospectus are both dated April
30, 1999.
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                PAGE
                                                                                                                -----
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
SEPARATE ACCOUNT...........................................................................................           2
  Mortality and Expense Guarantee..........................................................................           2
 
EXPERTS....................................................................................................           2
 
DISTRIBUTION...............................................................................................           3
  Reduction or Elimination of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge.............................................           3
 
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION....................................................................................           3
  Total Return.............................................................................................           3
  Yield....................................................................................................           4
  Performance Comparison...................................................................................           5
  Tax Comparison...........................................................................................           5
 
FEDERAL TAX STATUS.........................................................................................           5
  Note.....................................................................................................           5
  General..................................................................................................           6
  Diversification..........................................................................................           6
  Multiple Contracts.......................................................................................           7
  Contracts Owned by Other than Natural Persons............................................................           7
  Income Tax Withholding...................................................................................           7
  Tax Treatment of Withdrawals -- Non-Qualified Contracts..................................................           8
  Retirement Plans.........................................................................................           8
  Tax Treatment of Withdrawals -- Qualified Contracts......................................................          10
  Tax Sheltered Annuities -- Withdrawal Limitations........................................................          10
 
ANNUITY PROVISIONS.........................................................................................          11
  Annuity Unit Value.......................................................................................          11
  Variable Annuity Payments................................................................................          11
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.......................................................................................          12
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
                                SEPARATE ACCOUNT
 
SAFECO Life Insurance Company ("the Company", "we", and "us"), is a wholly owned
subsidiary of SAFECO Corporation which is a holding company whose subsidiaries
are engaged primarily in insurance and financial services businesses. We
established SAFECO Separate Account C ("the Separate Account") on February 3,
1995, to hold assets that underlie contract values invested in the portfolios.
The Separate Account meets the definition of "separate account" under Washington
State law and under the federal securities laws. It is registered with the
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") as a unit investment trust under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. This registration does not involve
supervision of the management of the Separate Account or the Company by the SEC.
 
The assets of the Separate Account are the property of the Company. The Separate
Account invests in the underlying portfolios that are offered under the
contract. Each portfolio is a part of a series of portfolios designed for use in
variable annuity and variable life insurance products, not all of which may be
available under the contracts described herein. We maintain records of all
Separate Account purchases and redemptions of the shares of the portfolios. We
do not guarantee the investment performance of the Separate Account, its assets,
or the portfolios. Contract values allocated to the Separate Account and the
amount of variable annuity payments will vary with the value of the shares of
the underlying portfolios, and are also reduced by expenses and transaction
charges assessed under the contracts.
 
Accumulation units and variable annuity payments will reflect the investment
performance of the Separate Account with respect to amounts allocated to it.
Since the Separate Account is always fully invested in the shares of the
portfolios, its investment performance reflects the investment performance of
those entities. The investments of the Separate Account will be valued at their
fair market value in accordance with the procedures approved by the Board of
Directors of SAFECO Life Insurance Company and the Separate Account committee.
The values of such shares held by the Separate Account fluctuate and are subject
to the risks of changing economic conditions. The contract owner bears the
entire investment risk. There can be no assurance that the aggregate value in
the contract and amount of variable annuity payments will equal or exceed the
purchase payments made under a contract for the reasons described above, or
because of the premature death of the annuitant after the annuity date.
 
MORTALITY AND EXPENSE GUARANTEE
 
We guarantee that the dollar amount of each variable annuity payment made after
the first payment will not be adversely affected by variations in actual
mortality experience or actual expenses incurred in excess of the expense
deductions provided for in the contract (although the Company does not guarantee
the amounts of the variable annuity payments).
 
To the extent that the contingent deferred sales charge is insufficient to cover
all the distribution costs and related expenses, some portion of the proceeds
from the mortality and expense risk charge may be utilized to meet such excess
distribution expenses. We have represented in documents filed with the SEC that
the mortality and expense risk charge is consistent with the mortality and
expense risks we assume and is within the range of industry practice, based on
our review of our requirements and industry practice. Moreover, we have
represented that use of any proceeds from such charge to defray distribution
expenses has a reasonable likelihood of benefiting the Separate Account and
owners.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
The financial statements of SAFECO Separate Account C and SAFECO Life Insurance
Company and Subsidiaries, appearing in this Statement of Additional Information,
have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in
their reports thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance
upon such reports given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting
and auditing.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
                                  DISTRIBUTION
 
SAFECO Securities, Inc. (SSI), an affiliate of the Company, acts as the
principal underwriter for the contracts. The contracts issued by the Separate
Account are offered on a continuous basis.
 
REDUCTION OR ELIMINATION OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE
 
The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge on the contracts may be
reduced or eliminated when sales of the contracts are made to individuals or to
a group of individuals in a manner that results in savings of sales expenses.
Any reduction of the contingent deferred sales charge will be determined by us
after examination of all the relevant factors such as:
 
1.  The size and type of group to which sales are to be made will be considered.
    Generally, the sales expenses for a larger group are less than for a smaller
    group because of the ability to implement large numbers of contracts with
    fewer sales contacts.
 
2.  The total amount of purchase payments to be received will be considered. Per
    contract sales expenses are likely to be less on larger purchase payments
    than on smaller ones.
 
3.  Any prior or existing relationship with us. Per contract sales expenses are
    likely to be less when there is a prior or existing relationship because of
    the likelihood of implementing the contracts with fewer sales contacts.
 
4.  There may be other circumstances, of which we are not presently aware, which
    could result in reduced sales expenses.
 
If, after consideration of the foregoing factors, we determine that there will
be a reduction in sales expenses, the Company may provide for a reduction or
elimination of the contingent deferred sales charge.
 
The contingent deferred sales charge may be eliminated when the contracts are
issued to an officer, director or employee of the Company or any of its
affiliates. In no event will reductions or elimination of the contingent
deferred sales charge be permitted where reductions or elimination will be
unfairly discriminatory to any person.
 
                            PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
 
TOTAL RETURN
 
"Total return" is the total percentage change in the unit value of an investment
over a stated period of time. It reflects all aspects of a portfolio's return,
including the automatic reinvestment by the portfolio of all distributions and
the deduction of all applicable charges to the portfolio on an annual basis,
including mortality and expense risk charges, the annual administration
maintenance charge, the asset related administration charge, and any other
charges against contract value. Quotations also will assume a termination
(surrender) at the end of the particular period and reflect the deduction of the
contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. Additional quotations may be
given that do not assume a termination (surrender) and do not take into account
deduction of the contingent deferred sales charge, since the contracts are
intended as long-term products.
 
Standardized total return figures which appear in advertisements or sales
literature will be calculated for required time periods based on a set initial
investment amount and reflect the annual administration maintenance charge and
the contingent deferred sales charge. From time to time, non-standardized total
return figures may accompany the standardized figures. Non-standardized total
return figures may be calculated in a variety of ways including but not
necessarily limited to different time periods, different initial investment
amounts, additions of periodic payments, use of time weighted average annual
returns which take into consideration the length of time each investment has
been invested, and without the annual administration maintenance charge and/or
with or without the contingent deferred sales charge.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
Non-standardized figures may cause the performance of the portfolios to appear
higher than performance calculated using standard parameters.
 
"Average annual total return" is the annual percentage change in the unit value
of an investment over a stated period of time. It is calculated by determining
the growth or decline in value of a hypothetical investment in the portfolio
over certain periods, including 1, 5, and 10 years (up to the portfolio's
availability through the Separate Account), and then calculating the annually
compounded percentage rate that would have produced the same result if the rate
of growth or decline in value had been constant over the period. Investors
should realize that the portfolio's experience is not constant over time, but
changes from year to year, and that the average annual returns represent
averaged figures as opposed to the year-to-year performance of a portfolio.
Average annual returns are calculated pursuant to the following formula:
 
                        P(1 + T)to the power of n = ERV
 
where:
 
P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000;
 
T = the average annual total return;
 
n = the number of years; and
 
ERV = the withdrawal value at the end of the time period used.
 
"Cumulative total returns" are not averaged and reflect the simple change in
value of a hypothetical investment in the portfolio over a stated period of
time.
 
Total return, average total return, and cumulative total return assume
reinvestment of dividend and capital gains distributions.
 
From time to time, additional quotations of total return based on the historical
performance of the portfolios may also be presented.
 
YIELD
 
Some portfolios may advertise yields. Yields quoted in advertising reflect the
change in value of a hypothetical investment in the portfolio over a stated
period of time, not taking into account capital gains or losses. Yield figures
will reflect deduction of the annual administration maintenance charge which is
assessed on an annual basis to contract owners whose contract value is less than
$50,000, but will not reflect any applicable contingent deferred sales charge.
Yields are annualized and stated as a percentage.
 
Current yield and effective yield are calculated for the RST Money Market
Portfolio. Current yield is based on the change in the value of a hypothetical
investment (exclusive of capital changes) over a particular seven (7) day
period, less a hypothetical charge reflecting deductions from values during the
period (the base period), and stated as a percentage of the investment at the
start of the base period (the base period return). The base period return is
then annualized by assuming that the income generated during the seven day
period continues to be generated each week for a 52 week period. It is
multiplied by 365/7, with the resulting yield figure carried to at least the
nearest hundredth of one percent. Effective yield assumes that all dividends
received during an annual period have been reinvested. This compounding effect
causes effective yield to be higher than current yield. Calculation of effective
yield begins with the same base period return used in the calculation of current
yield, which is then annualized to reflect weekly compounding pursuant to the
following formula:
 
    Effective Yield = [(Base Period Return + 1)to the power of (365/7)] - 1
 
For the RST Money Market Portfolio, total return and average annual total return
are non-standardized performance figures which may accompany the standardized
yield and effective yield.
 
Yield for portfolios other than RST Money Market Portfolio is based on all
investment income (including dividends and interest) per accumulation unit
earned during a particular thirty (30) day period, less
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
expenses accrued during the period (net investment income). Yield is computed by
dividing net investment income by the value of an accumulation unit on the last
day of the period, according to the following formula:
 
                 Yield = 2[((a-b)/cd + 1)to the power of 6 - 1]
 
where:
 
a    = net investment income earned during the period by the corresponding
portfolio;
 
b    = expenses accrued for the period (net of any reimbursements);
 
c    = the average daily number of accumulation units outstanding during the
period; and
 
d    = the value (maximum offering price) per accumulation unit on the last day
of the period.
 
The income is then annualized on a 360 day basis by assuming that the income
generated during the 30 day period continues to be generated each month for a 12
month period and is shown as a percentage of the investment. Again, yield
figures will reflect deduction of the annual administration maintenance charge
which is assessed on an annual basis to owners whose contract value is less than
$50,000, but will not reflect any applicable contingent deferred sales charge.
 
PERFORMANCE COMPARISON
 
The Company may also show historical accumulation unit values in certain
advertisements containing illustrations. These illustrations will be based on
actual accumulation unit values. Performance information for a portfolio may be
compared, in reports and advertising, to: (i) Standard & Poor's Stock Index, Dow
Jones Industrial Averages, Donahue Money Market Institutional Averages, or other
unmanaged indices generally regarded as representative of the securities
markets; (ii) other variable annuity separate accounts or other investment
products tracked by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., the Variable Annuity
Research and Data Service, or Morningstar, Inc., which are widely used
independent research firms that rank mutual funds and other investment companies
by overall performance, investment objectives and assets; and (iii) the Consumer
Price Index (a measure of inflation) to assess the real rate of return from an
investment in a contract. Unmanaged indices may assume the reinvestment of
dividends but generally do not reflect deductions for annuity charges,
investment management costs, brokerage costs and other transaction costs that
are normally paid when directly investing in securities.
 
Total returns, yields, and other performance information may be quoted
numerically or in a table, graph, or similar illustration. Reports and
advertising also may contain other information, including the ranking of any
portfolio derived from rankings of variable annuity separate accounts or other
investment products tracked by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. or by rating
services, companies, publications, or other persons which rank separate accounts
or other investment products on overall performance or other criteria.
 
TAX COMPARISON
 
Reports and advertising also may show the effect of tax deferred compounding on
investment returns, or returns in general, illustrated by graphs, charts, or
otherwise, which may include a comparison, at various points in time, of the
return from an investment in a contract (giving effect to all fees and charges),
or returns in general, on a tax-deferred basis (assuming one or more tax rates)
with the return on a taxable basis, and which will disclose the tax
characteristics of the investments shown, including the impact of withdrawals
and surrenders.
 
                               FEDERAL TAX STATUS
 
NOTE
 
The following description is based upon the Company's understanding of current
federal income tax law applicable to annuities in general. Tax laws are complex
and subject to change. We cannot predict the probability that any changes in the
interpretation of or the laws themselves, will occur. Purchasers are
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
cautioned to seek competent tax advice regarding the possibility of such
changes. We do not guarantee the tax status of the contracts. Purchasers bear
the complete risk that the contracts may not be treated as "annuity contracts"
under federal income tax laws. It should be further understood that the
following discussion is not exhaustive and that special rules not described in
this SAI or the prospectus may be applicable in certain situations. Moreover, no
attempt has been made to consider any applicable state or other tax laws.
 
GENERAL
 
Section 72 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, ("the Code")
governs taxation of annuities in general. An owner is generally not taxed on
increases in the value of a contract until distribution occurs, either in the
form of a lump sum payment, a withdrawal, or as annuity payments under the
option elected. For a lump sum payment received as a total surrender (total
redemption), the recipient is generally taxed on the portion of the payment that
exceeds the cost basis in the contract. For non-qualified contracts, this cost
basis is generally the purchase payments, while for qualified contracts there
may be no cost basis. The taxable portion of the lump sum payment is taxed at
ordinary income tax rates.
 
For annuity payments, a portion of each payment in excess of an exclusion amount
is includable in taxable income. The exclusion amount for payments based on a
fixed annuity is determined by multiplying the payment by the ratio that the
cost basis of the contract (adjusted for any period certain or refund feature)
bears to the expected return under the contract. The exclusion amount for
payments based on a variable annuity is determined by dividing the cost basis of
the contract (adjusted for any period certain or refund guarantee) by the number
of years over which the annuity is expected to be paid. Payments received after
the investment in the contract has been recovered (i.e. when the total of the
excludable amounts equals the investment in the contract) are generally fully
taxable. The taxable portion is taxed at ordinary income tax rates. For certain
types of retirement plans there may be no cost basis in the contract within the
meaning of Section 72 of the Code resulting in the annuity payments being fully
includable in taxable income. Owners, annuitants and beneficiaries under the
contracts should seek competent financial advice about the tax consequences of
any distributions.
 
The Company is taxed as a life insurance company under the Code. For federal
income tax purposes, the Separate Account is not a separate entity from the
Company and its operations form a part of the Company.
 
DIVERSIFICATION
 
Section 817(h) of the Code imposes certain diversification standards on the
underlying assets of variable annuity contracts. The Code provides that a
variable annuity contract will not be treated as an annuity contract for any
period (and any subsequent period) for which the investments are not, in
accordance with regulations prescribed by the United States Treasury Department
("Treasury Department"), adequately diversified. Disqualification of the
contract as an annuity contract would result in imposition of federal income tax
to the owner with respect to earnings allocable to the contract prior to the
receipt of payments under the contract. The Code contains a safe harbor
provision which provides that annuity contracts such as the contracts meet the
diversification requirements if, as of the end of each quarter, the underlying
assets meet the diversification standards for a regulated investment company and
no more than fifty-five percent (55%) of the total assets consist of cash, cash
items, U.S. Government securities and securities of other regulated investment
companies.
 
On March 2, 1989, the Treasury Department issued Regulations (Treas. Reg.
1.817-5), which established diversification requirements for the portfolios
underlying variable contracts such as those described in the prospectus. The
Regulations amplify the diversification requirements for variable contracts set
forth in the Code and provide an alternative to the safe harbor provision
described above. Under the Regulations, an investment portfolio will be deemed
adequately diversified if: (1) no more than 55% of the value of the
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
total assets of the portfolio is represented by any one investment; (2) no more
than 70% of the value of the total assets of the portfolio is represented by any
two investments; (3) no more than 80% of the value of the total assets of the
portfolio is represented by any three investments; and (4) no more than 90% of
the value of the total assets of the portfolio is represented by any four
investments.
 
The Code provides that, for purposes of determining whether or not the
diversification standards imposed on the underlying assets of variable contracts
by Section 817(h) of the Code have been met, "each United States government
agency or instrumentality shall be treated as a separate issuer."
 
The Company intends that all portfolios underlying the contracts will be managed
in such a manner as to comply with these diversification requirements.
 
The Treasury Department has indicated that the diversification Regulations do
not provide guidance regarding the circumstances in which owner control of the
investments of the Separate Account will cause the contract owner to be treated
as the owner of the assets of the Separate Account, thereby resulting in the
loss of favorable tax treatment for the contract. At this time it cannot be
determined whether additional guidance will be provided and what standards may
be contained in such guidance.
 
The amount of owner control which may be exercised under the contract is
different in some respects from the situations addressed in published rulings
issued by the Internal Revenue Service in which it was held that the contract
owner was not the owner of the assets of the separate account. It is unknown
whether these differences, such as your ability to transfer among portfolios or
the number and type of portfolios available, would cause you to be considered
the owner of the assets of the separate account resulting in the imposition of
federal income tax with respect to earnings allocable to the contract prior to
receipt of payments under the contract.
 
In the event any forthcoming guidance or ruling is considered to set forth a new
position, such guidance or ruling will generally be applied only prospectively.
However, if such ruling or guidance was not considered to set forth a new
position, it may be applied retroactively resulting in the contract owner being
retroactively determined to be the owner of the assets of the Separate Account.
 
Due to the uncertainty in this area, the Company reserves the right to modify
the contract in an attempt to maintain favorable tax treatment.
 
MULTIPLE CONTRACTS
 
The Code provides that multiple non-qualified annuity contracts which are issued
within a calendar year to the same contract owner by one company or its
affiliates are treated as one annuity contract for purposes of determining the
tax consequences of any distribution. Such treatment may result in adverse tax
consequences including more rapid taxation of the distributed amounts from such
multiple contracts. These aggregation rules may also apply in connection with
certain 457 plans. You should consult a tax adviser prior to purchasing more
than one annuity in any calendar year.
 
CONTRACTS OWNED BY OTHER THAN NATURAL PERSONS
 
Under Section 72(u) of the Code, the earnings on purchase payments for the
contracts will be taxed currently to the owner if the owner is not a natural
person, e.g. a corporation or certain other entities, unless the contract is
held by certain trusts or other entities as an agent for a natural person or to
hold retirement plan assets. Purchasers who are not natural persons should
consult their own tax counsel or other tax adviser before purchasing a contract.
 
INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING
 
All distributions or any portion(s) thereof which are includable in the gross
income of the owner are subject to federal income tax withholding. Generally,
amounts are withheld from periodic payments at the
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
same rate as wages and at the rate of 10% from non-periodic payments. However,
the owner, in most cases, may elect not to have taxes withheld or to have
withholding done at a different rate. Special withholding rules apply to United
States citizens residing outside the United States and to non-resident aliens.
 
Effective January 1, 1993, certain distributions from retirement plans qualified
under Section 401 or Section 403(b) of the Code, which are not directly rolled
over to another eligible retirement plan or individual retirement account or
individual retirement annuity, are subject to a mandatory 20% withholding for
federal income tax. The 20% withholding requirement generally does not apply to:
a) a series of substantially equal payments made at least annually for the life
or life expectancy of the participant or joint and last survivor expectancy of
the participant and a designated beneficiary; or b) distributions for a
specified period of 10 years or more; or c) distributions which are required
minimum distributions; or d) the portion of distributions not includable in
gross income (i.e. returns of after-tax contributions). You should consult your
own tax counsel or other tax adviser regarding income tax withholding.
 
TAX TREATMENT OF WITHDRAWALS -- NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS
 
Section 72 of the Code governs treatment of distributions from annuity
contracts. It provides that if the contract value exceeds the aggregate purchase
payments made, any amount withdrawn will be treated as coming first from the
earnings and then, only after the income portion is exhausted, as coming from
the principal. Withdrawn earnings are includable in gross income. It further
provides that a ten percent (10%) penalty will apply to the income portion of
any premature distribution. However, the penalty is not imposed on amounts
received: (a) after the taxpayer reaches age 59 1/2; (b) after the death of the
owner; (c) if the taxpayer is totally disabled (for this purpose disability is
as defined in Section 72(m)(7) of the Code); (d) in a series of substantially
equal periodic payments made not less frequently than annually for the life (or
life expectancy) of the taxpayer or for the joint lives (or joint life
expectancies) of the taxpayer and his or her beneficiary; (e) under an immediate
annuity; or (f) which are allocable to purchase payments made prior to August
14, 1982.
 
The above information does not apply to qualified contracts. However, separate
tax withdrawal penalties and restrictions may apply to such qualified contracts.
(See "Tax Treatment of Withdrawals -- Qualified Contracts" below.)
 
RETIREMENT PLANS
 
The contracts offered herein are designed to be suitable for use under various
types of retirement plans. Taxation of participants in each retirement plan
varies with the type of plan and terms and conditions of each specific plan.
Owners, annuitants and beneficiaries are cautioned that benefits under a
retirement plan may be subject to the terms and conditions of the plan
regardless of the terms and conditions of the contracts issued pursuant to the
plan. Some retirement plans are subject to distribution and other requirements
that are not incorporated into the Company's administrative procedures. Contract
owners, participants and beneficiaries are responsible for determining that
contributions, distributions and other transactions with respect to the contract
comply with applicable law. Following are general descriptions of some types of
retirement plans with which the contracts are most often used. Such descriptions
are not exhaustive and are for general informational purposes only. The tax
rules regarding retirement plans are very complex and will have differing
applications depending on individual facts and circumstances. Each purchaser
should obtain competent tax advice prior to purchasing a contract issued in
connection with a retirement plan.
 
Contracts issued in connection with retirement plans include special provisions
that may restrict or modify the contract provisions and administrative services
described in the prospectus. Generally, contracts issued pursuant to retirement
plans are not transferable except upon surrender or annuitization. Various
penalty and excise taxes may apply to contributions or distributions made in
violation of applicable limitations.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
Furthermore, certain withdrawal penalties and restrictions may apply to
surrenders from these contracts. (See "Tax Treatment of Withdrawals -- Qualified
Contracts", below.)
 
On July 6, 1983, the Supreme Court decided in Arizona Governing Committee v.
Norris that optional annuity benefits provided under an employer's deferred
compensation plan could not, under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,
vary between men and women. The contracts sold by the Company in connection with
retirement plans will utilize annuity tables which do not differentiate on the
basis of sex. Such annuity tables will also be available for use in connection
with certain non-qualified deferred compensation plans.
 
a.  Tax Sheltered Annuities
 
    Section 403(b) of the Code permits the purchase of "Tax Sheltered Annuities"
    ("TSA") by public schools and certain charitable, educational and scientific
    organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code. These qualifying
    employers may make contributions to the contracts for the benefit of their
    employees. Such contributions are not includable in the gross income of the
    employees until the employees receive distributions from the contracts. The
    amount of contributions to the tax sheltered annuity is limited to certain
    maximums imposed by the Code. Furthermore, the Code sets forth additional
    restrictions governing such items as transferability, distributions,
    nondiscrimination and withdrawals. (See "Tax Treatment of Withdrawals --
    Qualified Contracts" below.) Any employee should obtain competent tax advice
    as to the tax treatment and suitability of such an investment.
 
b.  Individual Retirement Annuities
 
    Section 408 of the Code permits eligible individuals to contribute to an
    individual retirement program known as a traditional "Individual Retirement
    Annuity" ("IRA"). Under applicable limitations, certain amounts may be
    contributed to an IRA which will be deductible from the individual's gross
    income. These IRAs are subject to limitations on eligibility, contributions,
    transferability and distributions. (See "Tax Treatment of Withdrawals --
    Qualified Contracts" below.) Traditional IRAs include the SEP IRA and SIMPLE
    IRA. An employer can establish a SEP IRA or SIMPLE IRA for its employees.
    Under an employer's SEP IRA or SIMPLE IRA, contributions for each eligible
    employee can be made under a contract issued as an IRA. Under certain
    conditions, distributions from other IRAs and other retirement plans may be
    rolled over or transferred on a tax-deferred basis into an IRA. Sales of
    contracts for use with IRAs are subject to special requirements imposed by
    the Code, including the requirement that certain informational disclosure be
    given to persons desiring to establish an IRA. Purchasers of contracts to be
    qualified as Individual Retirement Annuities should obtain competent tax
    advice as to the tax treatment and suitability of such an investment.
 
c.  Roth Individual Retirement Annuities
 
    Section 408A of the Code permits eligible individuals to make nondeductible
    contributions to an individual retirement program known as a Roth Individual
    Retirement Annuity. Section 408A includes limits on how much you may
    contribute to a Roth Individual Retirement Annuity and when distributions
    may commence. Qualified distributions from Roth Individual Retirement
    Annuities are excluded from taxable gross income. "Qualified distributions"
    are distributions which (a) are made more than five years after the taxable
    year of the first contribution to the Roth Individual Retirement Annuity,
    and (b) meet any of the following conditions; (1) the annuity owner has
    reached age 59 1/2; (2) the distribution is paid to a beneficiary after the
    owner's death; (3) the annuity owner is disabled; or (4) the distribution
    will be used for a first time home purchase. (Qualified distributions for
    first time home purchases may not exceed $10,000.) Non-qualified
    distributions are includable in taxable gross income only to the extent that
    they exceed the contributions made to the Roth Individual Retirement
    Annuity. The taxable portion of a non-qualified distribution may be subject
    to the 10% penalty tax.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
    Subject to certain limitations, you may convert a regular Individual
    Retirement Account or Annuity to a Roth Individual Retirement Annuity. You
    will be required to include the taxable portion of the conversion in your
    taxable gross income, but you will not be required to pay the 10% penalty
    tax.
 
d.  Deferred Compensation Plans
 
    Section 457 of the Code permits governmental and certain other tax exempt
    employers to establish deferred compensation plans for the benefit of their
    employees. The Code establishes limitations and restrictions on eligibility,
    contributions and distributions. Under these plans, contributions made for
    the benefit of the employees will not be includable in the employees' gross
    income until distributed from the plan. Special rules apply to deferred
    compensation plans. Owners should consult their own tax counsel or other tax
    adviser regarding any distributions.
 
TAX TREATMENT OF WITHDRAWALS -- QUALIFIED CONTRACTS
 
Section 72(t) of the Code imposes a 10% penalty tax on the taxable portion of
any distribution from certain retirement plans, including contracts issued and
qualified under Code Sections 403(b) (Tax Sheltered Annuities) and 408
(Individual Retirement Annuities). To the extent amounts are not includable in
gross income because they have been rolled over to an IRA or to another eligible
plan, no tax penalty will be imposed. The tax penalty will not apply to the
following distributions: (a) if distribution is made on or after the date on
which the owner or annuitant (as applicable) reaches age 59 1/2; (b)
distributions following the death or disability of the owner or annuitant (as
applicable) (for this purpose disability is as defined in Section 72(m)(7) of
the Code); (c) after separation from service, distributions that are part of
substantially equal periodic payments made not less frequently than annually for
the life (or life expectancy) of the owner or annuitant (as applicable) or the
joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of such owner or annuitant (as
applicable) and his or her designated beneficiary; (d) distributions to an owner
or annuitant (as applicable) who has separated from service after he has
attained age 55; (e) distributions made to the owner or annuitant (as
applicable) to the extent such distributions do not exceed the amount allowable
as a deduction under Code Section 213 to the owner or annuitant (as applicable)
for amounts paid during the taxable year for medical care; (f) distributions
made to an alternate payee pursuant to a Qualified Domestic Relations Order; (g)
distributions made to pay health insurance premiums for an unemployed owner or
annuitant; (h) distributions made to an owner or annuitant to pay qualified
higher education expenses; and (i) distributions made to an owner or annuitant
for first home purchases. The exceptions stated in (d), (e) and (f) above do not
apply in the case of an Individual Retirement Annuity. The exception stated in
(c) above applies to an Individual Retirement Annuity without the requirement
that there be a separation from service.
 
Generally, distributions from a retirement plan must commence no later than
April 1st of the calendar year, following the year in which the employee attains
age 70 1/2. Distributions from a TSA or Deferred Compensation Plan may, however,
be deferred until actual retirement, if later. Required distributions must be
over a period not exceeding the life expectancy of the individual or the joint
lives or life expectancies of the individual and his or her designated
beneficiary. If the required minimum distributions are not made, a 50% penalty
tax is imposed as to the amount not distributed.
 
Roth IRAs are not subject to the required minimum distribution rule.
Distributions from a Roth IRA may be deferred until the death of the owner or
annuitant.
 
TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES -- WITHDRAWAL LIMITATIONS
 
The Code limits the withdrawal of amounts attributable to contributions made
pursuant to a salary reduction agreement (as defined in Section 403(b)(11) of
the Code) to circumstances only when the owner: (1) attains age 59 1/2; (2)
separates from service; (3) dies or becomes disabled (within the meaning of
Section 72(m)(7) of the Code); (4) in the case of hardship, or (5) is divorced
and the distribution is permitted under a Qualified Domestic Relations Order.
Withdrawals for hardship are restricted to the
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
portion of the owner's contract value which represents contributions made by the
owner and does not include any investment results. The limitations on
withdrawals became effective on January 1, 1989 and apply only to salary
reduction contributions made after December 31, 1988, to income attributable to
such contributions and to income attributable to amounts held as of December 31,
1988. The limitations on withdrawals do not affect rollovers or transfers
between certain retirement plans. Owners should consult their own tax counsel or
other tax adviser regarding any distributions.
 
                               ANNUITY PROVISIONS
 
ANNUITY UNIT VALUE
 
The value of an annuity unit for each portfolio on any date varies to reflect
the investment experience of the portfolio, the assumed investment rate of 4% on
which the annuity tables are based, and the deduction for charges assessed and
imposed by the Company, including a mortality and expense risk charge, asset
related administration charge, and, if applicable, a charge for premium taxes.
 
For any valuation period the value of an annuity unit is determined by
multiplying the value of an annuity unit for each portfolio, as of the
immediately preceding valuation period by the Net Investment Factor for the
valuation period for which the value is being calculated, and dividing the
result by an Assumed Investment Factor to adjust for the assumed investment
return of 4% used in calculating the annuity rate tables.
 
The Net Investment Factor is a number that represents the change in the net
asset value of a portfolio on successive days when the NYSE is open. The Net
Investment Factor for any portfolio for any valuation period is determined by
taking the net asset value per share of the portfolio, (adjusted for earnings,
realized or unrealized capital gains or losses, and deductions for tax, if any),
as of the current valuation period, and dividing it by the adjusted net asset
value per share of the portfolio for the preceding period, and then subtracting
the percentage factor for the mortality and expense risk charge and the asset
related administrative charge. The Net Investment Factor may be greater than or
equal to one, therefore the annuity unit value may increase or decrease.
 
The Assumed Investment Factor for a one day valuation period is 1.00010746. This
factor neutralizes the assumed investment return of 4% in the Variable Annuity
Purchase Rate Table in the contract.
 
VARIABLE ANNUITY PAYMENTS
 
The amount of the first annuity payment under a contract will be determined on
the basis of the annuity option selected, the annuity purchase rate, the date of
birth of the annuitant, and the annuity date. The amount of the first payment is
the sum of the payments from each investment option determined by applying the
contract value, after deduction for premium taxes, if applicable, as of the 15th
day of the preceding month, to the variable annuity tables contained in the
contract (which are guaranteed for the duration of the contract). For variable
annuitizations which take place beginning in the year 2000-2009, an age setback
of one year will be used; for those beginning in the year 2010-2019, an age
setback of two years will be used; and so on with an additional one year age
setback for each additional ten years.
 
The number of annuity units in each portfolio to be credited to the annuitant is
determined by dividing the amount of the first annuity payment from that
portfolio by the value of an annuity unit as of the 15th day of the month
preceding the annuity date. The number of annuity units used to calculate the
variable annuity payment each month remains constant unless the annuitant
changes portfolio elections. The value of annuity units in each portfolio will
fluctuate with the investment experience of the portfolios.
 
The dollar amount of the variable portion of each annuity payment after the
first is the sum of the payments from each portfolio, which are determined by
multiplying the number of annuity units per portfolio by the value of an annuity
unit (for that investment option) as of the 15th day of the preceding month.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
To illustrate the manner in which variable annuity payments are determined
consider this example. Item (4) in the example shows the applicable monthly
payment rate for an annuitant with an adjusted age 63, who has elected a life
variable annuity payment plan with a guarantee period of 10 years with the
assumed investment rate of 4%. (Option 2, as described in the prospectus).
 
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>                                                                   <C>
(1)        Assumed number of accumulation units in a portfolio on maturity          25,000
           date................................................................
 
(2)        Assumed value of an accumulation unit in a portfolio at maturity....  $ 12.5000
 
(3)        Cash value of contract at maturity, (1) x (2).......................  $ 312,500
 
(4)        Consideration required to purchase $1 of monthly annuity from         $  183.53
           annuity rate table..................................................
 
(5)        Amount of first payment from a portfolio, (3) divided by (4)........  $1,702.72
 
(6)        Assumed value of annuity unit in a portfolio at maturity............  $ 13.0000
 
(7)        Number of annuity units credited in a portfolio, (5) divided by        130.9785
           (6).................................................................
</TABLE>
 
The $312,500 value at maturity provides a first payment from the portfolio of
$1,702.72, and payments thereafter of the varying dollar value of 130.9785
annuity units. The amount of subsequent payments from the portfolio is
determined by multiplying 130.9785 units by the value of an annuity unit in the
portfolio on the applicable valuation date. For example, if that unit value is
$13.25, the monthly payment from the portfolio will be 130.9785 multiplied by
$13.25, or $1,735.47.
 
However, the value of the annuity unit depends on the investment experience of
the portfolio. Thus in the example above, if the Net Investment Factor for the
following month was less than the assumed investment rate of 4%, the annuity
unit would decline in value. If the annuity unit value declined to $12.75 the
succeeding monthly payment would then be 130.9785 x $12.75, or $1,669.98.
 
For the sake of simplicity the foregoing example assumes that all of the annuity
units are in one portfolio. If there are annuity units in two or more
portfolios, the annuity payment from each portfolio is calculated separately, in
the manner illustrated, and the total monthly payment is the sum of the payments
from the portfolios.
 
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
The consolidated financial statements of the Company and subsidiaries included
herein should be considered only as bearing upon the ability of the Company to
meet its obligations under the contracts.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                           SAFECO SEPARATE ACCOUNT C
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                PAGE
                                                                                                                -----
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 1998................................................           1
 
Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Assets for the Year or Period Ended December 31, 1988 and
 1997......................................................................................................           5
 
Notes to Financial Statements..............................................................................          11
 
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors..........................................................          14
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
SAFECO Separate Account C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                SUB-ACCOUNTS
                                                    --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                               SAFECO
(In Thousands, Except Per-Share and                    SAFECO        SAFECO        SAFECO        SAFECO        MONEY
Per-Unit Amounts)                                      EQUITY        GROWTH      NORTHWEST        BOND         MARKET
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
ASSETS:
      Investments in underlying Portfolios:
         Investments, at cost                       $    119,476  $    116,104  $      9,768  $      6,516  $     12,163
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
            SHARES OWNED                                   4,763         5,086           653           567        12,163
            NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE               $      29.97  $      21.30  $      15.64  $      11.41  $       1.00
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
 
         Investments, at value                           142,745       108,323        10,221         6,469        12,163
      Dividend Receivable                                  7,040        12,597             -           347            45
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
 
          Total assets                                   149,785       120,920        10,221         6,816        12,208
 
LIABILITIES:
      Mortality and expense risk charge payable              154           121            11             7            12
      Other                                                   18            15             1             1             1
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
 
          Total liabilities                                  172           136            12             8            13
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
 
NET ASSETS                                          $    149,613  $    120,784  $     10,209  $      6,808  $     12,195
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
 
ACCUMULATION UNITS OUTSTANDING                             2,488         3,133           654           331           765
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
 
ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE *
(Net assets divided by accumulation units
   oustanding)                                      $     60.124  $     38.556  $     15.611  $     20.536  $     15.951
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
  *  Redemption price per unit is the accumulation unit value less any
     applicable contingent deferred sales charge.
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       1
<PAGE>
SAFECO Separate Account C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                SUB-ACCOUNTS
                                                    ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       SAFECO                                   LEXINGTON     LEXINGTON
(In Thousands, Except Per-Share and                    SMALL         SCUDDER       SCUDDER       NATURAL       EMERGING
Per-Unit Amounts)                                     COMPANY     INTERNATIONAL    BALANCED     RESOURCES      MARKETS
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
ASSETS:
      Investments in underlying Portfolios:
         Investments, at cost                       $      5,920  $       8,620  $     15,434  $      4,210  $      2,173
                                                    ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                    ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
            SHARES OWNED                                     467            657         1,272           298           244
            NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE               $       9.87  $       14.56  $      15.21  $      11.03  $       5.65
                                                    ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
 
         Investments, at value                             4,612          9,572        19,343         3,282         1,378
      Dividend Receivable                                      -              -             -             -             -
                                                    ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
 
          Total assets                                     4,612          9,572        19,343         3,282         1,378
 
LIABILITIES:
      Mortality and expense risk charge payable                5             10            20             4             1
      Other                                                    -              1             2             -             -
                                                    ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
 
          Total liabilities                                    5             11            22             4             1
                                                    ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
 
NET ASSETS                                          $      4,607  $       9,561  $     19,321  $      3,278  $      1,377
                                                    ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                    ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
 
ACCUMULATION UNITS OUTSTANDING                               459            584           942           277           225
                                                    ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                    ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
 
ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE *
(Net assets divided by accumulation units
   oustanding)                                      $     10.040  $      16.367  $     20.501  $     11.844  $      6.131
                                                    ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                    ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
  *  Redemption price per unit is the accumulation unit value less any
     applicable contingent deferred sales charge.
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       2
<PAGE>
SAFECO Separate Account C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                SUB-ACCOUNTS
                                                    ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   FEDERATED                      WANGER       AMERICAN
(In Thousands, Except Per-Share and                  FEDERATED        HIGH        FEDERATED      US SMALL      CENTURY
Per-Unit Amounts)                                     UTILITY        INCOME     INTERNATIONAL    CAPITAL       BALANCED
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
ASSETS:
      Investments in underlying Portfolios:
         Investments, at cost                       $      6,239  $      6,360  $       2,890  $      1,846  $      9,496
                                                    ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------
                                                    ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------
            SHARES OWNED                                     464           589            216            90         1,189
            NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE               $      15.27  $      10.92  $       15.39  $      22.18  $       8.34
                                                    ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------
 
         Investments, at value                             7,081         6,427          3,321         1,998         9,915
      Dividend Receivable                                      -             -              -             -             -
                                                    ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------
 
          Total assets                                     7,081         6,427          3,321         1,998         9,915
 
LIABILITIES:
      Mortality and expense risk charge payable                7             7              4             2            10
      Other                                                    1             1              -             -             1
                                                    ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------
 
          Total liabilities                                    8             8              4             2            11
                                                    ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------
 
NET ASSETS                                          $      7,073  $      6,419  $       3,317  $      1,996  $      9,904
                                                    ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------
                                                    ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------
 
ACCUMULATION UNITS OUTSTANDING                               416           518            223            87           963
                                                    ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------
                                                    ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------
 
ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE *
(Net assets divided by accumulation units
   oustanding)                                      $     17.010  $     12.391  $      14.866  $     22.925  $     10.287
                                                    ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------
                                                    ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
  *  Redemption price per unit is the accumulation unit value less any
     applicable contingent deferred sales charge.
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       3
<PAGE>
SAFECO Separate Account C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          SUB-ACCOUNTS
                                                    --------------------------------------------------------
                                                      AMERICAN                     FIDELITY
(In Thousands, Except Per-Share and                    CENTURY       FIDELITY       GROWTH        INVESCO
Per-Unit Amounts)                                   INTERNATIONAL   CONTRAFUND   OPPORTUNITIES     REALTY
<S>                                                 <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
ASSETS:
      Investments in underlying Portfolios:
         Investments, at cost                       $       7,842  $      1,523  $       1,484  $        211
                                                    -------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
                                                    -------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
            SHARES OWNED                                    1,078            71             71            24
            NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE               $        7.62  $      24.44  $       22.88  $       8.22
                                                    -------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
 
         Investments, at value                              8,213         1,741          1,634           196
      Dividend Receivable                                       -             -              -             -
                                                    -------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
 
          Total assets                                      8,213         1,741          1,634           196
 
LIABILITIES:
      Mortality and expense risk charge payable                 8             2              2             -
      Other                                                     1             -              -             -
                                                    -------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
 
          Total liabilities                                     9             2              2             -
                                                    -------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
 
NET ASSETS                                          $       8,204  $      1,739  $       1,632  $        196
                                                    -------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
                                                    -------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
 
ACCUMULATION UNITS OUTSTANDING                                995           154            145            23
                                                    -------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
                                                    -------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
 
ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE *
(Net assets divided by accumulation units
   oustanding)                                      $       8.244  $     11.317  $      11.235  $      8.577
                                                    -------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
                                                    -------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
  *  Redemption price per unit is the accumulation unit value less any
     applicable contingent deferred sales charge.
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       4
<PAGE>
SAFECO Separate Account C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
YEAR OR PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 SUB-ACCOUNTS
                                                    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            SAFECO                  SAFECO                  SAFECO
                                                            EQUITY                  GROWTH                NORTHWEST
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------
(In Thousands)                                         1998        1997        1998        1997        1998        1997
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
OPERATIONS:
   Dividend income                                  $    7,040  $    6,624  $   12,597  $   13,547  $        -  $      293
   Mortality and expense risk charge                    (1,471)       (828)     (1,362)       (703)       (114)        (44)
   Administrative charge                                  (177)        (99)       (163)        (84)        (14)         (6)
   Net realized gain (loss) on investments               1,031       3,277         297       4,618         (46)        145
   Net change in unrealized appreciation
      (depreciation)                                    17,719       3,511     (14,430)      3,447          41         328
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
NET CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS      24,142      12,485      (3,061)     20,825        (133)        716
 
UNIT TRANSACTIONS:
   Purchases                                            62,369      48,326      70,377      40,706       5,905       4,909
   Redemptions                                         (28,077)    (11,449)    (30,601)    (10,978)     (2,426)       (508)
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
NET CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM UNIT
   TRANSACTIONS                                         34,292      36,877      39,776      29,728       3,479       4,401
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 
TOTAL CHANGE IN NET ASSETS                              58,434      49,362      36,715      50,553       3,346       5,117
 
NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR                         91,179      41,817      84,069      33,516       6,863       1,746
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 
NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR                           $  149,613  $   91,179  $  120,784  $   84,069  $   10,209  $    6,863
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       5
<PAGE>
SAFECO Separate Account C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
YEAR OR PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 SUB-ACCOUNTS
                                                    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            SAFECO                  SAFECO                  SAFECO
                                                             BOND                MONEY MARKET           SMALL COMPANY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------
(In Thousands)                                         1998        1997        1998        1997        1998       1997 *
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
OPERATIONS:
   Dividend income                                  $      348  $      165  $      499  $      337  $        -  $      124
   Mortality and expense risk charge                       (58)        (30)       (129)        (85)        (57)         (6)
   Administrative charge                                    (7)         (3)        (16)        (10)         (7)         (1)
   Net realized gain (loss) on investments                  55          (1)          -           -        (277)         10
   Net change in unrealized appreciation
      (depreciation)                                       (20)         37           -           -      (1,177)       (131)
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
NET CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS         318         168         354         242      (1,518)         (4)
 
UNIT TRANSACTIONS:
   Purchases                                             5,651       1,936      71,125      60,841       5,370       3,255
   Redemptions                                          (2,300)       (987)    (66,513)    (57,598)     (2,381)       (115)
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
NET CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM UNIT
   TRANSACTIONS                                          3,351         949       4,612       3,243       2,989       3,140
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 
TOTAL CHANGE IN NET ASSETS                               3,669       1,117       4,966       3,485       1,471       3,136
 
NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR                          3,139       2,022       7,229       3,744       3,136           -
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 
NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR                           $    6,808  $    3,139  $   12,195  $    7,229  $    4,607  $    3,136
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
  *  For the period from May 1, 1997 (inception date) to December 31, 1997.
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       6
<PAGE>
SAFECO Separate Account C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
YEAR OR PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 SUB-ACCOUNTS
                                                    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           SCUDDER                 SCUDDER            LEXINGTON NATURAL
                                                        INTERNATIONAL              BALANCED               RESOURCES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------
(In Thousands)                                         1998        1997        1998        1997        1998        1997
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
OPERATIONS:
   Dividend income                                  $    1,140  $      188  $    1,035  $      862  $      269  $      109
   Mortality and expense risk charge                      (113)       (111)       (189)       (148)        (51)        (39)
   Administrative charge                                   (14)        (14)        (23)        (18)         (6)         (5)
   Net realized gain (loss) on investments                  83         681         235         286        (166)         88
   Net change in unrealized appreciation
      (depreciation)                                       272         (90)      2,022       1,416      (1,020)         10
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
NET CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS       1,368         654       3,080       2,398        (974)        163
 
UNIT TRANSACTIONS:
   Purchases                                             1,462       2,839       5,894       4,018       1,410       3,782
   Redemptions                                          (1,606)     (2,257)     (2,881)     (2,280)     (1,712)       (432)
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
NET CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM UNIT
   TRANSACTIONS                                           (144)        582       3,013       1,738        (302)      3,350
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 
TOTAL CHANGE IN NET ASSETS                               1,224       1,236       6,093       4,136      (1,276)      3,513
 
NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR                          8,337       7,101      13,228       9,092       4,554       1,041
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 
NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR                           $    9,561  $    8,337  $   19,321  $   13,228  $    3,278  $    4,554
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       7
<PAGE>
SAFECO Separate Account C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
YEAR OR PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 SUB-ACCOUNTS
                                                    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          LEXINGTON
                                                           EMERGING               FEDERATED               FEDERATED
                                                           MARKETS                 UTILITY               HIGH INCOME
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------
(In Thousands)                                         1998        1997        1998        1997        1998        1997
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
OPERATIONS:
   Dividend income                                  $      138  $        1  $      315  $       69  $      129  $       70
   Mortality and expense risk charge                       (18)        (20)        (67)        (27)        (67)        (21)
   Administrative charge                                    (2)         (3)         (8)         (3)         (8)         (3)
   Net realized gain (loss) on investments                (169)         11         179          37          16          25
   Net change in unrealized appreciation
      (depreciation)                                      (458)       (328)        267         526         (71)        124
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
NET CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS        (509)       (339)        686         602          (1)        195
 
UNIT TRANSACTIONS:
   Purchases                                               814       1,625       5,681       2,657       5,392       3,272
   Redemptions                                            (598)       (475)     (3,276)       (287)     (2,654)       (228)
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
NET CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM UNIT
   TRANSACTIONS                                            216       1,150       2,405       2,370       2,738       3,044
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 
TOTAL CHANGE IN NET ASSETS                                (293)        811       3,091       2,972       2,737       3,239
 
NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR                          1,670         859       3,982       1,010       3,682         443
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 
NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR                           $    1,377  $    1,670  $    7,073  $    3,982  $    6,419  $    3,682
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       8
<PAGE>
SAFECO Separate Account C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
YEAR OR PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 SUB-ACCOUNTS
                                                    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          FEDERATED                 WANGER             AMERICAN CENTURY
                                                        INTERNATIONAL          US SMALL CAPITAL            BALANCED
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------
(In Thousands)                                         1998        1997        1998        1997        1998        1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
 
OPERATIONS:
   Dividend income                                  $        2  $        1  $       97  $       18  $      571  $       14
   Mortality and expense risk charge                       (32)        (11)        (25)        (16)        (84)        (12)
   Administrative charge                                    (4)         (2)         (3)         (2)        (10)         (1)
   Net realized gain (loss) on investments                  33          19          67         105         (36)         15
   Net change in unrealized appreciation
      (depreciation)                                       382          39         (65)        183         369          42
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
NET CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS         381          46          71         288         810          58
 
UNIT TRANSACTIONS:
   Purchases                                             1,879       1,279       1,080       1,687       7,519       3,004
   Redemptions                                            (471)       (174)     (1,028)       (523)     (1,580)        (92)
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
NET CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM UNIT
   TRANSACTIONS                                          1,408       1,105          52       1,164       5,939       2,912
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 
TOTAL CHANGE IN NET ASSETS                               1,789       1,151         123       1,452       6,749       2,970
 
NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR                          1,528         377       1,873         421       3,155         185
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 
NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR                           $    3,317  $    1,528  $    1,996  $    1,873  $    9,904  $    3,155
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       9
<PAGE>
SAFECO Separate Account C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
YEAR OR PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            SUB-ACCOUNTS
                                                    -------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                          FIDELITY
                                                       AMERICAN CENTURY      FIDELITY      GROWTH       INVESCO
                                                        INTERNATIONAL       CONTRAFUND  OPPORTUNITIES    REALTY
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)                                         1998        1997       1998 #       1998 #        1998 #
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>            <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
OPERATIONS:
   Dividend income                                  $      280  $        8  $        -  $           -  $        3
   Mortality and expense risk charge                       (75)        (13)         (5)            (4)         (1)
   Administrative charge                                    (9)         (2)         (1)            (1)          -
   Net realized gain (loss) on investments                  13          34          12             (3)         (4)
   Net change in unrealized appreciation
      (depreciation)                                       383         (20)        218            150         (15)
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------  ----------
NET CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS         592           7         224            142         (17)
 
UNIT TRANSACTIONS:
   Purchases                                             5,697       3,285       1,911          1,566         229
   Redemptions                                          (1,378)       (146)       (396)           (76)        (16)
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------  ----------
NET CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM UNIT
   TRANSACTIONS                                          4,319       3,139       1,515          1,490         213
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------  ----------
 
TOTAL CHANGE IN NET ASSETS                               4,911       3,146       1,739          1,632         196
 
NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR                          3,293         147           -              -           -
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------  ----------
 
NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR                           $    8,204  $    3,293  $    1,739  $       1,632  $      196
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------  ----------
                                                    ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
  #  For the period from May 1, 1998 (inception date) to December 31, 1998.
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       10
<PAGE>
SAFECO Separate Account C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.     ORGANIZATION
 
     SAFECO Separate Account C (the Separate Account) is registered under the
     Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a segregated unit investment
     trust of SAFECO Life Insurance Company (SAFECO), a wholly-owned subsidiary
     of SAFECO Corporation. Purchasers of various SAFECO variable annuity
     products direct their investment to one or more of the sub-accounts of the
     Separate Account. Each sub-account invests in shares of a designated
     portfolio as indicated below. Not all sub-accounts are available in all
     SAFECO variable annuity products. The performance of the underlying
     portfolios may differ substantially from publicly traded mutual funds with
     similar names and objectives.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Sub-Accounts                                        Underlying Portfolios
<S>                                                 <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    SAFECO Resource Series Trust
SAFECO Resource Equity (SAFECO Equity)                       RST Equity Portfolio
SAFECO Resource Growth (SAFECO Growth)                       RST Growth Portfolio
SAFECO Resource Northwest (SAFECO Northwest)                 RST Northwest Portfolio
SAFECO Resource Bond (SAFECO Bond)                           RST Bond Portfolio
SAFECO Resource Money Market (SAFECO Money Market)           RST Money Market Portfolio
SAFECO Resource Small Company Stock (SAFECO Small
  Company)                                                   RST Small Company Stock Portfolio
 
                                                    Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund
Scudder International                                        Scudder International Portfolio
Scudder Balanced                                             Scudder Balanced Portfolio
 
                                                    Lexington Natural Resources Trust
Lexington Natural Resources                                  Lexington Natural Resources Trust
 
                                                    Lexington Emerging Markets Fund, Inc.
Lexington Emerging Markets                                   Lexington Emerging Markets Fund, Inc.
 
                                                    Federated Insurance Series
Federated Utility                                            Federated Utility Fund II
Federated High Income Bond (Federated High Income)           Federated High Income Bond Fund II
Federated International Equity (Federated
  International)                                             Federated International Equity Fund II
 
                                                    Wanger Advisors Trust
Wanger US Small Capital                                      US Small Cap Portfolio
 
                                                    American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc.
American Century Balanced                                    VP Balanced
American Century International                               VP International
 
                                                    Variable Insurance Products Fund II (VIP II)
Fidelity Contrafund                                          VIP II Contrafund Portfolio
 
                                                    Variable Insurance Products Fund III (VIP III)
Fidelity Growth Opportunities                                VIP III Growth Opportunities Portfolio
 
                                                    INVESCO Variable Investment Funds, Inc.
INVESCO Realty                                               INVESCO VIF-Realty Portfolio
</TABLE>
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
SAFECO Separate Account C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
2.     SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
     The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently
     followed by the Separate Account in the preparation of its financial
     statements. The policies are in conformity with generally accepted
     accounting principles.
 
     ESTIMATES -- The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
     generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
     estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and
     liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date
     of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses
     during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
     estimates.
 
     SECURITY VALUATION -- Investments in portfolio shares are carried in the
     statement of assets and liabilities at net asset value as reported by the
     underlying portfolio.
 
     SECURITY TRANSACTIONS -- Security transactions are recorded on the trade
     date. Effective January 1, 1998, realized gains and losses on security
     transactions are determined using the average cost method. Prior to 1998,
     the First-In First-Out cost method was used. This change in accounting
     method has no net impact on the results of operations or on net assets.
 
     DISTRIBUTIONS -- The net investment income and realized capital gains of
     the Separate Account are not distributed, but are retained and reinvested
     for the benefit of accumulation unit owners.
 
     FEDERAL INCOME TAX -- Operations of the Separate Account are included in
     the federal income tax return of SAFECO, which is taxed as a "life
     insurance company" under the Internal Revenue Code. Under current federal
     income tax law, no income taxes are payable with respect to operations of
     the Separate Account.
 
3.     EXPENSES
 
     SAFECO assumes mortality and expense risks and incurs administrative
     expenses related to the operations of the Separate Account. SAFECO deducts
     a daily charge from the assets of the Separate Account to cover these
     costs. This charge is, on an annual basis, equal to a rate of 1.40% (1.25%
     for mortality and expense risks and 0.15% for administrative charges) of
     the average daily net assets of the Separate Account.
 
     There may be fees deducted by SAFECO from a contractholder's account and
     not directly from the Separate Account. These fees may vary by product.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
SAFECO Separate Account C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
4.     INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
 
     Purchase and sales activity in underlying portfolio shares for the year
     ended December 31, 1998 was as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
SUB-ACCOUNT                               PURCHASES     SALES
<S>                                       <C>          <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
    SAFECO Equity                           $43,710    $ 11,005
    SAFECO Growth                            51,627      13,343
    SAFECO Northwest                          4,833       1,479
    SAFECO Bond                               4,851       1,561
    SAFECO Money Market                      33,513      28,589
    SAFECO Small Company                      4,701       1,775
    Scudder International                     2,096       1,226
    Scudder Balanced                          5,617       1,776
    Lexington Natural Resources               1,359       1,450
    Lexington Emerging Markets                  840         507
    Federated Utility                         5,145       2,497
    Federated High Income                     4,393       1,599
    Federated International                   1,726         349
    Wanger US Small Cap                       1,121       1,000
    American Century Balanced                 7,477       1,053
    American Century International            5,194         673
    Fidelity Contrafund                       1,812*        301*
    Fidelity Growth Opportunities             1,551*         64*
    INVESCO Realty Fund                         251*         35*
</TABLE>
 
  *  For the period from May 1, 1998 (inception date) to December 31, 1998.
 
5.     HISTORICAL ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           DECEMBER 31
                           -------------------------------------------
SUB-ACCOUNT                 1998     1997     1996     1995     1994
<S>                        <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    SAFECO Equity          $60.124  $48.808  $39.633  $32.209  $25.373
    SAFECO Growth           38.556   38.410   26.928   20.668   14.864
    SAFECO Northwest        15.611   15.388   11.905   10.737   10.134
    SAFECO Bond             20.536   19.130   17.915   18.045   15.521
    SAFECO Money Market     15.951   15.413   14.874   14.370   13.811
    SAFECO Small Company
      *                     10.040   12.731        -        -        -
    Scudder International   16.367   14.008   13.022   11.504   10.498
    Scudder Balanced        20.501   16.872   13.771   12.481    9.988
    Lexington Natural
      Resources **          11.844   14.952   14.148        -        -
    Lexington Emerging
      Markets **             6.131    8.670    9.946        -        -
    Federated Utility **    17.010   15.135   12.117        -        -
    Federated High Income
      **                    12.391   12.236   10.899        -        -
    Federated
      International **      14.866   12.003   11.056        -        -
    Wanger US Small Cap
      **                    22.925   21.391   16.754        -        -
    American Century
      Balanced **           10.287    9.008    7.887        -        -
    American Century
      International **       8.244    7.039    6.016        -        -
    Fidelity Contrafund #   11.317        -        -        -        -
    Fidelity Growth
      Opportunities #       11.235        -        -        -        -
    INVESCO Realty Fund #    8.577        -        -        -        -
</TABLE>
 
     *  Unit value on the inception date (May 1, 1997) was $10.000.
 
     **  Unit values on the inception date (January 25, 1996) were $11.330,
     $10.350, $11.110, $9.870, $10.220, $11.650, $7.020, and $5.330, for the
     Lexington Natural Resources, Lexington Emerging Markets, Federated Utility,
     Federated High Income, Federated International, Wanger US Small Cap,
     American Century Balanced and American Century International Sub-accounts,
     respectively.
 
     #  Unit value on the inception date (May 1, 1998) was $10.000 for the
     Fidelity Contrafund, Fidelity Growth Opportunities, and INVESCO Realty
     Sub-accounts.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
SAFECO Separate Account C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
To the Board of Directors of SAFECO Life Insurance Company and Participants of
SAFECO Separate Account C
 
We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of SAFECO
Separate Account C (comprising, respectively, the SAFECO Resource Equity, SAFECO
Resource Growth, SAFECO Resource Northwest, SAFECO Resource Bond, SAFECO
Resource Money Market, SAFECO Resource Small Company Stock, Scudder
International, Scudder Balanced, Lexington Natural Resources, Lexington Emerging
Markets, Federated Utility, Federated High Income Bond, Federated International
Equity, Wanger US Small Cap, American Century Balanced, American Century
International, Fidelity Contrafund, Fidelity Growth Opportunities and INVESCO
Realty Sub-Accounts) as of December 31, 1998, and the related statements of
operations and changes in net assets, and the historical accumulation unit
values for each of the periods indicated therein. These financial statements and
the historical accumulation unit values are the responsibility of the SAFECO
Separate Account C's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
these financial statements and historical accumulation unit values 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 and historical
accumulation unit values are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements and historical accumulation unit values. Our procedures
included confirmation of portfolio shares owned as of December 31, 1998, by
correspondence with the underlying portfolio of each Sub-Account. 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 and historical accumulation unit values
referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of each of the Sub-Accounts constituting SAFECO Separate Account C at
December 31, 1998, the results of their operations, the changes in their net
assets, and the historical accumulation unit values for each of the periods
indicated therein, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
Seattle, Washington                                        /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
February 26, 1999
 
                                       14
<PAGE>

                      Audited Consolidated Financial Statements


                            SAFECO Life Insurance Company
                                   and Subsidiaries

                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
                         WITH REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
<PAGE>

SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



                                  TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
<S>                                                                         <C>
Report of Independent Auditors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    1

Consolidated Financial Statements

     Consolidated Balance Sheet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    2

     Statement of Consolidated Income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    4

     Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholder's Equity . . . . . .    5

     Statement of Consolidated Comprehensive Income. . . . . . . . . . . .    5

     Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    6

     Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. . . . . . . . . . . . . .    8
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                  REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


Board of Directors
SAFECO Life Insurance Company

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SAFECO Life
Insurance Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the
related statements of consolidated income, changes in shareholder's equity,
comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1998.  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 financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of SAFECO Life
Insurance Company and subsidiaries at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.

As described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, SAFECO Life
Insurance Company and subsidiaries adopted certain new accounting standards in
1998 as required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board.



Seattle, Washington                        /s/Ernst & Young LLP
February 12, 1999


                                          1
<PAGE>

SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(In Thousands Except Share Amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               December 31
                                                                     -------------------------------
                                                                         1998                1997
                                                                     -----------         -----------
<S>                                                                  <C>                 <C>
ASSETS

Investments (Note 3):
  Fixed Maturities Available-for-Sale, at Market Value
    (Amortized Cost: 1998-$9,718,627; 1997-$8,901,583) . . . . .     $10,281,711         $ 9,401,886

  Fixed Maturities Held-to-Maturity, at Amortized Cost
    (Market Value: 1998-$3,259,194; 1997-$3,159,888) . . . . . .       2,720,883           2,708,558

  Marketable Equity Securities, at Market Value
    (Cost: 1998-$14,665; 1997-$10,651) . . . . . . . . . . . . .          18,737              15,552
  First Mortgage Loans on Real Estate:
    Nonaffiliates (At cost, less allowance for losses:
      1998-$11,173; 1997-$11,609). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         503,734             475,975
    Affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         160,693             175,183
  Real Estate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           2,942               3,399
  Policy Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          62,359              60,249
  Short-Term Investments (At cost which approximates market) . .          54,164              56,374
  Other Invested Assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           5,211                 250
                                                                     -----------         -----------
      Total Investments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      13,810,434          12,897,426
Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           8,321             244,512
Accrued Investment Income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         190,887             181,757
Accounts and Notes Receivable (At cost, less allowance 
  for doubtful accounts: 1998-$107; 1997-$78). . . . . . . . . .         110,850              48,204
Reinsurance Recoverables (Note 6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          32,354              28,515
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (Net of valuation allowance:
  1998-$45,108; 1997-$35,349). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         213,022             239,843
Present Value of Future Profits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          12,362              13,239
Other Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          61,510              63,544
Current Income Taxes Recoverable (Note 10) . . . . . . . . . . .          17,169                  --
Assets Held in Separate Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       1,201,135             905,417
                                                                     -----------         -----------
      Total Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $15,658,044         $14,622,457
                                                                     -----------         -----------
                                                                     -----------         -----------
</TABLE>


                    See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


                                          2
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              December 31  
                                                                     -------------------------------
                                                                         1998                1997   
                                                                     -----------         -----------
<S>                                                                  <C>                 <C>
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY

Liabilities:
  Policy and Contract Liabilities (Note 6):
    Future Policy Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $   158,949         $   151,675
    Policy and Contract Claims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          38,391              37,688
    Premiums Paid in Advance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           8,161               9,145
    Funds Held Under Deposit Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . .      12,364,937          11,539,473
    Other Policyholders' Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          61,029             166,759
                                                                     -----------         -----------
      Total Policy and Contract Liabilities. . . . . . . . . . .      12,631,467          11,904,740
  Other Liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         149,684             125,247

  Federal Income Taxes (Note 10):
    Current. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .              --              19,192
    Deferred (Includes tax on unrealized appreciation of
      investment securities: 1998-$182,717; 1997-$164,449) . . .         199,744             179,296
  Liabilities Related to Separate Accounts . . . . . . . . . . .       1,201,135             905,417
                                                                     -----------         -----------
      Total Liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      14,182,030          13,133,892
                                                                     -----------         -----------

Shareholder's Equity:
  Common Stock, $250 Par Value;
    20,000 Shares Authorized, Issued and Outstanding . . . . . .           5,000               5,000
  Additional Paid-In Capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          85,000              85,000
  Retained Earnings (Note 8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       1,046,572           1,093,048
  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income . . . . . . . . . . . .         339,442             305,517
                                                                     -----------         -----------
      Total Shareholder's Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       1,476,014           1,488,565
                                                                     -----------         -----------

        Total Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity . . . . . . .     $15,658,044         $14,622,457
                                                                     -----------         -----------
                                                                     -----------         -----------
</TABLE>


                    See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                                          3
<PAGE>

SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME
(In Thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Year Ended December 31
                                                                    ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                         1998                1997                1996   
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
<S>                                                                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Revenues:
  Premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $    254,410        $    240,595        $    240,100
  Investment Income:
    Interest on Fixed Maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         925,827             830,837             767,309
    Interest on Mortgage Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          56,313              56,232              52,127
    Interest on Short-Term Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . .           4,898               3,419               2,935
    Dividends from Marketable Equity Securities. . . . . . . . .             693               1,044                 843
    Dividends from Redeemable Preferred Stock. . . . . . . . . .          17,088              16,026              12,654
    Other Investment Income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           4,446               3,843               3,879
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
      Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       1,009,265             911,401             839,747
    Less Investment Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           3,804               3,485               3,709
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
  Net Investment Income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       1,005,461             907,916             836,038
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
  Other Revenue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          28,069              21,751              12,933
  Realized Investment Gain (Note 3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          13,612               6,807              10,439
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
      Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       1,301,552           1,177,069           1,099,510
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------

Benefits and Expenses:
  Policy Benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         994,081             844,926             782,213
  Commissions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          95,250              93,681              74,724
  Personnel Costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          53,814              48,503              43,609
  Taxes Other Than Payroll and Income Taxes. . . . . . . . . . .          12,980              11,817              15,512
  Other Operating Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          54,815              46,639              45,224
  Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs. . . . . . .          39,076              36,946              35,652
  Deferral of Policy Acquisition Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (65,944)            (53,068)            (42,426)
  Amortization of Present Value of Future Profits. . . . . . . .           3,790                  --                  --
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
      Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       1,187,862           1,029,444             954,508
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------

Income before Write-off of
  Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         113,690             147,625             145,002
Write-off of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs . . . . . . . . .         (46,800)                 --                  --
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
Income before Federal Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          66,890             147,625             145,002
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------

Provision (Benefit) for Federal Income Taxes (Note 10):
  Current. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          24,725              54,705              57,417
  Deferred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          (1,359)             (4,689)             (6,471)
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
      Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          23,366              50,016              50,946
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
Net Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $     43,524        $     97,609        $     94,056
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
</TABLE>


                    See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                                          4
<PAGE>

SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
(In Thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Year Ended December 31
                                                                    ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                         1998                1997                1996   
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
<S>                                                                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Common Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $      5,000        $      5,000        $      5,000
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
Additional Paid-In Capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          85,000              85,000              85,000
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------

Retained Earnings:
  Balance at the Beginning of Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       1,093,048           1,011,439             921,383
  Net Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          43,524              97,609              94,056
  Dividends to Parent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (90,000)            (16,000)             (4,000)
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
  Balance at the End of Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       1,046,572           1,093,048           1,011,439
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:
  Unrealized Appreciation of Investment
    Securities, Net of Tax (Note 3):
      Balance at the Beginning of Year . . . . . . . . . . . . .         305,517             160,045             320,452
      Change in Unrealized Appreciation, Net of Deferred
        Policy Acquisition Costs Valuation Allowance . . . . . .          33,925             145,472            (160,407)
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
      Balance at the End of Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         339,442             305,517             160,045
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
        Shareholder's Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $  1,476,014        $  1,488,565        $  1,261,484
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
</TABLE>

STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In Thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Year Ended December 31
                                                                    ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                         1998                1997                1996   
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
<S>                                                                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Net Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $     43,524        $     97,609        $     94,056

Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax (Note 3):
  Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) of Investment
    Securities Arising During the Year (Net of tax:
    1998-$21,842; 1997-$81,029; 1996-($81,469)). . . . . . . . .          40,563             150,482            (151,300)

    Less:  Reclassification Adjustment for Realized Gains
      Included in Net Income (Net of tax: 1998-$3,574;
      1997-$2,697; 1996-$4,904). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          (6,638)             (5,010)             (9,107)
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------

  Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..         33,925             145,472            (160,407)
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------

Comprehensive Income (Loss). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $     77,449        $    243,081        $    (66,351)
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
</TABLE>


                    See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                                          5
<PAGE>

SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Year Ended December 31
                                                                    ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                         1998                1997                1996   
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
<S>                                                                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Insurance Premiums Received. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..   $    224,293        $    216,089        $    216,801
  Dividends and Interest Received. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..        919,236             819,433             754,878
  Other Operating Receipts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..         27,498              19,299              12,948
  Insurance Claims and Policy Benefits Paid. . . . . . . . . . ..       (402,118)           (353,227)           (302,955)
  Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance
    Operating Costs Paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..       (221,294)           (202,077)           (172,251)
  Income Taxes Paid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..        (61,086)            (36,140)            (71,255)
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
      Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities. . . . . . . . ..        486,529             463,377             438,166
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Purchases of:
    Fixed Maturities Available-for-Sale. . . . . . . . . . . . ..     (2,117,938)         (1,891,778)         (1,544,998)
    Fixed Maturities Held-to-Maturity. . . . . . . . . . . . . ..         (1,691)           (199,589)           (473,206)
    Purchase of Subsidiary, Net of Cash Acquired . . . . . . . ..             --             116,122                  --
    Other Investments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..         (7,345)             (5,788)               (287)
    Policy and Nonaffiliated Mortgage Loans. . . . . . . . . . ..       (103,602)            (96,019)            (85,485)
    Affiliated Mortgage Loans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..             --             (40,000)            (34,650)
    Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..       (168,554)            (13,977)                 --
  Maturities of Fixed Maturities Available-for-Sale. . . . . . ..        732,377             435,788             466,509
  Maturities of Fixed Maturities Held-to-Maturity. . . . . . . ..          7,280               8,907              21,694
  Sales of:
    Fixed Maturities Available-for-Sale. . . . . . . . . . . . ..        643,539             869,091             721,229
    Fixed Maturities Held-to-Maturity. . . . . . . . . . . . . ..         18,235                  --              13,316
    Other Investments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..          7,522              13,824              12,580
    Policy and Nonaffiliated Mortgage Loans. . . . . . . . . . ..         65,797              61,159              48,341
    Affiliated Mortgage Loans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..         14,491               5,560              31,730
    Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..        141,302                  --                  --
  Net (Increase) Decrease in Short-Term Investments. . . . . . ..          2,013              11,519              (1,250)
  Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..         (1,163)            (36,164)               (747)
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
    Net Cash Used in Investing Activities. . . . . . . . . . . ..       (767,737)           (761,345)           (825,224)
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Funds Received Under Deposit Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . ..      1,198,147           1,392,517           1,148,590
  Return of Funds Held Under Deposit Contracts . . . . . . . . ..     (1,091,965)           (861,221)           (765,480)
  Dividends to Parent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..        (94,000)            (13,000)             (4,000)
  Net Proceeds from (Repayment of) Short-Term Borrowings . . . ..         32,835               5,048              (7,802)
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
    Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities. . . . . . . . . ..         45,017             523,344             371,308
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..       (236,191)            225,376             (15,750)
Cash at Beginning of Year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..        244,512              19,136              34,886
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
Cash at End of Year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..   $      8,321        $    244,512        $     19,136
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
</TABLE>

For pruposes of reporting cash flows, cash consists of balances on hand and on
deposit in banks and financial institutions.

                    See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                                          6
<PAGE>

SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS -
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH
PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
(In Thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Year Ended December 31
                                                                    ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                         1998                1997                1996   
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
<S>                                                                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Net Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $     43,524        $     97,609        $     94,056
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to
  Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
    Realized Investment Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (13,612)             (6,807)            (10,439)
    Amortization of Fixed Maturity Investments . . . . . . . . .         (26,774)            (24,929)            (26,811)
    Deferred Federal Income Tax Benefit. . . . . . . . . . . . .          (1,359)             (4,689)             (6,471)
    Interest Expense on Deposit Contracts. . . . . . . . . . . .         633,437             501,230             484,962
    Mortality and Expense Changes and Administrative Fees. . . .         (29,753)            (27,379)            (24,368)
    Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           5,535              (7,877)                574

    Changes in:
      Future Policy Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           7,274               1,855              (4,466)
      Policy and Contract Claims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             703               2,830               2,748
      Premiums Paid in Advance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            (984)                299                 637
      Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs. . . . . . . . . . . . .          17,062             (15,688)             (6,198)
      Accrued Investment Income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          (9,130)            (11,451)             (8,893)
      Accrued Interest on Accrual Bonds. . . . . . . . . . . . .         (50,440)            (48,354)            (44,015)
      Other Receivables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          (9,979)             (5,467)             (8,639)
      Current Federal Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (36,361)             18,565             (13,839)
      Other Assets and Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (42,225)             (2,350)              4,668
      Other Policyholders' Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            (389)             (4,020)              4,660
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------

        Total Adjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         443,005             365,768             344,110
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities. . . . . . . . . . . .    $    486,529        $    463,377        $    438,166
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
</TABLE>


                    See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                                          7
<PAGE>

SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise stated)


1.   NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     NATURE OF OPERATIONS.  SAFECO Life Insurance Company (the Company) is a
     stock life insurance company organized under the laws of the state of
     Washington.  The Company offers individual and group insurance products,
     pension plans and annuity products, marketed through professional agents in
     all states and the District of Columbia.  The Company directly owns three
     subsidiaries, SAFECO National Life Insurance Company, First SAFECO National
     Life Insurance Company of New York, and Empire Life Insurance Company.  The
     Company acquired WM Life Insurance Company and Empire Life Insurance
     Company on December 31, 1997 (see Note 2).  WM Life Insurance Company was
     merged into the Company on July 1, 1998.  The Company is a wholly-owned
     subsidiary of SAFECO Corporation which is a Washington corporation whose
     subsidiaries engage primarily in insurance and financial service
     businesses.

     BASIS OF REPORTING.  The consolidated financial statements have been
     prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
     appropriate in the circumstances and include amounts based on the best
     estimates and judgments of management.  The financial statements include
     SAFECO Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries.

     All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in the
     consolidated financial statements.  Certain reclassifications have been
     made to prior year financial information to conform to the 1998
     classifications.

     ACCOUNTING FOR PREMIUMS.  Life and health insurance premiums are reported
     as income when collected for traditional individual life policies and when
     earned for group life and health policies.  Funds received under pension
     deposit contracts, annuity contracts and universal life policies are
     recorded as liabilities rather than premium income when received.  Revenues
     for universal life products consist of front-end loads, mortality charges
     and expense charges assessed against individual policyholder account
     balances.  These loads and charges are recognized as income when earned.

     INVESTMENTS.  Fixed maturity investments (i.e., bonds and redeemable
     preferred stocks) which the Company has the positive intent and ability to
     hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and carried at
     amortized cost in the balance sheet.  Fixed maturities classified as
     available-for-sale are carried at market value, with changes in unrealized
     gains and losses recorded directly to shareholder's equity (comprehensive
     income), net of applicable income taxes and deferred policy acquisition
     costs valuation allowance.  The Company has no fixed maturities classified
     as trading.

     All marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale and
     carried at market value, with changes in unrealized gains and losses
     recorded directly to shareholder's equity (comprehensive income), net of
     applicable income taxes.

     When the collectibility of income on certain investments is considered
     doubtful, they are placed on non-accrual status and thereafter interest
     income is recognized only when payment is received.  Investments that have
     declined in market value below cost and for which the decline is judged to
     be other than temporary are written down to fair value.  Writedowns are
     made directly on an individual security basis and reduce realized
     investment gains in the Statement of Consolidated Income.

     The cost of security investments sold is determined by the "identified
     cost" method.

     Mortgage loans are carried at outstanding principal balances, less an
     allowance for loan losses.


                                          8
<PAGE>

SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise stated)


Note 1 (continued)

     REAL ESTATE AND DEPRECIATION.  Income-producing real estate is classified
     as an investment.  The Company provides straight-line depreciation on its
     buildings based upon their estimated useful lives. 

     Investment real estate that has declined in market value below cost and for
     which the decline is judged to be other than temporary is written down to
     estimated realizable value.  Writedowns reduce realized investment gains in
     the Statement of Consolidated Income.

     DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS.  Life and health acquisition costs,
     consisting of commissions and certain other underwriting expenses, which
     vary with and are primarily related to the production of new business, are
     deferred.  

     Acquisition costs for pension deposit contracts, deferred annuity contracts
     and universal life policies are amortized over the lives of the contracts
     or policies in proportion to the present value of estimated future gross
     profits.  To the extent actual experience differs from assumptions, and to
     the extent estimates of future gross profits require revision, the
     unamortized balance of deferred policy acquisition costs is adjusted
     accordingly; such adjustments would be included in current operations.  In
     1998, a $46.8 million write-off of deferred acquisition costs was charged
     to current operations.  This charge is primarily tied to two blocks of
     annuity business, the equity-indexed product and a declared rate fixed
     annuity product, and to the universal life business, all of which have been
     adversely affected by market conditions.  Approximately $28 million of the
     write-off relates to the equity-indexed annuity product.  The cost of the
     options purchased to fund the obligation under these contracts increased
     significantly, adversely affecting the projected recoverability of deferred
     acquisition costs.  There were no significant revisions made in 1997 or
     1996.

     Acquisition costs for traditional individual life insurance policies are
     amortized over the premium payment period of the related policies using
     assumptions consistent with those used in computing policy benefit
     liabilities.  Acquisition costs for group life and health policies are
     amortized over the lives of the policies in proportion to premium received.

     PRESENT VALUE OF FUTURE PROFITS.  The present value of future profits
     represents the actuarially determined present value of anticipated profits
     to be realized from annuity and life insurance business purchased.  The
     present value was determined using a discount rate of 12.5%.  For annuity
     contracts, amortization of the present value of future profits is in
     relation to the present value of the expected gross profits on the
     contracts, discounted using the interest rate credited to the underlying
     policies.  The present value of future profits is reviewed periodically to
     determine that the unamortized portion does not exceed expected recoverable
     amounts.  No impairment adjustments were recorded in 1998 or 1997.

     OTHER ASSETS.  Call options on the S&P 500 index are purchased by the
     Company to hedge the growth in interest credited on equity indexed
     annuities sold.  Premiums paid to purchase these call options are
     capitalized and included in other assets.  Call option premiums are
     amortized as an expense over the term of the option on a straight-line
     basis.  Gains and losses on these instruments are recorded in income when
     realized.  See Note 5 for additional information.

     The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement 133,
     "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" in June 1998
     addressing accounting and disclosure requirements for derivative financial
     instruments.  The Company's accounting treatment for options will change
     when guidance in this Statement is adopted.  See page 11 for additional
     information.

     On December 31, 1997, the Company acquired Washington Mutual, Inc.'s life
     insurance subsidiaries, WM Life Insurance Company and Empire Life Insurance
     Company, and Washington Mutual, Inc. agreed to


                                          9
<PAGE>

SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise stated)


Note 1 (continued)

     distribute the Company's annuity products through the Washington Mutual,
     Inc. multi-state banking network.  The portion of this transaction relating
     to the distribution agreement was valued at $35,000 and will be amortized
     on a straight-line basis over 15 years.  The unamortized balance of $32,667
     is included in other assets.  See Note 2 for additional information.

     FUTURE POLICY BENEFITS.  Liabilities for universal life insurance policies,
     deferred annuity and pension deposit contracts are equal to the accumulated
     account value of such policies or contracts as of the valuation date. 
     Liabilities for structured settlement annuities are based on interest rate
     assumptions using market rates at issue, graded downward over 40 years to a
     range of 5.5% to 8.75%.

     Liabilities for future policy benefits under traditional individual life
     insurance policies have been computed on the level premium method using
     interest, mortality and persistency assumptions based on actual experience
     modified to provide for adverse deviation.  Interest assumptions range from
     8.5% graded to 3.25%.

     POLICY AND CONTRACT CLAIMS.  The liability for policy and contract claims
     is established on the basis of reported losses ("case basis" method). 
     Provision is also made for claims incurred but not reported, based on
     historical experience.  The estimates for claims incurred but not reported
     are continually reviewed and any necessary adjustments are reflected in
     current operations.

     SEPARATE ACCOUNTS.  The Company administers segregated asset accounts for
     variable annuity and variable universal life clients.  The assets of these
     Separate Accounts, which consist of common stocks, are the property of the
     Company.  The liabilities of these Separate Accounts represent reserves
     established to meet withdrawal and future benefit payment provisions of
     contracts with these clients.  The assets of the Separate Accounts, equal
     to the reserves and other contract liabilities of the Separate Accounts,
     are not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business the
     Company may conduct.  Investment risks associated with market value changes
     are borne by the clients.  Deposits, withdrawals, net investment income and
     realized and unrealized capital gains and losses on the assets of the
     Separate Account are not reflected in the Statement of Consolidated Income.
     Management fees and other charges assessed against the contracts are
     included in other revenue.

     FEDERAL INCOME TAXES.  The Company and its subsidiaries, except for Empire
     Life Insurance Company, are included in a consolidated federal income tax
     return filed by SAFECO Corporation.  Tax payments (credits) are made to or
     received from SAFECO Corporation on a separate tax return filing basis. 
     The Company provides for federal income taxes based on financial reporting
     income and deferred federal income taxes on temporary differences between
     financial reporting and taxable income.

     NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS.  In June of 1997, the FASB issued Statement 130,
     "Reporting Comprehensive Income."  Statement 130 is effective for fiscal
     years beginning after December 15, 1997 and the Company adopted it in the
     first quarter of 1998.  The Statement has no effect on net income but
     requires the reporting of "comprehensive income," which includes net income
     and certain items currently reported in shareholder's equity.  See the
     Statement of Consolidated Comprehensive Income on page 5 of this report.

     The FASB issued Statement 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise
     and Related Information," in June of 1997.  Statement 131 changes the way
     information about business segments is reported in financial statements. 
     This Statement is effective for financial statements for periods beginning
     after December 15, 1997.  The required segment information is presented in
     Note 11.  This Statement has no effect on net income.


                                          10
<PAGE>

SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise stated)


Note 1 (continued)

     The FASB issued Statement 132, "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and
     Other Postretirement Benefits," in February 1998.  Statement 132 revises
     employers' disclosures about pension and other postretirement benefit
     plans.  This Statement is effective for financial statements for periods
     beginning after December 15, 1997.  This Statement has no effect on net
     income.

     The FASB issued Statement 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
     Hedging Activities," in June 1998.  The Statement is effective for fiscal
     years beginning after June 15, 1999.  It may also be adopted early, as of
     the beginning of any fiscal quarter that begins after June 1998.  The
     Company will adopt the new Statement no later than the first quarter of
     2000.  The Statement amends or supercedes several previous FASB statements
     and requires recognizing all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in
     the statement of financial position and measuring those instruments at fair
     value.  The impact of the Statement is currently being studied, and the
     effect of the new Statement on the financial statements has not yet been
     determined.


2.   ACQUISITION

     On December 31, 1997, the Company acquired Washington Mutual, Inc.'s life
     insurance subsidiaries, WM Life Insurance Company and Empire Life Insurance
     Company for $105,800.  The fair value of assets acquired, excluding cash of
     $221,122, was $766,921, and the fair value of liabilities assumed was
     $882,226. The acquisition has been treated as a purchase for accounting
     purposes, and allocation of purchase price resulted in no goodwill.  The
     transaction was financed through internal sources.


                                          11
<PAGE>

SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise stated)


3.   INVESTMENT SUMMARY

     A summary of fixed maturities and marketable equity securities classified
     as available-for-sale at December 31, 1998 follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Gross          Gross           Net         Estimated
                                                        Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized       Market  
                                                          Cost          Gains          Losses          Gain          Value   
                                                      -----------    -----------     ----------    -----------    -----------
<S>                                                   <C>            <C>             <C>           <C>            <C>
   United States government and
     government agencies and authorities . . . . .    $   592,137    $    85,453     $       (6)   $    85,447    $   677,584
   States, municipalities and political 
     subdivisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        126,136         16,784         (3,191)        13,593        139,729
   Foreign governments . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        101,106          9,730             --          9,730        110,836
   Public utilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      1,509,636        113,446         (1,957)       111,489      1,621,125
   All other corporate bonds . . . . . . . . . . .      4,504,120        225,765        (21,633)       204,132      4,708,252
   Mortgage-backed securities. . . . . . . . . . .      2,885,492        142,633         (3,940)       138,693      3,024,185
                                                      -----------    -----------     ----------    -----------    -----------
   Total fixed maturities classified as 
     available-for-sale. . . . . . . . . . . . . .      9,718,627        593,811        (30,727)       563,084     10,281,711
   Marketable equity securities. . . . . . . . . .         14,665          4,166            (94)         4,072         18,737
                                                      -----------    -----------     ----------    -----------    -----------
   Total investment securities classified as
     available-for-sale. . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 9,733,292    $   597,977     $  (30,821)       567,156    $10,300,448
                                                      -----------    -----------     ----------                   -----------
                                                      -----------    -----------     ----------                   -----------

   Deferred policy acquisition costs valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       (45,108)
   Applicable federal income tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      (182,606)
                                                                                                   -----------
   Unrealized appreciation of investment securities,
     net of tax, included in shareholder's equity (accumulated other comprehensive income) . . .   $   339,442
                                                                                                   -----------
                                                                                                   -----------
</TABLE>

A summary of fixed maturities classified as held-to-maturity at 
December 31, 1998 follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Gross          Gross           Net         Estimated
                                                        Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized       Market  
                                                          Cost          Gains          Losses          Gain          Value   
                                                      -----------    -----------     ----------    -----------    -----------
<S>                                                   <C>            <C>             <C>           <C>            <C>
   United States government and
     government agencies and authorities . . . . .    $   272,104    $   102,409     $       --    $   102,409    $   374,513
   States, municipalities and political 
     subdivisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        127,180         26,403             --         26,403        153,583
   Foreign governments . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        149,558         48,523             --         48,523        198,081
   Public utilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        416,495         81,036           (239)        80,797        497,292
   All other corporate bonds . . . . . . . . . . .      1,447,436        243,657         (4,159)       239,498      1,686,934
   Mortgage-backed securities. . . . . . . . . . .        308,110         40,682             (1)        40,681        348,791
                                                      -----------    -----------     ----------    -----------    -----------
   Total fixed maturities classified as
     held-to-maturity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 2,720,883    $   542,710     $   (4,399)    $  538,311    $ 3,259,194
                                                      -----------    -----------     ----------    -----------    -----------
                                                      -----------    -----------     ----------    -----------    -----------
</TABLE>


                                          12
<PAGE>

SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise stated)


Note 3 (continued)

   A summary of fixed maturities and marketable equity securities classified as
   available-for-sale at December 31, 1997 follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Gross          Gross           Net         Estimated
                                                        Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized       Market  
                                                          Cost          Gains          Losses          Gain          Value   
                                                      -----------    -----------     ----------    -----------    -----------
<S>                                                   <C>            <C>             <C>           <C>            <C>
   United States government and
     government agencies and authorities . . . . .    $   604,305    $    61,328     $      (47)   $    61,281    $   665,586
   States, municipalities and political 
     subdivisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        134,160         13,439           (720)        12,719        146,879
   Foreign governments . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        102,053          6,674             (7)         6,667        108,720
   Public utilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      1,467,168        100,208         (1,175)        99,033      1,566,201
   All other corporate bonds . . . . . . . . . . .      3,803,982        186,502         (1,174)       185,328      3,989,310
   Mortgage-backed securities. . . . . . . . . . .      2,789,915        139,056         (3,781)       135,275      2,925,190
                                                      -----------    -----------     ----------    -----------    -----------
   Total fixed maturities classified as
     available-for-sale. . . . . . . . . . . . . .      8,901,583        507,207         (6,904)       500,303      9,401,886
   Marketable equity securities. . . . . . . . . .         10,651          4,906             (5)         4,901         15,552
                                                      -----------    -----------     ----------    -----------    -----------
   Total investment securities classified as
     available-for-sale. . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 8,912,234    $   512,113     $   (6,909)       505,204    $ 9,417,438
                                                      -----------    -----------     ----------                   -----------
                                                      -----------    -----------     ----------                   -----------
   Deferred policy acquisition costs valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     (35,349)
   Applicable federal income tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    (164,338)
                                                                                                   -----------
   Unrealized appreciation of investment securities,
     net of tax, included in shareholder's equity (accumulated other comprehensive income) . . . . $   305,517
                                                                                                   -----------
                                                                                                   -----------
</TABLE>
   A summary of fixed maturities classified as held-to-maturity at December 31,
   1997 follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         Gross         Gross            Net         Estimated
                                                        Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized       Market  
                                                          Cost          Gains          Losses          Gain          Value   
                                                      -----------    -----------     ----------    -----------    -----------
<S>                                                   <C>            <C>             <C>           <C>            <C>
   United States government and
     government agencies and authorities . . . . .    $   257,881    $    74,238     $       --    $    74,238    $   332,119
   States, municipalities and political 
     subdivisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        120,345         14,917             --         14,917        135,262
   Foreign governments . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        148,903         40,306             --         40,306        189,209
   Public utilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        417,519         78,330             --         78,330        495,849
   All other corporate bonds . . . . . . . . . . .      1,462,968        208,201           (142)       208,059      1,671,027
   Mortgage-backed securities. . . . . . . . . . .        300,942         35,574            (94)        35,480        336,422
                                                      -----------    -----------     ----------    -----------    -----------
   Total fixed maturities classified as 
     held-to-maturity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 2,708,558    $   451,566     $     (236)   $   451,330    $ 3,159,888
                                                      -----------    -----------     ----------    -----------    -----------
                                                      -----------    -----------     ----------    -----------    -----------
</TABLE>

                                          13
<PAGE>

SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise stated)


Note 3 (continued)

   The amortized cost and estimated market value of fixed maturities at December
   31, 1998, by contractual maturity, are presented below.  Expected  maturities
   may differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers have the
   right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment
   penalties.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    Available-for-Sale             Held-to-Maturity
                                                                --------------------------    --------------------------
                                                                                Estimated                     Estimated 
                                                                 Amortized        Market       Amortized        Market  
                                                                    Cost          Value           Cost          Value   
                                                                -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
<S>                                                             <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
     Due in one year or less . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $   323,572    $   327,416    $        --    $        --
     Due after one year through five years . . . . . . . . .      2,275,991      2,364,579              3              4
     Due after five years through ten years. . . . . . . . .      1,223,284      1,281,865         48,691         57,164
     Due after ten years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      3,010,288      3,283,666      2,364,079      2,853,235
     Mortgage-backed securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      2,885,492      3,024,185        308,110        348,791
                                                                -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------

          Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 9,718,627    $10,281,711    $ 2,720,883    $ 3,259,194
                                                                -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
</TABLE>


     At December 31, 1998 and 1997, the Company held below investment grade
     fixed maturities of $438 million and $316 million at amortized cost,
     respectively.  The respective market values of these investments were
     approximately $444 million and $329 million.  These holdings amounted to
     3.3% and 2.6% of the Company's investments in fixed maturities at market
     value at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
     
     Certain fixed maturity securities with an amortized cost of $7,596 and
     $7,543 at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, were on deposit with
     various regulatory authorities to meet requirements of insurance and
     financial codes.
     
     At December 31, 1998 and 1997, mortgage loans constituted approximately
     4.2% and 4.5% of total assets, respectively, and are secured by first
     mortgage liens on income-producing commercial real estate, primarily in the
     retail, industrial and office building sectors.  The majority of the
     properties are located in the western United States, with 39% of the total
     in California.  Individual loans generally do not exceed $10 million.
     
     The carrying value of investments in fixed maturities and mortgage loans
     that did not produce income during the year ended December 31, 1998 is less
     than one percent of the total of such investments.


                                          14
<PAGE>

SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise stated)


Note 3 (continued)
     
     The proceeds from sales of investment securities and related gains and
     losses for 1998 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             Year Ended December 31, 1998          
                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Fixed Maturities               Fixed Maturities                Marketable    
                                                    Available-for-Sale              Held-to-Maturity            Equity Securiities
                                                    ------------------              ----------------            ------------------
<S>                                                 <C>                             <C>                         <C>
     Proceeds from sales . . . . . . . . . . .      $          643,539              $         18,235            $              665
                                                    ------------------              ----------------            ------------------
                                                    ------------------              ----------------            ------------------
                                                   
     Gross realized gains on sales . . . . . .      $           12,350              $          3,384            $              335
     Gross realized losses on sales. . . . . .                    (480)                           --                            (3)
                                                    ------------------              ----------------            ------------------
                                                   
          Realized gains on sales. . . . . . .                  11,870                         3,384                           332
     Other (Including net gain on calls            
       and redemptions). . . . . . . . . . . .                  (1,557)                           --                            --
     Writedowns (Including writedowns              
       on securities subsequently sold). . . .                    (433)                           --                            --
                                                    ------------------              ----------------            ------------------
                                                   
     Total realized gain  .. . . . . . . . . .      $            9,880              $          3,384            $              332
                                                    ------------------              ----------------            ------------------
                                                    ------------------              ----------------            ------------------
</TABLE>

     One fixed maturity security, classified as held-to-maturity, was sold
     during 1998 due to restructuring by the bond issuer and the expected
     significant downgrade resulting from it.  This transaction meets the
     "allowable sale" criteria of FASB Statement 115.  The amortized cost of
     this security was $14,851, and the gain realized on this sale was $3,384.

     The proceeds from sales of investment securities and related gains and
     losses for 1997 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             Year Ended December 31, 1997          
                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Fixed Maturities               Fixed Maturities                Marketable    
                                                    Available-for-Sale              Held-to-Maturity            Equity Securiities
                                                    ------------------              ----------------            ------------------
<S>                                                 <C>                             <C>                         <C>
     Proceeds from sales . . . . . . . . . .        $          869,091              $             --            $           11,185
                                                    ------------------              ----------------            ------------------
                                                    ------------------              ----------------            ------------------
                                            
     Gross realized gains on sales . . . . .        $            5,805              $             --            $            6,832
     Gross realized losses on sales. . . . .                    (9,410)                           --                          (397)
                                                    ------------------              ----------------            ------------------
                                            
          Realized gains (losses)           
            on sales . . . . . . . . . . . .                    (3,605)                           --                         6,435
     Other (Including net gain on calls     
       and redemptions). . . . . . . . . . .                     5,074                            --                            --
     Writedowns (Including writedowns       
       on securities subsequently sold). . .                      (197)                           --                            --
                                                    ------------------              ----------------            ------------------
                                            
     Total realized gain . . . . . . . . . .        $            1,272              $             --            $            6,435
                                                    ------------------              ----------------            ------------------
                                                    ------------------              ----------------            ------------------
</TABLE>


                                          15

<PAGE>

SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise stated)

Note 3 (continued)

     The proceeds from sales of investment securities and related gains and
losses for 1996 are as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Year Ended December 31, 1996 
                                          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Fixed Maturities               Fixed Maturities                Marketable    
                                          Available-for-Sale              Held-to-Maturity            Equity Securiities
                                          ------------------              ----------------            ------------------
<S>                                       <C>                             <C>                         <C> 
Proceeds from sales                       $          721,229              $         13,316            $           10,394
                                          ------------------              ----------------            ------------------
                                          ------------------              ----------------            ------------------

Gross realized gains on sales             $           19,779              $             --            $            4,847
Gross realized losses on sales                       (18,837)                       (1,328)                           --
                                          ------------------              ----------------            ------------------

     Realized gains (losses) on sales                    942                        (1,328)                        4,847

Other (Including net gain or loss on calls 
     and redemptions)                                 13,687                          (141)                           --

Writedowns (Including writedowns on
    securities subsequently sold)                     (5,465)                           --                            --
                                          ------------------              ----------------            ------------------

Total realized gain  (loss)               $            9,164              $         (1,469)           $            4,847
                                          ------------------              ----------------            ------------------
                                          ------------------              ----------------            ------------------
</TABLE>


     Two fixed maturity securities classified as held-to-maturity were sold
     during 1996 due to evidence of a significant deterioration in credit
     quality.  The amortized cost of these securities was $14,644, and the
     losses realized on these sales were $1,328.

     The following summarizes the realized gain before federal income taxes and
     the net change in unrealized appreciation:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Year Ended December 31
                                                                    ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                       1998                 1997                1996   
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
<S>                                                                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Realized gains (losses):

  Fixed maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $     13,264        $      1,272        $      7,695
  Marketable equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             332               6,435               4,847
  First mortgage loans on real estate. . . . . . . . . . . . . .              --                (900)             (2,050)
  Real estate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .              16                  --                (114)
  Other invested assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .              --                  --                  61
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------

     Realized gain before federal income taxes . . . . . . . . .    $     13,612        $      6,807        $     10,439
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Year Ended December 31
                                                                    ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                       1998                 1997                1996   
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
<S>                                                                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation of:

  Fixed maturities classified as available-for-sale. . . . . . .    $     62,781        $    244,483        $   (268,956)
  Marketable equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            (829)             (4,372)             (1,599)
  Deferred policy acquisition costs valuation allowance. . . . .          (9,759)            (16,309)             23,775
  Applicable federal income tax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (18,268)            (78,330)             86,373
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------

  Net change in unrealized appreciation. . . . . . . . . . . . .    $     33,925        $    145,472        $   (160,407)
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
</TABLE>


                                          16

<PAGE>

SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise stated)


Note 3 (continued)

     The following table summarizes the Company's allowance for credit losses on
     non-affiliated mortgage loans:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Year Ended December 31
                                                                    ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                       1998                 1997                1996   
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
<S>                                                                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
     Allowance at beginning of year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $     11,609        $     10,943        $      9,633
     Provision for credit losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .              --                 900               2,050
     Loans charged off as uncollectible. . . . . . . . . . . . .            (436)               (234)               (740)
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------

     Allowance at end of year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $     11,173        $     11,609        $     10,943
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
</TABLE>

     The allowance includes specific reserves, as well as general reserve
     amounts.  The total investment in impaired loans before any reserve for
     losses is $2.5 million and $3.3 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997,
     respectively.  A specific loan loss reserve has been established for each
     impaired loan, the total of which is $250 and $550 and is included in the
     overall allowance of $11.2 million and $11.6 million at December 31, 1998
     and 1997, respectively.

4.   COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

     The Company is obligated under a real estate lease with an affiliate,
     General America Corporation, which expires in 2010.  The minimum annual
     rental commitments under this obligation were $2,443 at December 31, 1998. 
     At December 31, 1998, unfunded mortgage loan commitments approximated
     $77,266.  The Company had no other material commitments or contingencies at
     December 31, 1998.

5.   FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

     ESTIMATED FAIR VALUES.  Fair value amounts have been determined using
     available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. 
     However, considerable judgment is required in developing the estimates of
     fair value.  Accordingly, these estimates are not necessarily indicative of
     the amount that could be realized in a current market exchange.  The use of
     different market assumptions and/or estimating methodologies may have a
     material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

     Carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value for cash, policy
     loans, short-term investments, accounts receivable and other liabilities.

     Fair value amounts for investments in fixed maturities and marketable
     equity securities are the same as market value.  Market value generally
     represents quoted market prices for securities traded in the public market
     place or analytically determined values for securities not publicly traded.

     The fair values of mortgage loans have been estimated by discounting the
     projected cash flows using the current rate at which loans would be made to
     borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same maturities.


                                          17

<PAGE>

SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise stated)


Note 5 (continued)

     The fair value of investment contracts with defined maturities is estimated
     by discounting projected cash flows using rates that would be offered for
     similar contracts with the same remaining maturities.  For investment
     contracts with no defined maturity, fair value is estimated to be the
     present surrender value.  These investment contracts are included in Funds
     Held Under Deposit Contracts.

     Estimated fair values of financial instruments at December 31 are as
     follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1998                                1997 
                                                    -------------------------------     -------------------------------
                                                       Carrying         Estimated         Carrying         Estimated 
                                                        Amount          Fair Value         Amount          Fair Value 
                                                    -------------     -------------     -------------     -------------
<S>                                                 <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
     Financial assets:
          Fixed maturities available-for-sale. . .  $  10,281,711     $  10,281,711     $   9,401,886     $   9,401,886
          Fixed maturities held-to-maturity. . . .      2,720,883         3,259,194         2,708,558         3,159,888
          Marketable equity securities . . . . . .         18,737            18,737            15,552            15,552
          Mortgage loans . . . . . . . . . . . . .        664,427           692,000           651,158           677,000

     Financial liabilities:

          Funds held under deposit contracts . . .     12,364,937        12,874,000       11,539,473         12,021,000
</TABLE>

     Other insurance-related financial instruments are exempt from fair value
     disclosure requirements.

     DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS.  The Company's investments in
     mortgage-backed securities of $3.4 billion and $3.3 billion, at market
     values, at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, are primarily
     residential collateralized mortgage obligations and pass-throughs ("CMOs").
     CMOs, while technically defined as derivative instruments, are exempt from
     derivative disclosure requirements.  The Company's investment in CMOs
     comprised of the riskier, more volatile type (e.g., principal only, inverse
     floaters, etc.) has been intentionally limited to only a small amount,
     approximately 1% of total CMOs at both December 31, 1998 and 1997.

     In 1997, the Company introduced an equity-indexed annuity product that
     credits the policyholder based on a percentage of the gain in the S&P 500
     index.  S&P 500 call options are purchased to hedge the growth in interest
     credited to the customers.  Premiums paid to purchase the S&P 500 call
     options are capitalized and included in other assets on the balance sheet
     and expensed over the term of the option on a straight line basis.  Any
     gain or loss on the call options purchased is included in income when
     realized.  On December 31, 1998, futures contracts were entered into
     requiring an initial margin deposit of $4,961.  Futures combined with call
     options will be used to hedge the Company's 1999 exposure to changes in the
     S&P 500 index.

     The balance in other assets for call options purchased was $23,985 and
     $21,232 at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.  The balance in other
     invested assets for futures contracts at December 31, 1998 was $4,961.  The
     estimated fair value of call options purchased and futures contracts is the
     same as their carrying value at December 31, 1998 or 1997.

     The Company does not enter into financial instruments for trading or
     speculative purposes.  The Company's involvement in other investment-type
     derivatives is also, intentionally, of a very limited nature.  Such
     derivatives include interest rate swaps on bond investments,
     currency-linked bonds and fixed-rate loan commitments.  Individually, and
     in the aggregate, these derivatives are not material and thus no additional
     disclosures are warranted.


                                          18

<PAGE>

SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise stated)


6.   POLICY AND CONTRACT LIABILITIES

     REINSURANCE.  The Company protects itself from excessive losses by ceding
     reinsurance to other companies, using automatic and facultative treaties. 
     The availability and cost of reinsurance are subject to prevailing market
     conditions, both in terms of price and available capacity.  Although the
     reinsurer is liable to the Company to the extent of the reinsurance ceded,
     the Company remains primarily liable to the policyholder as the direct
     insurer on all risks reinsured.  The Company evaluates the financial
     condition of its reinsurers to minimize its exposure to losses from
     reinsurer insolvencies.  To the Company's knowledge, none of its reinsurers
     is experiencing financial difficulties.

     The balance sheet caption "Reinsurance Recoverables" is comprised of the
     following amounts:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               December 31
                                                                     -------------------------------
                                                                         1998                1997
                                                                     -----------         -----------
<S>                                                                  <C>                 <C>
     Unpaid losses and adjustment expense. . . . . . . . . . . .     $       248         $       906
     Paid claims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           1,347                 770
     Life policy liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          30,677              26,756
     Other reinsurance recoverables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .              82                  83
                                                                     -----------         -----------

      Total reinsurance recoverables . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $    32,354         $    28,515
                                                                     -----------         -----------
                                                                     -----------         -----------
</TABLE>


     The effects of reinsurance on the premium and policy benefit amounts in the
Statement of Consolidated Income are as follows:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Year Ended December 31
                                                                    ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                       1998                 1997                1996   
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
<S>                                                                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
     Reinsurance Ceded:

      Premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $    (16,479)       $    (13,305)       $    (13,679)
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------

      Policy benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $     (7,162)       $     (7,853)       $     (4,039)
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
     Reinsurance Assumed:

      Premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $        876        $        180        $        175
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------

      Policy benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $      3,487        $      2,902        $      2,500
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
</TABLE>


     POLICY AND CONTRACT CLAIMS.  Accident and health claim reserves, the
     majority of which are incurred and paid in full within a one-year period,
     amount to less than 1% of total policy and contract liabilities. 
     Therefore, no additional disclosures are warranted.


                                          19

<PAGE>

SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise stated)


7.   STATUTORY BASIS INFORMATION

     The Company and its subsidiaries are required to file annual statements
     with state regulatory authorities prepared on an accounting basis as
     prescribed or permitted by such authorities (statutory basis).  Prescribed
     statutory accounting practices include state laws, regulations, and general
     administrative rules, as well as a variety of publications of the National
     Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).  Permitted statutory
     accounting practices encompass all accounting practices not so prescribed.

     Statutory net income differs from income reported in accordance with
     generally accepted accounting principles primarily because policy
     acquisition costs are expensed when incurred, reserves are based on
     different assumptions and income tax expense reflects only taxes paid or
     currently payable.  The net income reported in the Statement of
     Consolidated Income for the year ended December 31, 1997, does not include
     the net income of either WM Life Insurance Company or Empire Life Insurance
     Company, as their acquisition was effective December 31, 1997.

     Statutory net income and shareholder's equity, by company, are as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Year Ended December 31
                                                                    ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                       1998                 1997                1996   
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
<S>                                                                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
     Statutory Net Income:
      SAFECO Life Insurance Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $     64,599        $     95,012        $     95,676
      SAFECO National Life Insurance Company . . . . . . . . . .           1,012               1,322               1,249
      First SAFECO National Life Insurance Company of New York .             576                 314                 318
      Empire Life Insurance Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           1,799                  --                  --
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------

          Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $     67,986        $     96,648        $     97,243
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        December 31
                                                                    ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                       1998                 1997                1996   
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
<S>                                                                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
  Statutory Shareholder's Equity:
    SAFECO Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries . . . . . . .    $    576,791        $    672,230        $    587,658
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
</TABLE>


     The Company has received written approval from the Washington State
     Insurance Department to treat certain loans (all made at market rates) to
     related SAFECO Corporation subsidiaries as admitted assets.  The allowance
     of such loans has not materially enhanced surplus at December 31, 1998.


8.   DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS

     Insurance companies are restricted by certain states as to the amount of
     dividends they may pay within a given calendar year to their parent without
     regulatory consent.  Under insurance regulations of the state of
     Washington, the restriction is the greater of statutory net gain from
     operations for the previous year or 10% of policyholder surplus at the
     close of the previous year, subject to a maximum limit equal to statutory
     earned surplus.  The amount of retained earnings available for the payment
     of dividends to SAFECO Corporation without prior regulatory approval was
     $57,679 at December 31, 1998.


                                          20

<PAGE>

SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise stated)


9.   EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

     SAFECO Corporation and subsidiary companies (the Companies) sponsor defined
     contribution, defined benefit and profit sharing bonus plans covering
     substantially all employees.  The defined contribution plans include profit
     sharing retirement plans and a savings plan.  A cash balance defined
     benefit plan covering substantially all employees provides benefits for
     each year of service after 1988, based on the employee's compensation level
     plus a stipulated rate of return on the benefit balance.  It is SAFECO
     Corporation's policy to fund the defined benefit plan on a current basis to
     the full extent deductible under federal income tax regulations.  The cost
     of these plans to the Company was $6,070, $7,531 and $7,901 for the years
     ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

     The Companies also provide certain healthcare and life insurance benefits
     ("other postretirement benefits") for retired employees.  Substantially all
     employees may become eligible for these benefits if they reach retirement
     age while working for the Companies.  The cost of these benefits is shared
     with the retiree.  Net periodic other postretirement benefit costs for the
     Company were $510, $392 and $474 in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.  The
     accrued postretirement benefit cost recorded in the balance sheet was
     $5,544 and $5,168 at December 1998 and 1997, respectively.


10.  INCOME TAXES

     The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes under
     which deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the
     differences between their financial reporting and their tax bases and are
     measured using the enacted tax rates.

     Differences between income tax computed by applying the U.S. federal income
     tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes and the provision for federal
     income taxes are not material.

     The tax effect of temporary differences which give rise to the deferred tax
     assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             December 31
                                                                                      -----------------------
                                                                                          1998        1997
                                                                                      ---------     ---------
<S>                                                                                   <C>           <C>
     Deferred tax assets:
         Discounting of loss and adjustment expense reserves. . . . . . . . . . . .   $     340     $      77
         Uncollected premium adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       2,963         2,607
         Adjustment to life policy liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      37,821        51,176
         Capitalization of policy acquisition costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      46,046        40,354
         Postretirement benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       1,940         1,809
         Realized capital losses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       3,461         3,534
         Guarantee fund assessments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       2,696         4,163
         Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       3,105         2,031
                                                                                      ---------     ---------

              Total deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      98,372       105,751
                                                                                      ---------     ---------

     Deferred tax liabilities:
        Deferred policy acquisition costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      90,346        96,317
        Present value of future profits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       4,327         3,084
        Bond discount accrual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      19,587        19,631
        Unrealized appreciation of investment securities (Net of deferred policy
             acquisition costs valuation allowance: 1998-$15,788; 1997-$12,372) . .     182,717       164,449
        Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       1,139         1,566
                                                                                      ---------     ---------

              Total deferred tax liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     298,116       285,047
                                                                                      ---------     ---------
              Net deferred tax liability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 199,744     $ 179,296
                                                                                      ---------     ---------
                                                                                      ---------     ---------
</TABLE>


                                          21

<PAGE>

SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise stated)


Note 10 (continued)

     The following table reconciles the deferred tax benefit in the Statement of
Income to the change in the deferred tax liability in the balance sheet for the
year ended December 31:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1998                 1997                1996   
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
<S>                                                                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Deferred tax benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $     (1,359)       $     (4,689)       $     (6,471)

Net deferred tax liability acquired in acquisitions. . . . . . .           3,539               2,008                  --

Deferred tax changes reported in shareholder's equity:
  Increase (decrease) in liability related to unrealized
    appreciation or depreciation of investment securities. . . .          21,684              84,037             (94,694)

  (Increase) decrease in liability related to deferred
    policy acquisition costs valuation allowance . . . . . . . .          (3,416)             (5,708)              8,321
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------

Increase (decrease) in net deferred tax liability. . . . . . . .    $     20,448        $     75,648        $    (92,844)
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
                                                                    ------------        ------------        ------------
</TABLE>


                                          22

<PAGE>

SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise stated)


11. SEGMENT DATA

  The Company's reportable business segments are strategic business units that
  offer distinctive products marketed through independent agents in four
  distribution channels.

  The Company has five reportable segments:  Individual, Retirement Services,
  Settlement Annuities, Group and Corporate.  Individual issues traditional,
  term and universal life insurance policies.  Retirement Services issues fixed
  and variable deferred annuity products.  Settlement Annuities issues immediate
  annuities for structured pay out situations.  Group issues excess loss health
  insurance to companies that have self-insured medical plans.  The Corporate
  segment is used to retain profits from the four product lines and pay
  dividends to the parent company, SAFECO Corporation.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the
summary of significant accounting policies.  Company management evaluates
performance based on operating profit or loss before income taxes.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  Year Ended December 31, 1998
                                        -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Retirement     Settlement
                                        Individual      Services       Annuities        Group        Corporate        Total  
                                        ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
<S>                                    <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Revenue
   Premiums. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $    50,563    $       698    $         -    $   203,149    $         -    $   254,410
   Net Investment Income . . . . . . .      69,267        411,661        449,313          2,695         72,525      1,005,461
   Other Revenue . . . . . . . . . . .       3,509         24,483             77              -              -         28,069
                                        ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
       Total Revenue . . . . . . . . .     123,339        436,642        449,390        205,844         72,525      1,287,940

Expenses
   Policy Benefits . . . . . . . . . .      84,004        349,834        399,130        161,113              -        994,081
   Commissions . . . . . . . . . . . .      10,864         46,236         12,211         25,639            300         95,250
   Amortization of Deferred
     Policy Acquisition Costs
     and Present Value of
     Future Profits. . . . . . . . . .       8,438         30,576              -          3,852              -         42,866
   Deferral of Policy Acquisition
     Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     (18,610)       (42,788)             -         (4,546)             -        (65,944)
   Other Expenses. . . . . . . . . . .      37,782         40,177          7,398         33,919          2,333        121,609
                                        ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
       Total Expenses and
         Policy Benefit. . . . . . . .     122,476        424,035        418,739        219,977          2,633      1,187,862
                                        ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
   Write-off of Deferred Policy
     Acquisition Costs and 
     Other Write-offs. . . . . . . . .      11,500         32,300              -              -          3,000         46,800
                                        ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------

Income (Loss) From
  Insurance Operations . . . . . . . .     (10,639)       (19,493)        30,651        (14,133)        66,892         53,278

Realized Investment Gain . . . . . . .         828          4,304              -              -          8,480         13,612
                                        ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------

Income (Loss) before
  Federal Income Tax . . . . . . . . . $    (9,811)   $   (15,189)   $    30,651    $   (14,133)   $    75,372    $    66,890
                                        ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
                                        ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------

<CAPTION>
                                                                                             December 31, 1998
                                        -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Retirement     Settlement
                                        Individual      Services       Annuities        Group        Corporate        Total  
                                        ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
<S>                                    <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Assets
   Total Investments . . . . . . . . . $ 1,075,256    $ 5,761,722    $ 5,877,496    $    39,918    $ 1,056,042    $13,810,434
   Assets Held in
     Separate Accounts . . . . . . . .      98,715      1,102,420              -              -              -      1,201,135
   Total Assets. . . . . . . . . . . .   1,307,561      7,195,140      5,971,534         90,125      1,093,684     15,658,044
</TABLE>



                                          23
<PAGE>

SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise stated)


Note 11 (continued)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  Year Ended December 31, 1997
                                        -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Retirement     Settlement
                                        Individual      Services       Annuities        Group        Corporate        Total  
                                        ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
<S>                                    <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Revenue
   Premiums. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $    46,873    $         -    $         -    $   193,722    $         -     $  240,595
   Net Investment Income . . . . . . .      55,431        355,550        420,095          2,737         74,103        907,916
   Other Revenue . . . . . . . . . . .       3,531         18,102            117              1              -         21,751
                                        ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
       Total Revenue . . . . . . . . .     105,835        373,652        420,212        196,460         74,103      1,170,262

Expenses
   Policy Benefits . . . . . . . . . .      69,611        278,525        368,854        127,936              -        844,926
   Commissions . . . . . . . . . . . .       9,979         38,337         20,060         24,855            450         93,681
   Amortization of Deferred
     Policy Acquisition Costs
     and Present Value of
     Future Profits. . . . . . . . . .       6,615         26,613              -          3,718              -         36,946
   Deferral of Policy Acquisition
     Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     (15,275)       (33,452)             -         (4,341)             -        (53,068)
   Other Expenses. . . . . . . . . . .      32,494         36,677          5,803         31,985              -        106,959
                                        ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
       Total Expenses and
         Policy Benefit. . . . . . . .     103,424        346,700        394,717        184,153            450      1,029,444
                                        ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------

Income From
  Insurance Operations . . . . . . . .       2,411         26,952         25,495         12,307         73,653        140,818

Realized Investment Gain (Loss). . . .        (472)         1,601              -              -          5,678          6,807
                                        ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------

Income before Federal
  Income Tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . $     1,939    $    28,553    $    25,495    $    12,307    $    79,331    $   147,625
                                        ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
                                        ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------

<CAPTION>

                                                                                             December 31, 1997
                                        -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Retirement     Settlement
                                        Individual      Services       Annuities        Group        Corporate        Total  
                                        ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
<S>                                    <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Assets
   Total Investments . . . . . . . . . $   903,487    $ 5,503,066    $ 5,516,799    $    38,107    $   935,967    $12,897,426
   Assets Held in
     Separate Accounts . . . . . . . .      69,071        836,346              -              -              -        905,417
   Total Assets. . . . . . . . . . . .   1,110,541      6,833,146      5,610,901         83,293        984,576     14,622,457
</TABLE>


                                          24
<PAGE>

SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise stated)


Note 11 (continued)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  Year Ended December 31, 1996
                                        -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Retirement     Settlement
                                        Individual      Services       Annuities        Group        Corporate        Total  
                                        ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
<S>                                    <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Revenue
   Premiums. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $    41,322    $         -    $         -    $   198,778    $         -    $   240,100
   Net Investment Income . . . . . . .      38,797        341,375        386,884          2,840         66,142        836,038
   Other Revenue . . . . . . . . . . .       3,273          9,515            143              2              -         12,933
                                        ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
       Total Revenue . . . . . . . . .      83,392        350,890        387,027        201,620         66,142      1,089,071

Expenses
   Policy Benefits . . . . . . . . . .      53,104        258,500        339,580        131,029              -        782,213
   Commissions . . . . . . . . . . . .       8,308         24,384         18,276         23,756              -         74,724
   Amortization of Deferred
     Policy Acquisition Costs
     and Present Value of
     Future Profits. . . . . . . . . .       5,080         26,539              -          4,033              -         35,652
   Deferral of Policy Acquisition
     Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     (19,132)       (19,323)             -         (3,971)             -        (42,426)
   Other Expenses. . . . . . . . . . .      31,859         32,148          6,171         34,167              -        104,345
                                        ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
       Total Expenses and
         Policy Benefit. . . . . . . .      79,219        322,248        364,027        189,014              -        954,508
                                        ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------

Income From
  Insurance Operations . . . . . . . .       4,173         28,642         23,000         12,606         66,142        134,563

Realized Investment Gain (Loss). . . .      (2,360)         3,002          4,615              -          5,182         10,439
                                        ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------

Income before Federal
  Income Tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . $     1,813    $    31,644    $    27,615    $    12,606    $    71,324    $   145,002
                                        ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
                                        ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------


<CAPTION>
                                                                                             December 31, 1996
                                        -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Retirement     Settlement
                                        Individual      Services       Annuities        Group        Corporate        Total  
                                        ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
<S>                                    <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Assets
   Total Investments . . . . . . . . . $   654,339    $ 4,542,976    $ 4,894,996    $    42,016    $   947,206    $11,081,533
   Assets Held in
     Separate Accounts . . . . . . . .      47,236        443,976              -              -              -        491,212
   Total Assets. . . . . . . . . . . .     839,134      5,179,574      4,978,972         85,693        963,837     12,047,210
</TABLE>


                                          25

<PAGE>

SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise stated)


12.  IMPACT OF YEAR 2000 (UNAUDITED)

   SAFECO Corporation (SAFECO), like most other companies, is faced with the
   fact that some of its computer programs have time sensitive logic that
   typically recognizes a date using "00" as the year 1900 rather than the year
   2000.  SAFECO is highly dependent on automated systems and systems
   applications that use computer programs to conduct ongoing operations.  Such
   systems are used to process claims, bill and collect premiums from customers,
   manage investments and many other activities.  If these systems were unable
   to process data accurately because of Year 2000-related failures, these
   activities would be interrupted and could have a material adverse effect on
   SAFECO's results of operations.  

   SAFECO has completed an assessment of Year 2000 issues in connection with its
   computer systems and the technology embedded in the equipment it uses. 
   SAFECO has been modifying and replacing portions of its software since 1995
   so that its systems will function properly with respect to dates in the year
   2000 and thereafter.  In addition, SAFECO is engaged in a regular program of
   testing and running the systems once Year 2000 programming changes have been
   made.  This testing includes trials at SAFECO's hot site, a location provided
   and maintained by a third party separate from any SAFECO facility.  SAFECO
   believes that its program to address Year 2000 issues is comprehensive and on
   schedule.

   The total Year 2000 compliance cost for SAFECO is currently estimated at
   approximately $17 million and as of December 31, 1998 SAFECO has incurred
   approximately $16 million of that amount.  These estimated amounts include
   both modification costs, which are expensed as incurred, and certain
   replacement systems costs, some of which are capitalized and amortized. 
   Approximately 90% of SAFECO's existing systems have been internally verified
   as being Year 2000 ready at January 31, 1999.  SAFECO's objective is to have
   substantially all of its systems Year 2000 ready by March 31, 1999, with the
   last mission-critical system expected to be Year 2000 ready in August 1999. 
   The program of testing and running the systems after Year 2000 programming
   changes have been made is currently in process and expected to continue
   through 1999.  SAFECO also intends to bring all of its mainframe systems down
   on December 31, 1999 and bring them back up on January 1, 2000.  This will
   preserve information contained in those systems at December 31, 1999 and
   permit SAFECO to retrieve and use that information should an unanticipated
   Year 2000 problem occur.  In addition, as a contingency against unanticipated
   problems on and after January 1, 2000, SAFECO's Information Systems
   department will be prepared to address on an expedited basis any problems
   that should arise.  Although absolute assurance is not possible, based on our
   current progress and continuing modifications, SAFECO believes that by
   January 1, 2000 it will be Year 2000 ready and that Year 2000 issues will not
   pose significant operational problems for its computer systems.

   SAFECO is also working with its third-party partners and vendors, e.g., its
   independent insurance agents, local and long distance telephone companies,
   banks and securities trading firms, to assure that they are on schedule to
   detect and fix any Year 2000 problems which might affect SAFECO's systems or
   business processes.  SAFECO will assess and attempt to mitigate risks with
   respect to the failure of any mission-critical third-party partners and
   vendors to be Year 2000 ready.  Failure of such parties to be Year 2000 ready
   could have a material adverse effect on SAFECO's results of operations.


                                          26


<PAGE>

                              SAFECO SEPARATE ACCOUNT C
                                        PART C
                                  OTHER INFORMATION



ITEM 24.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

a.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The following audited financial statements of SAFECO
     Separate Account C and SAFECO Life Insurance Company are included in the
     Statement of Additional Information of this Registration Statement:

     REGISTRANT:
          Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 1998.
          Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Assets for the Year or
          Period Ended December 31, 1998 and 1997.
          Notes to Financial Statements.

     SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES:
          Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1998 and 1997.
          Statement of Consolidated Income for the years ended December 31,
          1998, 1997 and 1996.
          Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholder's Equity for the
          years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.
          Statement of Consolidated Comprehensive Income for the years ended
          December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.
          Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows for the years ended December 31,
          1998, 1997 and 1996.
          Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

b.   EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number           Description of Document
- --------------           -----------------------

     1.          Resolution of Board of Directors of SAFECO authorizing the
                 establishment of the Separate Account.  1/

     2.          Not Applicable.

     3.   (i)    Form of Principal Underwriter's Agreement.  1/
          (ii)   Selling Agreement.  2/

     4.   (i)    Individual Flexible Purchase Payment Deferred Variable Annuity
                 Contracts.  2/
          (ii)   Riders and Endorsements.  2/

     5.          Application for Annuity Contract.  2/

     6.   (i)    Copy of Articles of Incorporation of SAFECO.  1/
          (ii)   Copy of the Bylaws of SAFECO.  1/

     7.          Not Applicable.

     8.a. (i)    Fund Participation Agreement (Scudder).  2/
          (ii)   Reimbursement Agreement (Scudder).  2/
          (iii)  Participating Contract and Policy Agreement (Scudder).  2/
          (iv)   Services Agreement (Scudder).  6/

     8.b.        Participation Agreement by and among SAFECO Life Insurance
                 Company,


                                         -7-
<PAGE>

                 Federated Insurance Series, on behalf of the Federated High
                 Income Bond Fund II, Federated International Equity Fund II,
                 Federated Utility Fund II, Federated Securities Corp. and
                 Federated Advisers.  3/

     8.c.        Participation Agreement by and among SAFECO Life Insurance
                 Company, Lexington Emerging Markets Fund, Inc., Lexington
                 Natural Resources Trust, and Lexington Management
                 Corporation.  3/

     8.d         Participation Agreement by and among SAFECO Life Insurance
                 Company, TCI Portfolios, Inc. and/or Adviser for TCI Balanced
                 Fund and TCI International Fund (TCI has since changed its
                 name to American Century).  4/

     8.e.        Form of Participation Agreement (Fidelity).  5/

     8.f.        Participation Agreement by and among INVESCO Variable
                 Investment Funds, Inc., INVESCO Funds Group, Inc. and SAFECO
                 Life Insurance Company.  6/

     9.          Opinion and Consent of Counsel.

     10.         Consent of Independent Auditors.

     11.         Not Applicable.

     12.         Not Applicable.

     13.         Calculation of Performance Information.  3/

     14.         Power of Attorney.

     15.         Representation of Counsel.


1/        Incorporated by reference to SAFECO Separate Account C's registration
          statement filed on Form N-4, filed with the Securities and Exchange
          Commission on June 16, 1995.  (Files No. 33-60331 and 811-8052).

2/        Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment
          filed with the SEC on December 29, 1995 (File No. 33-69712).

3/        Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment
          filed with the SEC on April 29, 1996 (File No. 33-69712).

4/        Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment of SAFECO
          Separate Account C filed with the SEC on April 29, 1996 (File
          No. 33-60331).

5/        Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment of SAFECO
          Separate Account SL filed with the SEC on April 30, 1997 (File
          No. 33-10248).

6/        Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment
          filed with the SEC on May 1, 1998 (File No. 33-69712).

ITEM 25.  DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE DEPOSITOR

Set forth below is a list of each director and officer of SAFECO Life Insurance
Company ("SAFECO") who is engaged in activities relating to SAFECO Separate
Account C or the variable annuity contracts offered through SAFECO Separate
Account C.  Unless otherwise indicated the principal business address of all
officers or directors listed is 15411 N. E. 51st Street, Redmond,
Washington 98052.


                                         -8-
<PAGE>

     Name                             Position with SAFECO
     ----                             --------------------

*    Roger H. Eigsti                  Director, Chairman of the Board

     Randall H. Talbot                Director and President

*    Boh A. Dickey                    Director

     Roger F. Harbin                  Executive Vice President, Actuary

*    Rod A. Pierson                   Director, Senior Vice President
                                      and Secretary

*    Donald S. Chapman                Director

*    James W. Ruddy                   Director

**   Dale E. Lauer                    Director

*    W. Randall Stoddard              Director

     James T. Flynn                   Vice President, Controller
                                      and Assistant Secretary

     Michael J. Kinzer                Vice President and Chief Actuary

***  Ronald L. Spaulding              Director, Vice President and Treasurer

     Jean Liebmann                    Actuary

     George C. Pagos                  Associate General Counsel,
                                      Vice President and Assistant
                                      Secretary

*    The principal business address of these officers and directors is SAFECO
     Plaza, Seattle, WA 98185.
**   The principal business address of Dale E. Lauer is 500 N. Meridian Street,
     Indianapolis, IN 46204.
***  The principal business address of Ronald L. Spaulding is 601 Union Street,
     Suite 2500, Seattle, WA 98101-4074.


ITEM 26.  PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE DEPOSITOR OR
          REGISTRANT

SAFECO Life Insurance Company ("SAFECO") established SAFECO Separate Account C
("Registrant") by resolution of its Board of Directors pursuant to Washington
law.  SAFECO is a wholly owned subsidiary of SAFECO Corporation, which is a
publicly owned company.  Both companies were organized under Washington law.
SAFECO Corporation, a Washington Corporation, owns 100% of the following
Washington corporations: SAFECO Insurance Company of America, General Insurance
Company of America, First National Insurance Company of America, SAFECO Life
Insurance Company, SAFECO Assigned Benefits Service Company, SAFECO
Administrative Services, Inc., SAFECO Properties Inc., SAFECO Credit Company,
Inc., SAFECO Asset Management Company, SAFECO Securities, Inc., SAFECO Services
Corporation, SAFECO Trust Company and General America Corporation.  SAFECO
Corporation owns 100% of SAFECO National Insurance Company, a Missouri
corporation, and SAFECO Insurance Company of Illinois, an Illinois corporation.
General Insurance Company of America owns 100% of  SAFECO Insurance Company of
Pennsylvania, a Pennsylvania corporation and SAFECO U.K. Limited, a corporation
organized under the laws of the United Kingdom.  SAFECO Insurance Company of
America owns 100% of SAFECO Surplus Lines Insurance Company, a Washington
corporation, and SAFECO Management Company, a New York corporation.  SAFECO Life
Insurance Company owns 100% of SAFECO National Life Insurance Company, a
Washington corporation,  First SAFECO National Life Insurance Company of New
York, a New York corporation, and 100% of Empire Life Insurance Company, a
Washington corporation.  SAFECO


                                         -9-
<PAGE>

Administrative Services, Inc. owns 100% of Employee Benefit Claims of Wisconsin,
Inc. and Wisconsin Pension and Group Services, Inc., each a Wisconsin
corporation.  General America Corporation owns 100% of COMAV Managers, Inc., an
Illinois corporation, F.B. Beattie & Co., Inc., a Washington corporation,
General America Corp. of Texas, a Texas corporation, Talbot Financial
Corporation, a Washington corporation, SAFECO Select Insurance Services, Inc., a
California corporation, and R.F. Bailey Holdings Limited, a U.K. corporation.
F.B. Beattie & Co., Inc. owns 100% of F.B. Beattie Insurance Services, Inc., a
California corporation.  General America Corp. of Texas is Attorney-in-fact for
SAFECO Lloyds Insurance Company and American States Lloyds Insurance Company,
both Texas corporations.  R.F. Bailey Holdings Limited owns 100% of R.F. Bailey
(underwriting agencies) Limited, a U.K. corporation.  Talbot Financial
Corporation owns 100% of Talbot Agency, Inc., a New Mexico corporation.  Talbot
Agency, Inc. owns 100% of SAFECO Investment Services, Inc., a Washington
corporation.  SAFECO Properties Inc. owns 100% of the following, each a
Washington corporation: SAFECARE Company, Inc. and Winmar Company, Inc.
SAFECARE Company, Inc. owns 100% of the following, each a Washington
corporation: RIA Development, Inc., S.C. Arkansas, Inc., S.C. Bellevue/Lynn,
S.C. Bellevue, Inc., and S.C. Marysville, Inc. SAFECARE Company, Inc. owns 50%
of Lifeguard Ventures, Inc., a California corporation, and S.C. River Oaks,
Inc., a Washington corporation.  Winmar Company, Inc. owns 100% of the
following: Kitsap Mall, Inc., Winmar Cascade, Inc., Winmar Metro, Inc., Winmar
Northwest, Inc., Winmar Redmond, Inc. and Winmar of Kitsap, Inc., each a
Washington corporation, and Capitol Court Corp., a Wisconsin corporation, SCIT,
Inc., a Massachusetts corporation, Winmar Oregon, Inc., an Oregon corporation,
Winmar of Texas, Inc., a Texas corporation, and Winmar of the Desert, Inc., a
California corporation.  Winmar Oregon, Inc. owns 100% of the following, each an
Oregon corporation: North Coast Management, Inc., Pacific Surfside Corp., Winmar
of Jantzen Beach, Inc. and W-P Development, Inc., and 100% of Washington Square,
Inc., a Washington corporation.

SAFECO Corporation, a Washington corporation, owns 100% of American States
Financial Corporation, an Indiana corporation. American States Financial
Corporation owns 100% of American States Insurance Company, an Indiana
corporation.  American States Insurance Company owns 100% of the following
Indiana corporations: American Economy Insurance Company, American States
Preferred Insurance Company, American States Life Insurance Company, and City
Insurance Agency, Inc.  American States Insurance Company owns 100% of Insurance
Company of Illinois, an Illinois corporation, and American States Lloyds
Insurance Company, a Texas corporation.  American Economy Insurance Company owns
100% of American States Insurance Company of Texas, a Texas corporation.

No person is directly or indirectly controlled by Registrant.

ITEM 27.  NUMBER OF CONTRACT OWNERS

As of March 31, 1999, there were 20,034 Contract Owners of the Registrant.

ITEM 28.  INDEMNIFICATION

Under its Bylaws, SAFECO, to the full extent permitted by the Washington
Business Corporation Act, shall indemnify any person who was or is a party to
any proceeding (whether brought by or in the right of SAFECO or otherwise) by
reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director of SAFECO, or, while a
director of SAFECO, is or was serving at the request of SAFECO as a director,
officer, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another foreign or domestic
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, other enterprise, or employee
benefit plan, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable
expenses actually incurred by him or her in connection with such proceeding.

SAFECO shall extend such indemnification as is provided to directors above to
any person, not a director of SAFECO, who is or was an officer of SAFECO or is
or was serving at the request of SAFECO as a director, officer, partner,
trustee, or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust, other enterprise, or employee benefit plan.  In addition, the
Board of Directors of SAFECO may, by resolution, extend such further
indemnification to an officer or such other person as may to it seem fair and
reasonable in view of all relevant circumstances.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of
1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of SAFECO
pursuant to such provisions of the bylaws or statutes or otherwise, SAFECO has


                                         -10-
<PAGE>

been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in said Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by SAFECO of expenses incurred or paid
by a director, officer or controlling person of SAFECO in the successful defense
of any such action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
controlling person in connection with the Contracts issued by the Separate
Account, SAFECO will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction
the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in said Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.

ITEM 29.  PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS

a.   SAFECO Securities, Inc., the principal underwriter for the Contracts, also
     acts as the principal underwriter for SAFECO's Individual Flexible Premium
     Variable Life Insurance Policies and Group Variable Annuity Contracts.

b.   The following information is provided for each principal officer and
     director of the principal underwriter:

          Name and Principal                 Positions and Offices
          Business Address                   with Underwriter
          ----------------                   ---------------------
     *    Rod A. Pierson                     Director
     **   Ronald Spaulding                   Director
     ***  David F. Hill                      Director, President and Secretary
     ***  Neal A. Fuller                     Vice President, Controller,
                                             Treasurer, Financial Principal and
                                             Assistant Secretary

     *    The principal business address for Rod A. Pierson is SAFECO Plaza,
          Seattle, WA 98185.
     **   The principal business address for Ronald Spaulding is 601 Union
          Street, Suite 2500, Seattle, WA 98101-4074.
     ***  The principal business address for David F. Hill and Neal A. Fuller is
          10865 Willows Road NE, Redmond, Washington 98052.

c.   During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, SAFECO Investment Services,
     Inc., through SAFECO Securities, Inc., received $6,387,256 in commissions
     for the distribution of certain annuity contracts sold in connection with
     Registrant of which no payments were retained.  SAFECO Investment Services,
     Inc. did not receive any other compensation in connection with the sale of
     Registrant's contracts.


                                         -11-
<PAGE>

ITEM 30.  LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS

SAFECO Life Insurance Company at 15411 N.E. 51st Street, Redmond, Washington
98052, and/or SAFECO Asset Management Company at 10865 Willows Road N.E., E-2,
Redmond, Washington 98052 maintain physical possession of the accounts, books or
documents of the Separate Account required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of
the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules promulgated thereunder.

ITEM 31.  MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Not Applicable

ITEM 32.  UNDERTAKINGS

1.   Registrant hereby represents that it is relying upon a No-Action Letter
     issued to the American Council of Life Insurance dated November 28, 1988
     (Commission ref. IP-6-88) and that the following provisions have been
     complied with:

     a.   Include appropriate disclosure regarding the redemption restrictions
          imposed by Section 403(b)(11) in each registration statement,
          including the prospectus, used in connection with the offer of the
          contract;

     b.   Include appropriate disclosure regarding the redemption restrictions
          imposed by Section 403(b)(11) in any sales literature used in
          connection with the offer of the contract;

     c.   Instruct sales representatives who solicit participants to purchase
          the contract specifically to bring the redemption restrictions imposed
          by Section 403(b)(11) to the attention of the potential participants;

     d.   Obtain from each plan participant who purchases a Section 403(b)
          annuity contract, prior to or at the time of such purchase, a signed
          statement acknowledging the participant's understanding of (1) the
          restrictions on redemption imposed by Section 403(b)(11), and (2)
          other investment alternatives available under the employer's Section
          403(b) arrangement to which the participant may elect to transfer his
          contract value.

     e.   Pursuant to Section 26(e) of the Investment Company Act of 1940,
          Depositor represents that the fees and charges deducted under the
          contract, in the aggregate, are reasonable in relation to the services
          rendered, the expenses expected to be incurred, and the risks assumed
          by the insurance company.

2.   In connection with the offer of Registrant's Contracts to Participants in
     the Texas Optional Retirement Program, Registrant represents it is relying
     upon Rule 6c-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and that
     subparagraphs (a)-(d) of Rule 6c-7 have been complied with as of the
     effective date of Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No.9.


                                         -12-
<PAGE>

                                      SIGNATURES

As required by the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of
1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets the requirements of Securities Act
Rule 485(b) for effectiveness of this Registration Statement and has caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf, in the City of Seattle, and
State of Washington on this 30th day of April, 1999.

                                        SAFECO SEPARATE ACCOUNT C
                                        -------------------------
                                                  Registrant

                                        By:  SAFECO Life Insurance Company
                                            ------------------------------------


                                        By:  /s/ RANDALL H. TALBOT
                                            ------------------------------------
                                             Randall H. Talbot, President


                                             SAFECO Life Insurance Company
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                       Depositor


                                        By:  /s/ RANDALL H. TALBOT
                                            ------------------------------------
                                             Randall H. Talbot, President

As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been
signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

Name                               Title                              Date
- ----                               -----                              ----


DONALD S. CHAPMAN*                 Director
- -------------------------
Donald S. Chapman


/s/ BOH A. DICKEY                  Director
- -------------------------
Boh A. Dickey


R. H. EIGSTI*                      Director and Chairman
- -------------------------
R. H. Eigsti


JAMES T. FLYNN*                    Vice President, Controller and
- -------------------------          Assistant Secretary (Principal
James T. Flynn                     Accounting Officer)


                                         -13-
<PAGE>

RONALD SPAULDING*                  Director,  Vice
- -------------------------          President and Treasurer
Ronald Spaulding


ROD A. PIERSON*                    Director, Senior Vice
- -------------------------          President and Secretary
Rod Pierson


JAMES W. RUDDY*                    Director
- -------------------------
James W. Ruddy


W. RANDALL STODDARD*               Director
- -------------------------
W. Randall Stoddard


DALE E. LAUER*                     Director
- -------------------------
Dale E. Lauer


/s/ RANDALL H. TALBOT              Director and President
- ---------------------              (Principal Executive Officer)
Randall H. Talbot






                                                  *By: /s/ BOH A. DICKEY
                                                       -------------------------
                                                       Boh A. Dickey
                                                       Attorney-in-Fact


                                                  *By: /s/ RANDALL H. TALBOT
                                                       -------------------------
                                                       Randall H. Talbot
                                                       Attorney-in-Fact


                                         -14-
<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT INDEX




EXHIBIT NUMBER                DESCRIPTION


99.9                          Opinion and Consent of Counsel

99.10                         Consent of Independent Auditors

99.14                         Power of Attorney

99.15                         Representation of Counsel


                                         -15-


<PAGE>
                                                                 EXHIBIT 99.9

April 30, 1999




Board of Directors
SAFECO Life Insurance Company
SAFECO Plaza
Seattle, WA 98185

Gentlemen:

I have acted as counsel to the Company in connection with the filing with the
Securities and Exchange Commission of the Registration Statement on Form N-4 for
the Individual Flexible Purchase Payment Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts
(the "Contracts") to be issued by the Company and its separate account, SAFECO
Separate Account C.  I have made such examination of the law and have examined
such records and documents as in my judgment are necessary or appropriate to
enable me to render the following opinion:

1.   SAFECO Life Insurance Company is a validly existing stock life insurance
     company of the state of Washington.

2.   SAFECO Separate Account C is a separate investment account of SAFECO Life
     Insurance Company created and validly existing pursuant to the Washington
     insurance laws and regulations thereunder.

3.   All of the prescribed corporate procedures for the issuance of the
     Contracts have been followed, and, when such Contracts are issued in
     accordance with the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement, all
     state requirements relating to such Contracts will have been complied with.

4.   Upon the acceptance of the purchase payments made by a prospective Contract
     Owner pursuant to a Contract issued in accordance with the Prospectus
     contained in the Registration Statement and upon compliance with applicable
     law, such Owner will have a legally-issued, fully paid, non-assessable
     contractual interest in such Contract.

You may use this letter, or a copy hereof, as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement.

Very truly yours,

/s/ William E. Crawford

William E. Crawford
Counsel

<PAGE>
                                                                   EXHIBIT 99.10
Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Statement of Additional Information and to the use of our report on the
financial statements of SAFECO Separate Account C, dated February 26, 1999, and
our report on the consolidated financial statements of SAFECO Life Insurance
Company and Subsidiaries, dated February 12, 1999, in Post-Effective Amendment
Number 9 to the Registration Statement (Form N-4, No. 33-69712) and related
Prospectus of SAFECO Separate Account C.


                                                           /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Seattle, Washington
April 27, 1999 


<PAGE>
                                                                 EXHIBIT 99.14
                                 POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                          
                                          
                                          
SAFECO Life Insurance Company, a Washington Corporation, (the "Company") and
each of its undersigned officers and directors, hereby nominate and appoint Boh
A. Dickey and Randall H. Talbot (with full power to each of them to act alone)
their true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for them and in their names
and places in any and all capacities, to execute and sign all amendments to the
Registration Statements of SAFECO Separate Account C on Form N-4, SAFECO
Separate Account SL on Form S-6, and SAFECO Resource Variable Account B on Form
N-4 (hereinafter "Separate Accounts") under the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, and to file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and any other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the offer
and sale of the variable insurance products issued from the Separate Accounts,
such amendments and any supplements thereto, as well as any and all exhibits and
other documents necessary or desirable to such amendment or supplement process,
granting to such attorneys and each of them, full power and authority to do and
perform each and every act necessary and/or appropriate as fully and with all
intents and purposes as the Company itself and the undersigned officers and
directors themselves might or could do.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY has caused this power of
attorney to be executed in its full name and by its President and attested by
its Secretary, and the undersigned officers and directors have each executed
such power of attorney, on the 14th day of April, 1999.


                                   SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY


                                   By:  /s/ Randall H. Talbot
                                        --------------------------
                                    Randall H. Talbot, President

ATTEST:


/s/ Rodney A. Pierson
- --------------------------
Rodney A. Pierson, Secretary



                         (Signatures Continue on Next Page)

                                         -18-
<PAGE>


NAME                                         TITLE


/s/ Randall H. Talbot                        Director and President
- --------------------------                   (Principal Executive Officer)
Randall H. Talbot


/s/ James T. Flynn                           Vice President, 
- --------------------------                   Controller and Asst. Secretary
James T. Flynn                               (Principal Accounting Officer)


/s/ Rodney A. Pierson                        Director, Senior Vice President
- --------------------------                   and Secretary
Rodney A. Pierson


/s/ Roger H. Eigsti                          Director and Chairman
- --------------------------
Roger H. Eigsti


/s/ Boh A. Dickey                            Director
- --------------------------
Boh A. Dickey


/s/ Donald S. Chapman                        Director
- --------------------------
Donald S. Chapman


/s/ W. Randall Stoddard                      Director
- --------------------------
W. Randall Stoddard


/s/ James W. Ruddy                           Director
- --------------------------
James W. Ruddy


/s/ Dale E. Lauer                            Director
- --------------------------
Dale E. Lauer


/s/ Ronald L. Spaulding                      Director, Vice President and
- --------------------------                   Treasurer
Ronald L. Spaulding

                                         -30-


<PAGE>
                                                                           
     

                                                                   EXHIBIT 99.15

April 30, 1999




VIA EDGAR

Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, D.C.   20549

RE:  REPRESENTATION OF COUNSEL FOR SAFECO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY ("SAFECO LIFE")
AND ITS SAFECO SEPARATE ACCOUNT C ("SEPARATE ACCOUNT") POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT
NO. 9, FORM N-4

FILE NOS.  33-69712 AND 811-8052



Commissioners:

SAFECO and its Separate Account believe that the filing of Post-Effective
Amendment No. 9, is consistent with the purposes and requirements for filing
under Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 ("1933 Act").  This
representation is based on the fact that the changes included in this
Post-Effective Amendment No. 9, are consistent with the purposes and
requirements described in the adopting release for the changes to Rule 485
(IC-Rel. 20486).

Based on the above, the filing of Post-Effective Amendment No. 9, is made
pursuant to Rule 485(b) of the 1933 Act to become automatically effective on
April 30, 1999.  The undersigned has prepared and reviewed Post-Effective
Amendment No. 9, and it is his opinion that Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 does
not contain disclosures which would render it ineligible to become effective
pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485.

Sincerely,

/s/ William E. Crawford

William E. Crawford
Counsel

                                    -20-



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