PROTECTIVE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT
485BPOS, 1998-04-29
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<PAGE>
   
     AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON APRIL 29, 1998
    
                                                               FILE NO. 811-8108
                                                               FILE NO. 33-70984
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       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.  7                           /X/
                                  AND/OR
        REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF
               1940                                      / /
             AMENDMENT NO. 6                               /X/
 
    
 
                          PROTECTIVE VARIABLE ANNUITY
                                SEPARATE ACCOUNT
                           (Exact Name of Registrant)
 
                       PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                              (Name of Depositor)
 
                             2801 HIGHWAY 280 SOUTH
                           BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 35223
              (Address of Depositor's Principal Executive Offices)
 
       Depositor's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (205) 879-9230
                            ------------------------
 
                           STEVE M. CALLAWAY, Esquire
                       Protective Life Insurance Company
                             2801 Highway 280 South
                           Birmingham, Alabama, 35223
                    (Name and Address of Agent for Services)
 
                                    COPY TO:
                            STEPHEN E. ROTH, Esquire
                          Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan
                         1275 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
                             Washington, D.C. 20004
                                 (202) 383-0158
 
    It is proposed that this filing become effective (check appropriate box):
 
    / / immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485;
   
    /X/ on May 1, 1998 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485;
    
   
    / / 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485;
    
   
    / / on May 1, 1998 pursuant to paragraph (a)(i) of Rule 485
    
    / / 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii) of Rule 485;
    / / on date pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii) of Rule 485.
 
   
           TITLE OF SECURITIES BEING REGISTERED: INTERESTS IN A SEPARATE
               ACCOUNT ISSUED THROUGH VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS.
    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
                      PURSUANT TO RULES 481(A) AND 495(A)
 
    Showing Location in Part A (Prospectus) and Part B (Statement of Additional
Information) of Registration Statement of Information Required by Form N-4.
 
ITEM OF FORM N-4                                     PROSPECTUS CAPTION
- -------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------
                                     PART A
 
 1. Cover Page.............................. Cover Page
 2. Definitions............................. Definitions
 3. Synopsis................................ Expense Tables; Summary
 4. Condensed Financial Information......... Condensed Financial Information;
                                             Yields and Total Returns
 5. General Description of Registrant,
    Depositor and Portfolio Companies......  The Company, Variable Account and
                                             Funds
   a.   Depositor..........................  The Company, Variable Account and
                                             Funds -- Protective Life Insurance
                                              Company
   b.   Registrant.........................  The Company, Variable Account and
                                             Funds -- The Protective Variable
                                              Annuity Separate Account
   c.   Portfolio Company..................  The Company, Variable Account and
                                             Funds -- The Funds
   d.   Fund Prospectus....................  The Company, Variable Account and
                                             Funds -- The Funds
   e.   Voting Rights......................  The Company, Variable Account and
                                             Funds -- Voting Rights
   f.   Administrators.....................  The Company, Variable Account and
                                             Funds --
 6. Deductions and Expenses................. Charges and Deductions
   a.   General............................  Charges and Deductions
   b.   Sales Load %.......................  Charges and Deductions -- Surrender
                                             Charge
   c.   Special Purchase Plan..............  Surrenders; Transfers
   d.   Commissions........................  Distribution of Contracts
   e.   Expenses -- Registrant.............  Charges and Deductions
   f.   Fund Expenses......................  Charges and Deductions -- Other
                                             Charges Including Investment
                                              Management Fees of the Funds
   g.   Organizational Expenses............  N/A
 7. General Description of Variable Annuity
    Contracts..............................  Description of Variable Annuity
                                             Contracts
   a.   (i) Allocation of Purchase           Purchase Payments, Allocation of
         Payments..........................  Purchase Payments
        (ii) Transfers.....................  Description of Variable Annuity
                                             Contract -- Transfers; Payments
   b.   Changes............................  Description of Variable Annuity
                                             Contract -- Modification
   c.   Inquiries..........................  Description of Variable Annuity
                                             Contract -- Inquiries
 8. Annuity Options......................... Annuity Options
 9. Death Benefit........................... Description of Variable Annuity
                                             Contract -- Death Benefit Before
                                              Annuity Commencement Date; Payment
 
<PAGE>
 
ITEM OF FORM N-4                                     PROSPECTUS CAPTION
- -------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------
10. Purchases and Contract Value............ Description of Variable Annuity
                                             Contract
   a.   Purchases..........................  Description of Variable Annuity
                                             Contract -- Purchase Payments
   b.   Valuation..........................  Description of Variable Annuity
                                             Contract -- Variable Account Value
   c.   Daily Calculation..................  Description of Variable Annuity
                                             Contract -- Variable Account Value
   d.   Underwriter........................  Distribution of Contracts
11. Redemptions............................. Description of Variable Annuity
                                             Contract
   a.   -- By Owners.......................  Description of Variable Annuity
                                             Contract -- Surrenders and Partial
                                              Surrenders; Payments
        -- By Annuitant....................  Description of Variable Annuity
                                             Contract -- proceeds on Annuity
                                              Commencement Date; Annuity Options
   b.   Delay in Payment...................  Description of Variable Annuity
                                             Contract -- Suspension or Delay in
                                              Payments
   c.   Lapse..............................  Description of Variable Annuity
                                             Contract -- Annuity Options
   d.   Free Look Period...................  Description of Variable Annuity
                                             Contract -- Free Look Period
12. Taxes................................... Federal Tax Matters
13. Legal Proceedings....................... Legal Proceedings
 
APPENDIX
 
14. Table of Contents in the Statement of
    Additional Information.................  Statements of Additional
                                             Information Table of Contents
 
                                     PART B
 
15. Cover Page.............................. Cover Page
16. Table of Contents....................... Statement of Additional Information
                                             Table of Contents
17. General Information and History......... See Prospectus -- The Company,
                                             Variable Account and Funds
18. Services
   a.   Fees and Expenses of Registrant....  N/A
   b.   Management Contract................  See Prospectus -- The Company,
                                             Variable Account and Funds
   c.   Custodian and Independent Public     Safekeeping of Account Assets;
         Accountant........................   Experts
   d.   Assets of Registrants..............  Safekeeping of Accounts Assets
   e.   Affiliated Persons.................  N/A
   f.   Principal Underwriter..............  See Prospectus -- Distribution of
                                             Contracts
19. Purchase of Securities Being Offered.... See Prospectus -- Distribution of
                                             Contracts
20. Underwriter............................. See Prospectus -- Distribution of
                                             Contracts
21. Calculation of Performance Data......... Calculation of Yields and Total
                                             Returns
22. Annuity Options......................... See Prospectus -- Annuity Options
23. Financial Statements.................... Financial Statements
 
<PAGE>
   
                                     PART A
                  INFORMATION REQUIRED TO BE IN THE PROSPECTUS
    
<PAGE>
                      INDIVIDUAL FLEXIBLE PREMIUM DEFERRED
                      VARIABLE AND FIXED ANNUITY CONTRACT
                                   ISSUED BY
 
                       Protective Life Insurance Company
                             2801 Highway 280 South
                           Birmingham, Alabama 35223
                           Telephone: 1-800-866-3555
 
   
    This Prospectus describes the individual flexible premium deferred variable
and fixed annuity contract (the "Contract") offered by Protective Life Insurance
Company ("Protective Life"). The Contract is designed for individual investors
who desire to accumulate capital on a tax deferred basis for retirement or other
long term investment purpose. It may be purchased on a non-qualified basis. The
Contract may also be sold for use with retirement plans receiving special
federal income tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code such as pension and
profit sharing plans (including H.R. 10 Plans), tax sheltered annuity plans,
individual retirement accounts, and individual retirement annuities.
    
 
   
    Purchase Payments will be allocated, as designated by the Owner(s), to one
or more of the Sub-Accounts of the Protective Variable Annuity Separate Account
(the "Variable Account"), or the Guaranteed Account or both. The assets of each
Sub-Account will be invested solely in a corresponding investment portfolio
(each, a "Fund") of Protective Investment Company, Oppenheimer Variable Account
Funds, MFS-Registered Trademark- Variable Insurance Trust, and Calvert Variable
Series, Inc.
    
 
   
    The Contract Value, except for the Guaranteed Account Value, will vary
according to the investment performance of the Funds in which the selected
Sub-Accounts are invested. The Owner(s) bear the investment risk of amounts
allocated to the Variable Account.
    
 
   
    This Prospectus sets forth basic information about the Contract and the
Variable Account that a prospective investor should know before investing.
Additional information about the Contract and the Variable Account is contained
in the Statement of Additional Information, which has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The Statement of Additional Information is
dated the same date as this Prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference.
The Table of Contents for the Statement of Additional Information is on Page 43
of this Prospectus. You may obtain a copy of the Statement of Additional
Information free of charge by writing or calling Protective Life at the address
or telephone number shown above.
    
 
    PLEASE READ THIS PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY. INVESTORS SHOULD KEEP A COPY FOR
FUTURE REFERENCE. THIS PROSPECTUS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A CURRENT PROSPECTUS
FOR EACH OF THE FUNDS.
 
AN INVESTMENT IN THE CONTRACT IS NOT A DEPOSIT OR OBLIGATION OF, OR GUARANTEED
OR ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK, NOR IS THE CONTRACT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. AN INVESTMENT IN
THE CONTRACT INVOLVES CERTAIN RISKS, INCLUDING THE LOSS OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS
(PRINCIPAL).
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PASSED UPON
THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
   
                  THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS MAY 1, 1998.
    
<PAGE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               PAGE
                                                                                                            -----------
<S>                                                                                                         <C>
Definitions...............................................................................................           1
Expense Tables............................................................................................           4
Summary...................................................................................................           8
Condensed Financial Information...........................................................................          10
The Company, Variable Account and Funds...................................................................          11
  Protective Life Insurance Company.......................................................................          11
  Protective Variable Annuity Separate Account............................................................          11
  Administration..........................................................................................          12
  The Funds...............................................................................................          12
  Other Investors in the Funds............................................................................          14
  Addition, Deletion or Substitution of Investments.......................................................          15
Description of the Contracts..............................................................................          15
  Issuance of a Contract..................................................................................          16
  Age of Owner............................................................................................          16
  Purchase Payments.......................................................................................          16
  Free Look Period........................................................................................          16
  Allocation of Purchase Payments.........................................................................          17
  Variable Account Value..................................................................................          17
  Transfers...............................................................................................          18
  Surrenders and Partial Surrenders.......................................................................          20
The Guaranteed Account....................................................................................          21
Death Benefit.............................................................................................          22
Suspension or Delay in Payments...........................................................................          23
Charges and Deductions....................................................................................          23
  Surrender Charge (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge).....................................................          23
  Administrative Charges..................................................................................          24
  Transfer Fee............................................................................................          24
  Mortality and Expense Risk Charge.......................................................................          24
  Contract Maintenance Fee................................................................................          25
  Fund Expenses...........................................................................................          25
  Premium Taxes...........................................................................................          25
  Other Taxes.............................................................................................          25
Annuity Income Payments...................................................................................          25
  Annuity Commencement Date...............................................................................          25
  Selection of Annuity Options............................................................................          25
  Annuity Options.........................................................................................          26
  Death of Annuitant or Owner After Annuity Commencement Date.............................................          28
Yields and Total Returns..................................................................................          28
Exchange Offer............................................................................................          29
Federal Tax Matters.......................................................................................          31
  Introduction............................................................................................          31
  The Company's Tax Status................................................................................          31
Taxation of Annuities in General..........................................................................          31
  Tax Deferral During Accumulation Period.................................................................          31
  Taxation of Partial and Full Surrenders.................................................................          33
  Taxation of Annuity Payments............................................................................          33
  Taxation of Death Benefit Proceeds......................................................................          33
  Assignments, Pledges, and Gratuitous Transfers..........................................................          34
  Penalty Tax on Premature Distributions..................................................................          34
  Aggregation of Contracts................................................................................          34
Loss of Interest Deduction Where Contract Is Held
 By or For the Benefit of Certain Non-Natural Persons.....................................................          35
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               PAGE
                                                                                                            -----------
<S>                                                                                                         <C>
Qualified Retirement Plans................................................................................          35
  In General..............................................................................................          35
  Direct Rollovers........................................................................................          38
Federal Income Tax Withholding............................................................................          38
Matters Relating to Contracts Offered Prior to May 1, 1996................................................          38
  Loan Privilege..........................................................................................          39
General Matters...........................................................................................          40
  Modification............................................................................................          40
  Reports.................................................................................................          40
  Inquiries...............................................................................................          41
Distribution of the Contracts.............................................................................          41
Preparation for Year 2000.................................................................................          41
Legal Proceedings.........................................................................................          41
Voting Rights.............................................................................................          42
Financial Statements......................................................................................          42
Statement of Additional Information Table of Contents.....................................................          43
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>
                                  DEFINITIONS
 
   
    "We", "us", "our", "Protective Life", and "Company" refer to Protective Life
Insurance Company. "You" and "your" refer to the person(s) who has been issued a
Contract.
    
 
   
    ACCUMULATION UNIT:  A unit of measurement used to calculate the value of a
Sub-Account prior to the Annuity Commencement Date.
    
 
   
    ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE:  2801 Highway 280 South, Birmingham, Alabama 35223.
    
 
    AGE:  The age on the birthday immediately prior to any date for which age is
to be determined.
 
   
    ALLOCATION OPTION:  Any account within the Guaranteed Account and any
Sub-Account to which Purchase Payments may be allocated or Contract Value
transferred under this Contract.
    
 
   
    ANNIVERSARY VALUE:  At any time, the sum of: (1) the Contract Value on a
Contract Anniversary; plus (2) all Purchase Payments made since that Contract
Anniversary; minus (3) any partial surrenders (and any associated charges) made
since that Contract Anniversary. An Anniversary Value is determined for each
Contract Anniversary through the earlier of: (1) the deceased Owner's 80th
birthday, or (2) the date of the deceased Owner's death.
    
 
   
    ANNUITANT:  The person on whose life annuity payments are based. The Owner
is the Annuitant unless the Owner designates another person as the Annuitant.
The Owner may change the Annuitant by Written Notice prior to the Annuity
Commencement Date. However, if any Owner is not an individual, the Annuitant may
not be changed.
    
 
   
    ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE:  The date as of which the Contract Value, less
applicable charges, is applied to a selected Annuity Option.
    
 
   
    ANNUITY INCOME PAYMENT:  Payments made by the Company based on the Annuity
Option selected.
    
 
   
    ANNUITY OPTION:  The payout option selected by the Owner(s) pursuant to
which the Company makes Annuity Income Payments: Annuity Options may contain
Fixed Annuity Income Payments, Variable Annuity Income Payments, or a
combination of both.
    
 
   
    ANNUITY UNIT:  A unit of measure used to calculate the amount of the
Variable Income Payments.
    
 
   
    ASSUMED INVESTMENT RETURN (AIR):  The assumed annual rate of return used to
calculate the amount of Variable Income Payments.
    
 
   
    BENEFICIARY:  The person or persons entitled to receive the Death Benefit
upon the death of an Owner. Unless designated irrevocably, the Owner may change
the Beneficiary by Written Notice prior to the death of any Owner.
    
 
   
        PRIMARY--The Primary Beneficiary is the surviving Joint Owner, if any.
    If there is no surviving Joint Owner, the Primary Beneficiary is the person
    or persons designated on the application or, if changed by the Owner, the
    person or persons so named in our records.
    
 
   
        CONTINGENT--The person or persons named to receive the Death Benefit if
    the Primary Beneficiary is not living at the time of an Owner's death. If no
    Beneficiary designation is in effect or if no Beneficiary is living at the
    time of an Owner's death, the estate of the deceased Owner is the
    Beneficiary.
    
 
   
        IRREVOCABLE--An irrevocable Beneficiary is one whose written consent is
    needed before the Owner can change the Beneficiary designation or exercise
    certain other rights.
    
 
    CODE:  The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
 
    CONTRACT ANNIVERSARY:  The same month and day as the Effective Date in each
subsequent year of the Contract.
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
   
    CONTRACT VALUE:  At any time, the sum of: (1) the Variable Account Value;
and (2) the Guaranteed Account Value.
    
 
   
    CONTRACT YEAR:  Any period of 12 months commencing with the Effective Date
or any Contract Anniversary.
    
 
   
    DCA FIXED ACCOUNT:  The DCA Fixed Account is part of the Company's general
account and is not part of or dependent upon the investment performance of the
Variable Account. Only Purchase Payments may be allocated to this account, which
is available only in connection with dollar cost averaging. No transfers may be
made to this account from other Allocation Options.
    
 
   
    DEATH BENEFIT:  The amount, if any, paid to the Beneficiary upon the death
of any Owner prior to the Annuity Commencement Date. Only one Death Benefit is
payable under this Contract, even though the Contract may, in some
circumstances, continue beyond the time of any Owner's death. References to the
Death of an Owner mean the death of the first of the Joint Owners to die.
    
 
   
    EFFECTIVE DATE:  The date as of which the initial Purchase Payment is
credited under the Contract and the date the Contract takes effect. Contract
Years are measured from the Effective Date. The Effective Date is shown on the
specifications page of the Contract.
    
 
   
    FIXED ACCOUNT:  The Fixed Account is part of the Company's general account
and is not part of or dependent upon the investment performance of the Variable
Account.
    
 
   
    FIXED ANNUITY INCOME PAYMENT:  Annuity Income Payments that do not fluctuate
from one income payment to the next.
    
 
   
    FUND:  Any open-end management investment company or investment portfolio
thereof, or unit investment trust or series thereof, in which a corresponding
Sub-Account invests.
    
 
   
    GUARANTEED ACCOUNT:  The Fixed Account, DCA Fixed Account and any other
account that we may offer with interest rate guarantees.
    
 
   
    GUARANTEED ACCOUNT VALUE:  At any time prior to the Annuity Commencement
Date, the sum of: (1) Purchase Payments allocated to the Guaranteed Account;
plus, (2) Variable Account Value transferred into the Guaranteed Account; plus,
(3) interest credited to the Guaranteed Account; minus, (4) amounts transferred
out of the Guaranteed Account; minus, (5) the amount of any partial surrenders
removed from the Guaranteed Account, including any surrender charges and
applicable premium tax; minus, (6) fees deducted from the Guaranteed Account.
    
 
   
    INTEREST GUARANTEED PERIOD:  The term for which an interest rate is
guaranteed for an account within the Guaranteed Account.
    
 
   
    MAXIMUM ANNIVERSARY VALUE:  The greatest Anniversary Value attained.
    
 
    NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE:  The value per share of any Fund as computed on
any Valuation Day as described in the Fund Prospectus.
 
    NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS:  Contracts which are not Qualified Contracts.
 
   
    OWNER:  The person or persons who own the Contract and are entitled to
exercise all rights and privileges provided in the Contract. Two persons may own
the Contract together; they are called Joint Owners. Provisions relating to
action by the Owner mean, in the case of Joint Owners, both Owners acting
together. Individuals as well as non-natural persons, such as corporations or
trusts, may be Owners.
    
 
   
    PAYEE:  Person or persons designated by the Owner to receive the Annuity
Income Payments under the Contract. The Annuitant is the Payee unless another
party is designated as the Payee.
    
 
    PIC:  Protective Investment Company.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
   
    PURCHASE PAYMENT(S):  The amount(s) paid by the Owner and accepted by the
Company as consideration for this Contract.
    
 
   
    QUALIFIED CONTRACTS:  Contracts issued in connection with retirement plans
that receive favorable tax treatment under Sections 401,403,408,408A or 457 of
the Code.
    
 
   
    QUALIFIED PLANS:  Retirement plans that receive favorable tax treatment
under Sections 401, 403, 408, 408A or 457 of the Code.
    
 
    SUB-ACCOUNT:  A separate division of the Variable Account. Each Sub-Account
invests in a corresponding Fund.
 
   
    SUB-ACCOUNT VALUE:  Prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, the total amount
equal to that part of any Purchase Payment(s) allocated to the Sub-Account plus
any Contract Value transferred to the Sub-Account, adjusted by investment
performance, and decreased by partial surrenders (including any applicable
surrender charges and premium tax), any Contract Value transferred out of the
Sub-Account and any fees deducted from the Sub-Account. Sub-Account Value can be
determined at any time by multiplying the Accumulation Unit value for a
Sub-Account by the number of Accumulation Units of that Sub-Account credited
under a Contract.
    
 
   
    SURRENDER VALUE:  The amount available for a full surrender. It is equal to
the Contract Value minus any applicable surrender charge, contract maintenance
fee and premium tax.
    
 
    VALUATION DAY:  Each day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for
business.
 
   
    VALUATION PERIOD:  The period which begins at the close of regular trading
on the New York Stock Exchange on any Valuation Day and ends at the close of
regular trading on the next Valuation Day.
    
 
    VARIABLE ACCOUNT:  Protective Variable Annuity Separate Account; a separate
investment account of Protective Life into which Purchase Payment(s) may be
allocated.
 
    VARIABLE ACCOUNT VALUE:  The sum of all Sub-Account Values.
 
   
    VARIABLE ANNUITY INCOME PAYMENT:  Annuity Income Payments that may fluctuate
from one income payment to the next based upon the actual investment return of
the Sub-Account(s) selected by the Owner to support Annuity Income Payments.
    
 
   
    WRITTEN NOTICE:  A notice or request submitted in writing in a form
satisfactory to the Company that is received at the Administrative Office.
Written Notice to change or assign the Contract is effective as of the date that
the Notice was signed, however, the Company is not responsible for following any
instruction or making any change or assignment before receipt of the Notice.
    
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
                                 EXPENSE TABLES
 
    The following expense information assumes that the entire Contract Value is
Variable Account Value.
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                       <C>
OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
  Sales Charge Imposed on Purchase Payments.............................       None
  Maximum Surrender Charge (contingent deferred sales charge)...........         7%
  Transfer Processing Fee...............................................       None*
ANNUAL CONTRACT MAINTENANCE FEE.........................................        $35
ANNUAL ACCOUNT EXPENSES
 (as a percentage of net assets)
  Mortality and Expense Risk Charge.....................................      1.25%
  Administration Charge.................................................      0.15%
                                                                              -----
  Total Account Expenses................................................      1.40%
ANNUAL FUND EXPENSES
 (as percentage of average net assets)
 
PIC FUNDS (1)
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                             MONEY
                                                                            MARKET
                                                                             FUND
                                                                          -----------
<S>                                                                       <C>
 Management (Advisory) Fees.............................................      0.60%
  Other Expenses After Reimbursement....................................      0.00%
                                                                              -----
  Total Annual Fund Expenses............................................
    (after reimbursements)                                                    0.60%
<CAPTION>
                                                                           CORE U.S.
                                                                            EQUITY
                                                                             FUND
                                                                          -----------
<S>                                                                       <C>
 Management (Advisory) Fees.............................................      0.80%
  Other Expenses After Reimbursement....................................      0.00%
                                                                              -----
  Total Annual Fund Expenses............................................
    (after reimbursements)                                                    0.80%
<CAPTION>
                                                                            CAPITAL
                                                                            GROWTH
                                                                             FUND
                                                                          -----------
<S>                                                                       <C>
 Management (Advisory) Fees.............................................      0.80%
  Other Expenses After Reimbursement....................................      0.00%
                                                                              -----
  Total Annual Fund Expenses............................................
    (after reimbursements)                                                    0.80%
<CAPTION>
                                                                           SMALL CAP
                                                                          VALUE FUND
                                                                          -----------
<S>                                                                       <C>
 Management (Advisory) Fees.............................................      0.80%
  Other Expenses After Reimbursement....................................      0.00%
                                                                              -----
  Total Annual Fund Expenses............................................
    (after reimbursements)                                                    0.80%
<CAPTION>
                                                                          INTERNATIONAL
                                                                          EQUITY FUND
                                                                          -----------
<S>                                                                       <C>
 Management (Advisory) Fees.............................................      1.10%
  Other Expenses After Reimbursement....................................      0.00%
                                                                              -----
  Total Annual Fund Expenses............................................
    (after reimbursements)                                                    1.10%
<CAPTION>
                                                                          GROWTH AND
                                                                          INCOME FUND
                                                                          -----------
<S>                                                                       <C>
 Management (Advisory) Fees.............................................      0.80%
  Other Expenses After Reimbursement....................................      0.00%
                                                                              -----
  Total Annual Fund Expenses............................................
    (after reimbursements)                                                    0.80%
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            GLOBAL
                                                                            INCOME
                                                                             FUND
                                                                          -----------
 Management (Advisory) Fees.............................................      1.10%
<S>                                                                       <C>
  Other Expenses After Reimbursement....................................      0.00%
                                                                              -----
  Total Annual Fund Expenses............................................
    (after reimbursements)                                                    1.10%
 
OPPENHEIMER FUNDS
<CAPTION>
                                                                          AGGRESSIVE
                                                                            GROWTH
                                                                             FUND
                                                                          -----------
<S>                                                                       <C>
 Management (Advisory) Fees.............................................      0.71%
  Other Expenses........................................................      0.02%
                                                                              -----
  Total Annual Fund Expenses............................................      0.73%
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                            GROWTH
                                                                             FUND
                                                                          -----------
<S>                                                                       <C>
 Management (Advisory) Fees.............................................      0.73%
  Other Expenses........................................................      0.02%
                                                                              -----
  Total Annual Fund Expenses............................................      0.75%
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                           GROWTH &
                                                                            INCOME
                                                                             FUND
                                                                          -----------
<S>                                                                       <C>
 Management (Advisory) Fees.............................................      0.75%
  Other Expenses........................................................  0.08% -----
  Total Annual Fund Expenses............................................      0.83%
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                           STRATEGIC
                                                                             BOND
                                                                             FUND
                                                                          -----------
<S>                                                                       <C>
 Management (Advisory) Fees.............................................      0.75%
  Other Expenses........................................................  0.08% -----
  Total Annual Fund Expenses............................................      0.83%
 
MFS FUNDS (2)
<CAPTION>
                                                                              MFS
                                                                           EMERGING
                                                                            GROWTH
                                                                            SERIES
                                                                          -----------
<S>                                                                       <C>
 Management (Advisory) Fees.............................................      0.75%
  Other Expenses After Reimbursement (3)................................  0.15% -----
  Total Annual Fund Expenses............................................
    (after reimbursements)                                                    0.90%
<CAPTION>
                                                                              MFS
                                                                           RESEARCH
                                                                            SERIES
                                                                          -----------
<S>                                                                       <C>
 Management (Advisory) Fees.............................................      0.75%
  Other Expenses After Reimbursement (3)................................  0.13% -----
  Total Annual Fund Expenses............................................
    (after reimbursements)                                                    0.88%
<CAPTION>
                                                                          MFS GROWTH
                                                                          WITH INCOME
                                                                            SERIES
                                                                          -----------
<S>                                                                       <C>
 Management (Advisory) Fees.............................................      0.75%
  Other Expenses After Reimbursement (3)................................  0.25% -----
  Total Annual Fund Expenses............................................
    (after reimbursements)                                                    1.00%
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           MFS TOTAL
                                                                            RETURN
                                                                            SERIES
                                                                          -----------
 Management (Advisory) Fees.............................................      0.75%
<S>                                                                       <C>
  Other Expenses After Reimbursement (3)................................  0.25% -----
  Total Annual Fund Expenses............................................
    (after reimbursements)                                                    1.00%
 
CALVERT FUNDS (4)
<CAPTION>
                                                                            SOCIAL
                                                                           SMALL CAP
                                                                            GROWTH
                                                                           PORTFOLIO
                                                                          -----------
<S>                                                                       <C>
 Management (Advisory) Fees.............................................      1.00%
  Other Expenses After Reimbursement....................................  0.20% -----
  Total Annual Fund Expenses............................................
    (after reimbursements)                                                    1.20%
<CAPTION>
                                                                            SOCIAL
                                                                           BALANCED
                                                                           PORTFOLIO
                                                                          -----------
<S>                                                                       <C>
 Management (Advisory) Fees.............................................      0.69%
  Other Expenses After Reimbursement....................................  0.12% -----
  Total Annual Fund Expenses............................................
    (after reimbursements)                                                    0.81%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
*   Protective Life reserves the right to charge a Transfer Fee in the future.
    (See "Charges and Deductions".)
 
   
(1) The annual expenses listed for all of the PIC Funds are net of certain
    reimbursements by PIC's investment manager. (See "The Funds".) Absent the
    reimbursements, total expenses for the period ended December 31, 1997 were:
    Money Market Fund 1.42%, CORE U.S. Equity Fund 0.86%, Small Cap Value Fund
    0.89%, International Equity Fund 1.37%, Growth and Income Fund 0.85%,
    Capital Growth Fund 0.97%, and Global Income Fund 1.32%. PIC's investment
    manager has voluntarily agreed to reimburse certain of each Fund's expenses
    in excess of its management fees. Although this reimbursement may be ended
    on 120 days notice to PIC, the investment manager has no present intention
    of doing so.
    
 
   
(2) The annual expenses for the MFS funds are net of certain adjustments made to
    reflect the effects of the 1.00% expense cap for the current and prior
    periods. Absent the adjustments, the Fund expenses for the period ending
    December 31, 1997 were: MFS Research Fund 0.88%, MFS Emerging Growth Fund
    0.87%, MFS Growth with Income Fund 1.10%, and MFS Total Return Fund 1.02%.
    
 
   
(3) Each Series has an expense offset arrangement which reduces the Series'
    custodian based fee based on the amount of cash maintained by the Series
    with its custodian and dividend disbursing agent, and may enter into other
    such arrangements and directed brokerage arrangements (which would also have
    the effect of reducing the Series' expenses). Any such fee reductions are
    not reflected under "Other Expenses."
    
 
   
(4) The figures have been restated to reflect an increase in transfer agency
    expenses of 0.01% for each portfolio expected to be incurred in 1998.
    Management Fees includes for Calvert Social Balanced a performance
    adjustment, which depending on performance, could cause the fee to be as
    high as 0.85% or as low as 0.55%. The Calvert Social Small Cap Growth
    expenses have been restated to reflect the lower advisory fee and
    administrative services fee. "Other Expenses" reflect an indirect fee. Net
    fund operating expenses after reductions for fees paid indirectly (again,
    restated) would be 0.78% for Calvert Social Balanced, and 0.89% for Calvert
    Social Small Cap Growth. Management Fees for Calvert Social Small Cap Growth
    include an administrative service fee of 0.10% paid to the Advisor's
    affiliate.
    
 
   
    The above tables are intended to assist the owner in understanding the costs
and expenses that he or she will bear directly or indirectly. The tables reflect
the expenses for the Account and reflect the investment management fees and
other expenses and total expenses for each Fund for the period January 1, 1997
to December 31, 1997. For a more complete description of the various costs and
expenses see "Charges and Deductions" and the prospectuses for each of the
Funds, which accompany this prospectus. IN ADDITION TO THE EXPENSES LISTED
ABOVE, PREMIUM TAXES VARYING FROM 0 TO 3.5% MAY BE APPLICABLE IN CERTAIN STATES.
    
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
EXAMPLES
 
    An Owner would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a
5% annual return on assets:
 
1. If the Contract is surrendered at the end of the applicable time period:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SUB-ACCOUNT                                                            1 YEAR     3 YEARS     5 YEARS     10 YEARS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                                  <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
PIC Money Market...................................................        $91        $115        $141        $240
PIC CORE U.S. Equity...............................................         93         121         152         261
PIC Capital Growth.................................................         93         121         152         261
PIC Small Cap Value................................................         93         121         152         261
PIC International Equity...........................................         96         130         167         290
PIC Growth and Income..............................................         93         121         152         261
PIC Global Income..................................................         96         130         167         290
 
Oppenheimer Aggressive Growth......................................         92         119         148         253
Oppenheimer Growth.................................................         93         119         149         255
Oppenheimer Growth & Income........................................         93         122         153         264
Oppenheimer Strategic Bond.........................................         93         122         153         264
 
MFS Emerging Growth................................................         94         124         157         271
MFS Research.......................................................         94         123         156         269
MFS Growth With Income.............................................         95         127         162         281
MFS Total Return...................................................         95         127         162         281
 
Calvert Social Small Cap Growth....................................         97         133         171         300
Calvert Social Balanced............................................         93         121         152         262
</TABLE>
    
 
2. If the Contract is not surrendered or is annuitized* at the end of the
applicable time period:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SUB-ACCOUNT                                                            1 YEAR     3 YEARS     5 YEARS     10 YEARS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                                  <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
PIC Money Market...................................................        $21         $65        $111        $240
PIC CORE U.S. Equity...............................................         23          71         122         261
PIC Capital Growth.................................................         23          71         122         261
PIC Small Cap Value................................................         23          71         122         261
PIC International Equity...........................................         26          80         137         290
PIC Growth and Income..............................................         23          71         122         261
PIC Global Income..................................................         26          80         137         290
 
Oppenheimer Aggressive Growth......................................         22          69         118         253
Oppenheimer Growth.................................................         23          69         119         255
Oppenheimer Growth & Income........................................         23          72         123         264
Oppenheimer Strategic Bond.........................................         23          72         123         264
 
MFS Emerging Growth................................................         24          74         127         271
MFS Research.......................................................         24          73         126         269
MFS Growth With Income.............................................         25          77         132         281
MFS Total Return...................................................         25          77         132         281
 
Calvert Social Small Cap Growth....................................         27          83         141         300
Calvert Social Balanced............................................         23          71         122         262
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
*   A surrender charge will be applied to the Contract Value upon annuitization
    if the annuity option selected is for a certain period of less than five
    years. (See "Charges and Deductions".)
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
   
    The examples assume that no transfer fee or premium taxes have been
assessed. The examples assume that the contract maintenance fee is $35. The
charge used in the above example is .07%, reflecting the average account value
in force at the end of 1997, for purposes of the examples based on a $1,000
investment.
    
 
    THE ABOVE EXAMPLES SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR
FUTURE EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN. THE 5%
ANNUAL RETURN ASSUMED IS HYPOTHETICAL AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A
REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE ANNUAL RETURNS, WHICH MAY BE GREATER OR LESS
THAN THE ASSUMED AMOUNT.
 
                                    SUMMARY
 
THE CONTRACT
 
   
    HOW IS A CONTRACT ISSUED?  The Contract is an individual flexible premium
deferred variable and fixed annuity contract that Protective Life issues upon
receipt of completed application information and an initial Purchase Payment.
(See "Issuance of Contract".)
    
 
   
    WHAT ARE THE PURCHASE PAYMENTS?  The minimum amount which Protective Life
will accept as an initial Purchase Payment is $2,000. Subsequent Purchase
Payments may be made at any time except for certain contracts issued in the
State of Oregon. The minimum subsequent Purchase Payment(s) that we will accept
is (1) $100 for Non-Qualified Contracts; and (2) $50 for Qualified Contracts.
The maximum aggregate Purchase Payments we will accept without Administrative
Office approval is $1,000,000. (See "Purchase Payments".)
    
 
    CAN I CANCEL THE CONTRACT?  You have the right to return the Contract within
a certain number of days (which varies by state and is never less than ten days)
after you receive it. The returned Contract will be treated as if it were never
issued. Protective Life will refund the Contract Value in states where
permitted. This amount may be more or less than the Purchase Payments. Where
required, we will refund Purchase Payments. (See "Free Look Period".)
 
   
    CAN I TRANSFER AMOUNTS IN THE CONTRACT?  Prior to the Annuity Commencement
Date, you may request transfers from one Allocation Option to another. No
transfers may be made into the DCA Fixed Account. At least $100 must be
transferred. Protective Life reserves the right to limit the maximum amount that
may be transferred from the Fixed Account to the greater of (a) $2,500; or (b)
25% of the value of the Fixed Account per Contract Year. The Company reserves
the right to charge a Transfer Fee of $25 for each transfer after the 12th
transfer during such Contract Year. (See "Transfers".)
    
 
   
    CAN I SURRENDER THE CONTRACT?  Upon Written Notice before the Annuity
Commencement Date, you may surrender the Contract and receive its Surrender
Value. (See "Surrenders and Partial Surrenders".)
    
 
   
    IS THERE A DEATH BENEFIT?  If any Owner dies prior to the Annuity
Commencement Date and while this Contract is in force, a Death Benefit may be
payable to the Beneficiary. The Death Benefit is determined as of the end of the
Valuation Period during which we receive due proof of the Owner's death. The
amount of the Death Benefit will depend upon the age of the Owner on the date of
death.
    
 
   
    In general, for Contracts issued after April 1996, if the Owner dies on or
before his or her 90th birthday, the Death Benefit is the greater of: (1) the
Contract Value; or (2) total Purchase Payments made under the Contract reduced
by any partial surrenders and any associated Surrender Charges; or (3) the
Maximum Anniversary Value.
    
 
   
    If the Owner dies after his or her 90th birthday, the Death Benefit is the
Contract Value. (See "Death Benefit".)
    
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
    ARE THERE CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS FROM MY CONTRACT?  The following charges
and deductions are made in connection with the Contract:
 
   
    SURRENDER CHARGES.  Full or partial surrenders are subject to a surrender
charge. The surrender charge is equal to a specified percentage (maximum 7%) of
each Purchase Payment surrendered. No surrender charge applies to Contract Value
in excess of aggregate Purchase Payments (less prior partial surrenders of
Purchase Payments). The surrender charge is calculated using the assumption that
the Contract Value in excess of aggregate Purchase Payments (less prior partial
surrenders of Purchase Payments) is surrendered before any Purchase Payments and
that Purchase Payments are surrendered on a first-in-first-out basis. (See
"Surrender Charge".)
    
 
   
    MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE.  We will deduct a mortality and expense
risk charge to compensate us for assuming certain mortality and expense risks.
The charge is equal, on an annual basis, to 1.25% of the average daily net
assets of the Variable Account.
    
 
   
    ADMINISTRATION CHARGE.  We will deduct an administration charge equal, on an
annual basis, to .15% of the average daily net assets of the Variable Account.
    
 
    CONTRACT MAINTENANCE FEE.  A contract maintenance fee of $35 is deducted
from the Variable Account Value on each Contract Anniversary, and on any day
that the Contract is surrendered, if the surrender occurs on any day other than
the Contract Anniversary. Under certain circumstances, this fee may be waived.
(See "Contract Maintenance Fee".)
 
   
    TAXES.  Some states impose premium taxes at rates ranging up to 3.5%. If
premium taxes are applicable to your Contract, we will deduct them from your
Contract by applying the premium tax rate to one of the following: Your Purchase
Payment(s), amounts that You surrender, or the amount applied to an Annuity
Option. The Company reserves the right to impose a charge for other taxes
attributable to the Variable Account (See "Charges and Deductions".)
    
 
    INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FEES AND OTHER EXPENSES OF THE FUNDS.  The net assets
of each Sub-Account of the Variable Account will reflect the investment
management fee incurred by the corresponding Fund as well as other operating
expenses of that Fund. For each Fund, the investment manager is paid a daily fee
for its investment management services. The management fees are based on the
average daily net assets of the Fund. (See "Funds Expenses" and the Funds'
Prospectuses.)
 
   
    WHAT ANNUITY OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?  Currently, we apply the Contract Value
to an Annuity Option on the Annuity Commencement Date, unless you choose to
receive the Surrender Value in a lump sum. Annuity Options include: Payments for
a fixed period, and life income with payments for a guaranteed period. Some
Annuity Options are available on either a fixed or variable payment basis. (See
"Annuity Options".)
    
 
   
    IS THE CONTRACT AVAILABLE FOR QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS?  The Contract may
be issued for use with retirement plans receiving special federal income tax
treatment under the Code such as pension and profit sharing plans (including
H.R. 10 plans), individual retirement accounts, and individual retirement
annuities. (See "Federal Tax Matters".)
    
 
FEDERAL TAX STATUS
 
   
    Generally, a distribution from the Contract, which includes a full or
partial surrender or payment of a Death Benefit,will result in taxable income if
there has been an increase in the Contract Value. In certain circumstances, a
10% penalty tax may also apply. (See "Federal Tax Matters".)
    
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
                        CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
   
    At December 31, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997, net assets of the Variable
Account were represented by the following accumulation unit values and
accumulation units. The accumulation unit values shown for the beginning of the
period are as of March 14, 1994, the date of inception of the PIC Sub-Accounts,
except the PIC Capital Growth Sub-Account, the date of inception of which is
June 13, 1995. The date of inception for the Oppenheimer, MFS and Calvert
Sub-Accounts is July 1, 1997. This information should be read in conjunction
with the Variable Account's financial statements and related notes included in
the Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE*
                          -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>                <C>                    <C>                  <C>                  <C>
                          (MARCH 14, 1994)    (DECEMBER 31, 1994)   (DECEMBER 31, 1995)  (DECEMBER 31, 1996)  (DECEMBER 31, 1997)
                          -----------------  ---------------------  -------------------  -------------------  -------------------
PIC Money Market
 Sub-Account............           1.00                 1.02                 1.05                 1.09                 1.13
PIC Growth and Income
 Sub-Account............          10.00                 9.71                12.66                15.83                20.27
PIC International Equity
 Sub-Account............          10.00                 9.48                11.18                13.12                13.51
PIC Global Income
 Sub-Account............          10.00                 9.82                11.32                12.22                13.25
PIC Small Cap Value
 Sub-Account............          10.00                 8.91                 9.35                11.09                14.46
PIC CORE U.S. Equity
 Sub-Account............          10.00                 9.94                13.40                16.12                20.81
PIC Capital Growth
 Sub-Account............         --                   --                    10.36                12.48                16.56
Oppenheimer Aggressive
 Growth.................         --                   --                    --                   --                   10.97
Oppenheimer Growth......         --                   --                    --                   --                   11.22
Oppenheimer Growth &
 Income.................         --                   --                    --                   --                   11.83
Oppenheimer Strategic
 Bond...................         --                   --                    --                   --                   10.33
MFS Emerging Growth.....         --                   --                    --                   --                   11.36
MFS Research............         --                   --                    --                   --                   10.89
MFS Growth With
 Income.................         --                   --                    --                   --                   11.40
MFS Total Return........         --                   --                    --                   --                   11.10
Calvert Social Small-Cap
 Growth.................         --                   --                    --                   --                   11.04
Calvert Social
 Balanced...............         --                   --                    --                   --                   11.14
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     ACCUMULATION UNITS**
                                    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>                   <C>                   <C>                   <C>
                                    (DECEMBER 31, 1994)   (DECEMBER 31, 1995)   (DECEMBER 31, 1996)   (DECEMBER 31, 1997)
                                    --------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------
PIC Money Market Sub-Account......         3,034,056              4,273,270             5,577,082             3,151,349
PIC Growth and Income
 Sub-Account......................         4,260,743             10,012,351            13,291,398            17,539,696
PIC International Equity
 Sub-Account......................         2,588,605              4,954,564             7,363,767             9,722,696
PIC Global Income Sub-Account.....         1,457,712              2,438,238             3,081,317             3,677,919
PIC Small Cap Value Sub-Account...         2,347,968              4,579,808             5,797,119             7,429,530
PIC CORE U.S. Equity
 Sub-Account......................         1,682,927              4,128,798             6,300,382             8,495,067
PIC Capital Growth Sub-Account....           --                     930,249             2,419,601             4,493,710
Oppenheimer Aggressive Growth.....           --                    --                    --                     238,172
Oppenheimer Growth................           --                    --                    --                     321,669
Oppenheimer Growth & Income.......           --                    --                    --                     247,774
Oppenheimer Strategic Bond........           --                    --                    --                     284,169
MFS Emerging Growth...............           --                    --                    --                     292,318
MFS Research......................           --                    --                    --                     577,212
MFS Growth With Income............           --                    --                    --                     234,240
MFS Total Return..................           --                    --                    --                     157,430
Calvert Social Small-Cap Growth...           --                    --                    --                      12,376
Calvert Social Balanced...........           --                    --                    --                      94,365
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 *  Accumulation unit values are rounded to the nearest whole cent.
**  Accumulation units are rounded to the nearest unit.
 
                    THE COMPANY, VARIABLE ACCOUNT AND FUNDS
 
PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
   
    The Contracts are issued by Protective Life. Founded in 1907, Protective
Life provides individual life and health insurance, annuities, group life and
health insurance, and guaranteed investment contracts. Protective Life is
currently licensed to transact life insurance business in 49 states and the
District of Columbia. As of December 31, 1997, Protective Life had total assets
of approximately $10.1 billion. Protective Life is the principal operating
subsidiary of Protective Life Corporation ("PLC"), an insurance holding company
whose stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. PLC, a Delaware
corporation, had total assets of approximately $10.5 billion at December 31,
1997.
    
 
PROTECTIVE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT
 
    The Protective Variable Annuity Separate Account is a separate investment
account of Protective Life. The Variable Account was established under Tennessee
law by the Board of Directors of Protective Life on October 11, 1993. The
Variable Account is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"SEC") as a unit investment trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the
"1940 Act") and meets the definition of a separate account under federal
securities laws. This registration does not involve supervision by the SEC of
the management or investment policies or practices of the Variable Account.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
   
    Protective Life owns the assets of the Variable Account. These assets are
held separate from other assets and are not part of Protective Life's general
account. The portion of the assets of the Variable Account equal to the reserves
or other contract liabilities of the Variable Account will not be charged with
liabilities that arise from any other business Protective Life conducts.
Protective Life may transfer to its general account any assets of the Variable
Account which exceed the reserves and the Contract liabilities of the Variable
Account (which will always be at least equal to the aggregate Variable Account
Value under the Contracts). Protective Life may accumulate in the Variable
Account the charge for mortality and expense risks, and investment results
applicable to those assets that are in excess of the net assets supporting the
Contracts. The income, gains and losses, both realized and unrealized, from the
assets of the Variable Account are credited to or charged against the Variable
Account without regard to any other income, gains or losses of Protective Life.
    
 
   
    The Variable Account has seventeen Sub-Accounts: PIC Money Market; PIC CORE
U.S. Equity; PIC Capital Growth; PIC Small Cap Value; PIC International Equity;
PIC Growth and Income; PIC Global Income; Oppenheimer Aggressive Growth;
Oppenheimer Growth; Oppenheimer Growth & Income; Oppenheimer Strategic Bond; MFS
Emerging Growth; MFS Research; MFS Growth With Income; MFS Total Return; Calvert
Social Small Cap Growth; and Calvert Social Balanced. Each Sub-Account invests
in shares of a corresponding Fund. Therefore, the investment experience of Your
Contract depends on the experience of the Sub-Accounts that You select.
    
 
ADMINISTRATION
 
   
    Protective Life Insurance Company performs the Contract administration at
its Administrative Office at 2801 Highway 280 South, Birmingham, Alabama 35223.
Contract administration includes processing applications for the Contracts and
subsequent Owner requests; processing Purchase Payments, transfers, surrenders
and Death Benefit claims as well as performing record maintenance and disbursing
Annuity Income Payments.
    
 
THE FUNDS
 
   
    Each Sub-Account invests in a corresponding Fund. Each Fund is an investment
portfolio of one of the following investment companies: PIC (the "PIC Funds")
managed by Investment Distributors Advisory Services, Inc., and subadvised by
Goldman Sachs Asset Management or Goldman Sachs Asset Management International;
Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds (the "Oppenheimer Funds") managed by
OppenheimerFunds, Inc.; MFS Variable Insurance Trust (the "MFS Funds") managed
by Massachusetts Financial Services Company; or Calvert Variable Series, Inc.
(the "Calvert Funds") managed by Calvert Asset Management Company, Inc. Shares
of these Funds are offered only to: (1) the Variable Account, (2) other separate
accounts of Protective Life supporting variable annuity contracts or variable
life insurance policies, (3) separate accounts of other life insurance companies
supporting variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance policies, and
(4) certain qualified retirement plans. Such shares are not offered directly to
investors but are available only through the purchase of such contracts or
policies or through such plans. See the prospectus for each Fund for details
about that Fund.
    
 
    There is no guarantee that any Fund will meet its investment objectives.
Please refer to the prospectus for each of the Funds you are considering for
more information.
 
    THE PIC FUNDS
 
        PIC MONEY MARKET FUND.  This Fund seeks to maximize current income to
    the extent consistent with the preservation of capital and maintenance of
    liquidity. This Fund will pursue its objective by investing exclusively in
    high quality money market instruments. AN INVESTMENT IN THE MONEY MARKET
    FUND IS NEITHER INSURED NOR GUARANTEED BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT AND THE FUND
    CANNOT ASSURE THAT IT WILL BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN A STABLE NET ASSET VALUE OF
    $1 PER SHARE.
 
        PIC CORE U.S. EQUITY (formerly Select Equity) FUND.  This Fund seeks a
    total return consisting of capital appreciation plus dividend income. This
    Fund will pursue its objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at
    least 90% of its total assets in equity securities selected
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
   
    using both fundamental research and a variety of quantitative techniques in
    seeking to maximize the Fund's expected return, while maintaining risk,
    style, capitalization and industry characteristics similar to the S&P 500
    Index.
    
 
   
        PIC CAPITAL GROWTH FUND   This Fund seeks long-term capital growth. The
    Fund will pursue its objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at
    least 90% of its total assets in a diversified portfolio of equity
    securities having long-term capital appreciation potential.
    
 
   
        PIC SMALL CAP VALUE (formerly Small Cap Equity) FUND.  This Fund seeks
    long-term capital growth. This Fund will pursue its objective by investing,
    under normal circumstances, at least 65% of its total assets in equity
    securities of companies with public stock market capitalizations of $1
    billion or less at the time of investment.
    
 
   
        PIC INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND.  This Fund seeks long-term capital
    appreciation. This Fund will pursue its objective by investing,
    substantially all, and at least 65% of total assets in equity and
    equity-related securities of companies that are organized outside the United
    States or whose securities are primarily traded outside the United States.
    
 
        PIC GROWTH AND INCOME FUND.  This Fund seeks long-term growth of capital
    and growth of income. This Fund will pursue its objectives by investing,
    under normal circumstances, at least 65% of its total assets in equity
    securities having favorable prospects of capital appreciation and/ or
    dividend paying ability.
 
   
        PIC GLOBAL INCOME FUND.  This Fund seeks high total return, emphasizing
    current income and, to a lesser extent, providing opportunities for capital
    appreciation. This Fund will pursue its objectives by investing primarily in
    high quality fixed-income securities of U.S. and foreign issuers and through
    foreign currency transactions.
    
 
    THE OPPENHEIMER FUNDS
 
   
        AGGRESSIVE GROWTH (formerly Capital Appreciation) FUND.  This Fund seeks
    to achieve capital appreciation by investing in "growth-type" companies.
    
 
        GROWTH FUND.  This Fund seeks to achieve capital appreciation by
    investing in securities of well-known established companies.
 
        GROWTH & INCOME FUND.  This Fund seeks a high total return (which
    includes growth in the value of its shares as well as current income) from
    equity and debt securities. From time to time this Fund may focus on small
    to medium capitalization common stocks, bonds and convertible securities.
 
        STRATEGIC BOND FUND.  This Fund seeks a high level of current income
    principally derived from interest on debt securities and seeks to enhance
    such income by writing covered call options on debt securities.
 
    THE MFS FUNDS
 
        MFS EMERGING GROWTH SERIES.  This Fund seeks to provide long-term growth
    of capital.
 
        MFS RESEARCH SERIES.  This Fund seeks to provide long-term growth of
    capital and future income.
 
        MFS GROWTH WITH INCOME SERIES.  This Fund seeks to provide reasonable
    current income and long-term growth of capital and income.
 
        MFS TOTAL RETURN SERIES.  This Fund seeks primarily to provide
    above-average income (compared to a portfolio invested entirely in equity
    securities) consistent with the prudent employment of capital and
    secondarily to provide a reasonable opportunity for growth of capital and
    income.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
   
    THE CALVERT FUNDS
    
 
   
        SOCIAL SMALL CAP GROWTH (formerly Strategic Growth) PORTFOLIO.  This
    Fund seeks maximum long-term growth through investments primarily in the
    equity securities of small capitalized growth companies that have
    historically exhibited exceptional growth characteristics, and that, in the
    Advisor's opinion, have strong earnings potential relative to the U.S.
    market as a whole. The Fund is designed to provide long-term growth of
    capital by investing in enterprises that make a significant contribution to
    society through their products and services and through the way they do
    business.
    
 
   
        SOCIAL BALANCED PORTFOLIO.  This Fund seeks to achieve a total return
    above the rate of inflation through an actively managed, non-diversified
    portfolio of common and preferred stocks, bonds, and money market
    instruments that offer income and capital growth opportunity and that
    satisfy the social concern criteria established for the Fund.
    
 
    THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THAT THE STATED OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES OF ANY OF THE
FUNDS WILL BE ACHIEVED.
 
    MORE DETAILED INFORMATION CONCERNING THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND
RESTRICTIONS OF THE FUNDS, THE EXPENSES OF THE FUNDS, THE RISKS ATTENDANT TO
INVESTING IN THE FUNDS AND OTHER ASPECTS OF THEIR OPERATIONS CAN BE FOUND IN THE
CURRENT PROSPECTUSES FOR THE FUNDS, WHICH ACCOMPANY THIS PROSPECTUS, AND THE
CURRENT STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR EACH OF THE FUNDS. THE FUNDS'
PROSPECTUSES SHOULD BE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE ANY DECISION IS MADE CONCERNING THE
ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS OR TRANSFERS AMONG THE SUB-ACCOUNTS.
 
    Each Fund sells its shares to the Variable Account in accordance with the
terms of a participation agreement between the appropriate investment company
and Protective Life. The termination provisions of these agreements vary. Should
a participation agreement relating to a Fund terminate, the Variable Account
would not be able to purchase additional shares of that Fund. In that event,
Owners would no longer be able to allocate Variable Account Value or Purchase
Payments to Sub-Accounts investing in that Fund. In certain circumstances, it is
also possible that a Fund may refuse to sell its shares to the Variable Account
despite the fact that the participation agreement relating to that Fund has not
been terminated. Should a Fund decide to discontinue selling its shares to the
Variable Account, Protective Life would not be able to honor requests from
Owners to allocate Purchase Payments or transfer Account Value to the
Sub-Account investing in shares of that Fund.
 
    Protective Life has entered into agreements with the investment managers or
advisers of several of the Funds pursuant to which each such investment manager
or adviser pays Protective Life a servicing fee based upon an annual percentage
of the average daily net assets invested by the Variable Account (and other
separate accounts of Protective Life) in the Funds managed by that manager or
adviser. These fees are in consideration for administrative services provided to
the Funds by Protective Life. Payments of fees under these agreements by
managers or advisers do not increase the fees or expenses paid by the Funds or
their shareholders.
 
OTHER INVESTORS IN THE FUNDS
 
   
    PIC currently sells shares of its Funds only to Protective Life as the
underlying investment for the Variable Account as well as for variable life
insurance contracts issued through Protective Life, and to American Foundation
Life Insurance Company, a Protective Life affiliate, as the underlying
investment for variable annuity contracts issued by American Foundation Life.
PIC may in the future sell shares of its Funds to other separate accounts of
Protective Life or its life insurance company affiliates supporting other
variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance contracts. In addition,
upon obtaining regulatory approval, PIC may sell shares to certain retirement
plans qualifying under Section 401 of the Code. Protective Life currently does
not foresee any disadvantages to Owners that would arise from the possible sale
of shares to support its variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts
or those of its affiliates or from the possible sale of shares to such
retirement plans. However, the board of directors of PIC will monitor events in
order to identify any material irreconcilable
    
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
conflicts that might possibly arise if such shares were also offered to support
variable annuity contracts other than the Contracts or variable life insurance
contracts or to retirement plans. In event of such a conflict, the board of
directors would determine what action, if any, should be taken in response to
the conflict. In addition, if Protective Life believes that the PIC's response
to any such conflicts insufficiently protects Owners, it will take appropriate
action on its own, including withdrawing the Account's investment in the Fund.
(See the PIC Prospectus for more detail.)
 
   
    Shares of the Oppenheimer, MFS and Calvert Funds are sold to separate
accounts of insurance companies, which may or may not be affiliated with
Protective Life or each other, a practice known as "shared funding." They may
also be sold to separate accounts to serve as the underlying investment for both
variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies, a practice
known as "mixed funding." As a result, there is a possibility that a material
conflict may arise between the interests of Owners of Protective Life's
Contracts, whose Contract Values are allocated to the Variable Account, and of
owners of other contracts whose contract values are allocated to one or more
other separate accounts investing in any one of the Funds. Shares of some of
these Funds may also be sold to certain qualified pension and retirement plans.
As a result, there is a possibility that a material conflict may arise between
the interests of Contract Owners generally or certain classes of Contract
Owners, and such retirement plans or participants in such retirement plans. In
the event of any such material conflicts, Protective Life will consider what
action may be appropriate, including removing the Fund from the Variable Account
or replacing the Fund with another fund. As is the case with PIC, the board of
directors (or trustees) of the Oppenheimer Funds, MFS Funds and Calvert Funds
monitors events related to their Funds to identify possible material
irreconcilable conflicts among and between the interests of the Fund's various
investors. There are certain risks associated with mixed and shared funding and
with the sale of shares to qualified pension and retirement plans, as disclosed
in each Fund's prospectus.
    
 
ADDITION, DELETION OR SUBSTITUTION OF INVESTMENTS
 
    Protective Life reserves the right, subject to applicable law, to make
additions to, deletions from, or substitutions for the shares that are held in
the Variable Account or that the Variable Account may purchase. If the shares of
a Fund are no longer available for investment or if in Protective Life's
judgment further investment in any Fund should become inappropriate in view of
the purposes of the Variable Account, Protective Life may redeem the shares, if
any, of that Fund and substitute shares of another registered open-end
management company or unit investment trust. Protective Life will not substitute
any shares attributable to a Contract's interest in the Variable Account without
notice and any necessary approval of the SEC and state insurance authorities.
 
    Protective Life also reserves the right to establish additional Sub-Accounts
of the Variable Account, each of which would invest in shares corresponding to a
new Fund. Subject to applicable law and any required SEC approval, Protective
Life may, in its sole discretion, establish new Sub-Accounts or eliminate one or
more Sub-Accounts if marketing needs, tax considerations or investment
conditions warrant. Any new Sub-Accounts may be made available to existing
Owner(s) on a basis to be determined by Protective Life.
 
    If any of these substitutions or changes are made, Protective Life may by
appropriate endorsement change the Contract to reflect the substitution or other
change. If Protective Life deems it to be in the best interest of Owner(s) and
Annuitants, and subject to any approvals that may be required under applicable
law, the Variable Account may be operated as a management company under the 1940
Act, it may be de-registered under that Act if registration is no longer
required, or it may be combined with other Protective Life separate accounts.
Protective Life reserves the right to make any changes to the Variable Account
required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law or regulation.
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACTS
 
    The following sections describe the Contracts currently being offered.
Contracts with an Effective Date prior to May 1, 1996 and Contracts issued in
certain states after May 1, 1996 contain provisions
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
   
that differ from those described below. In particular, Death Benefit and certain
Section 403(b) provisions may be different. Refer to your Contract and Matters
Relating to Contracts Offered prior to May 1, 1996 on page 38 for these
provisions.
    
 
ISSUANCE OF A CONTRACT
 
   
    To purchase a Contract, certain application information and an initial
Purchase Payment must be submitted to Protective Life through a licensed
representative of Protective Life, who is also a registered representative of a
broker-dealer having a distribution agreement with Investment Distributors, Inc.
The minimum initial Purchase Payment is $2,000. Protective Life reserves the
right to accept or decline a request to issue a Contract. Contracts may be sold
to or in connection with retirement plans which do not qualify for special tax
treatment as well as retirement plans that qualify for special tax treatment
under the Code.
    
 
   
    If the necessary application information for a Contract is accompanied by
the initial Purchase Payment, the initial Purchase Payment (less any applicable
premium tax) will be allocated to the Allocation Option as directed in the
application within two business days of receipt of such Purchase Payment at the
Administrative Office. If the necessary application information is not received,
Protective Life will retain the Purchase Payment for up to five business days
while it attempts to complete the information. If the necessary application
information is not complete after five days, Protective Life will inform the
applicant of the reason for the delay and the initial Purchase Payment will be
returned immediately unless the applicant specifically consents to Protective
Life retaining it until the information is complete. Once the information is
complete, the initial Purchase Payment will be allocated to the appropriate
Allocation Options within two business days.
    
 
    Information necessary to complete an application may be transmitted to the
Company by telephone, facsimile, or electronic media.
 
   
AGE OF OWNER
    
 
   
    The maximum age for Owners on the Effective Date is 85. An Owner or Joint
Owners may transfer the Contract to a new Owner or Owners by Written Notice to
us. The maximum age for new Owners on the date we receive notice of a transfer
is 85. The transfer may result in a tax to the transferring Owner(s). (See
"Taxation of Annuities in General: Assignments, Pledges, and Gratuitous
Transfers.")
    
 
PURCHASE PAYMENTS
 
   
    Subsequent Purchase Payment(s) may be accepted by Protective Life except on
contracts issued in the State of Oregon prior to May 1, 1996, where a single
Purchase Payment only was acceptable. Protective Life retains the right to limit
the maximum aggregate Purchase Payment that can be made without prior
Administrative Office approval. This amount is currently $1,000,000. The minimum
subsequent Purchase Payment that will be accepted is (1) $100 for Non-Qualified
Contracts; and (2) $50 for Qualified Contracts.
    
 
   
    Under the current Automatic Purchase Payment plan, the Owner can select a
monthly or quarterly payment schedule pursuant to which Purchase Payments will
be automatically deducted from a bank account. Each automatic purchase payment
must be at least $100.
    
 
FREE LOOK PERIOD
 
   
    You have the right to return the Contract within a certain number of days
after you receive it by returning it to the Administrative Office or the sales
representative who sold it along with a written cancellation request. The number
of days is determined by state law (and is at least ten days) in the state where
the Contract is delivered. Return of the Contract by mail is effective on being
received by us. We will treat the returned Contract as if it had never been
issued. However, Protective Life will refund the Contract Value and any charges
deducted from either Purchase Payments or Contract Value in states where
permitted. This amount may be more or less than the aggregate amount of your
Purchase Payments up to that time. Where required, we will refund the Purchase
Payment.
    
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS
 
   
    The allocation of your Purchase Payment among the Allocation Options you
have selected will be at the next price determined after your Purchase Payment
is accepted by us. Owners must indicate in the application how Purchase Payments
are to be allocated among the Allocation Options. These allocation instructions
apply to both initial and subsequent Purchase Payments. If such instructions are
indicated by percentages, whole percentages must be used. Owners may not
allocate any Purchase Payment to more than 10 Allocation Options.
    
 
   
    For Individual Retirement Annuities and Contracts issued in states where,
upon cancellation during the free look period, we return at least your Purchase
Payments, we reserve the right to allocate your initial Purchase Payment (and
any subsequent Purchase Payment made during the free look period) to the PIC
Money Market Sub-Account until the expiration of the number of days in the free
look period starting from the date the Contract is mailed from the
Administrative Office. Thereafter, all Purchase Payments will be allocated
according to your allocation instructions then in effect.
    
 
   
    Owners may change allocation instructions by Written Notice at any time.
Owners may also change instructions by telephone, facsimile transmission or
automated telephone system. The Company reserves the right to limit or eliminate
any of these non-written communication methods for any Contract or class of
Contracts at any time for any reason.
    
 
   
    We will send you a confirmation of all instructions communicated to us to
determine if they are genuine. For non-written instructions regarding
allocations, We will require a form of personal identification prior to acting
on instructions and we will record any telephone voice instructions. If we
follow these procedures, we will not be liable for any losses due to
unauthorized or fraudulent instructions.
    
 
VARIABLE ACCOUNT VALUE
 
   
    SUB-ACCOUNT VALUE  A Contract's Variable Account Value at any time is the
sum of the Sub-Account Values and therefore reflects the investment experience
of the Sub-Accounts to which it is allocated. There is no guaranteed minimum
Variable Account Value. The Sub-Account Value for any Sub-Account as of the
Effective Date is equal to the amount of the initial Purchase Payment allocated
to that Sub-Account. On subsequent Valuation Days prior to the Annuity
Commencement Date, the Sub-Account Value is equal to that part of any Purchase
Payment allocated to the Sub-Account and any Contract Value transferred to the
Sub-Account, adjusted by interest income, dividends, net capital gains or losses
(realized or unrealized), decreased by partial surrenders (including any
applicable surrender charges and premium tax), Contract Value transferred out of
the Sub-Account and fees deducted from the Sub-Account.
    
 
   
    DETERMINATION OF ACCUMULATION UNITS.  Purchase Payments allocated to and
Contract Value transferred to a Sub-Account are converted into Accumulation
Units. The number of Accumulation Units is determined by dividing the dollar
amount directed to the Sub-Account by the value of the Accumulation Unit for
that Sub-Account for the Valuation Day as of which the allocation or transfer
occurs. Purchase Payments allocated to or amounts transferred to a Sub-Account
under a Contract increase the number of Accumulation Units of that Sub-Account
credited to the Contract. The Company executes such allocations and transfers as
of the end of the Valuation Period in which it receives a Purchase Payment or
Written Notice or other instruction requesting a transfer.
    
 
   
    Certain events reduce the number of Accumulation Units of a Sub-Account
credited to a Contract. Partial surrenders or transfers from a Sub-Account
result in the cancellation of the appropriate number of Accumulation Units of
that Sub-Account as do payments resulting from the following events: a
surrender, a Death Benefit claim, application of the Annuity Purchase Value to
an Annuity Option, and deduction of the annual contract maintenance fee.
Accumulation Units are canceled as of the end of the Valuation Period in which
the Company receives Written Notice of or other instructions regarding the
event.
    
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
   
    DETERMINATION OF ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE.  The Accumulation Unit value for
each Sub-Account was arbitrarily set initially at $10, except the PIC Money
Market Sub-Account, which was arbitrarily initially set at $1. Thereafter, the
Accumulation Unit value at the end of every Valuation Day is the Accumulation
Unit value at the end of the previous Valuation Day times the net investment
factor. The Sub-Account Value for a Contract may be determined on any day by
multiplying the number of Accumulation Units attributable to the Contract in
that Sub-Account by the Accumulation Unit value for that Sub-Account on that
day.
    
 
   
    NET INVESTMENT FACTOR.  The net investment factor measures the investment
performance of a Sub-Account from one Valuation Period to the next. For each
Sub-Account, the net investment factor reflects the investment performance of
the Fund in which the Sub-Account invests and the charges assessed against that
Sub-Account for a Valuation Period. Each Sub-Account has a net investment factor
for each Valuation Period which may be greater or less than one. Therefore, the
value of an Accumulation Unit may increase or decrease. The Net Investment
Factor for any Sub-Account for any Valuation Period is determined by dividing
(1) by (2) and subtracting (3) from the result, where:
    
 
(1) is the result of:
 
        a.  the net asset value per share of the Fund held in the Sub-Account,
           determined at the end of the current Valuation Period; plus
 
        b.  the per share amount of any dividend or capital gain distributions
           made by the Fund to the Sub-Account, if the "ex-dividend" date occurs
           during the current Valuation Period; plus or minus
 
        c.  a per share charge or credit for any taxes reserved for, which is
           determined by the Company to have resulted from the investment
           operations of the Sub-Account.
 
(2) is the net asset value per share of the Fund held in the Sub-Account,
    determined at the end of the last prior Valuation Period.
 
   
(3) is a factor representing the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge and the
    Administration Charge for the number of days in the Valuation Period.
    
 
TRANSFERS
 
   
    Prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, you may instruct us to transfer
Contract Value between and among the Allocation Options. When we receive your
transfer instructions, we will allocate the Contract Value you transfer at the
next price determined for the Allocation Options you indicate.
    
 
   
    You must transfer at least $100, or if less, the entire amount in the
Allocation Option each time you make a transfer. If after the transfer, the
Contract Value remaining in any Allocation Option from which a transfer is made
would be less than $100, then we will automatically transfer the entire Contract
Value in that Allocation Option instead of the requested amount. We reserve the
right to limit the number of transfers to no more than 12 per year. For each
additional transfer over 12 during each Contract Year, we reserve the right to
charge a Transfer Fee which will not exceed $25. The Transfer Fee, if any, will
be deducted from the amount being transferred. (See "Charges and
Deductions--Transfer Fee".)
    
 
   
    Transfers involving a Guaranteed Account are subject to additional
restrictions. The maximum amount that may be transferred from the Fixed Account
during a Contract Year is the greater of: (1) $2,500, or (2) 25% of the Fixed
Account value. Transfers into the DCA Fixed Account are not permitted.
    
 
   
    Owners may request transfers by Written Notice at any time. Owners also may
request transfers by telephone, facsimile transmission, or automated telephone
system. The Company reserves the right to limit or eliminate any of these
non-written communication methods for any Contract or class of Contracts at any
time for any reason.
    
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
   
    We will send you a confirmation of all transfer requests communicated to us
by such non-written methods to ensure that they are genuine. We will require a
form of personal identification prior to acting on non-written requests and We
will record telephone requests. If we follow these procedures we will not be
liable for any losses due to unauthorized of fraudulent transfer requests.
    
 
   
    After the Annuity Commencement Date, when Variable Income Payments are
selected, transfers are allowed between Sub-Accounts, but limited to one
transfer per month. Dollar cost averaging and portfolio rebalancing are not
allowed. No transfers are allowed within the Guaranteed Account or between the
Guaranteed Account and any Sub-Account.
    
 
   
    RESERVATION OF RIGHTS.  We reserve the right without prior notice to modify,
restrict, suspend or eliminate the transfer privileges (including acceptance of
non-written instructions) at any time, for any class of Contracts, for any
reason. In particular, we reserve the right to not honor transfers requested by
a third party holding a power of attorney from an Owner where that third party
requests transfers during a single Valuation Period on behalf of the Owners of
two or more Contracts.
    
 
   
    DOLLAR COST AVERAGING.  Prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, if you elect
at the time of application or at any time thereafter by Written Notice, You may
systematically and automatically transfer, on a monthly or quarterly basis,
specified dollar amounts from the DCA Fixed Account or any other Allocation
Option to any Allocation Option (except that no transfers may be made into the
DCA Fixed Account). The minimum amount per transfer is $100. This is known as
the "dollar-cost averaging" method of investment. By transferring equal amounts
of Contract Value on a regularly scheduled basis, as opposed to allocating a
larger amount at one particular time, an Owner may be less susceptible to the
impact of market fluctuations in the value of Sub-Account Accumulation Units.
Protective Life, however, makes no guarantee that the dollar cost averaging
method will result in a profit or protection against loss.
    
 
   
    The maximum period for dollar cost averaging amounts from the DCA Fixed
Account is 12 months. In the DCA Fixed Account, dollar cost averaging must be
elected immediately. From time to time, we may offer different maximum periods
for dollar cost averaging amounts from the DCA Fixed Account.
    
 
   
    Dollar cost averaging transfers may be made on the 1st through the 28th day
of each month. If elected, transfers will commence on the next occurring day of
the month that you select following our receipt of your instructions. If no day
is selected, transfers will occur on the same day of the month as Your Contract
Anniversary, or on the 28th day of the month if your Contract Anniversary occurs
on the 29th, 30th or 31st day of the month. In states where, upon cancellation
during the free look period, we are required to return your Purchase Payment, we
reserve the right to delay commencement of dollar cost averaging transfers until
the expiration of the free look period.
    
 
   
    We will process dollar cost averaging transfers until the earlier of the
following: (1) the designated number of transfers have been completed, or (2)
the Owner instructs us by Written Notice to cancel the automatic transfers. Any
time dollar cost averaging transfers end, all Contract Value remaining in the
DCA Fixed Account will be transferred to the Fixed Account.
    
 
   
    Automatic transfers made to facilitate the dollar cost averaging will not
count toward the 12 transfers permitted each Contract Year if Protective Life
elects to limit transfers or the designated number of free transfers in any
Contract Year if the Company elects to charge for transfers in excess of that
number in any Contract Year. There is no charge for dollar cost averaging. We
reserve the right to discontinue offering the automatic transfers upon 30 days'
written notice to the Owner.
    
 
   
    PORTFOLIO REBALANCING.  At the time of application or at any time thereafter
by Written Notice, you may instruct Protective Life to automatically transfer,
on a quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis, your Variable Account Value between
and among specified Sub-Accounts to achieve a particular percentage allocation
of Variable Account Value among such Sub-Accounts ("Portfolio Rebalancing").
Such percentage allocations must be in whole numbers and must allocate amounts
only among the Sub-Accounts. No Contract Value may be transferred to the
Guaranteed Account as part of Portfolio
    
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
   
Rebalancing. Unless you instruct otherwise when electing rebalancing, the
percentage allocation of your Variable Account Value for Portfolio Rebalancing
is based on your Purchase Payment allocation instructions in effect at the time
of rebalancing. Any allocation instructions from you that differ from your
current Purchase Payment allocation instructions are deemed to be a request to
change your Purchase Payment allocation.
    
 
   
    Once elected, Portfolio Rebalancing begins on the first quarterly,
semi-annual or annual anniversary following election. You may change or
terminate Portfolio Rebalancing by Written Notice, or by non-written
communication methods if you have previously authorized us to accept such
transfer requests by such methods. We will not count Portfolio Rebalancing
transfers for purposes of determining whether a transfer fee applies. There is
no charge for Portfolio Rebalancing. Protective Life reserves the right to
discontinue Portfolio Rebalancing upon 30 days' written notice to the Owner.
After the Annuity Commencement Date, Portfolio Rebalancing is not available.
    
 
SURRENDERS AND PARTIAL SURRENDERS
 
    PARTIAL SURRENDERS.  At any time before the Annuity Commencement Date, an
Owner may make a partial surrender of the Contract Value. The Company will
withdraw the amount requested from the Contract Value as of the Valuation Period
during which written notice requesting the partial surrender is received. Any
applicable surrender charge will be deducted from the amount requested. (See
"Surrender Charge".)
 
    In the case of certain Qualified Plans, federal tax law imposes restrictions
on the form and manner in which benefits may be paid. For example, spousal
consent may be needed in certain instances before a distribution may be made.
 
   
    The Owner may specify the amount of the partial surrender to be made from
any Allocation Option. If the Owner does not so specify, or if the amount in the
designated account(s) is inadequate to comply with the request, the partial
surrender will be made from each Allocation Option based on the proportion that
the value of each Allocation Option bears to the total Contract Value.
    
 
   
    A partial surrender may have federal income tax consequences. (See "Taxation
of Partial and Full Surrenders".)
    
 
   
    SURRENDER.  At any time before the Annuity Commencement Date, the Owner may
request a surrender of the Contract for its Surrender Value. The Surrender Value
will be determined as of the end of the Valuation Day on which written notice
requesting surrender and the Contract are received at the Administrative Office.
The Surrender Value will be paid in a lump sum unless the Owner requests payment
under a payment option. A surrender may have federal income tax consequences.
(See "Taxation of Partial and Full Surrenders".) Under certain Annuity Options,
a Surrender Value may be available. (See "Annuity Options".)
    
 
    SURRENDER AND PARTIAL SURRENDER RESTRICTIONS.  The Owner's right to make
surrenders and partial surrenders is subject to any restrictions imposed by
applicable law or employee benefit plan.
 
    RESTRICTIONS ON DISTRIBUTIONS FROM CERTAIN TYPES OF CONTRACTS.  There are
certain restrictions on surrenders and partial surrenders of Contracts used as
funding vehicles for Code Section 403(b) retirement plans. Section 403(b) (11)
of the Code restricts the distribution under Section 403(b) annuity contracts
of: (i) contributions made pursuant to a salary reduction agreement in years
beginning after December 31, 1988; (ii) earnings on those contributions; and
(iii) earnings after December 31, 1988 on amounts attributable to salary
reduction contributions held as of December 31, 1988. Distributions of those
amounts may only occur upon the death of the employee, attainment of age 59 1/2,
separation from service, disability, or hardship. In addition, income
attributable to salary reduction contributions may not be distributed in the
case of hardship.
 
   
    SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS.  Currently, the company offers a systematic
withdrawal plan. This plan allows you to pre-authorize periodic partial
surrenders prior to the Annuity Commencement Date. You may elect to participate
in this plan at the time of application or at a later date by properly
    
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
   
completing an election form. In order to participate in the plan you must have:
(1) made an initial Purchase Payment of at least $12,000, or (2) a Surrender
Value as of the previous Contract Anniversary equal to $12,000. There may be
federal income tax consequences to systematic withdrawals from the Contract and
the Owner should, therefore, consult with his or her tax advisor before
participating in any systematic withdrawal plan. (See "Taxation of Partial and
Full Surrenders".)
    
 
   
    When you elect systematic withdrawals, you will instruct Protective Life to
withdraw a level dollar amount from the Contract on a monthly or quarterly
basis. The amount requested must be at least $100 per withdrawal. You may
instruct us as to the Allocation Options from which the withdrawals should be
made. If no instruction is given, the amount you request will be withdrawn from
each Allocation Option based on the proportion that the value of each Allocation
Option bears to the total Contract Value.
    
 
   
    We will pay you the amount requested each month or quarter as applicable and
cancel the applicable Accumulation Units. If the amount to be withdrawn from an
Allocation Option exceeds the value available, no further systematic withdrawal
transactions will be processed.
    
 
   
    The maximum penalty-free amount which can be withdrawn under the plan each
year, is the greater of: (1) 10% of all Purchase Payments made, as of the date
of the request, or (2) cumulative earnings calculated as of each Contract
Anniversary. Unless you instruct us to reduce the monthly withdrawal amount so
that the annual amount would not exceed the above limits, we will continue to
process withdrawals for the designated monthly amount. Once the amount of the
withdrawals exceeds the above limits, we reserve the right to deduct a surrender
charge, if otherwise applicable, from the remaining payments made during that
Contract Year (See "Surrender Charge".)
    
 
   
    If you request a partial surrender that is not part of the systematic
withdrawal plan in a year when the systematic withdrawal plan has been utilized,
that partial surrender will be subject to any applicable surrender charge. (See
"Surrender Charge".) Systematic withdrawals will terminate in the event that a
non-systematic withdrawal plan partial surrender is made from a Contract
participating in the plan and the Surrender Value after the partial surrender
does not equal or exceed $12,000.
    
 
   
    Other than the surrender charges described in the preceeding paragraphs,
there is no charge for systematic withdrawals. Systematic withdrawals may be
discontinued by the Owner at any time upon written request. We reserve the right
to discontinue the systematic withdrawal plan upon written notice to you.
    
 
   
                             THE GUARANTEED ACCOUNT
    
 
   
    The Guaranteed Account has not been, and is not required to be, registered
with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, and neither these accounts nor
the Company's general account have been registered as an investment company
under the 1940 Act. Therefore, neither the Guaranteed Account, the Company's
general account, nor any interests therein are generally subject to regulation
under the 1933 Act or the 1940 Act. The disclosures relating to the Guaranteed
Account included in this prospectus are for the Owner's information and have not
been reviewed by the SEC. However, such disclosures may be subject to certain
generally applicable provisions of federal securities law relating to the
accuracy and completeness of statements made in prospectuses.
    
 
   
    The Fixed Account and the DCA Fixed Account are part of Protective Life's
general account. The assets of Protective Life's general account support its
insurance and annuity obligations and are subject to Protective Life's general
liabilities from business operations. Since the Fixed Account and the DCA Fixed
Account are part of the general account, Protective Life assumes the risk of
investment gain or loss on this amount.
    
 
   
    Except for certain Contracts issued in the State of Oregon, you may allocate
some or all of your Purchase Payments and may transfer some or all of your
Contract Value to an account within the Guaranteed Account, except that
transfers may not be made into the DCA Fixed Account. Amounts allocated or
transferred to an account within the Guaranteed Account earn interest from the
date the
    
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
   
funds are credited to the account, or such other date as directed on the
application we use to issue your Contract. The interest rate we apply to
Purchase Payments and transfers will remain in effect for the Interest
Guaranteed Period. The Interest Guaranteed Period for the Fixed Account and the
DCA Fixed Account is one year. From time to time, we may offer different
Interest Guaranteed Periods.
    
 
   
    After an Interest Guaranteed Period expires, a new Interest Guaranteed
Period will begin. The interest rate for the new Interest Guaranteed Period will
be set by us and may not be the same as the interest rate then in effect for
Purchase Payments or transfers for that account.
    
 
   
    We, in our sole discretion, establish interest rates for each account in the
Guaranteed Account, but will not declare a rate which is less than an annual
effective interest rate of 3.00%. Because Protective Life anticipates changing
the current interest rates for accounts within the Guaranteed Account from time
to time, allocations to accounts within the Guaranteed Account may be credited
with different current interest rates. For the purposes of interest crediting,
amounts deducted, transferred or withdrawn from the Guaranteed Account will be
separately accounted for on a "first-in, first-out" (FIFO) basis.
    
 
   
    GUARANTEED ACCOUNT VALUE.  The Guaranteed Account Value at any time is equal
to the sum of: (1) Purchase Payments allocated to the Guaranteed Account; plus,
(2) amounts transferred into the Guaranteed Account; plus, (3) interest credited
to the Guaranteed Account; minus, (4) amounts transferred out of the Guaranteed
Account; minus, (5) the amount of any partial surrenders removed from the
Guaranteed Account, including any surrender charges and applicable premium tax;
minus, (6) fees deducted from the Guaranteed Account, including the contract
maintenance fee.
    
 
                                 DEATH BENEFIT
 
    If any Owner dies before the Annuity Commencement Date and while this
Contract is in force, the Company will pay a Death Benefit to the Beneficiary.
In the case of certain Qualified Contracts, regulations promulgated by the
Treasury Department prescribe certain limitations on the designation of a
Beneficiary.
 
   
    The Death Benefit is determined as of the end of the Valuation Period in
which due proof of death is received by us. The Death Benefit will depend upon
the age of the Owner when he or she dies.
    
 
   
    If the Owner dies on or before his or her 90th birthday, the Death Benefit
is the greatest of: (1) the Contract Value, (2) aggregate Purchase Payments made
under the Contract reduced by any partial surrenders and any associated charges,
or (3) the Maximum Anniversary Value. The Maximum Anniversary Value is the
greatest Anniversary Value attained. The Anniversary Value is the sum of: (1)
the Contract Value on a Contract Anniversary; plus (2) all Purchase Payments
made since that Contract Anniversary; minus (3) any partial surrenders (and any
associated charges) made since that Contract Anniversary. An Anniversary Value
is determined for each Contract Anniversary through the earlier of: (1) the
deceased Owner's 80th birthday, or (2) the date of that Owner's death.
    
 
   
    If the Owner dies after his or her 90th birthday, the Death Benefit is the
Contract Value.
    
 
   
    Only one Death Benefit is payable under this Contract, even though the
Contract may, in some circumstances, continue beyond the time of an Owner's
death.
    
 
   
    The Death Benefit may be taken in one sum immediately. In this event the
Contract will terminate. If the Death Benefit is not taken in one sum
immediately, then the entire interest in the Contract must be distributed under
one of the following options:
    
 
   
    (1) the entire interest must be distributed over the life of the
       Beneficiary, or over a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of
       the Beneficiary, with distributions beginning within one year of the
       Owner's death, or
    
 
   
    (2) the entire interest must be distributed within 5 years of the Owner's
       death.
    
 
   
If no option is elected, we will distribute the entire interest within 5 years
of the Owner's death.
    
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
   
    If the Beneficiary is the deceased Owner's spouse, then the surviving spouse
may elect, in lieu of receiving the Death Benefit, to continue the Contract and
become the new Owner. The surviving spouse may select a new Beneficiary. Upon
this spouse's death, the Death Benefit will become payable to the new
Beneficiary and must then be distributed to the new Beneficiary in one sum
immediately or according to either paragraph (1) or (2) above.
    
 
   
    If any Owner is not an individual, the death of the Annuitant is treated as
the death of an Owner.
    
 
                        SUSPENSION OR DELAY IN PAYMENTS
 
    Payments of a partial or full surrender of the Variable Account Value or
Death Benefit are usually made within seven (7) calendar days. However, the
Company may delay such payment of a partial or full surrender of the Variable
Account Value or Death Benefit for any period in the following circumstances:
 
    1)  when the New York Stock Exchange is closed; or
 
    2)  when trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted; or
 
    3)  when an emergency exists (as determined by the SEC as a result of which
       (a) the disposal of securities in the Variable Account is not reasonably
       practicable; or (b) it is not reasonably practicable to determine fairly
       the value of the net assets of the Variable Account); or
 
    4)  when the SEC, by order, so permits for the protection of security
       holders.
 
   
    Protective Life further reserves the right to delay payment of a partial or
full surrender of the Guaranteed Account Value for up to six months in those
states where applicable law requires us to reserve such right.
    
 
                             CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS
 
SURRENDER CHARGE (CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE)
 
   
    GENERAL.  No charge for sales expenses is deducted from Purchase Payments at
the time Purchase Payments are paid. However, within certain time limits
described below, a surrender charge (contingent deferred sales charge) is
deducted from the Contract Value if a partial surrender or surrender is made
before the Annuity Commencement Date. Also, a surrender charge may, in certain
circumstances, be deducted from amounts applied to Annuity Options. (See
"Annuity Options".)
    
 
    CHARGE FOR PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL OR SURRENDER.  The surrender charge is equal
to the percentage of each Purchase Payment surrendered as specified in the table
below. The surrender charge is separately calculated and applied to each
Purchase Payment at any time that the Purchase Payment is surrendered. No such
surrender charge applies to the Contract Value in excess of aggregate Purchase
Payments. The surrender charge is calculated using the assumption that all
Contract Value in excess of aggregate Purchase Payments is surrendered before
any Purchase Payments and that Purchase Payments are surrendered on a
first-in-first-out basis.
 
    The surrender charge is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   NUMBER OF FULL YEARS
          ELAPSED                 SURRENDER CHARGE AS A
BETWEEN THE DATE OF RECEIPT            PERCENTAGE
 OF PURCHASE PAYMENT(S) &     OF PURCHASE PAYMENT WITHDRAWN
     DATE OF SURRENDER               IN A FULL YEAR
- ---------------------------  -------------------------------
<S>                          <C>
        Less than 1                        7%
             1                             6%
             2                             5%
             3                             4%
             4                             3%
             5                             2%
             6+                            0%
</TABLE>
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
   
    The surrender charge is not applied to the payment of a Death Benefit.
Currently, the surrender charge is not applied to systematic withdrawals made
within the limits described in the "Systematic Withdrawals" section of this
prospectus. (See "Death Benefits" and "Systematic Withdrawals.")
    
 
   
    Surrenders will result in the cancellation of Accumulation Units from each
applicable Sub-Account(s) and/or in a reduction of the Guaranteed Account Value.
    
 
   
    REDUCTION OR ELIMINATION OF SURRENDER CHARGE.  Surrender charges may be
decreased or waived on Contracts issued to a trustee, employer or similar entity
pursuant to a retirement plan or when sales are made in a similar arrangement
where offering the Contracts to a group of individuals under such a program
results in saving of sales expenses. The entitlement to such a reduction in
surrender charge will be determined by the Company.
    
 
   
    In addition, surrender charges are waived for a surrender or partial
surrender of a Contract Value under Contracts issued to employees and registered
representatives of any member of the selling group and their spouses and minor
children, or to officers, directors, trustees or bona-fide full time employees
of Protective Life or the investment advisers of any of the Funds or their
affiliated companies (based upon the Owner's status at the time the Contract is
purchased).
    
 
   
    WAIVER OF SURRENDER CHARGES.  Protective Life will waive surrender charges
in the event you, at any time after the first Contract Year, (1) enter for a
period of at least ninety (90) days a facility which is licensed by the State
and qualifies as a skilled nursing home facility under Medicare or Medicaid; or
(2) you are first diagnosed as having a terminal illness by a physician that is
not related to you or the Annuitant. The term "terminal illness" is defined in
the Contract. Written proof of a terminal illness satisfactory to Protective
Life must be submitted. Protective Life reserves the right to require an
examination by a physician of its choice. The Waiver of surrender charges
provision is not available in all states due to applicable insurance laws in
effect in various states.
    
 
ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGES
 
   
    We will deduct an administration charge equal, on an annual basis, to .15%
of the daily net asset value of each Sub-Account in the Variable Account. This
deduction is made to reimburse Protective Life for expenses incurred in the
administration of the Contract and the Variable Account. The administration
charge is deducted only from the Variable Account Value.
    
 
TRANSFER FEE
 
   
    Currently, there is no charge for transfers. Protective Life reserves the
right, however, to charge $25 for each transfer after the first 12 transfers in
any Contract Year. For the purpose of assessing the fee, each request would be
considered to be one transfer, regardless of the number of Allocation Options
affected by the transfer in one day. The fee would be deducted from the amount
being transferred.
    
 
MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE
 
   
    To compensate Protective Life for assuming mortality and expense risks, we
deduct a daily mortality and expense risk charge equal on an annual basis, to
1.25% of the average annual daily net assets of the Variable Account.
    
 
   
    The mortality risk Protective Life assumes is that Annuitant(s) may live for
a longer period of time than estimated when the guarantees in the Contract were
established. Because of these guarantees, each payee is assured that longevity
will not have an adverse effect on the annuity payments received. The mortality
risk that Protective Life assumes also includes a guarantee to pay a Death
Benefit if the Owner dies before the Annuity Commencement Date. The expense risk
that Protective Life assumes is the risk that the administration charge,
contract maintenance fee and transfer fees may be insufficient to cover actual
future expenses.
    
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
CONTRACT MAINTENANCE FEE
 
   
    Prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, the contract maintenance fee is $35
and is deducted from the Variable Account Value on each Contract Anniversary,
and on any day that the Contract is surrendered, if such surrender occurs on any
day other than the Contract Anniversary. The contract maintenance fee deduction
will be allocated to the Sub-Accounts in the same proportion as the Sub-Account
Values in the Variable Account. The contract maintenance fee will be waived by
Protective Life in the event the Purchase Payments minus any withdrawals or
partial surrenders, or the Contract Value equals or exceeds $50,000 on the
date(s) the contract maintenance fee is to be deducted.
    
 
    In addition, the contract maintenance fee may be reduced or waived for
Contracts issued to employees and registered representatives of any member of
the selling group and their spouses and minor children, or to officers,
directors, trustees, or bona-fide full time employees of Protective Life or the
investment advisers of any of the Funds or their affiliated companies (based
upon the Owner's status at the time the Contract is purchased). Such waiver or
reduction will only be made to the extent that Protective Life estimates that it
will incur lower administrative expenses or perform fewer administrative
services.
 
   
FUND EXPENSES
    
 
    The net assets of each Sub-Account of the Variable account will reflect the
investment management fees and other operating expenses incurred by the Funds.
For each Fund, an investment manager is paid a daily fee for its services. (See
the prospectuses for the Funds, which accompany this Prospectus.)
 
PREMIUM TAXES
 
   
    Some states impose premium taxes at rates ranging up to 3.5%. If premium
taxes are applicable to your Contract, we will deduct them from your Contract by
applying the premium tax rate to one of the following: your Purchase Payment(s),
your surrender amount(s), or the amount applied to an Annuity Option.
    
 
OTHER TAXES
 
    Currently, no charge will be made against the Variable Account for federal,
state or local taxes other than premium taxes. Protective Life may, however,
make such a charge in the future if income or gains within the Variable Account
will result in any federal income tax liability to Protective Life. Charges for
other taxes attributable to the Variable Account, if any, may also be made.
 
   
                            ANNUITY INCOME PAYMENTS
    
 
   
ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE
    
 
   
    As of the Annuity Commencement Date, we will apply your Contract Value (less
any applicable charges and premium taxes) to the Annuity Option you have
selected, and determine the amount of your first Annuity Income Payment. The
Annuity Commencement Date may not be later than the Annuitant's 85th birthday
unless approved by Protective Life. You may change the Annuity Commencement Date
from time to time by Written Notice not later than 30 days before the scheduled
Annuity Commencement Date. Annuity Commencement Dates that represent an advanced
age for the Annuitant (E.G., past age 85), may in certain circumstances have
adverse income tax consequences. (See "Federal Income Tax Matters".)
Distributions from Qualified Contracts may be required before the Annuity
Commencement Date.
    
 
   
SELECTION OF ANNUITY OPTIONS
    
 
   
    You may select an Annuity Option, or change your selection, from time to
time by Written Notice not later than 30 days before the scheduled Annuity
Commencement Date. If you have not selected an Annuity Option 30 days or more
before the Annuity Commencement Date, we will apply your Contract Value to
Option 2 -- Life Income with Payments for a 10 Year Guaranteed Period.
    
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
   
    You may apply your Contract Value to a Fixed Annuity Income Payment option,
a Variable Annuity Income Payment option (where available), or a combination of
both. If you choose a combination of both, the period during which both the
fixed and variable payments are to be made must correspond. To receive a
combination of both Fixed Annuity Income Payments and Variable Annuity Income
Payments, you must apply at least 50% of your Contract Value to the Variable
Annuity Income Payment option. To receive any Variable Annuity Income Payments,
you must apply at least $25,000 of Contract Value to a Variable Annuity Income
Payment option. For Qualified Contracts, certain restrictions in the selection
of Annuity Options apply.
    
 
   
    A surrender charge will not be applied to the Contract Value when the
Contract Value is applied to an Annuity Option on the Annuity Commencement Date
if annuity payments are made for the lifetime of the Annuitant or for a period
certain of at least 5 years. In certain circumstances, therefore, a surrender
charge could apply under Fixed Option C, Variable Option A and the Additional
Option described below.
    
 
   
    MINIMUM AMOUNTS.  If your Contract Value is less than $5,000 on the Annuity
Commencement Date, we reserve the right to pay the Contract Value in one lump
sum. If at any time your Annuity Income Payments are less than the minimum
payment amount according to Protective Life's rules then in effect, we have the
right to change the frequency to an interval that will result in a payment at
least equal to the minimum. The current minimum payment amount is $100.
    
 
   
ANNUITY OPTIONS
    
 
   
    FIXED ANNUITY INCOME PAYMENTS.  Fixed Annuity Income Payments are periodic
payments from Protective Life to the designated payee, the amount of which is
fixed and guaranteed by Protective Life. The amount of Fixed Annuity Income
Payments is not in any way dependent upon the investment experience of the
Variable Account. Once Fixed Annuity Income Payments have begun, the Contract
may not be surrendered.
    
 
   
    The following Fixed Annuity Income Payment options may be elected:
    
 
   
    FIXED OPTION A -- FIXED PAYMENT FOR A CERTAIN PERIOD.  Equal payments will
be made for any period of not less than 5 or more than 30 years. The amount of
each payment depends on the total amount applied, the period selected and the
payment rates in effect on the Annuity Commencement Date. Payments under this
Annuity Option do not depend on the life of the Annuitant(s).
    
 
   
    FIXED OPTION B -- LIFE INCOME WITH FIXED PAYMENTS FOR A CERTAIN
PERIOD.  Equal payments are based on the life of the named Annuitant(s).
Payments will be made for the lifetime of the Annuitant(s), with payments
guaranteed for not less than 5 nor more than 30 years. Protective Life may make
other periods available. Payments stop at the end of the selected certain period
or when the Annuitant(s) dies, whichever is later.
    
 
   
    FIXED OPTION C -- PAYMENTS OF A FIXED AMOUNT.  Equal payments will be made
for a fixed amount. The amount of each payment may not be less than $10 for each
$1,000 applied. The period for which payments will be made depends on the total
amount applied, the amount of the fixed payment, and the payment rates in effect
on the Annuity Commencement Date.
    
 
   
    VARIABLE ANNUITY INCOME PAYMENTS.  Variable Annuity Income Payments are
periodic payments from Protective Life to the designated payee, the amount of
which varies from one payment to the next as a reflection of the net investment
experience of the Sub-Account(s) you select to support the payments. Variable
Income Payments are not available in all states.
    
 
   
    ANNUITY UNITS.  On the Annuity Commencement Date, the Contract Value (less
applicable charges and premium taxes) is applied to the variable Annuity Option
you have selected, and using an interest assumption of 5%, we determine the
dollar amount that would equal a Variable Annuity Income Payment if a payment
were made on that date. (No payment is actually made on that date.) We then
allocate that dollar amount among the Sub-Accounts you selected to support your
Variable Annuity Income Payments, and we determine the number of Annuity Units
in each of those Sub-
    
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
   
Accounts that is credited to your Contract. We make this determination based on
the Annuity Unit values established at the close of regular trading on the New
York Stock Exchange on the Annuity Commencement Date. If the Annuity
Commencement Date is a day on which the New York Stock Exchange is closed, we
will determine the number of Annuity Units on the next day on which the New York
Stock Exchange is open. The number of Annuity Units attributable to each
Sub-Account under a Contract remains fixed unless there is an exchange of
Annuity Units between Sub-Accounts.
    
 
   
    VARIABLE ANNUITY INCOME PAYMENTS.  We will determine the amount of your
Variable Annuity Income Payment on the 20th day of each month in which a payment
is due, using values established at the close of regular trading on the New York
Stock Exchange that day. If the 20th day of the month is a day on which the New
York Stock Exchange is closed, we will determine the amount of your Variable
Annuity Income Payment on the next day on which the New York Stock Exchange is
open.
    
 
   
    The dollar amount of each Variable Annuity Income Payment attributable to
each Sub-Account is determined by multiplying the number of Annuity Units of
that Sub-Account credited to your Contract by the Annuity Unit value (described
below) for that Sub-Account on the Valuation Period that includes the 20th day
of each month in which a payment is due. The dollar value of each Variable
Annuity Income Payment is the sum of the Variable Annuity Income Payment
attributable to each Sub-Account.
    
 
   
    The Annuity Unit value of each Sub-Account for any Valuation Period is equal
to (a) multiplied by (b) divided by (c) where:
    
 
   
    (a) is the Net Investment Factor for the Valuation Period for which the
Annuity Unit value is being calculated;
    
 
   
    (b) is the Annuity Unit value for the preceding Valuation Period; and
    
 
   
    (c) is a daily Assumed Investment Return (AIR) factor adjusted for the
number of days in the Valuation Period.
    
 
   
    The AIR is equal to 5%, and the AIR factor is equal to one plus the AIR, or
1.05. The annual factor can be translated into a daily factor of 1.00013368.
    
 
   
    If the net investment return of the Sub-Account for an Annuity Income
Payment period is equal to the AIR during that period, the Variable Annuity
Income Payment attributable to that Sub-Account for that period will equal the
payment for the prior period. To the extent that such net investment return
exceeds the AIR for that period, the payment for that period will be greater
than the payment for the prior period; to the extent that such net investment
return falls short of the AIR for that period, the payment for that period will
be less than the payment for the prior period.
    
 
   
    EXCHANGE OF ANNUITY UNITS.  After the Annuity Commencement Date, you may
exchange the dollar amount of a designated number of Annuity Units of a
particular Sub-Account for an equivalent dollar amount of Annuity Units of
another Sub-Account. On the date of the exchange, the dollar amount of a
Variable Annuity Income Payment generated from the Annuity Units of either Sub-
Account would be the same. Only one exchange between Sub-Accounts is allowed in
any calendar month, and no exchanges are allowed between the Guaranteed Account
and the Variable Account.
    
 
   
    In states where available, the following Variable Annuity Income Payment
options may be elected:
    
 
   
    VARIABLE OPTION A -- VARIABLE PAYMENTS FOR A CERTAIN PERIOD.   Payments are
made for any selected period of not less than 10 nor more than 30 years.
Payments under this Annuity Option do not depend on the life of the
Annuitant(s).
    
 
   
    You may surrender the Contract under this option for its commuted value.
Surrender charges will be imposed, when applicable, on the Purchase Payments you
allocated to this Annuity Option on the Annuity Commencement Date or the
commuted value, whichever is less.
    
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
   
    VARIABLE OPTION B -- LIFE INCOME WITH VARIABLE PAYMENTS FOR A CERTAIN
PERIOD.  Payments are made for the lifetime of the Annuitant(s), with payments
guaranteed from 10 to 30 years. Payments stop at the end of the certain period
or when the Annuitant(s) dies, whichever is later. You may not surrender the
Contract once payments have begun under this option.
    
 
   
    ADDITIONAL OPTION -- In addition to the Annuity Options described above, the
Contract Value (less applicable charges and premium taxes) may be used to
purchase any annuity contract that we offer on the date this option is elected.
    
 
   
DEATH OF ANNUITANT OR OWNER AFTER ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE
    
 
   
    In the event of the death of any Owner on or after the Annuity Commencement
Date, the Beneficiary will become the new Owner. If any Owner or Annuitant dies
on or after the Annuity Commencement Date and before all benefits under the
Annuity Option selected have been paid, any remaining portion of such benefits
will be paid out at least as fast as under the Annuity Option being used when
the Owner or Annuitant died. After the death of the Annuitant, any remaining
payments shall be payable to the Beneficiary unless you specified otherwise
before the Annuitant's death.
    
 
                            YIELDS AND TOTAL RETURNS
 
    From time to time, Protective Life may advertise or include in sales
literature yields, effective yields, and total returns for the Sub-Accounts.
THESE FIGURES ARE BASED ON HISTORIC RESULTS AND DO NOT INDICATE OR PROJECT
FUTURE PERFORMANCE. Certain Funds have been in existence prior to the
commencement of the offering of the Contract described in this prospectus, and
prior to the investment by the Sub-Accounts in such Funds. The Variable Account
may advertise the performance of the Sub-Accounts that invest in these Funds for
these prior periods. The performance information of any period prior to the
commencement of the offering of the Contract and the investments by the Sub-
Accounts is calculated as if the Contract had been offered during those periods
and the Sub-Account had invested in those Funds during those periods, using
current charges and expenses. Protective Life may, from time to time, advertise
or include in sales literature Sub-Account performance relative to certain
performance rankings and indices compiled by independent organizations. More
detailed information as to the calculation of performance information, as well
as comparisons with unmanaged market indices, appears in the Statement of
Additional Information.
 
    Yields, effective yields, and total returns for the Sub-Accounts are based
on the investment performance of the corresponding Funds. The Funds' performance
also reflects the Funds' expenses. Certain of the expenses of each Fund may be
reimbursed by the investment manager. (See the Prospectuses for the Funds.)
 
    The yield of the PIC Money Market Sub-Account refers to the annualized
income generated by an investment in the Sub-Account over a specified seven-day
period. The yield is calculated by assuming that the income generated for that
seven-day period is generated each seven day period over a 52 week period and is
shown as a percentage of the investment. The effective yield is calculated
similarly but when annualized the income earned by an investment in-the
Sub-Account is assumed to be reinvested. The effective yield will be slightly
higher than the yield because of the compounding effect of this assumed
reinvestment.
 
    The yield of a Sub-Account (except the PIC Money Market Sub-Account) refers
to the annualized income generated by an investment in the Sub-Account over a
specified 30 day or one-month period. The yield is calculated by assuming that
the income generated by the investment during that 30 day or one month period is
generated each period over a 12 month period and is shown as a percentage of the
investment.
 
    The total return of a Sub-Account refers to return quotations assuming an
investment under a Contract has been held in the Sub-Account for various periods
of time including, but not limited to, a period measured from the date the
Sub-Account commenced operations. Average annual return refers to total return
quotations that are annualized based on an average return over various periods
of time.
 
    The average annual total return quotations represent the average annual
compounded rates of return that would equate an initial investment of $1,000
under a Contract to the redemption value of that investment as of the last day
of each of the periods for which the quotations are provided. Average annual
total return information shows the average percentage change in the value of an
investment in
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
the Sub-Account from the beginning date of the measuring period to the end of
that period. This standardized version of average annual total return reflects
all historical investment results, less all charges and deductions applied
against the Sub-Account (including any Surrender Charge that would apply if an
Owner terminated the Contract at the end of each period indicated, but excluding
any deductions for premium taxes). When a Sub-Account other than the PIC Money
Market Sub-Account has been in operation for one, five and ten years,
respectively, the standard version average annual total return for these periods
will be provided.
 
    In addition to the standard version of average annual total return described
above, total return performance information computed on two different
non-standard bases may be used in advertisements or sales literature. Average
annual total return information may be presented, computed on the same basis as
the standard version except deductions will include neither the surrender charge
nor the Contract maintenance fee. In addition, Protective Life may from time to
time disclose average annual total return in other non-standard formats and
cumulative total return for Contracts funded by the Sub-Accounts.
 
    Protective Life may, from time to time, also disclose yield, standard
average annual total returns, and non-standard total returns for the Funds.
 
    Non-standard performance data will only be disclosed if the standard
performance data for the required periods is also disclosed. For additional
information regarding the calculation of other performance data, please refer to
the Statement of Additional Information.
 
    In advertising and sales literature, the performance of each Sub-Account may
be compared to the performance of other variable annuity issuers in general or
to the performance of particular types of variable annuities investing in mutual
funds, or investment portfolios of mutual funds with investment objectives
similar to each of the Sub-Accounts. Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.
("Lipper"), the Variable Annuity Research Data Service ("VARDS"), and
Morningstar Inc. ("Morningstar") are independent services which monitor and rank
the performance of variable annuity issuers in each of the major categories of
investment objectives on an industry-wide basis.
 
    Lipper and Morningstar rankings include variable life insurance issuers as
well as variable annuity issuers. VARDS rankings compare only variable annuity
issuers. The performance analyses prepared by Lipper, Morningstar and VARDS each
rank such issuers on the basis of total return, assuming reinvestment of
distributions, but do not take sales charges, redemption fees, or certain
expense deductions at the separate account level into consideration. In
addition, VARDS prepares risk adjusted rankings, which consider the effects of
market risk on total return performance. This type of ranking provides data as
to which funds provide the highest total return within various categories of
funds defined by the degree of risk inherent in their investment objectives.
 
    Advertising and sales literature may also compare the performance of each
Sub-Account to the Standard & Poor's Index of 500 Common Stocks, a widely used
measure of stock performance. This unmanaged index assumes the reinvestment of
dividends but does not reflect any "deduction" for the expense of operating or
managing an investment portfolio. Other independent ranking services and indices
may also be used as a source of performance comparison.
 
    Protective Life may also report other information including the effect of
tax-deferred compounding on a Sub-Account's investment returns, or returns in
general, which may be illustrated by tables, graphs, or charts.
 
    All income and capital gains derived from Sub-Account investments are
reinvested and can lead to substantial long-term accumulation of assets,
provided that the underlying Fund's investment experience is positive.
 
                                 EXCHANGE OFFER
 
    The Company is offering to owners of certain modified guaranteed annuity
contracts issued by it the opportunity to exchange such a contract for a
Contract. Owners of ProSaver Modified Guaranteed Annuity Contracts and ProSaver
Platinum Modified Guaranteed Annuity Contracts (collectively "ProSaver MGA
Contracts") may, any time prior to the annuity commencement date under such
contracts, exchange their ProSaver MGA Contract for this Contract. Contracts are
offered to owners of ProSaver MGA Contracts on the same basis as Contracts are
offered to any other purchaser. All charges and deductions described in this
prospectus are equally applicable to Contracts received in an
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
exchange or purchased by ProSaver MGA Contract owners and to Contracts sold to
other purchasers. Applicable surrender charges and market value adjustments will
be assessed under a ProSaver MGA Contract in connection with an exchange,
surrender, or partial surrender of a ProSaver MGA Contract.
 
   
    The Contracts differ from the ProSaver MGA Contracts in many significant
respects. Most importantly, Contract Value under the Contracts may consist,
entirely or in part, of Variable Account Value which fluctuates in response to
the net investment return of the Variable Account. In contrast, account value
under the ProSaver MGA Contracts reflects interest credited by the Company at
rates guaranteed for certain guaranteed periods of time. The value before the
end of the guaranteed period under the ProSaver MGA Contracts reflects changing
current interest rates and does not vary with the investment performance of a
separate account. Furthermore, Guaranteed Account Value under the Contracts is
computed and credited on a basis substantially different from that of the
ProSaver MGA Contracts. In particular, unlike a ProSaver MGA Contract, a
surrender, partial surrender or transfer of Guaranteed Account Value under a
Contract may not be subject to a market value adjustment. In contrast, account
value under a ProSaver MGA Contract is reduced or increased by, among other
things, a market value adjustment when surrenders, partial surrenders or
transfers are made from a sub-account prior to the expiration of a guaranteed
period. In addition, interest rates applicable to Guaranteed Account Values
under the Contracts are currently guaranteed for one year periods whereas rates
applicable to the ProSaver MGA Contracts may be guaranteed for significantly
longer time periods.
    
 
   
    Other significant differences between the Contracts and the ProSaver MGA
Contracts may include: (1) additional charges applicable under the Contracts
such as the mortality and expense risk charge, the administration charge and
annual contract maintenance fee that are not found in the ProSaver MGA
Contracts, (2) a contract loan provision under the Contracts, when used in
connection with certain Qualified Plans, that is not available under the
ProSaver MGA Contracts, (3) different surrender charges, (4) different Death
Benefits, (5) different annuity option purchase rates, and (6) differences in
federal and state laws and regulations applicable to each of the types of
contracts. Owners of ProSaver MGA Contracts should refer to their contract forms
and to their prospectus for such contracts for a complete description of the
ProSaver MGA Contract. Copies of the most recent ProSaver MGA Contract
prospectus are available free of charge from Protective Life at its home office.
    
 
    Owners of ProSaver MGA Contracts should carefully consider whether it will
be advantageous to replace such a contract with a Contract. IT MAY NOT BE
ADVANTAGEOUS TO EXCHANGE A PROSAVER MGA CONTRACT FOR A CONTRACT (OR TO SURRENDER
IN FULL OR IN PART A PROSAVER MGA CONTRACT AND USE THE SURRENDER OR PARTIAL
SURRENDER PROCEEDS TO PURCHASE A CONTRACT) EXCEPT AT THE EXPIRATION OF ALL
GUARANTEED PERIODS IN ORDER TO AVOID APPLICATION OF A MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT
AND A SURRENDER CHARGE.
 
    Sales representatives offering the Contracts to ProSaver MGA Contract owners
will generally receive a sales commission. The maximum sales commission that may
be paid is 7% of Purchase Payments, not including subsequent asset-based
commissions. (See "Distribution of the Contracts".)
 
    TAX CONSIDERATIONS.  Protective Life believes that an exchange of a
non-qualified ProSaver MGA Contract for a Contract generally should be treated
as a nontaxable exchange of annuity contracts within the meaning of Section 1035
of the Code. A Contract received in exchange will generally be treated as a
newly issued contract as of the effective date of the Contract. This could have
various tax consequences, E.G., aggregation with other annuity contracts issued
during the same calendar year as the exchange. (See "Federal Tax Matters".)
 
   
    IF YOU SURRENDER YOUR NON-QUALIFIED PROSAVER MGA CONTRACT IN WHOLE OR IN
PART AND AFTER RECEIPT OF THE PROCEEDS YOU USE THE SURRENDER PROCEEDS OR PARTIAL
SURRENDER PROCEEDS TO PURCHASE A CONTRACT IT WILL NOT BE TREATED AS A TAX-FREE
EXCHANGE. THE SURRENDER PROCEEDS WILL GENERALLY BE INCLUDIBLE IN INCOME (TO THE
EXTENT OF ANY INCOME IN THE PROSAVER MGA CONTRACT) AND A 10% PENALTY TAX MAY
APPLY IF THE SURRENDER IS MADE BEFORE THE TAXPAYER REACHES AGE 59 1/2. (SEE
"PENALTY TAX ON PREMATURE DISTRIBUTIONS.")
    
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
    Special tax considerations apply to exchanges of, or transfers of amounts
from, a ProSaver MGA Contract issued in connection with a Qualified Plan to a
Contract.
 
    Owners of ProSaver MGA Contracts should consult their tax advisors before
exchanging a ProSaver MGA Contract for this Contract, or before surrendering in
whole or in part their ProSaver MGA Contract and using the proceeds to purchase
this Contract.
 
                              FEDERAL TAX MATTERS
 
INTRODUCTION
 
    The following discussion of the federal income tax treatment of the Contract
is not exhaustive, does not purport to cover all situations, and is not intended
as tax advice. The federal income tax treatment of the Contract is unclear in
certain circumstances, and a qualified tax adviser should always be consulted
with regard to the application of law to individual circumstances. This
discussion is based on the Code, Treasury regulations, and interpretations
existing on the date of this Prospectus. These authorities, however, are subject
to change by Congress, the Treasury Department, and judicial decisions.
 
    This discussion does not address state or local tax consequences associated
with the purchase of the Contract. In addition, PROTECTIVE LIFE MAKES NO
GUARANTEE REGARDING ANY TAX TREATMENT -- FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL -- OF ANY
CONTRACT OR OF ANY TRANSACTION INVOLVING A CONTRACT.
 
THE COMPANY'S TAX STATUS
 
    Protective Life is taxed as a life insurance company under the Code. Since
the operations of the Variable Account are a part of, and are taxed with, the
operations of the Company, the Variable Account is not separately taxed as a
"regulated investment company" under the Code. Under existing federal income tax
laws, investment income and capital gains of the Variable Account are not taxed
to the extent they are applied under a Contract. Protective Life does not
anticipate that it will incur any federal income tax liability attributable to
such income and gains of the Variable Account, and therefore does not intend to
make provision for any such taxes. If Protective Life is taxed on investment
income or capital gains of the Variable Account, then Protective Life may impose
a charge against the Variable Account in order to make provision for such taxes.
 
                        TAXATION OF ANNUITIES IN GENERAL
 
TAX DEFERRAL DURING ACCUMULATION PERIOD
 
    Under existing provisions of the Code, except as described below, any
increase in an Owner's Contract Value is generally not taxable to the Owner
until received, either in the form of annuity payments as contemplated by the
Contracts, or in some other form of distribution. However, this rule applies
only if (1) the investments of the Variable Account are "adequately diversified"
in accordance with Treasury Department regulations, (2) the Company, rather than
the Owner, is considered the owner of the assets of the Variable Account for
federal income tax purposes, and (3) the Owner is an individual (or an
individual is treated as the Owner for tax purposes).
 
    DIVERSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.  The Code and Treasury Department regulations
prescribe the manner in which the investments of a segregated asset account,
such as the Variable Account, are to be "adequately diversified." If the
Variable Account fails to comply with these diversification standards, the
Contract will not be treated as an annuity contract for federal income tax
purposes and the Owner would generally be taxable currently on the excess of the
Contact Value over the premiums paid for the Contact. Protective Life expects
that the Variable Account, through the Funds, will comply with the
diversification requirements prescribed by the Code and Treasury Department
regulations.
 
    OWNERSHIP TREATMENT.  In certain circumstances, variable annuity contract
owners may be considered the owners, for federal income tax purposes, of the
assets of a segregated asset account,
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
such as the Variable Account, used to support their contracts. In those
circumstances, income and gains from the segregated asset account would be
includible in the contract owners' gross income. The Internal Revenue Service
(the "IRS") has stated in published rulings that a variable contract owner will
be considered the owner of the assets of a segregated asset account if the owner
possesses incidents of ownership in those assets, such as the ability to
exercise investment control over the assets. In addition, the Treasury
Department announced, in connection with the issuance of regulations concerning
investment diversification, that those regulations "do not provide guidance
concerning the circumstances in which investor control of the investments of a
segregated asset account may cause the investor, rather than the insurance
company, to be treated as the owner of the assets in the account." This
announcement also stated that guidance would be issued by way of regulations or
rulings on the "extent to which policyholders may direct their investments to
particular sub-accounts [of a segregated asset account] without being treated as
owners of the underlying assets." As of the date of this Prospectus, no such
guidance has been issued.
 
    The ownership rights under the Contract are similar to, but different in
certain respects from, those described by the IRS in rulings in which it was
determined that contract owners were not owners of the assets of a segregated
asset account. For example, the owner of this Contract has the choice of more
investment options to which to allocate purchase payments and Variable Account
values, and may be able to transfer among investment options more frequently
than in such rulings. These differences could result in the Owner being treated
as the owner of the assets of the Variable Account and thus subject to current
taxation on the income and gains from those assets. In addition, the Company
does not know what standards will be set forth in the regulations or rulings
which the Treasury Department has stated it expects to issue. Protective Life
therefore reserves the right to modify the Contract as necessary to attempt to
prevent Contract Owners from being considered the owners of the assets of the
Variable Account. However, there is no assurance such efforts would be
successful.
 
    NON-NATURAL OWNER.  As a general rule, Contracts held by "non-natural
persons" such as a corporation, trust or other similar entity, as opposed to a
natural person, are not treated as annuity contracts for federal tax purposes.
The income on such Contracts (as defined in the tax law) is taxed as ordinary
income that is received or accrued by the Owner of the Contract during the
taxable year. There are several exceptions to this general rule for nonnatural
Owners. First, Contracts will generally be treated as held by a natural person
if the nominal owner is a trust or other entity which holds the Contract as an
agent for a natural person. However, this special exception will not apply in
the case of any employer who is the nominal owner of a Contract under a
non-qualified deferred compensation arrangement for its employees.
 
    In addition, exceptions to the general rule for non-natural Owners will
apply with respect to (1) Contracts acquired by an estate of a decedent by
reason of the death of the decedent, (2) certain Qualified Contracts, (3)
Contracts purchased by employers upon the termination of certain Qualified
Plans, (4) certain Contracts used in connection with structured settlement
agreements, and (5) Contracts purchased with a single purchase payment when the
annuity starting date is no later than a year from purchase of the Contract and
substantially equal periodic payments are made, not less frequently than
annually, during the annuity period.
 
   
    DELAYED ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATES.  If the Contract's Annuity Commencement
Date occurs (or is scheduled to occur) at a time when the Annuitant has reached
an advanced age (E.G., past age 85), it is possible that the Contract would not
be treated as an annuity for federal income tax purposes. In that event, the
income and gains under the Contract could be currently includable in the Owner's
income.
    
 
    The remainder of this discussion assumes that the Contract will be treated
as an annuity contract for federal income tax purposes.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
TAXATION OF PARTIAL AND FULL SURRENDERS
 
   
    In the case of a partial surrender, amounts received generally are
includible in income to the extent the Owner's Contract Value before the
surrender exceeds his or her "investment in the contract." In the case of a full
surrender, amounts received are includible in income to the extent they exceed
the "investment in the contract." For these purposes, the investment in the
contract at any time equals the total of the Purchase Payments made under the
Contract to that time (to the extent such payments were neither deductible when
made nor excludable from income as, for example, in the case of certain
contributions to Qualified Contracts) less any amounts previously received from
the Contract which were not included in income. Partial and full surrenders may
be subject to a 10% penalty tax. (See "Penalty Tax on Premature Distributions.")
Partial and full surrenders may also be subject to federal income tax
withholding requirements. (See "Federal Income Tax Withholding.") In addition,
in the case of partial and full surrenders from certain Qualified Plans,
mandatory withholding requirements may apply, unless a "direct rollover" of the
amount surrendered is made. (See "Direct Rollovers".)
    
 
    Under the Waiver of Surrender Charges provision of the Contract, amounts
distributed may not be subject to Surrender Charges if the Owner has a terminal
illness or if the Owner enters, for a period of at least 90 days, certain
nursing home facilities. Such distributions will be treated as surrenders for
federal tax purposes.
 
    The Contract provides a Death Benefit that in certain circumstances may
exceed the greater of the Purchase Payments and the Contract Value. As described
elsewhere in this Prospectus, the Company imposes certain charges with respect
to the Death Benefit. It is possible that these charges (or some portion
thereof) could be treated for federal tax purposes as a partial surrender of the
Contract.
 
TAXATION OF ANNUITY PAYMENTS
 
   
    Normally, the portion of each Annuity Income Payment taxable as ordinary
income is equal to the excess of the payment over the exclusion amount. In the
case of Variable Annuity Income Payments, the exclusion amount is the
"investment in the contract" (defined above) allocated to the variable Annuity
Option, adjusted for any period certain or refund feature, when payments begin
to be made divided by the number of payments expected to be made (determined by
Treasury Department regulations which take into account the annuitant's life
expectancy and the form of annuity benefit selected). In the case of Fixed
Annuity Income Payments, the exclusion amount is the amount determined by
multiplying (1) the payment by (2) the ratio of the investment in the contract
allocated to the fixed Annuity Option, adjusted for any period certain or refund
feature, to the total expected amount of Annuity Income Payments for the term of
the Contract (determined under Treasury Department regulations). Annuity Income
Payments may be subject to federal income tax withholding requirements. (See
Federal Income Tax Income Withholding.) In addition, in the case of Annuity
Income Payments from certain Qualified Plans, mandatory withholding requirements
may apply, unless a "direct rollover" of such annuity payments is made. (See
Direct Rollovers.)
    
 
   
    Once the total amount of the investment in the contract is excluded using
this ratio, annuity payments will be fully taxable. If Annuity Income Payments
cease because of the death of the Annuitant and before the total amount of the
investment in the contract is recovered, the unrecovered amount generally will
be allowed as a deduction.
    
 
    There may be special income tax issues present in situations where the Owner
and the Annuitant are not the same person and are not married to one another. A
tax advisor should be consulted in those situations.
 
TAXATION OF DEATH BENEFIT PROCEEDS
 
    Prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, amounts may be distributed from a
Contract because of the death of an Owner or, in certain circumstances, the
death of the Annuitant. Such Death Benefit proceeds are includible in income as
follows: (1) if distributed in a lump sum, they are taxed in the
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
   
same manner as a full surrender, as described above, or (2) if distributed under
an Annuity Option, they are taxed in the same manner as Annuity Income Payments,
as described above. After the Annuity Commencement Date, where a guaranteed
period exists under an Annuity Option, and the Annuitant dies before the end of
that period, payments made to the Beneficiary for the remainder of that period
are includible in income as follows: (1) if received in a lump sum, they are
included in income to the extent that they exceed the unrecovered investment in
the contract at that time, or (2) if distributed in accordance with the existing
Annuity Option selected, they are fully excluded from income until the remaining
investment in the contract is deemed to be recovered, and all Annuity Income
Payments thereafter are fully includible in income.
    
 
    Proceeds payable on death may be subject to federal income tax withholding
requirements. (See "Federal Income Tax Withholding".) In addition, in the case
of such proceeds from certain Qualified Plans, mandatory withholding
requirements may apply, unless a "direct rollover" of such proceeds is made.
(See "Direct Rollovers".)
 
ASSIGNMENTS, PLEDGES, AND GRATUITOUS TRANSFERS
 
    Other than in the case of Contracts issued in connection with certain
Qualified Plans (which generally cannot be assigned or pledged), any assignment
or pledge (or agreement to assign or pledge) any portion of the Contract Value
is treated for federal income tax purposes as a surrender of such amount or
portion. The investment in the contract is increased by the amount includible as
income with respect to such assignment or pledge, though it is not affected by
any other aspect of the assignment or pledge (including its release). If an
Owner transfers a Contract without adequate consideration to a person other than
the Owner's spouse (or to a former spouse incident to divorce), the Owner will
be taxed on the difference between his or her Contract Value and the investment
in the contract at the time of transfer. In such case, the transferee's
investment in the contract will be increased to reflect the increase in the
transferor's income.
 
PENALTY TAX ON PREMATURE DISTRIBUTIONS
 
    Where a Contract has not been issued in connection with a Qualified Plan,
there generally is a 10% penalty tax on the amount of any payment from the
Contract that is includable in income unless the payment is: (a) received on or
after the Owner reaches age 59 1/2; (b) attributable to the Owner's becoming
disabled (as defined in the tax law); (c) made on or after the death of the
Owner or, if the Owner is not an individual, on or after the death of the
primary annuitant (as defined in the tax law); (d) made as a series of
substantially equal periodic payments (not less frequently than annually) for
the life (or life expectancy) of the Annuitant or the joint lives (or joint life
expectancies) of the Annuitant and a designated beneficiary (as defined in the
tax law), or (e) made under a Contract purchased with a single Purchase Payment
when the annuity starting date is no later than a year from purchase of the
Contract and substantially equal periodic payments are made, not less frequently
than annually, during the annuity period. (Similar rules, discussed below, apply
in the case of certain Contracts issued in connection with Qualified Plans.)
 
AGGREGATION OF CONTRACTS
 
   
    In certain circumstances, the amount of an Annuity Income Payment or a
surrender from a Contract that is includible in income may be determined by
combining some or all of the annuity contracts owned by an individual not issued
in connection with Qualified Plans. For example, if a person purchases a
Contract offered by this Prospectus and also purchases at approximately the same
time an immediate annuity issued by Protective Life, the IRS may treat the two
contracts as one contract. In addition, if a person purchases two or more
deferred annuity contracts from the same insurance company (or its affiliates)
during any calendar year, all such contracts will be treated as one contract for
purposes of determining whether any payment not received as an annuity
(including surrenders prior to the Annuity Commencement Date) is includible in
income. The effects of such aggregation are not clear; however, it could affect
the amount of a withdrawal or an annuity payment that is taxable and the amount
which might be subject to the 10% penalty tax described above.
    
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
   
LOSS OF INTEREST DEDUCTION WHERE CONTRACT IS HELD BY OR FOR THE BENEFIT OF
CERTAIN NON-NATURAL PERSONS
    
 
   
    In the case of Contracts issued after June 8, 1997 to a non-natural taxpayer
(such as a corporation or a trust), or held for the benefit of such an entity,
recent changes in the tax law may result in otherwise deductible interest no
longer being deductible by the entity, regardless of whether the income on such
Contracts is treated as ordinary income that is received or accrued by the owner
during the taxable year. Entities that are considering purchasing the Contract,
or entities that will be beneficiaries under a Contract, should consult a tax
adviser.
    
 
                           QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS
 
IN GENERAL
 
    The Contracts are also designed for use in connection with certain types of
retirement plans which receive favorable treatment under the Code. Numerous
special tax rules apply to the participants in Qualified Plans and to Contracts
used in connection with Qualified Plans. Therefore, no attempt is made in this
Prospectus to provide more than general information about use of the Contract
with the various types of Qualified Plans.
 
   
    The tax rules applicable to Qualified Plans vary according to the type of
plan and the terms and conditions of the plan itself. For example, both the
amount of the contribution that may be made, and the tax deduction or exclusion
that the Owner may claim for such contribution, are limited under Qualified
Plans and vary with the type of plan. Also, for full surrenders, partial
surrenders, and Annuity Income Payments under Qualified Contracts, there may be
no "investment in the contract" and the total amount received may be taxable.
Similarly, loans from Qualified Contracts, where available, are subject to a
variety of limitations, including restrictions as to the amount that may be
borrowed, the duration of the loan, and the manner in which the loan must be
repaid. (Owners should always consult their tax advisors and retirement plan
fiduciaries prior to exercising any loan privileges that are available.)
    
 
    If this Contract is used in connection with a Qualified Plan, the Owner and
Annuitant must be the same individual. In addition, special rules apply to the
time at which distributions must commence and the form in which the
distributions must be paid. For example, the length of any guarantee period may
be limited in some circumstances to satisfy certain minimum distribution
requirements under the Code. Furthermore, failure to comply with minimum
distribution requirements applicable to Qualified Plans will result in the
imposition of an excise tax. This excise tax generally equals 50% of the amount
by which a minimum required distribution exceeds the actual distribution from
the Qualified Plan. In the case of Individual Retirement Accounts or Annuities
("IRAs"), distributions of minimum amounts (as specified in the tax law) must
generally commence by April 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year
in which the Owner attains age 70 1/2. In the case of certain other Qualified
Plans, distributions of such minimum amounts must generally commence by the
later of this date or April 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year
in which the employee retires.
 
   
    There may be a 10% penalty tax on the taxable amount of payments from
certain Qualified Contracts. There are exceptions to this penalty tax which vary
depending on the type of Qualified Plan. In the case of an IRA, exceptions
provide that the penalty tax does not apply to a payment (a) received on or
after the Owner reaches age 59 1/2, (b) received on or after the Owner's death
or because of the Owner's disability (as defined in the tax law), or (c) made as
a series of substantially equal periodic payments (not less frequently than
annually) for the life (or life expectancy) of the Owner or for the joint lives
(or joint life expectancies) of the Owner and his designated beneficiary (as
defined in the tax law). These exceptions, as well as certain others not
described herein, generally apply to taxable distributions from other Qualified
Plans (although, in the case of plans qualified under sections 401 and 403,
exception "c" above for substantially equal periodic payments applies only if
the Owner has separated from service). In addition, the penalty tax does not
apply to certain distributions
    
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
   
from IRAs taken after December 31, 1997 which are used for qualified first time
home purchases or for higher education expenses. Special conditions must be met
for these two exceptions to the penalty tax. Those wishing to take a
distribution from an IRA for these purposes should consult their tax advisor.
    
 
    When issued in connection with a Qualified Plan, a Contract will be amended
as generally necessary to conform to the requirements of the plan. However,
Owners, Annuitants, and Beneficiaries are cautioned that the rights of any
person to any benefits under Qualified Plans may be subject to the terms and
conditions of the plans themselves, regardless of the terms and conditions of
the Contract. In addition, the Company shall not be bound by terms and
conditions of Qualified Plans to the extent such terms and conditions contradict
the Contract, unless the Company consents.
 
    Following are brief descriptions of various types of Qualified Plans in
connection with which the Company may issue a Contract.
 
    INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS AND ANNUITIES.  Section 408 of the Code
permits eligible individuals to contribute to an individual retirement program
known as IRAs. IRAs are subject to limits on the amounts that may be
contributed, the persons who may be eligible and on the time when distributions
may commence. Also, subject to the direct rollover and mandatory withholding
requirements (discussed below), distributions from certain Qualified Plans may
be "rolled over" on a tax-deferred basis into an IRA.
 
   
    The Contract may not, however, be used in connection with an "Education IRA"
under Section 530 of the Code, a "Simplified Employee Pension" under Section
408(k) of the Code, or a "Simple IRA" under Section 408(p) of the Code.
    
 
   
    IRAs generally may not invest in life insurance contracts, but an annuity
that is purchased by, or used as, an IRA may provide a death benefit that equals
the greater of the premiums paid and the contract's cash value. The Contract
provides a Death Benefit that in certain circumstances may exceed the greater of
the Purchase Payments and the Contract Value. It is possible that the Death
Benefit could be viewed as violating the prohibition on investment in life
insurance contracts with the result that the Contract would not be viewed as
satisfying the requirements of an IRA.
    
 
   
    ROTH IRAS.  Recently enacted Section 408A of the Code permits eligible
individuals to contribute to a type of IRA known as a "Roth IRA." Roth IRAs
differ from other IRAs in several respects. Among the differences is that,
although contributions to a Roth IRA are not deductible, "qualified
distributions" from a Roth IRA will be excludable from income. The eligibility
and mandatory distribution requirements for Roth IRAs also differ from non-Roth
IRAs. Furthermore, a rollover may be made to a Roth IRA only if it is a
"qualified rollover contribution." A "qualified rollover contribution" is a
rollover contribution to a Roth IRA from another Roth IRA or from a non-Roth
IRA, but only if such rollover contribution meets the rollover requirements for
IRAs under section 408(d)(3) of the Code. In the case of a qualified rollover
contribution or a transfer from a non-Roth IRA to a Roth IRA, any portion of the
amount rolled over which would be includible in gross income were it not part of
a qualified rollover contribution or a nontaxable transfer will be includible in
gross income. However, the 10 percent penalty tax on premature distributions
generally will not apply to such amounts.
    
 
   
    All or part of amounts in a non-Roth IRA may be converted into a Roth IRA.
Such a conversion can be made without taking an actual distribution from the
IRA. For example, an individual may make a conversion by notifying the IRA
issuer or trustee, whichever is applicable. The conversion of an IRA to a Roth
IRA is a special type of qualified rollover distribution. Hence, the IRA
participant must be eligible to make a qualified rollover distribution in order
to convert an IRA to a Roth IRA. A conversion typically will result in the
inclusion of some or all of the IRA value in gross income, as described above.
Persons with adjusted gross incomes in excess of $100,000 or who are married and
file a separate return are not eligible to make a qualified rollover
contribution or a transfer in a taxable year from a non-Roth IRA to a Roth IRA.
    
 
   
    Any "qualified distribution" from a Roth IRA is excludable from gross
income. A "qualified distribution" is a payment or distribution which satisfies
two requirements. First, the payment or distribution must be (a) made after the
Owner attains age 59 1/2, (b) made after the Owner's death, (c) attributable to
the Owner being disabled, or (d) a qualified first-time homebuyer distribution
within
    
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
   
the meaning of section 72(t)(2)(F) of the Code. Second, the payment or
distribution must be made in a taxable year that is at least five years after
(a) the first taxable year for which a contribution was made to any Roth IRA
established for the Owner, or (b) in the case of a payment or distribution
properly allocable to a qualified rollover contribution from a non-Roth IRA (or
income allocable thereto), the taxable year in which the rollover contribution
was made. A distribution from a Roth IRA which is not a qualified distribution
is generally taxed in the same manner as a distribution from non-Roth IRAs.
Distributions from a Roth IRA need not commence at age 70 1/2.
    
 
   
    As described above (see "Individual Retirement Annuities"), there is some
uncertainty regarding the proper characterization of the Contract's death
benefit for purposes of the tax rules governing IRAs (which include Roth IRAs).
Persons intending to use the Contract in connection with a Roth IRA should seek
competent advice.
    
 
    CORPORATE AND SELF-EMPLOYED ("H.R. 10" AND "KEOGH") PENSION AND
PROFIT-SHARING PLANS.  Sections 401(a) and 403(a) of the Code permit corporate
employers to establish various types of tax-favored retirement plans for
employees. The Self-Employed Individuals' Tax Retirement Act of 1962, as
amended, commonly referred to as "H.R. 10" or "Keogh," permits self-employed
individuals also to establish such tax-favored retirement plans for themselves
and their employees. Such retirement plans may permit the purchase of the
Contract in order to provide benefits under the plans. The Contract provides a
Death Benefit that in certain circumstances may exceed the greater of the
Purchase Payments and the Contract Value. It is possible that such Death Benefit
could be characterized as an incidental death benefit. There are limitations on
the amount of incidental benefits that may be provided under pension and profit
sharing plans. In addition, the provision of such benefits may result in
currently taxable income to participants. Employers intending to use the
Contract in connection with such plans should seek competent advice.
 
    SECTION 403(B) POLICIES.  Section 403(b) of the Code permits public school
employees and employees of certain types of charitable, educational and
scientific organizations specified in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code to have
their employers purchase annuity contracts for them and, subject to certain
limitations, to exclude the amount of purchase payments from gross income for
tax purposes. Purchasers of the Contracts for use as a "Section 403(b) Policy"
should seek competent advice as to eligibility, limitations on permissible
amounts of purchase payments and other tax consequences associated with such
Contracts. In particular, purchasers and their advisers should consider that the
Contract provides a Death Benefit that in certain circumstances may exceed the
greater of the Purchase Payments and the Contract Value. It is possible that
such Death Benefit could be characterized as an incidental death benefit. If the
Death Benefit were so characterized, this could result in currently taxable
income to purchasers. In addition, there are limitations on the amount of
incidental death benefits that may be provided under a Section 403(b) Policy.
Even if the Death Benefit under the Contract were characterized as an incidental
death benefit, it is unlikely to violate those limits unless the purchaser also
purchases a life insurance contract as part of his or her Section 403(b) Policy.
 
    Section 403(b) Policies contain restrictions on withdrawals of (i)
contributions made pursuant to a salary reduction agreement in years beginning
after December 31, 1988, (ii) earnings on those contributions, and (iii)
earnings after December 31, 1988 on amounts attributable to salary reduction
contributions held as of December 31, 1988. These amounts can be paid only if
the employee has reached age 59 1/2, separated from service, died, become
disabled, or in the case of hardship. Amounts permitted to be distributed in the
event of hardship are limited to actual contributions; earnings thereon can not
be distributed on account of hardship. (These limitations on withdrawals do not
apply to the extent the Company is directed to transfer some or all of the
Contract Value to the issuer of another Section 403(b) Policy or into a Section
403(b)(7) custodial account.)
 
    DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS OF STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND TAX-EXEMPT
ORGANIZATIONS. Section 457 of the Code permits employees of state and local
governments and tax-exempt organizations to defer a portion of their
compensation without paying current taxes. The employees must be participants in
an eligible deferred compensation plan. Generally, a Contract purchased by a
state or local government or a tax-exempt organization will not be treated as an
annuity contract for federal income tax purposes. Those who intend to use the
Contracts in connection with such plans should seek competent advice.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
DIRECT ROLLOVERS
 
    If your Contract is used in connection with a pension, profit-sharing, or
annuity plan qualified under sections 401(a) or 403(a) of the Code, or is a
Section 403(b) Policy, any "eligible rollover distribution" from the Contract
will be subject to direct rollover and mandatory withholding requirements. An
eligible rollover distribution generally is any taxable distribution from a
qualified pension plan under section 401(a) of the Code, qualified annuity plan
under section 403(a) of the Code, or section 403(b) annuity or custodial
account, excluding certain amounts (such as minimum distributions required under
section 401(a)(9) of the Code and distributions which are part of a "series of
substantially equal periodic payments" made for life or a specified period of 10
years or more).
 
    Under these requirements, federal income tax equal to 20% of the eligible
rollover distribution will be withheld from the amount of the distribution.
Unlike withholding on certain other amounts distributed from the Contract,
discussed below, you cannot elect out of withholding with respect to an eligible
rollover distribution. However, this 20% withholding will not apply if, instead
of receiving the eligible rollover distribution, you elect to have it directly
transferred to certain Qualified Plans. Prior to receiving an eligible rollover
distribution, you will receive a notice (from the plan administrator or the
Company) explaining generally the direct rollover and mandatory withholding
requirements and how to avoid the 20% withholding by electing a direct transfer.
 
                         FEDERAL INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING
 
   
    Protective Life will withhold and remit to the federal government a part of
the taxable portion of each distribution made under a Contract unless the
distributee notifies Protective Life at or before the time of the distribution
that he or she elects not to have any amounts withheld. In certain
circumstances, Protective Life may be required to withhold tax. The withholding
rates applicable to the taxable portion of periodic annuity payments (other than
eligible rollover distributions) are the same as the withholding rates generally
applicable to payments of wages. In addition, the withholding rate applicable to
the taxable portion of non-periodic payments (including surrenders prior to the
Annuity Commencement Date) and conversions of, or roll overs from, non-Roth IRAs
to Roth IRAs is 10%. Regardless of whether you elect not to have federal income
tax withheld, you are still liable for payment of federal income tax on the
taxable portion of the payment. As discussed above, the withholding rate
applicable to eligible rollover distributions is 20%.
    
 
           MATTERS RELATING TO CONTRACTS OFFERED PRIOR TO MAY 1, 1996
 
   
    Contracts offered prior to May 1, 1996 and Contracts issued in certain
states after May 1, 1996 are different in certain regards including but not
limited to providing a different guaranteed Death Benefit than the Death Benefit
described on page 22, and different procedures relating to the Death Benefit
than those described elsewhere in this Prospectus. (For a list of these states,
please contact our Home Office or your registered representative.) Purchasers of
Contracts with the different guaranteed Death Benefit must refer to the
discussion below together with other sections of this Prospectus in order to
determine their rights and benefits under the Contract.
    
 
    The following description of the Death Benefit and Loan Privilege for
section 403(b) Contracts issued prior to May 1, 1996 should be substituted or
added in their entirety for the related descriptions found elsewhere in this
Prospectus. The page references listed below indicate where in the Prospectus
the substituted descriptions can be found.
 
   
A.  SUMMARY (PAGE 8)
    
 
    The paragraphs in the Summary describing the Death Benefit provided in this
Contract should be revised to read as follows:
 
   
    IS THERE A DEATH BENEFIT?  If any Owner dies prior to the Annuity
Commencement Date, a Death Benefit will be payable. The Death Benefit will be
determined as of the end of the Valuation Period during which due proof of death
is provided to us. The guaranteed Death Benefit is equal to the sum of: (1) the
Guaranteed Account Value; plus (2) the greater of: (a) the Variable Account
Value; or (b) the total Purchase Payment(s) allocated to the Variable Account
less previous transfers from the Variable Account, partial surrenders, and any
applicable Surrender Charge(s) and Contract Maintenance Fees,
    
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
increased by amounts transferred to the Variable Account and interest at a
compounded annual effective interest rate of 5% credited as of each Contract
Anniversary up to any Owner's 80th birthday. (See "Death Benefit".)
 
   
B.  SURRENDERS AND PARTIAL SURRENDERS (PAGE 20).
    
 
    A new section entitled "Loan Privilege" should be added to read as follows
at the of the section.
 
LOAN PRIVILEGE
 
    Protective Life offers a loan privilege to Owners of section 403(b)
Contracts that were issued prior to May 1, 1996 that are not subject to Title 1
of ERISA. Owners of such Contracts may obtain loans using the Contract as the
only security for the loan. Loans are subject to provisions of the Code and to
applicable retirement program rules. Tax advisors and retirement plan advisors
should be consulted prior to exercising loan privileges.
 
    The amount available for a loan at any given time is the lesser of (1) 80%
of the Contract Value less any outstanding debt under the Contract (including
any accrued interest thereon), or (2) the amount permitted as a loan under
federal tax law. The minimum loan amount is $1,000. The maximum amount permitted
as a loan under federal tax law generally equals the amount which, when added to
existing debt under the Contract, does not exceed the lesser of (1) $50,000
(reduced by any excess of the highest outstanding debt during the one year
period ending on the day before the date on which the current loan is made, over
the outstanding debt on the date the current loan is made), or (2) $10,000 or,
if greater, one-half of the Contract Value. For purposes of determining the
amount permitted as a loan under the federal tax law, certain employer plans
must be aggregated. A tax advisor should be consulted for purposes of
determining the maximum amount which may be taken and treated as a loan, rather
than as a taxable distribution, for federal income tax purposes.
 
   
    Loans will be made only upon written request of the Owner. Protective Life
will make loans within seven days of receiving a properly completed loan
application, subject to postponement under the same circumstances that payment
of surrenders may be postponed. (See "Suspension or Delay in Payments".) When an
Owner requests a loan, Protective Life will reduce the Owner's Contract Value
(on a pro rata basis among investments in the Allocation Options, unless the
Owner requests otherwise) by the amount of the loan and transfer that amount to
the loan account, which is part of Protective Life's general account. Amounts in
the loan account will not participate in the investment experience of any
Sub-Account. Loans must be repaid within five years, repayments must be made at
least quarterly, and repayments must be made in substantially equal amounts.
However, the repayment period of a loan may be longer than five years if the
purpose of the loan is to acquire a principal residence for the Owner. The Owner
may prepay the loan, in whole or in part, at any time while the Contract is in
force. Failure to make timely loan repayments may give rise to taxable income.
    
 
   
    When the loan is repaid, the amount of the repayment will be transferred
from the loan account back into the Variable Account and the Guaranteed Account.
The Owner may designate the manner in which a repayment is to be allocated.
Otherwise, repayments will be allocated in accordance with the Owner's most
recent instructions for allocations. On each Contract Anniversary, Protective
Life will transfer from the Contract Value (from the Allocation Options, in the
same manner as described above) to the loan account the amount by which the debt
on the Contract exceeds the balance in the loan account.
    
 
    Protective Life charges interest of 6% per year on Contract loans. Loan
interest is payable on amounts in arrears and, unless paid in cash, the accrued
loan interest is added to the amount of the debt and bears interest at 6% as
well. Protective Life credits interest with respect to amounts held in the loan
account at a rate of 4% per year. Consequently, the net cost of loans under the
Contract is 2%. If on any date debt under a Contract exceeds the Contract Value,
the Contract will be in default. In such case, an Owner will receive a notice
indicating the payment needed to bring the Contract out of default and will have
a thirty-one (31) day grace period within which to pay the default amount. If
the required payment is not made within the grace period, the Contract may be
terminated without value.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
   
    The amount of any debt will be deducted from the death benefit. In addition,
debt, whether or not repaid, will have a permanent effect on the Contract Value
because the investment results of the Guaranteed and Variable Accounts will
apply only to the unborrowed portion of the Contract Value. The longer debt is
outstanding, the greater the effect is likely to be.
    
 
   
C.  DEATH BENEFIT (PAGE 22)
    
 
    If any Owner dies before the Annuity Commencement Date, a guaranteed Death
Benefit will be paid to the Beneficiary. In the case of certain Qualified
Contracts, regulations promulgated by the Treasury Department prescribe certain
limitations on the designation of a Beneficiary.
 
   
    The guaranteed Death Benefit will be determined as of the end of the
Valuation Period in which due proof of death is received by us. The guaranteed
Death Benefit at any age will be equal to the sum of: (1) the Guaranteed Account
Value; plus (2) the greater of: (a) the Variable Account Value; or (b) the total
Purchase Payment(s) allocated to the Variable Account less previous transfers
from the Variable Account, partial surrenders, and any applicable Surrender
Charges(s) and Contract Maintenance Fees, increased by amounts transferred to
the Variable Account (this subtotal is called "Death Benefit Account Value") and
interest at a compounded annual effective interest rate of 5% credited to the
Death Benefit Account Value as of each Contract Anniversary, on or before any
Owner's 80th birthday.
    
 
   
    The Death Benefit may be taken in one sum immediately as a full surrender of
the Contract. If the Death Benefit is not taken in one sum immediately the
Contract will be continued with the Death Benefit becoming the new current
Contract Value. Any increase in the Contract Value will be allocated to and
among the Allocation Options in proportion to their values immediately prior to
the Owner's death. If the Death Benefit is not taken in one sum immediately, the
entire interest in the Contract must be distributed within five years of the
Owner's death unless:
    
 
    (a) the entire interest in the Contract is distributed over the life of the
       Beneficiary with distributions beginning within one year of the Owner's
       death; or
 
    (b) the entire interest in the Contract is distributed over a period not
       extending beyond the life expectancy of the Beneficiary with
       distributions beginning within one year of the Owner's death; or
 
    (c) the Beneficiary is the deceased Owner's spouse and elects to continue
       the Contract and become the new Owner.
 
    If the deceased Owner's spouse is the Beneficiary and elects to continue the
Contract and become the new Owner, upon such spouse's death, the entire interest
in the Contract is payable to the new Beneficiary (determined at the time of the
spouse's death) and must be distributed within five years of the spouse's death.
 
   
    If any Owner is not an individual, the death of the Annuitant will be
treated as the death of an Owner.
    
 
                                GENERAL MATTERS
 
   
MODIFICATION
    
 
   
    No one is authorized to modify or waive any term or provision of this
Contract unless we agree to the modification or waiver in writing and it is
signed by our President, Vice-President or Secretary. We reserve the right to
change or modify the provisions of this Contract to conform to any applicable
laws, rules or regulations issued by a government agency. Where required, we
will obtain all necessary approvals, including that of the Owner.
    
 
   
REPORTS
    
 
   
    Prior to the Annuity Commencement Date and at least annually, we will send
to you at the address contained in our records a report showing the current
Contract Value, the current value of your Allocation Options, your current
investment allocation and any other information required by law.
    
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
INQUIRIES
 
   
    Inquiries regarding a Contract may be made by writing to Protective Life at
its Administrative Office.
    
 
                         DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONTRACTS
 
    The Contracts will be offered on a continuous basis and Protective Life does
not anticipate discontinuing the offering of the Contracts. Nevertheless,
Protective Life reserves the right to discontinue the offering at any time.
Investment Distributors, Inc. serves as principal underwriter (as defined in the
1940 Act) for the Contracts. Investment Distributors, Inc. has agreed to use its
best efforts to sell the Contracts. Investment Distributors, Inc. is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of PLC and has the same address as Protective Life.
Applications for Contracts are solicited by agents who are licensed by
applicable state insurance authorities to sell Protective Life's Contracts and
who are also registered representatives of broker/dealers having a distribution
agreement with Investment Distributors, Inc. or broker/dealers having a
distribution agreement with such broker/dealer. Investment Distributors, Inc. is
an affiliate of Protective Life Insurance Company and is registered with the SEC
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as a broker/dealer. Investment
Distributors, Inc. is a member of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. The maximum commission Protective Life will pay is 7.0% of the
Purchase Payments for the sale of a Contract, not including subsequent
asset-based commissions.
 
   
                           PREPARATION FOR YEAR 2000
    
 
   
    Older computer hardware and software often denote the year using two digits
rather than four; for example, the year 1997 often is denoted by such hardware
and software as "97." It is probable that such hardware and software will
malfunction when calculations involving the year 2000 are attempted because the
hardware and/or software will interpret "00" as representing the year 1900
rather than the year 2000. This "Year 2000" issue potentially affects all
individuals and companies (including Protective, its customers, business
partners, suppliers, banks, custodians and administrators) who rely on computers
or devices containing computer chips.
    
 
   
    Protective Life has developed and is implementing a Year 2000 transition
plan intended to identify and modify or replace primary hardware and/or software
systems on which it relies that have a Year 2000 issue. Protective Life is also
developing and implementing a plan to identify and modify or replace secondary
hardware and/or software systems on which it relies that have a Year 2000 issue.
Substantial resources are being devoted to this effort; however the costs to
develop and implement these plans are not expected to be material. Protective
Life is also confirming that its service providers are implementing plans to
identify and modify or replace their systems that have a Year 2000 issue.
    
 
   
    Protective Life currently anticipates that its systems will be able to
process transactions dated beyond 1999 on or before December 31, 1999. There can
be no assurance, however, that Protective Life's efforts will be successful,
that interaction with other service providers with Year 2000 issues will not
impair Protective Life's operations, or that the Year 2000 issue will not
otherwise adversely affect Protective Life or contract owners.
    
 
                               LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
    There are at present no legal proceedings to which the Variable Account is a
party or the assets of the Variable Account are subject. Protective Life is
involved in pending and threatened proceedings in which claims for monetary
damages or penalties may be asserted. Management, after consultation with legal
counsel, does not believe that such proceedings are material, nor does it
anticipate the ultimate liability arising from any such proceeding would be
material, to Protective Life in relation to its total assets. Such proceedings
are not related to the Variable Account.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
                                 VOTING RIGHTS
 
    In accordance with its view of applicable law, Protective Life will vote the
Fund shares held in the Variable Account at special shareholder meetings of the
Funds in accordance with instructions received from persons having voting
interests in the corresponding Sub-Accounts. If, however, the 1940 Act or any
regulation thereunder should be amended, or if the present interpretation
thereof should change, or Protective Life determines that it is allowed to vote
such shares in its own right, it may elect to do so.
 
   
    The number of votes available to an Owner will be calculated separately for
each Sub-Account of the Variable Account, and may include fractional votes. The
number of votes attributable to a Sub-Account will be determined by applying an
Owner's percentage interest, if any, in a particular Sub-Account to the total
number of votes attributable to that Sub-Account. An Owner holds a voting
interest in each Sub-Account to which that Owner has allocated Accumulation
Units or Annuity Units. Before the Annuity Commencement Date, the Owner's
percentage interest, if any, will be percentage of the dollar value of
Accumulation Units allocated for his or her Contract to the total dollar value
of that Sub-Account. On or after the Annuity Commencement Date, the Owner's
percentage interest, if any, will be percentage of the dollar value of the
liability for future Variable Annuity Income Payments to be paid from the
Sub-Account to the total dollar value of that Sub-Account. The liability for
future payments is calculated on the basis of the mortality assumptions, (if
any), the Assumed Investment Return and the Annuity Unit Value of that
Sub-Account. Generally, as Variable Annuity Income Payments are made to the
payee, the liability for future payments decreases as does the number of votes.
    
 
    The number of votes which are available to the Owner will be determined as
of the date coincident with the date established by the Fund for determining
shareholders eligible to vote at the relevant meeting of that Fund. Voting
instructions will be solicited by written communication prior to such meeting in
accordance with procedures established by the Fund.
 
    Shares as to which no timely instructions are received and shares held by
Protective Life in a Sub-Account as to which no Owner has a beneficial interest
will be voted in proportion to the voting instructions which are received with
respect to all Contracts participating in that Sub-Account. Voting instructions
to abstain on any item to be voted upon will be applied to reduce the votes
eligible to be cast on that item.
 
    Each person having a voting interest in a Sub-Account will receive proxy
materials, reports, and other material relating to the appropriate Fund.
 
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
   
    The audited statement of assets and liabilities of The Protective Variable
Annuity Separate Account (comprised of seventeen sub-accounts) as of December
31, 1997 and 1996 and the related statements of operations and changes in net
assets for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 as well as the Report of
Independent Accountants are contained in the Statement of Additional
Information.
    
 
   
    The audited consolidated balance sheets for Protective Life as of December
31, 1997 and 1996 and the related consolidated statements of income,
stockholder's equity, and cash flows for the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1997 and the related financial statement schedules as well as the
Report of Independent Accountants are contained in the Statement of Additional
Information.
    
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               PAGE
                                                                                                            -----------
<S>                                                                                                         <C>
ADDITIONAL CONTRACT PROVISIONS............................................................................           2
  The Contract............................................................................................           2
  Error in Age or Sex.....................................................................................           2
  Incontestability........................................................................................           2
  Non-Participation.......................................................................................           2
  Assignment..............................................................................................           2
CALCULATION OF YIELDS AND TOTAL RETURNS...................................................................           2
  PIC Money Market Sub-Account Yield......................................................................           2
  Other Sub-Account Yields................................................................................           4
  Average Annual Total Returns............................................................................           4
  Other Total Returns.....................................................................................           5
  Effect of the Contract Maintenance Fee on Performance Data..............................................           5
SAFEKEEPING OF ACCOUNT ASSETS.............................................................................           6
STATE REGULATION..........................................................................................           6
RECORDS AND REPORTS.......................................................................................           6
LEGAL MATTERS.............................................................................................           6
EXPERTS...................................................................................................           6
OTHER INFORMATION.........................................................................................           6
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS......................................................................................           7
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
                                     PART B
                       INFORMATION REQUIRED TO BE IN THE
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
<PAGE>
                       PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                             2801 Highway 280 South
                           Birmingham, Alabama 35223
                           Telephone: (205) 879-9230
 
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                  PROTECTIVE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT
                          INDIVIDUAL FLEXIBLE PREMIUM
                  DEFERRED VARIABLE AND FIXED ANNUITY CONTRACT
 
    This Statement of Additional Information contains information in addition to
the information described in the Prospectus for the individual flexible premium
deferred variable and fixed annuity contract (the "Contract") offered by
Protective Life Insurance Company. This Statement of Additional Information is
not a Prospectus. It should be read only in conjunction with the Prospectuses
for the Contract and the Funds. The Prospectus is dated the same as this
Statement of Additional Information. You may obtain a copy of the Prospectus by
writing or calling us at our address or phone number shown above.
 
   
      THE DATE OF THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS MAY 1, 1998
    
<PAGE>
   
                         ADDITIONAL CONTRACT PROVISIONS
    
 
THE CONTRACT
 
   
    The Contract and its attachments, including the copy of your Application and
any endorsements, riders and amendments, constitute the entire agreement between
you and us. All statements in the Application shall be considered
representations and not warranties. The terms and provisions of this Contract
are to be interpreted in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code") and applicable regulations.
    
 
   
ERROR IN AGE OR SEX
    
 
   
    When a benefit of the Contract is contingent upon any person's age or sex,
we may require proof of such. We may suspend payments until proof is provided.
When we receive satisfactory proof, we will make the payments which were due
during the period of suspension.
    
 
   
    If, after proof of age and sex is furnished it is determined that the
information in the Application was not correct, we will adjust any benefit under
the Contract to that which would be payable based upon the correct age and sex.
If we have underpaid a benefit because of the error, we will make up the
underpayment in a lump sum. If the error resulted in an overpayment, we will
deduct the amount of the overpayment from any current or future payment due
under the Contract. We will deduct up to the full amount of any current or
future payment until the overpayment has been fully repaid.
    
 
   
INCONTESTABILITY
    
 
   
    We shall not contest the Contract.
    
 
   
NON-PARTICIPATION
    
 
   
    The Contract is not eligible for dividends and will not participate in
Protective Life's surplus or profits.
    
 
   
ASSIGNMENT
    
 
   
    You have the right to assign the Contract if it is a Non-Qualified Contract.
We do not assume responsibility for the assignment. Any claim made under an
assignment is subject to proof of the nature and extent of the assignee's
interest prior to payment by us. Assignments have federal income tax
consequences. (See "Assignments, Pledges and Gratuitous Transfers" in the
prospectus.)
    
 
   
    All instructions and requests to change or assign the Contract must be in
writing in a form acceptable to us, and signed by the Owner(s). The instruction,
change or assignment will relate back to and take effect on the date it was
signed, except we will not be responsible for following any instruction or
making any change or assignment before we receive it.
    
 
                    CALCULATION OF YIELDS AND TOTAL RETURNS
 
    From time to time, Protective Life may disclose yields, total returns, and
other performance data pertaining to the Contracts for a Sub-Account. Such
performance data will be computed or accompanied by performance data computed,
in accordance with the standards defined by the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC").
 
    Because of the charges and deductions imposed under a Contract, yields for
the Sub-Accounts will be lower than the yields for their respective Funds. The
calculations of yields, total returns, and other performance data do not reflect
the effect of premium tax that may be applicable to a particular Contract.
Premium taxes currently range from 0% to 3.50% of premium based on the state in
which the Contract is sold.
 
PIC MONEY MARKET SUB-ACCOUNT YIELD
 
    From time to time, advertisements and sales literature may quote the current
annualized yield of the PIC Money Market Sub-Account for a seven-day period in a
manner which does not take into consideration any realized or unrealized gain,
or losses on shares of the PIC Money Market Fund or on its portfolio securities.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
    This current annualized yield is computed by determining the net change
(exclusive of realized gains and losses on the sale of securities and unrealized
appreciation and depreciation) at the end of the seven day period in value of a
hypothetical account under a Contract having a balance of 1 Accumulation Unit of
the PIC Money Market Sub-Account at the beginning of the period, dividing such
net change in account value by the value of the hypothetical account at the
beginning of the period to determine the base period return, and annualizing
this quotient on a 365-day basis. The net change in account value reflects: 1)
net income from the PIC Money Market Fund attributable to the hypothetical
account; and 2) charges and deductions imposed under the Contract attributable
to the hypothetical account. The charges and deductions reflect the per unit
charges for the hypothetical account for: 1) the Annual Contract Maintenance
Fee; 2) Administration Charge; and 3) the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge. For
purposes of calculating current yields for a Contract, an average per unit
Contract Maintenance Fee is used based on the $35 Contract Maintenance Fee
deducted at the end of each Contract Year. Current Yield will be calculated
according to the following formula:
 
    Current Yield = ((NCS-ES)/UV) X (365/7)
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>         <C>
    Where:
 
    NCS     the net change in the value of the Fund (exclusive of unrealized gains or losses
            on the sale of securities and unrealized appreciation and depreciation) for the
            seven-day period attributable to a hypothetical Account having a balance of 1
            Sub-Account Accumulation Unit.
 
    ES      per unit expenses attributable to the hypothetical account for the seven-day
            period.
 
    UV      The Accumulation Unit value as of the end of the last day of the prior seven-day
            period.
</TABLE>
    
 
    The effective yield of the PIC Money Market Sub-Account determined on a
compounded basis for the same seven-day period may also be quoted.
 
    The effective yield is calculated by compounding the unannualized base
period return according to the following formula:
 
    Effective Yield = (1 + ((NCS-ES)/UV))365/7 - 1
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>         <C>
    Where:
 
    NCS     the net change in the value of the portfolio (exclusive of realized gains and
            losses on the sale of securities and unrealized appreciation and depreciation)
            for the seven-day period attributable to a hypothetical account having a balance
            of 1 Sub-Account Accumulation Unit.
 
    ES      per Accumulation Unit expenses attributable to the hypothetical account for the
            seven-day period.
 
    UV      the Accumulation Unit value as of the end of the last day of the prior seven-day
            period.
</TABLE>
    
 
    Because of the charges and deductions imposed under the Contract, the
current and effective yields for the PIC Money Market Sub-Account will be lower
than such yields for the PIC Money Market Fund.
 
    The current and effective yields on amounts held in the PIC Money Market
Sub-Account normally will fluctuate on a daily basis. THEREFORE, THE DISCLOSED
YIELD FOR ANY GIVEN PAST PERIOD IS NOT AN INDICATION OR REPRESENTATION OF FUTURE
YIELDS OR RATES OF RETURN. The PIC Money Market Sub-Account's actual yield is
affected by changes in interest rates on money market securities, average
portfolio maturity of the PIC Money Market Fund, the types of quality of
portfolio securities held by the PIC Money Market Fund and the PIC Money Market
Fund's operating expenses. Yields on amounts held in the PIC Money Market
Sub-Account may also be presented for periods other than a seven day period.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
OTHER SUB-ACCOUNT YIELDS
 
    From time to time, sales literature or advertisements may quote the current
annualized yield of one or more of the Sub-Accounts (except the PIC Money Market
Sub-Account) for a Contract for 30-day or one-month periods. The annualized
yield of a Sub-Account refers to income generated by the Sub-Account over a
specific 30 day or one month period. Because the yield is annualized, the yield
generated by a Sub-Account during a 30-day or one-month period is assumed to be
generated each period over a 12-month period.
 
    The yield is computed by: 1) dividing the net investment income of the Fund
attributable to the Sub-Account Accumulation Units less Sub-Account expenses for
the period; by 2) the maximum offering price per Accumulation Unit on the last
day of the period times the daily average number of units outstanding for the
period; by 3) compounding that yield for a six-month period; and by 4)
multiplying that result by 2. Expenses attributable to the Sub-Account include
the Annual Contract Maintenance Fee, the Administration Charge and the Mortality
and Expense Risk Charge. The yield calculation assumes an Contract Maintenance
Fee of $35 per year per Contract deducted at the end of each Contract Year. For
purposes of calculating the 3(1-day or one-month yield), an average
administration fee per dollar of Contract value in the Variable Account is used
to determine the amount of the charge attributable to the Sub-Account for the
30-day or one-month period. The 30 day or one month yield is calculated
according to the following formula:
 
    Yield = 2 X [(((N1-ES)/(U X UV)) + 1)(6) - 1]
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>         <C>
    Where:
 
    N1      net income of the Fund for the 30 day or one month period attributable to the
            Sub-Account Accumulation Units.
 
    ES      expenses of the Sub-Account for the 30 day or one month period.
 
    U       the average number of Accumulation Units outstanding.
 
    UV      the Accumulation Unit value as of the end of the last day in the 30 day or one
            month period.
</TABLE>
    
 
    Because of the charges and deductions imposed under the Contracts, the yield
for the Sub-Account will be lower than the yield for the corresponding Fund.
 
    The yield on the amounts held in the Sub-Accounts normally will fluctuate
over time. Therefore, the disclosed yield for any given past period is not an
indication or representation of future yields or rates of return. The
Sub-Account's actual yield is affected by the types and quality of portfolio
securities held by the corresponding Fund and its operating expenses.
 
    Yield calculations do not take into Account the Surrender Charge under the
Contract equal to 2% to 7% of premiums paid during the six years prior to the
surrender (including the year in which the surrender is made) on amounts
surrendered under the Contract.
 
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
 
    From time to time, sales literature or advertisements may also quote average
annual total returns for one or more of the Sub-Accounts for various periods of
time.
 
   
    Until a Sub-Account has been in operation for 10 years, Protective Life will
always include quotes of standard average annual total return for the period
measured from the date that Sub-Account began operations. When a Sub-Account has
been in operation for 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively, the standard annual
total return for these periods will be provided. Average annual total returns
for other periods of time may, from time to time, also be disclosed.
    
 
    Average annual total returns represent the average annual compounded rates
of return that would equate an initial investment of $1,000 under a Contract to
the redemption value of that
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
investment as of the last day of each of the periods. The ending date of each
period for which total return quotations are provided will generally be for the
most recent month-end practicable considering the type and media of the
communication and will be stated in the communication.
 
    Average annual total returns will be calculated using Sub-Account unit
values computed on each Valuation Day based on the performance of the
Sub-Account's underlying Fund, the deductions for the Mortality and Expense Risk
Charge and the Administration Charge. The average annual total return
calculation also assumes that the Contract Maintenance Fee is $35 per year per
contract deducted at the end of each Contract Year. For purposes of calculating
standard average annual total return, an average per dollar Contract Maintenance
fee attributable to the hypothetical account for the period for the quotation
standard average annual total returns will therefore reflect a deduction of the
Surrender Charge for any period less than eight years. The total return will
then be calculated according to the following formula:
 
    TR = (ERV/P)1/N - 1
 
<TABLE>
<S>         <C>        <C>
    Where:
 
    TR      =          the average annual total return net of Sub-Account recurring charges.
 
    ERV     =          the ending redeemable value (net of any applicable surrender charge) of the
                       hypothetical account at the end of the period.
 
    P       =          a hypothetical single purchase payment of $1,000.
 
    N       =          the number of years in the period.
</TABLE>
 
OTHER TOTAL RETURNS
 
    From time to time, sales literature or advertisements may also quote average
annual total returns that do not reflect the Surrender Charge and in certain
cases the Contract maintenance fee may be assumed to be waived. These are
calculated in exactly the same way as standard average annual total returns
described above, except that the ending redeemable value of the hypothetical
account for the period is replaced with an ending value for the period that does
not take into account any charges on amounts surrendered and in certain cases
the Contract maintenance fee may be assumed to be waived.
 
    Protective Life may disclose cumulative total returns in conjunction with
the standard formats described above. The cumulative total returns will be
calculated using the following formula:
 
    CTR = (ERV/P) - 1
 
<TABLE>
<S>         <C>        <C>
    Where:
 
    CTR     =          The cumulative total return net of Sub-Account recurring charges for the
                       period.
 
    ERV     =          The ending redeemable value of the hypothetical investment at the end of
                       the period. (In certain cases the Contract maintenance fee may be assumed
                       to be waived.)
 
    P       =          A hypothetical single Purchase Payment of $1,000.
</TABLE>
 
EFFECT OF THE CONTRACT MAINTENANCE FEE ON PERFORMANCE DATA
 
    The Contract provides for a $35 Annual Contract Maintenance Fee to be
deducted annually at the end of each Contract Year, from the Sub-Accounts based
on the proportion that the value of each such account bears to the total
Contract Account Value. For purposes of reflecting the Contract Maintenance Fee
in yield and total return quotations, the annual charge is converted into a per
dollar per day charge based on the average Variable Contract Value of all
Contracts on the last day of the period for which quotations are provided. The
per-dollar per-day average charge is then adjusted to reflect the basis upon
which the particular quotation is calculated.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
                         SAFEKEEPING OF ACCOUNT ASSETS
 
    Title to the assets of the Variable Account are held by Protective Life. The
assets are kept physically segregated and held separate and apart from the
Company's General Account assets and from the assets in any other separate
account.
 
    Records are maintained of all purchases and redemptions of Fund shares held
by each of the Sub-Accounts.
 
    The officers and employees of Protective Life are covered by an insurance
company blanket bond issued in the amount of $15 million dollars. The bond
insures against dishonest and fraudulent acts of officers and employees.
 
                                STATE REGULATION
 
    Protective Life is subject to regulation and supervision by the Department
of Insurance of the State of Tennessee which periodically examines its affairs.
It is also subject to the insurance laws and regulations of all jurisdictions
where it is authorized to do business. A copy of the Contract form has been
filed with, and where required approved by, insurance officials in each
jurisdiction where the Contracts are sold. Protective Life is required to submit
annual statements of its operations, including financial statements, to the
insurance departments of the various jurisdictions in which it does business for
the purposes of determining solvency and compliance with local insurance laws
and regulations.
 
                              RECORDS AND REPORTS
 
    Protective Life will maintain all records and accounts relating to the
Variable Account. As presently required by the 1940 Act and regulations
promulgated thereunder, reports containing such information as may be required
under the Act or by any other applicable law or regulation will be sent to
Owner(s) periodically at the last known address.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
    Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan of Washington, D.C. has provided advice on
certain matters relating to the federal securities laws.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
   
    The statement of assets and liabilities of The Protective Variable Annuity
Separate Account (comprised of seventeen sub-accounts) as of December 31, 1997
and 1996 and the related statements of operations and changes in net assets for
the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 included in this Statement of
Additional Information and in the registration statement have been included
herein in reliance on the report of Coopers and Lybrand L.L.P., independent
accountants, given on the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.
    
 
   
    The consolidated balance sheets of Protective Life as of December 31, 1997
and 1996 and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholder's equity
and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997
and the related financial statement schedules included in this Statement of
Additional Information and in the registration statement have been included
herein in reliance on the report of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent
accountants, given on the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.
    
 
                               OTHER INFORMATION
 
    A registration statement has been filed with the SEC under the Securities
Act of 1933 as amended, with respect to the Contracts discussed in this
Statement of Additional Information. Not all the information set forth in the
registration statement, amendments and exhibits thereto has been
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
included in this Statement of Additional Information. Statements contained in
this Statement of Additional Information concerning the content of the Contracts
and other legal instruments are intended to be summaries. For a complete
statement of the terms of these documents, reference should be made to the
instruments filed with the SEC at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20549.
 
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
   
    The audited statement of assets and liabilities of The Protective Variable
Annuity Separate Account (comprised of seventeen sub-accounts as of December 31,
1997 and 1996 and the related statements of operations and changes in net assets
for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 as well as the Report of
Independent Accountants are contained herein.
    
 
   
    The audited consolidated balance sheets for Protective Life as of December
31, 1997 and 1996 and the related consolidated statements of income,
stockholder's equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996
and 1995 as well as the Report of Independent Accountants are contained herein.
    
 
   
    Financial Statements follow this page.
    
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
   
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                    <C>
THE PROTECTIVE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT
Report of Independent Accountants....................................................        F-2
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 1997..........................        F-3
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 1996..........................        F-5
Statement of Operations for the period ended December 31, 1997.......................        F-6
Statement of Operations for the period ended December 31, 1996.......................        F-8
Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the period ended December 31, 1997............        F-9
Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the period ended December 31, 1996............       F-11
Notes to Financial Statements........................................................       F-12
 
PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Report of Independent Accountants....................................................       F-18
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended
 December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995....................................................       F-19
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and 1996.........................       F-20
Consolidated Statements of Stockholder's Equity for the years ended
 December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995....................................................       F-21
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
 December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995....................................................       F-22
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...........................................       F-23
Financial Statement Schedules:
Schedule III--Supplementary Insurance Information....................................        S-1
Schedule IV--Reinsurance.............................................................        S-2
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    All other schedules to the consolidated financial statements required by
Article 7 of Regulation S-X are not required under the related instructions or
are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.
    
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
   
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
    
 
   
To the Contractowners and Board of Directors
of Protective Life Insurance Company
    
 
   
    We have audited the financial statements of The Protective Variable Annuity
Separate Account (comprised of seventeen subaccounts) included on pages F-3
through F-16 of this registration statement on Form N-4. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the management of The Protective Variable
Annuity Separate Account. 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. Our procedures included
confirmation of shares owned as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, by correspondence
with the transfer agents. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
    
 
   
    In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of The Protective Variable
Annuity Separate Account as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, the results of its
operations, and the changes in its net assets for the years then ended, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
    
 
   
Birmingham, Alabama
March 5, 1998
    
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
                THE PROTECTIVE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT
                       STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES
                               DECEMBER 31, 1997
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      PIC            PIC                              PIC
                                       PIC          GROWTH &      INTERNAT'L          PIC          SMALL CAP         PIC
                                  MONEY MARKET       INCOME         EQUITY       GLOBAL INCOME       EQUITY     CORE US EQUITY
                                   SUB-ACCOUNT    SUB-ACCOUNT    SUB-ACCOUNT      SUB-ACCOUNT     SUB-ACCOUNT    SUB-ACCOUNT
                                  -------------   ------------  --------------   --------------   ------------  --------------
<S>                               <C>             <C>           <C>              <C>              <C>           <C>
ASSETS
Investment in sub-accounts at
 market value...................   $ 3,571,053    $355,505,039   $131,344,810     $ 48,720,463    $107,421,163   $176,791,623
Receivable from Protective Life
 Insurance Company..............        17,327         49,074             479                           6,003
                                  -------------   ------------  --------------   --------------   ------------  --------------
    Total Assets................     3,588,380    355,554,113     131,345,289       48,720,463    107,427,166     176,791,623
                                  -------------   ------------  --------------   --------------   ------------  --------------
LIABILITIES
Payable to Protective Life
 Insurance Company..............                                                            14                          2,581
                                  -------------   ------------  --------------   --------------   ------------  --------------
NET ASSETS......................   $ 3,588,380    $355,554,113   $131,345,289     $ 48,720,449    $107,427,166   $176,789,042
                                  -------------   ------------  --------------   --------------   ------------  --------------
                                  -------------   ------------  --------------   --------------   ------------  --------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                   ACACIA CAPITAL   ACACIA CAPITAL
                                                    CORPORATION      CORPORATION
                                       PIC         CRI SMALL CAP         CRI
                                  CAPITAL GROWTH       GROWTH          BALANCED
                                   SUB-ACCOUNT      SUB-ACCOUNT      SUB-ACCOUNT
                                  --------------   --------------   --------------
<S>                               <C>              <C>              <C>
ASSETS
Investment in sub-accounts at
 market value...................   $ 74,411,193     $    136,679     $  1,050,736
Receivable from Protective Life
 Insurance Company..............                                              155
                                  --------------   --------------   --------------
    Total Assets................     74,411,193          136,679        1,050,891
                                  --------------   --------------   --------------
LIABILITIES
Payable to Protective Life
 Insurance Company..............             12
                                  --------------   --------------   --------------
NET ASSETS......................   $ 74,411,181     $    136,679     $  1,050,891
                                  --------------   --------------   --------------
                                  --------------   --------------   --------------
</TABLE>
    
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
                THE PROTECTIVE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT
                       STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES
                               DECEMBER 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      MFS                          MFS            MFS      OPPENHEIMER               OPPENHEIMER
                                   EMERGING         MFS          GROWTH          TOTAL         CAP      OPPENHEIMER   GROWTH &
                                    GROWTH        RESEARCH      W/INCOME        RETURN     APPRECIATION   GROWTH       INCOME
                                  SUB-ACCOUNT   SUB-ACCOUNT    SUB-ACCOUNT    SUB-ACCOUNT  SUB-ACCOUNT  SUB-ACCOUNT  SUB-ACCOUNT
                                  -----------   ------------  -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                               <C>           <C>           <C>             <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
ASSETS
Investment in sub-accounts at
 market value...................  $3,320,856    $ 6,285,782    $ 2,671,278    $1,747,276   $2,613,453   $3,609,636   $2,931,384
Receivable from Protective Life
 Insurance Company..............                                                                                           728
                                  -----------   ------------  -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
    Total Assets................   3,320,856      6,285,782      2,671,278     1,747,276   2,613,453     3,609,636   2,932,112
                                  -----------   ------------  -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
LIABILITIES
Payable to Protective Life
 Insurance Company..............                                         1                                   1,092
                                  -----------   ------------  -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
NET ASSETS......................  $3,320,856    $ 6,285,782    $ 2,671,277    $1,747,276   $2,613,453   $3,608,544   $2,932,112
                                  -----------   ------------  -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                  -----------   ------------  -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 
<CAPTION>
                                  OPPENHEIMER
                                   STRATEGIC
                                     BOND
                                  SUB-ACCOUNT
                                  -----------
<S>                               <C>
ASSETS
Investment in sub-accounts at
 market value...................  $2,935,255
Receivable from Protective Life
 Insurance Company..............
                                  -----------
    Total Assets................   2,935,255
                                  -----------
LIABILITIES
Payable to Protective Life
 Insurance Company..............      14,633
                                  -----------
NET ASSETS......................  $2,920,622
                                  -----------
                                  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
   
                THE PROTECTIVE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT
                       STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   GROWTH AND   INTERNATIONAL                      SMALL CAP        SELECT
                                  MONEY MARKET       INCOME         EQUITY       GLOBAL INCOME       EQUITY         EQUITY
                                   SUB-ACCOUNT    SUB-ACCOUNT    SUB-ACCOUNT      SUB-ACCOUNT     SUB-ACCOUNT    SUB-ACCOUNT
                                  -------------   ------------  --------------   --------------   ------------  --------------
<S>                               <C>             <C>           <C>              <C>              <C>           <C>
ASSETS
Investment in Protective
 Investment Company at market
 value..........................   $ 6,106,516    $210,437,396   $ 96,613,499     $ 37,653,564    $64,304,118    $$101,547,462
Receivable from Protective Life
 Insurance Company..............                            67             32                1                              17
                                  -------------   ------------  --------------   --------------   ------------  --------------
    Total Assets................     6,106,516     210,437,463     96,613,531       37,653,565     64,304,118      101,547,479
                                  -------------   ------------  --------------   --------------   ------------  --------------
LIABILITIES
Payable to Protective Life
 Insurance Company..............             2                                                          1,837
                                  -------------   ------------  --------------   --------------   ------------  --------------
NET ASSETS......................   $ 6,106,514    $210,437,463   $ 96,613,531     $ 37,653,565    $64,302,281    $ 101,547,479
                                  -------------   ------------  --------------   --------------   ------------  --------------
                                  -------------   ------------  --------------   --------------   ------------  --------------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                  CAPITAL GROWTH
                                   SUB-ACCOUNT
                                  --------------
<S>                               <C>
ASSETS
Investment in Protective
 Investment Company at market
 value..........................   $ 30,194,123
Receivable from Protective Life
 Insurance Company..............              2
                                  --------------
    Total Assets................     30,194,125
                                  --------------
LIABILITIES
Payable to Protective Life
 Insurance Company..............
                                  --------------
NET ASSETS......................   $ 30,194,125
                                  --------------
                                  --------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
                See accompanying notes to financial statements.
    
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
                THE PROTECTIVE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT
                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       PIC             PIC                              PIC
                                        PIC          GROWTH &       INTERNAT'L          PIC          SMALL CAP          PIC
                                    MONEY MARKET      INCOME          EQUITY       GLOBAL INCOME       EQUITY      CORE US EQUITY
                                    SUB-ACCOUNT    SUB-ACCOUNT     SUB-ACCOUNT      SUB-ACCOUNT     SUB-ACCOUNT     SUB-ACCOUNT
                                    ------------   ------------   --------------   --------------   ------------   --------------
<S>                                 <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>              <C>            <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME
  Dividends.......................   $ 216,131      $2,530,403      $2,328,793       $3,987,063     $   311,079      $1,442,006
EXPENSE
  Mortality and expense risk and
   administrative charges.........      62,875       4,093,470       1,668,076          601,492       1,213,746       1,983,808
                                    ------------   ------------   --------------   --------------   ------------   --------------
  Net investment income (loss)....     153,256      (1,563,067)        660,717        3,385,571        (902,667)       (541,802)
                                    ------------   ------------   --------------   --------------   ------------   --------------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS
 ON INVESTMENTS
Net realized gain from redemption
 of investment shares.............           0           3,109           5,500            1,401          17,568             553
Capital gain distribution.........           0      47,260,910       7,212,859          603,653      11,826,478      13,990,186
                                    ------------   ------------   --------------   --------------   ------------   --------------
Net realized gain on
 investments......................           0      47,264,019       7,218,359          605,054      11,844,046      13,990,739
Net unrealized appreciation on
 investments during the period....           1      19,421,926      (5,637,373)        (450,116)     10,752,598      20,604,003
                                    ------------   ------------   --------------   --------------   ------------   --------------
Net realized and unrealized gain
 on investments...................           1      66,685,945       1,580,986          154,938      22,596,644      34,594,742
                                    ------------   ------------   --------------   --------------   ------------   --------------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
 RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS........   $ 153,257      $65,122,878     $2,241,703       $3,540,509     $21,693,977      $34,052,940
                                    ------------   ------------   --------------   --------------   ------------   --------------
                                    ------------   ------------   --------------   --------------   ------------   --------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                      ACACIA
                                                     CAPITAL         ACACIA
                                                   CORPORATION      CAPITAL
                                        PIC            CRI        CORPORATION
                                      CAPITAL       SMALL CAP         CRI
                                       GROWTH         GROWTH        BALANCED
                                    SUB-ACCOUNT    SUB-ACCOUNT    SUB-ACCOUNT
                                    ------------   ------------   ------------
<S>                                 <C>            <C>            <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME
  Dividends.......................  $   451,531    $         0    $    23,016
EXPENSE
  Mortality and expense risk and
   administrative charges.........      711,311            408          2,454
                                    ------------   ------------   ------------
  Net investment income (loss)....     (259,780)          (408)        20,562
                                    ------------   ------------   ------------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS
 ON INVESTMENTS
Net realized gain from redemption
 of investment shares.............         (554)           (12)            76
Capital gain distribution.........    4,665,040         12,282         49,926
                                    ------------   ------------   ------------
Net realized gain on
 investments......................    4,664,486         12,270         50,002
Net unrealized appreciation on
 investments during the period....    8,959,175        (12,845)       (53,486)
                                    ------------   ------------   ------------
Net realized and unrealized gain
 on investments...................   13,623,661           (575)        (3,484)
                                    ------------   ------------   ------------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
 RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS........  $13,363,881    $      (983)   $    17,078
                                    ------------   ------------   ------------
                                    ------------   ------------   ------------
</TABLE>
    
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
                THE PROTECTIVE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT
                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      MFS                          MFS            MFS      OPPENHEIMER               OPPENHEIMER
                                   EMERGING         MFS          GROWTH          TOTAL         CAP      OPPENHEIMER   GROWTH &
                                    GROWTH        RESEARCH      W/INCOME        RETURN     APPRECIATION   GROWTH       INCOME
                                  SUB-ACCOUNT   SUB-ACCOUNT    SUB-ACCOUNT    SUB-ACCOUNT  SUB-ACCOUNT  SUB-ACCOUNT  SUB-ACCOUNT
                                  -----------   ------------  -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                               <C>           <C>           <C>             <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME
  Dividends                       $        0    $         0    $    10,479    $       0    $      0     $       0    $  8,008
EXPENSE
  Mortality and expense risk and
   administrative charges.......      11,765         19,515          7,836        4,785       7,974        11,176       8,503
                                  -----------   ------------  -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  Net investment income
   (loss).......................     (11,765)       (19,515 )        2,643       (4,785  )   (7,974   )   (11,176  )     (495  )
                                  -----------   ------------  -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED
 GAINS ON INVESTMENTS
Net realized gain from
 redemption of investment
 shares.........................       2,267              7             92          202          11            19         118
Capital gain distribution.......           0              0         49,017            0           0             0           0
                                  -----------   ------------  -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Net realized gain on
 investments....................       2,267              7         49,109          202          11            19         118
Net unrealized appreciation on
 investments during the
 period.........................       2,208         13,033         41,478       48,443     (56,978   )    (9,267  )  109,900
                                  -----------   ------------  -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Net realized and unrealized gain
 on investments.................       4,475         13,040         90,587       48,645     (56,967   )    (9,248  )  110,018
                                  -----------   ------------  -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
 RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS......  $   (7,290)   $    (6,475 )  $    93,230    $  43,860    $(64,941   ) $ (20,424  ) $109,523
                                  -----------   ------------  -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                  -----------   ------------  -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 
<CAPTION>
                                  OPPENHEIMER
                                   STRATEGIC
                                     BOND
                                  SUB-ACCOUNT
                                  -----------
<S>                               <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME
  Dividends                       $  73,276
EXPENSE
  Mortality and expense risk and
   administrative charges.......      9,293
                                  -----------
  Net investment income
   (loss).......................     63,983
                                  -----------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED
 GAINS ON INVESTMENTS
Net realized gain from
 redemption of investment
 shares.........................         21
Capital gain distribution.......          0
                                  -----------
Net realized gain on
 investments....................         21
Net unrealized appreciation on
 investments during the
 period.........................    (22,462  )
                                  -----------
Net realized and unrealized gain
 on investments.................    (22,441  )
                                  -----------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
 RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS......  $  41,542
                                  -----------
                                  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
   
                THE PROTECTIVE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT
                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    GROWTH AND    INTERNATIONAL                      SMALL CAP
                                    MONEY MARKET      INCOME          EQUITY       GLOBAL INCOME       EQUITY      SELECT EQUITY
                                    SUB-ACCOUNT    SUB-ACCOUNT     SUB-ACCOUNT      SUB-ACCOUNT     SUB-ACCOUNT     SUB-ACCOUNT
                                    ------------   ------------   --------------   --------------   ------------   --------------
<S>                                 <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>              <C>            <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME
  Dividends.......................   $ 248,305      $3,507,449      $   38,511       $2,275,316     $   169,888      $1,160,405
EXPENSE
  Mortality and expense risk and
   administrative charges.........      71,685       2,340,504       1,098,610          461,193         785,356       1,112,352
                                    ------------   ------------   --------------   --------------   ------------   --------------
  Net investment income (loss)....     176,620       1,166,945      (1,060,099)       1,814,123        (615,468)         48,053
                                    ------------   ------------   --------------   --------------   ------------   --------------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS
 ON INVESTMENTS
Net realized gain from redemption
 of investment shares.............                     281,848         708,750           87,277          88,867         395,474
Capital gain distribution.........                  13,670,980       1,981,161          594,633       6,634,413       2,376,286
                                    ------------   ------------   --------------   --------------   ------------   --------------
Net realized gain on
 investments......................                  13,952,828       2,689,911          681,910       6,723,280       2,771,760
Net unrealized appreciation on
 investments during the period....                  24,330,426      10,642,866          244,006       2,301,054      11,947,834
                                    ------------   ------------   --------------   --------------   ------------   --------------
Net realized and unrealized gain
 on investments...................                  38,283,254      13,332,777          925,916       9,024,334      14,719,594
                                    ------------   ------------   --------------   --------------   ------------   --------------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
 RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS........   $ 176,620      $39,450,199     $12,272,678      $2,740,039     $ 8,408,866      $14,767,647
                                    ------------   ------------   --------------   --------------   ------------   --------------
                                    ------------   ------------   --------------   --------------   ------------   --------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                      CAPITAL
                                       GROWTH
                                    SUB-ACCOUNT
                                    ------------
<S>                                 <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME
  Dividends.......................  $   315,147
EXPENSE
  Mortality and expense risk and
   administrative charges.........      280,793
                                    ------------
  Net investment income (loss)....       34,354
                                    ------------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS
 ON INVESTMENTS
Net realized gain from redemption
 of investment shares.............      143,094
Capital gain distribution.........      399,865
                                    ------------
Net realized gain on
 investments......................      542,959
Net unrealized appreciation on
 investments during the period....    3,490,010
                                    ------------
Net realized and unrealized gain
 on investments...................    4,032,969
                                    ------------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
 RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS........  $ 4,067,323
                                    ------------
                                    ------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
                See accompanying notes to financial statements.
    
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
                THE PROTECTIVE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT
                       STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      PIC            PIC                              PIC
                                       PIC          GROWTH &      INTERNAT'L          PIC          SMALL CAP         PIC
                                  MONEY MARKET       INCOME         EQUITY       GLOBAL INCOME       EQUITY     CORE US EQUITY
                                   SUB-ACCOUNT    SUB-ACCOUNT    SUB-ACCOUNT      SUB-ACCOUNT     SUB-ACCOUNT    SUB-ACCOUNT
                                  -------------   ------------  --------------   --------------   ------------  --------------
<S>                               <C>             <C>           <C>              <C>              <C>           <C>
FROM OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)....   $   153,256    $(1,563,067 )  $    660,717     $  3,385,571    $  (902,667 )  $   (541,802)
Net realized gain on
 investments....................                   47,264,019       7,218,359          605,054     11,844,046      13,990,739
Net unrealized appreciation of
 investments during the
 period.........................             1     19,421,926      (5,637,373)        (450,116)    10,752,598      20,604,003
                                  -------------   ------------  --------------   --------------   ------------  --------------
Net increase in net assets
 resulting from operations......       153,257     65,122,878       2,241,703        3,540,509     21,693,977      34,052,940
                                  -------------   ------------  --------------   --------------   ------------  --------------
FROM VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACT
 TRANSACTIONS
Contractowners' net payments....     4,550,506     70,285,404      27,497,729        8,832,118     17,115,594      33,348,489
Contract maintenance fees.......        (1,861)      (119,996 )       (53,643)         (15,577)       (40,747 )       (57,679)
Surrenders......................    (2,124,233)   (10,448,724 )    (4,248,152)      (1,859,370)    (3,563,235 )    (5,804,052)
Death benefits..................       (90,244)    (2,020,758 )      (806,371)        (432,617)      (383,402 )      (952,669)
Transfer (to) from other
 portfolios.....................    (5,005,559)    22,297,846      10,100,492        1,001,821      8,302,698      14,654,534
                                  -------------   ------------  --------------   --------------   ------------  --------------
Net increase in net assets
 resulting from variable annuity
 contract transactions..........    (2,671,391)    79,993,772      32,490,055        7,526,375     21,430,908      41,188,623
                                  -------------   ------------  --------------   --------------   ------------  --------------
Total increase in net assets....    (2,518,134)   145,116,650      34,731,758       11,066,884     43,124,885      75,241,563
NET ASSETS
Beginning of Year...............     6,106,514    210,437,463      96,613,531       37,653,565     64,302,281     101,547,479
                                  -------------   ------------  --------------   --------------   ------------  --------------
End of Year.....................   $ 3,588,380    $355,554,113   $131,345,289     $ 48,720,449    $107,427,166   $176,789,042
                                  -------------   ------------  --------------   --------------   ------------  --------------
                                  -------------   ------------  --------------   --------------   ------------  --------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                   ACACIA CAPITAL
                                                    CORPORATION     ACACIA CAPITAL
                                                        CRI          CORPORATION
                                       PIC           SMALL CAP           CRI
                                  CAPITAL GROWTH       GROWTH          BALANCED
                                   SUB-ACCOUNT      SUB-ACCOUNT      SUB-ACCOUNT
                                  --------------   --------------   --------------
<S>                               <C>              <C>              <C>
FROM OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)....   $   (259,780)    $       (408)    $     20,562
Net realized gain on
 investments....................      4,664,486           12,270           50,002
Net unrealized appreciation of
 investments during the
 period.........................      8,959,175          (12,845)         (53,486)
                                  --------------   --------------   --------------
Net increase in net assets
 resulting from operations......     13,363,881             (983)          17,078
                                  --------------   --------------   --------------
FROM VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACT
 TRANSACTIONS
Contractowners' net payments....     23,501,411          107,775          954,698
Contract maintenance fees.......        (19,980)               7              (21)
Surrenders......................     (1,542,873)            (544)          (9,883)
Death benefits..................       (290,376)
Transfer (to) from other
 portfolios.....................      9,204,993           30,424           89,019
                                  --------------   --------------   --------------
Net increase in net assets
 resulting from variable annuity
 contract transactions..........     30,853,175          137,662        1,033,813
                                  --------------   --------------   --------------
Total increase in net assets....     44,217,056          136,679        1,050,891
NET ASSETS
Beginning of Year...............     30,194,125
                                  --------------   --------------   --------------
End of Year.....................   $ 74,411,181     $    136,679     $  1,050,891
                                  --------------   --------------   --------------
                                  --------------   --------------   --------------
</TABLE>
    
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
                THE PROTECTIVE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT
                       STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      MFS                          MFS            MFS      OPPENHEIMER               OPPENHEIMER
                                   EMERGING         MFS          GROWTH          TOTAL         CAP      OPPENHEIMER   GROWTH &
                                    GROWTH        RESEARCH      W/INCOME        RETURN     APPRECIATION   GROWTH       INCOME
                                  SUB-ACCOUNT   SUB-ACCOUNT    SUB-ACCOUNT    SUB-ACCOUNT  SUB-ACCOUNT  SUB-ACCOUNT  SUB-ACCOUNT
                                  -----------   ------------  -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                               <C>           <C>           <C>             <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
FROM OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)....  $  (11,765)   $   (19,515 )  $     2,643    $   (4,785 ) $  (7,974  ) $  (11,176 ) $    (495 )
Net realized gain on
 investments....................       2,267              7         49,109           202          11            19         118
Net unrealized appreciation of
 investments during the
 period.........................       2,208         13,033         41,478        48,443     (56,978  )     (9,267 )   109,900
                                  -----------   ------------  -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Net increase in net assets
 resulting from operations......      (7,290)        (6,475 )       93,230        43,860     (64,941  )    (20,424 )   109,523
                                  -----------   ------------  -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
FROM VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACT
 TRANSACTIONS
Contractowners' net payments....   2,503,454      4,920,127      2,051,786     1,145,999   2,107,943     2,994,586   2,158,105
Contract maintenance fees.......         307            (56 )           40           (55 )      (370  )        (22 )       (21 )
Surrenders......................      (8,914)       (32,833 )       (7,709)       (3,032 )   (19,335  )     (7,756 )   (13,263 )
Death benefits..................                                    (4,375)                                 (4,472 )
Transfer (to) from other
 portfolios.....................     833,299      1,405,019        538,305       560,504     590,156       646,632     677,768
                                  -----------   ------------  -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Net increase in net assets
 resulting from variable annuity
 contract transactions..........   3,328,146      6,292,257      2,578,047     1,703,416   2,678,394     3,628,968   2,822,589
                                  -----------   ------------  -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Total increase in net assets....   3,320,856      6,285,782      2,671,277     1,747,276   2,613,453     3,608,544   2,932,112
NET ASSETS
Beginning of Year...............
                                  -----------   ------------  -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
End of Year.....................  $3,320,856    $ 6,285,782    $ 2,671,277    $1,747,276   $2,613,453   $3,608,544   $2,932,112
                                  -----------   ------------  -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                  -----------   ------------  -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 
<CAPTION>
                                  OPPENHEIMER
                                   STRATEGIC
                                     BOND
                                  SUB-ACCOUNT
                                  -----------
<S>                               <C>
FROM OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)....  $   63,983
Net realized gain on
 investments....................          21
Net unrealized appreciation of
 investments during the
 period.........................     (22,462 )
                                  -----------
Net increase in net assets
 resulting from operations......      41,542
                                  -----------
FROM VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACT
 TRANSACTIONS
Contractowners' net payments....   1,948,790
Contract maintenance fees.......         429
Surrenders......................     (13,822 )
Death benefits..................
Transfer (to) from other
 portfolios.....................     943,683
                                  -----------
Net increase in net assets
 resulting from variable annuity
 contract transactions..........   2,879,080
                                  -----------
Total increase in net assets....   2,920,622
NET ASSETS
Beginning of Year...............
                                  -----------
End of Year.....................  $2,920,622
                                  -----------
                                  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>
   
                THE PROTECTIVE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT
                       STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    GROWTH AND     INTERNATIONAL                       SMALL CAP         SELECT
                                  MONEY MARKET        INCOME           EQUITY       GLOBAL INCOME       EQUITY           EQUITY
                                  SUB-ACCOUNT       SUB-ACCOUNT     SUB-ACCOUNT      SUB-ACCOUNT      SUB-ACCOUNT     SUB-ACCOUNT
                                ----------------   -------------   --------------   --------------   -------------   --------------
<S>                             <C>                <C>             <C>              <C>              <C>             <C>
FROM OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)..  $     176,620      $   1,166,945    $ (1,060,099)    $  1,814,123    $   (615,468)    $      48,053
Net realized gain on
 investments..................                        13,952,828       2,689,911          681,910       6,723,280         2,771,760
Net unrealized appreciation of
 investments during the
 period.......................                        24,330,426      10,642,866          244,006       2,301,054        11,947,834
                                ----------------   -------------   --------------   --------------   -------------   --------------
Net increase in net assets
 resulting from operations....        176,620         39,450,199      12,272,678        2,740,039       8,408,866        14,767,647
                                ----------------   -------------   --------------   --------------   -------------   --------------
FROM VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACT
 TRANSACTIONS
Contractowners' net
 payments.....................      3,253,963         32,897,893      21,531,594        7,193,776      11,302,973        22,772,322
Contract maintenance fees.....         (1,848)           (97,514)        (44,293)         (14,330)        (35,324)          (41,846)
Surrenders....................     (1,685,935)        (4,734,273)     (2,001,419)      (1,335,682)     (1,991,392)       (2,341,900)
Death benefits................        (23,760)        (1,013,995)       (524,985)        (297,967)       (446,636)         (382,788)
Transfer (to) from other
 portfolios...................       (130,107)        17,202,066      10,331,059        1,886,745       4,344,711        11,517,266
                                ----------------   -------------   --------------   --------------   -------------   --------------
Net increase in net assets
 resulting from variable
 annuity contract
 transactions.................      1,412,313         44,254,177      29,291,956        7,432,542      13,174,332        31,523,054
                                ----------------   -------------   --------------   --------------   -------------   --------------
Capital withdrawal by
 Protective Life Insurance
 Company......................       (552,800)        (1,356,579)     (3,832,052)      (3,604,323)     (1,098,162)       (1,471,036)
                                ----------------   -------------   --------------   --------------   -------------   --------------
Total increase in net assets..      1,036,133         82,347,797      37,732,582        6,568,258      20,485,036        44,819,665
NET ASSETS
Beginning of Year.............      5,070,381        128,089,666      58,880,949       31,085,307      43,817,245        56,727,814
                                ----------------   -------------   --------------   --------------   -------------   --------------
End of Year...................  $   6,106,514      $ 210,437,463    $ 96,613,531     $ 37,653,565    $ 64,302,281     $ 101,547,479
                                ----------------   -------------   --------------   --------------   -------------   --------------
                                ----------------   -------------   --------------   --------------   -------------   --------------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                CAPITAL GROWTH
                                 SUB-ACCOUNT
                                --------------
<S>                             <C>
FROM OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)..   $     34,354
Net realized gain on
 investments..................        542,959
Net unrealized appreciation of
 investments during the
 period.......................      3,490,010
                                --------------
Net increase in net assets
 resulting from operations....      4,067,323
                                --------------
FROM VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACT
 TRANSACTIONS
Contractowners' net
 payments.....................     11,385,928
Contract maintenance fees.....         (9,250)
Surrenders....................       (581,887)
Death benefits................        (91,171)
Transfer (to) from other
 portfolios...................      5,858,727
                                --------------
Net increase in net assets
 resulting from variable
 annuity contract
 transactions.................     16,562,347
                                --------------
Capital withdrawal by
 Protective Life Insurance
 Company......................     (1,151,508)
                                --------------
Total increase in net assets..     19,478,162
NET ASSETS
Beginning of Year.............     10,715,963
                                --------------
End of Year...................   $ 30,194,125
                                --------------
                                --------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
                See accompanying notes to financial statements.
    
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>
   
                THE PROTECTIVE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT
                      OF PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                       NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
    
 
   
1.  ORGANIZATION
    
   
    The Protective Variable Annuity Separate Account (Separate Account) was
established by Protective Life Insurance Company (Protective Life) under the
provisions of Tennessee law and commenced operations on March 14, 1994. The
Separate Account is an investment account to which net proceeds from individual
flexible premium deferred variable annuity contracts (the Contracts) are
allocated until maturity or termination of the Contracts.
    
 
   
    Protective Life has structured the Separate Account into a unit investment
trust form registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The Separate Account is comprised of
seven proprietary sub-accounts and ten independent sub-accounts. The seven
proprietary sub-accounts are the Money Market, Growth and Income, International
Equity, Global Income, Small Cap Equity, CORE US Equity, and Capital Growth sub-
accounts. The Capital Growth sub-account was added June 13, 1995, with sales
beginning July 3, 1995. Funds are transferred to Protective Investment Company
(the Fund) in exchange for shares of the corresponding portfolio of the Fund.
    
 
   
    The ten independent sub-accounts are the Acacia Capital Corporation CRI
Small Cap Growth, Acacia Capital Corporation CRI Balanced, MFS Emerging Growth,
MFS Research, MFS Growth with Income, MFS Total Return, Oppenheimer Capital
Appreciation, Oppenheimer Growth, Oppenheimer Growth & Income, and Oppenheimer
Strategic Bond sub-accounts. The Acacia Capital Corporation CRI Small Cap Growth
and Acacia Capital Corporation CRI Balanced subaccounts were added July 1, 1997,
with sales beginning July 1, 1997. On January 1, 1998, the Acacia Capital
Corporation CRI Small Cap Growth and Acacia Capital Corporation CRI Balanced
funds were renamed the Calvert Social Small Cap Growth and Calvert Social
Balanced Funds. The MFS Emerging Growth, Research, Growth with Income, and Total
Return subaccounts were added July 1, 1997, with sales beginning July 1, 1997.
The Oppenheimer Capital Appreciation, Growth, Growth & Income, and Strategic
Bond subaccounts were added July 1, 1997, with sales beginning July 1, 1997. The
Fund invests contractholder's funds in exchange for shares in the independent
funds. The Fund then holds the shares for the contractowners.
    
 
   
    Gross premiums from the Contracts are allocated to the sub-accounts in
accordance with contractowner instructions and are recorded as variable annuity
contract transactions in the statement of changes in net assets. Such amounts
are used to provide money to pay contract values under the Contracts (Note 4).
The Separate Account's assets are the property of Protective Life.
    
 
   
    Contractowners may allocate some or all of gross premiums or transfer some
or all of the contract value to the fixed account, which is part of Protective
Life's general account. The assets of Protective Life's general account support
its insurance and annuity obligations and are subject to Protective Life's
general liabilities from business operations.
    
 
   
    Transfers to/from other portfolios, included in the statement of changes in
net assets, are transfers between the individual sub-accounts and the
sub-accounts and the fixed account.
    
 
   
2.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
    
 
   
    INVESTMENT VALUATION:  Investments are made in shares and are valued at the
net asset values of the respective portfolios. Transactions with the Funds are
recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date.
    
 
   
    REALIZED GAINS AND LOSSES:  Realized gains and losses on investments include
gains and losses on redemptions of the Fund's shares (determined on the last-in-
first-out (LIFO) basis) and capital gain distributions from the Fund.
    
 
   
    DIVIDEND INCOME AND CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS:  Dividend income and capital
gain distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions are from
net investment income and net realized gains recorded in the Investment Company
financials.
    
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>
   
                THE PROTECTIVE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT
                      OF PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
 
   
2.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    
   
    USE OF ESTIMATES:  The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
various estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, at
the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of income
and expenses, during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from
those estimates.
    
 
   
    FEDERAL INCOME TAXES:  The operation of the Separate Account is included in
the Federal income tax return of Protective Life. Under the provisions of the
Contracts, Protective Life has the right to charge the Separate Account for
Federal income tax attributable to the Separate Account. No charge is currently
being made against the Separate Account for such tax.
    
 
   
    RECLASSIFICATIONS:  Certain reclassifications have been made in previously
reported financial statements and accompanying notes to make the prior year
amounts comparable to those of the current year. Such reclassifications had no
effect on previously reported net assets.
    
 
   
3.  INVESTMENTS
    
   
    At December 31, 1997, the investments by the respective sub-accounts were as
follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          SHARES            COST          MARKET VALUE
                                                       -------------  ----------------  ----------------
<S>                                                    <C>            <C>               <C>
Money Market.........................................      3,571,053  $      3,571,053  $      3,571,053
Growth and Income....................................     22,555,045  $    297,181,881  $    355,531,568
International Equity.................................     10,548,201  $    120,773,576  $    131,344,833
Global Income........................................      4,807,861  $     48,410,709  $     48,720,458
Small Cap Equity.....................................      9,161,219  $     94,914,942  $    107,422,261
CORE US Equity.......................................      9,603,792  $    135,912,917  $    176,791,590
Capital Growth.......................................      4,703,701  $     61,781,865  $     74,411,188
Acacia Capital Corporation CRI Small Cap Equity......         11,390  $        149,525  $        136,679
Acacia Capital Corporation CRI Balanced..............        530,139  $      1,104,222  $      1,050,736
MFS Emerging Growth..................................        205,753  $      3,318,647  $      3,320,856
MFS Research.........................................        398,086  $      6,272,749  $      6,285,782
MFS Growth With Income...............................        162,486  $      2,629,799  $      2,671,278
MFS Total Return.....................................        105,068  $      1,698,832  $      1,747,276
Oppenheimer Capital Appreciation.....................         63,805  $      2,670,431  $      2,613,453
Oppenheimer Growth...................................        111,271  $      3,618,902  $      3,609,636
Oppenheimer Growth & Income..........................        142,438  $      2,821,485  $      2,931,384
Oppenheimer Strategic Bond...........................        573,292  $      2,957,717  $      2,935,255
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    At December 31, 1996, the investments by the respective sub-accounts were as
follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          SHARES            COST          MARKET VALUE
                                                       -------------  ----------------  ----------------
<S>                                                    <C>            <C>               <C>
Money Market.........................................      6,106,516  $      6,106,516  $      6,106,516
Growth and Income....................................     14,837,344  $    171,509,698  $    210,437,396
International Equity.................................      7,509,791  $     80,404,907  $     96,613,499
Global Income........................................      3,699,891  $     36,893,699  $     37,653,564
Small Cap Equity.....................................      6,416,426  $     62,547,565  $     64,304,118
Select Equity........................................      6,578,183  $     81,272,809  $    101,547,462
Capital Growth.......................................      2,387,531  $     26,523,976  $     30,194,123
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>
   
                THE PROTECTIVE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT
                      OF PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
 
   
3.  INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
   
    During the year ended December 31, 1997, transactions in shares were as
follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    MONEY      GROWTH &    INTERNATIONAL   GLOBAL        SMALL       CORE US      CAPITAL
                                   MARKET       INCOME        EQUITY       INCOME       CAPITAL      EQUITY       GROWTH*
                                 -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                              <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Shares purchased...............    7,384,722    4,568,466    2,382,529       880,418    1,889,641    2,256,497    1,994,733
Shares received from
 reinvestment of dividends.....      216,131    3,243,711      771,149       452,653    1,052,027      856,997      330,376
                                 -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Total shares acquired..........    7,600,353    7,812,177    3,153,678     1,333,071    2,941,668    3,113,494    2,325,109
Shares redeemed................  (10,135,816)     (94,476)    (115,268)     (225,101)    (196,875)     (87,885)      (8,939)
                                 -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Net increase in shares owned...   (2,535,463)   7,717,701    3,038,410     1,107,970    2,744,793    3,025,609    2,316,170
Shares owned, beginning of the
 period........................    6,106,516   14,837,344    7,509,791     3,669,891    6,416,426    6,578,183    2,387,531
                                 -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Shares owned, end of the
 period........................    3,571,053   22,555,045   10,548,201     4,807,861    9,161,219    9,603,792    4,703,701
                                 -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                 -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Cost of shares acquired........  $ 7,600,353  $127,303,311  $41,961,893  $13,885,758  $34,688,924  $56,301,000  $35,386,576
                                 -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                 -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Cost of shares redeemed........  $(10,135,816) $(1,631,128)  $(1,593,224) $(2,368,748) $(2,321,547) $(1,660,892) $  (128,687)
                                 -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                 -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
   
* date of inception, June 13, 1995
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        ACACIA CAPITAL   ACACIA CAPITAL       MFS                                             OPPENHEIMER
                        CORPORATION CRI  CORPORATION CRI   EMERGING        MFS      MFS GROWTH    MFS TOTAL     CAPITAL
                          SMALL CAP*        BALANCED*       GROWTH*     RESEARCH*   W/ INCOME*     RETURN*      APPREC*
                        ---------------  ---------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
<S>                     <C>              <C>              <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Shares purchased......         10,417          496,705        212,328      398,087      160,174      107,942       63,852
Shares received from
 reinvestment of
 dividends............          1,023           36,802              0            0        3,695            0            0
                        ---------------  ---------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Total shares
 acquired.............         11,440          533,507        212,328      398,087      163,869      107,942       63,852
Shares redeemed.......            (60)          (3,368)        (6,575)          (1)      (1,383)      (2,874)         (47)
                        ---------------  ---------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Net increase in shares
 owned................         11,380          530,139        205,573      398,086      162,486      105,068       63,805
Shares owned,
 beginning of the
 period...............              0                0              0            0            0            0            0
                        ---------------  ---------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Shares owned, end of
 the period...........         11,380          530,139        205,573      398,086      162,486      105,068       63,805
                        ---------------  ---------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
                        ---------------  ---------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Cost of shares
 acquired.............    $   150,314      $ 1,111,207    $ 3,422,009  $ 6,272,771  $ 2,652,475  $ 1,745,363   $2,672,447
                        ---------------  ---------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
                        ---------------  ---------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Cost of shares
 redeemed.............    $      (790)     $    (6,985)   $  (103,362) $       (22) $   (22,676) $   (46,531)  $   (2,016)
                        ---------------  ---------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
                        ---------------  ---------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
   
* date of inception, July 1, 1997
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          OPPENHEIMER     OPPENHEIMER       OPPENHEIMER
                                                            GROWTH*     GROWTH & INCOME*  STRATEGIC BOND*
                                                         -------------  ----------------  ----------------
<S>                                                      <C>            <C>               <C>
Shares purchased.......................................        111,304           142,438           599,683
Shares received from reinvestment of dividends.........              0               405            14,325
                                                         -------------  ----------------  ----------------
Total shares acquired..................................        111,304           143,401           614,008
Shares redeemed........................................            (33)             (963)          (40,716)
                                                         -------------  ----------------  ----------------
Net increase in shares owned...........................        111,271           142,438           573,292
Shares owned, beginning of the period..................              0                 0                 0
                                                         -------------  ----------------  ----------------
Shares owned, end of the period........................        111,271           142,438           573,292
                                                         -------------  ----------------  ----------------
                                                         -------------  ----------------  ----------------
Cost of shares acquired................................  $   3,619,878  $      2,840,522  $      3,167,524
                                                         -------------  ----------------  ----------------
                                                         -------------  ----------------  ----------------
Cost of shares redeemed................................  $        (976) $        (19,037) $       (209,807)
                                                         -------------  ----------------  ----------------
                                                         -------------  ----------------  ----------------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
   
* date of inception, July 1, 1997
    
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>
   
                THE PROTECTIVE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT
                      OF PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
 
   
3.  INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
   
    During the year ended December 31, 1996, transactions in shares were as
follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   MONEY      GROWTH &    INTERNATIONAL   GLOBAL      SMALL CAP     SELECT       CAPITAL
                                  MARKET       INCOME        EQUITY       INCOME       EQUITY       EQUITY       GROWTH*
                                -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                             <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Shares purchased..............   10,013,890    3,458,329    2,374,625       866,789    1,384,189    2,173,261    1,447,658
Shares received from
 reinvestment of dividends....      247,679    1,220,863      159,071       282,658      689,037      225,031       56,182
                                -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Total shares acquired.........   10,261,569    4,679,192    2,533,696     1,149,447    2,073,226    2,398,292    1,503,840
Shares redeemed...............   (9,224,778)    (342,748)    (351,227)     (535,106)    (346,753)    (147,137)    (126,023)
                                -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Net increase in shares
 owned........................    1,036,791    4,336,444    2,182,469       614,341    1,726,473    2,251,155    1,377,817
Shares owned, beginning of the
 period.......................    5,069,725   10,500,900    5,327,322     3,085,550    4,689,953    4,327,028    1,009,714
                                -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Shares owned, end of the
 period.......................    6,106,516   14,837,344    7,509,791     3,699,891    6,416,426    6,578,183    2,387,531
                                -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Cost of shares acquired.......  $10,260,885  $62,406,535   $30,711,029  $11,715,743  $21,754,619  $34,540,135  $17,294,534
                                -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Cost of shares redeemed.......  $(9,224,094) $(4,375,417)  $(3,583,069) $(5,391,516) $(3,583,202) $(1,664,451) $(1,306,385)
                                -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
   
* date of inception, June 13, 1995
    
 
   
4.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
    
   
    Contractowners' net payments represent premiums received from policyholders
less certain deductions made by Protective Life. These deductions may include
(1) premium tax charges, (2) surrender charges, and (3) transfer fees.
    
 
   
    There are no sales expenses deducted from premiums at the time the premiums
are paid.
    
 
   
    Premium taxes, when applicable, will be deducted, as provided under
applicable law, either from premiums when received, upon full or partial
surrenders of the contract or from the amount applied to effect an annuity at
the time annuity payments commence.
    
 
   
    If a Contract has not been in force for six years, upon surrender or for
certain withdrawals, a surrender charge is deducted from the proceeds. Surrender
charges may be decreased or waived on Contracts meeting certain restrictions as
determined by Protective Life. Surrender charges of $600,919 and $355,926 were
assessed on surrenders of $30,524,253 and $14,672,488 during 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
    
 
   
    Protective Life has the right to charge $25 for each transfer after the
first twelve transfers in any contract year. No transfer fees were assessed in
1997 or 1996, as no customer has requested more than twelve transfers in a
contract year.
    
 
   
    An administrative charge is assessed on an annual basis equal to .15% of the
daily net asset value of each sub-account in the Separate Account.
    
 
   
    The Separate Account is charged a daily mortality and expense risk charge at
an annual rate of 1.25% of the net asset value of each Sub-Account. Protective
Life assumes mortality risk in that annuitants may live for a longer period of
time than estimated when the guarantees in the Contract were established. The
expense risk that Protective Life assumes is the risk that administrative
charges, contract maintenance fees, and transfer fees may be insufficient to
cover actual future expenses. The mortality risk that Protective Life assumes
also includes a guarantee to pay a death benefit if the contractowner dies
before the annuity commencement date. The death benefit payable to the
designated beneficiary depends on the age of the deceased owner on the date of
death and the provision for death benefits at the purchase date of the annuity.
If the policy was purchased before May 1, 1996, the guaranteed death benefit is
equal to the sum of : (1) the Fixed Account Value (payable directly form
Protective Life); plus (2) the greater of: (a) the Separate Account value; or
(b) the total
    
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
   
                THE PROTECTIVE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT
                      OF PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
 
   
4.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)
    
   
net premiums allocated to the Separate Account less previous transfers from the
Separate Account, partial surrenders, and any applicable surrender charges and
contract maintenance fees, increased by amounts transferred to the Separate
Account and interest at a compounded annual effective interest rate of 5%
credited as of each contract anniversary up to any contractowner's 80th
birthday. If the policy was purchased after May 1, 1996, and the owners death is
prior to the Owner's 90th birthday, the Death Benefit is the greater of: (1) the
Contract Value; or (2) total Purchase Payments made under the Contract reduced
by any partial surrenders, withdrawals and associated Surrender Charges ; or (3)
the Maximum Anniversary Value. If the Owner's death occurs after the deceased
Owner's 90th birthday, the Death Benefit is the Contract Value.
    
 
   
    A contract maintenance fee of $35 is deducted on each contract anniversary
date, and on any day that the contract is surrendered, if such surrender occurs
on any day other than the contract anniversary date. The contract fee may be
waived under certain circumstances. Contract maintenance fees assessed were
$309,245 and $244,405 during 1997 and 1996, respectively.
    
 
   
    The net assets of each sub-account of the Separate Account reflect the
investment management fees and other operating expenses incurred by the Funds.
    
 
   
    Protective Life offers a loan privilege to contractowners of section 403(b)
policies that are not subject to Title I of ERISA. Such contractowners may
obtain loans using the Contract as the only security for the loan. Loans are
subject to provisions of The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and to
applicable retirement program rules. Loans outstanding approximated $395,000 and
$289,000 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
    
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                    <C>
Report of Independent Accountants....................................................       F-18
 
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and
  1995...............................................................................       F-19
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and 1996.........................       F-20
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholder's Equity for the years ended December 31,
  1997, 1996, and 1995...............................................................       F-21
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996,
  and 1995...........................................................................       F-22
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...........................................       F-23
 
Financial Statement Schedules:
 
  Schedule III -- Supplementary Insurance Information................................        S-1
 
  Schedule IV -- Reinsurance.........................................................        S-2
</TABLE>
    
 
    All other schedules to the consolidated financial statements required by
Article 7 of Regulation
S-X are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and
therefore have been omitted.
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Directors and Stockholder
Protective Life Insurance Company
Birmingham, Alabama
 
   
    We have audited the consolidated financial statements and the financial
statement schedules of Protective Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries listed
in the index on page F-17 of this Form N-4. These financial statements and
financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements and financial statement schedules 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 Protective Life
Insurance Company and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles. In addition, in our opinion, the financial
statement schedules referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic
financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects,
the information required to be included therein.
 
                                          COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
February 11, 1998
Birmingham, Alabama
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>
                       PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                            --------------------------------
                                                               1997       1996       1995
                                                            ----------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                         <C>         <C>        <C>
REVENUES
  Premiums and policy fees (net of reinsurance ceded:
    1997-$334,899; 1996-$308,174; 1995-$333,173)..........  $  480,206  $ 462,050  $ 411,682
  Net investment income...................................     557,488    498,781    458,433
  Realized investment gains...............................       1,824      5,510      1,951
  Other income............................................       6,149      5,010      1,355
                                                            ----------  ---------  ---------
                                                             1,045,667    971,351    873,421
                                                            ----------  ---------  ---------
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
  Benefits and settlement expenses (net of reinsurance
    ceded: 1997-$180,605; 1996-$215,424; 1995-$247,224)...     658,872    626,893    553,100
  Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs.......     107,175     91,001     82,700
  Other operating expenses (net of reinsurance ceded:
    1997-$90,045; 1996-$81,839; 1995-$84,855).............     129,870    128,148    119,888
                                                            ----------  ---------  ---------
                                                               895,917    846,042    755,688
                                                            ----------  ---------  ---------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX..................................     149,750    125,309    117,733
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)
  Current.................................................      66,283     44,908     47,009
  Deferred................................................     (13,981)    (2,142)    (6,972)
                                                            ----------  ---------  ---------
                                                                52,302     42,766     40,037
                                                            ----------  ---------  ---------
NET INCOME................................................  $   97,448  $  82,543  $  77,696
                                                            ----------  ---------  ---------
                                                            ----------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>
                       PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                DECEMBER 31
                                                                                          -----------------------
                                                                                             1997         1996
                                                                                          -----------  ----------
<S>                                                                                       <C>          <C>
ASSETS
Investments:
  Fixed maturities, at market (amortized cost: 1997-$6,221,871; 1996-$4,648,525)........  $ 6,348,252  $4,662,997
  Equity securities, at market (cost: 1997-$24,983; 1996-$31,669).......................       15,006      35,250
  Mortgage loans on real estate.........................................................    1,313,478   1,503,781
  Investment real estate, net of accumulated depreciation (1997-$671; 1996-$911)........       13,469      14,172
  Policy loans..........................................................................      194,109     166,704
  Other long-term investments...........................................................       54,704      29,193
  Short-term investments................................................................       54,337     101,215
                                                                                          -----------  ----------
    Total investments...................................................................    7,993,355   6,513,312
Cash....................................................................................       39,197     114,384
Accrued investment income...............................................................       94,095      70,541
Accounts and premiums receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible amounts
  (1997-$5,292; 1996-$2,525)............................................................       42,255      43,469
Reinsurance receivables.................................................................      591,457     332,614
Deferred policy acquisition costs.......................................................      632,605     488,201
Property and equipment, net.............................................................       36,407      35,489
Other assets............................................................................       14,445      14,636
Assets related to separate accounts.....................................................      931,465     550,697
                                                                                          -----------  ----------
                                                                                          $10,375,281  $8,163,343
                                                                                          -----------  ----------
                                                                                          -----------  ----------
LIABILITIES
Policy liabilities and accruals:
  Future policy benefits and claims.....................................................  $ 3,324,294  $2,448,449
  Unearned premiums.....................................................................      396,696     257,553
                                                                                          -----------  ----------
                                                                                            3,720,990   2,706,002
Guaranteed investment contract deposits.................................................    2,684,676   2,474,728
Annuity deposits........................................................................    1,511,553   1,331,067
Other policyholders' funds..............................................................      183,324     142,221
Other liabilities.......................................................................      246,081     117,847
Accrued income taxes....................................................................          941       1,854
Deferred income taxes...................................................................       49,417      37,722
Indebtedness to related parties.........................................................       28,055      25,014
Liabilities related to separate accounts................................................      931,465     550,697
                                                                                          -----------  ----------
    Total liabilities...................................................................    9,356,502   7,387,152
                                                                                          -----------  ----------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES -- NOTE G
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value, shares authorized and issued: 2,000, liquidation
  preference $2,000.....................................................................            2           2
Common Stock, $1.00 par value...........................................................        5,000       5,000
  Shares authorized and issued: 5,000,000
Additional paid-in capital..............................................................      327,992     237,992
Note receivable from PLC Employee Stock Ownership Plan..................................       (5,378)     (5,579)
Retained earnings.......................................................................      629,436     532,088
Accumulated other comprehensive income
  Net unrealized gains on investments (net of income tax: 1997-$33,238; 1996-$3,601)....       61,727       6,688
                                                                                          -----------  ----------
    Total stockholder's equity..........................................................    1,018,779     776,191
                                                                                          -----------  ----------
                                                                                          $10,375,281  $8,163,343
                                                                                          -----------  ----------
                                                                                          -----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>
                       PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               NOTE
                                                                ADDITIONAL  RECEIVABLE             NET UNREALIZED      TOTAL
                                              PREFERRED  COMMON  PAID-IN     FROM PLC   RETAINED   GAINS (LOSSES)  STOCKHOLDER'S
                                                STOCK    STOCK   CAPITAL       ESOP     EARNINGS   ON INVESTMENTS     EQUITY
                                              ---------  ------ ----------  ----------  ---------  --------------  -------------
<S>                                           <C>        <C>    <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>             <C>
Balance, December 31, 1994...................            $5,000  $126,494    $(5,936)   $ 377,049    $(107,532)      $ 395,075
                                                                                                                   -------------
  Net income for 1995........................                                              77,696                       77,696
  Increase in net unrealized gains on
    investments (net of income tax:
    $89,742).................................                                                          166,663         166,663
  Reclassification adjustment for amounts
    included in net income (net of income
    tax: $(683)).............................                                                           (1,268)         (1,268)
                                                                                                                   -------------
  Comprehensive income for 1995..............                                                                          243,091
                                                                                                                   -------------
  Common dividends ($1.00 per share).........                                              (5,000)                      (5,000)
  Preferred dividends ($50 per share)........                                                (100)                        (100)
  Capital contribution from PLC..............                      18,000                                               18,000
  Decrease in note receivable form PLC
    ESOP.....................................                                    171                                       171
                                                 --
                                                         ------ ----------  ----------  ---------  --------------  -------------
Balance, December 31, 1995...................            5,000    144,494     (5,765)     449,645       57,863         651,237
                                                                                                                   -------------
  Net income for 1996........................                                              82,543                       82,543
  Decrease in net unrealized gains on
    investments (net of income tax:
    $(25,627)................................                                                          (47,593)        (47,593)
  Reclassification adjustment for amounts
    included in net income (net of income
    tax: $(1,928))...........................                                                           (3,582)         (3,582)
                                                                                                                   -------------
  Comprehensive income for 1996..............                                                                           31,368
                                                                                                                   -------------
  Redemption feature of preferred stock
    removed-Note I...........................    $2                 1,998                                                2,000
  Preferred dividends ($50 per share)........                                                (100)                        (100)
  Capital contribution from PLC..............                      91,500                                               91,500
  Decrease in note receivable from PLC
    ESOP.....................................                                    186                                       186
                                                 --
                                                         ------ ----------  ----------  ---------  --------------  -------------
Balance, December 31, 1996...................     2      5,000    237,992     (5,579)     532,088        6,688         776,191
                                                                                                                   -------------
  Net income for 1997........................                                              97,448                       97,448
  Increase in net unrealized gains on
    investments (net of income tax-
    $30,275).................................                                                           56,225          56,225
  Reclassification adjustment for amounts
    included in net income (net of income
    tax: $(638)).............................                                                           (1,186)         (1,186)
                                                                                                                   -------------
  Comprehensive income for 1997..............                                                                          152,487
                                                                                                                   -------------
  Preferred dividends ($50 per share)........                                                (100)                        (100)
  Capital contribution from PLC..............                      90,000                                               90,000
  Decrease in note receivable from PLC
    ESOP.....................................                                    201                                       201
                                                 --
                                                         ------ ----------  ----------  ---------  --------------  -------------
Balance, December 31, 1997...................    $2      $5,000  $327,992    $(5,378)   $ 629,436    $  61,727       $1,018,779
                                                 --
                                                 --
                                                         ------ ----------  ----------  ---------  --------------  -------------
                                                         ------ ----------  ----------  ---------  --------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>
                       PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  DECEMBER 31
                                                                     -------------------------------------
                                                                        1997         1996         1995
                                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  Net income.......................................................  $    97,448  $    82,543  $    77,696
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
    operating activities:
    Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs..............      107,175       91,001       84,501
    Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs............     (135,211)     (77,078)     (89,266)
    Depreciation expense...........................................        5,124        5,333        4,317
    Deferred income taxes..........................................      (17,918)      (2,442)      (6,971)
    Accrued income taxes...........................................       (5,558)         893        5,537
    Interest credited to universal life and investment products....      299,004      280,377      286,710
    Policy fees assessed on universal life and investment
      products.....................................................     (131,582)    (116,401)    (100,840)
    Change in accrued investment income and other receivables......     (158,798)     (70,987)    (161,924)
    Change in policy liabilities and other policyholder funds of
      traditional life and health products.........................      279,522      133,621      201,353
    Change in other liabilities....................................       65,393        7,209       (3,270)
    Other (net)....................................................       (1,133)      (4,281)      (6,634)
                                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities..........................      403,466      329,788      291,209
                                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Maturities and principal reduction of investments:
    Investments available for sale.................................    6,462,663    1,327,323    2,014,060
    Other..........................................................      324,242      168,898       78,568
  Sale of investments:
    Investment available for sale..................................    1,108,058    1,569,119    1,523,454
    Other..........................................................      695,270      568,218      141,184
  Cost of investments acquired:
    Investments available for sale.................................   (8,428,804)  (3,798,631)  (3,626,877)
    Other..........................................................     (718,335)    (400,322)    (540,648)
  Acquisitions and bulk reinsurance assumptions....................     (169,124)     264,126
  Purchase of property and equipment...............................       (6,087)      (6,899)      (5,629)
  Sale of property and equipment...................................        2,681          288          286
                                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
Net cash used in investing activities..............................     (729,436)    (307,880)    (415,602)
                                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Borrowings under line of credit arrangements and long-term
    debt...........................................................    1,159,538      941,438    1,162,700
  Capital contribution from PLC....................................       90,000       91,500       18,000
  Principal payments on line of credit arrangements and long-term
    debt...........................................................   (1,159,538)    (941,438)  (1,162,700)
  Principal payment on surplus note to PLC.........................       (4,693)     (10,000)      (4,750)
  Dividends to stockholder.........................................         (100)        (100)      (5,100)
  Investment product deposits and change in universal life
    deposits.......................................................      910,659      949,122      908,063
  Investment product withdrawals...................................     (745,083)    (944,244)    (785,622)
                                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
Net cash provided by financing activities..........................      250,783       86,278      130,591
                                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH........................................      (75,187)     108,186        6,198
CASH AT BEGINNING OF YEAR..........................................      114,384        6,198            0
                                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
CASH AT END OF YEAR................................................  $    39,197  $   114,384  $     6,198
                                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
  Cash paid during the year:
    Interest on debt...............................................  $     4,343  $     4,633  $     6,029
    Income taxes...................................................  $    57,215  $    43,478  $    41,397
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Reduction of principal on note from ESOP.........................  $       201  $       186  $       171
  Acquisitions and bulk reinsurance assumptions
    Assets acquired................................................  $ 1,114,832  $   296,935  $       613
    Liabilities assumed............................................     (902,267)    (364,862)     (21,800)
                                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
    Net............................................................  $   212,565  $   (67,927) $   (21,187)
                                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
    
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>
                       PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                (ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN TABLES ARE IN THOUSANDS)
 
NOTE A -- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
    BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
    The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Protective Life
Insurance Company and subsidiaries ("Protective") are prepared on the basis of
generally accepted accounting principles. Such accounting principles differ from
statutory reporting practices used by insurance companies in reporting to state
regulatory authorities. (See also Note B.)
 
    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make various estimates
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of
contingent assets and liabilities, as well as the reported amounts of revenues
and expenses.
 
    ENTITIES INCLUDED
 
    The consolidated financial statements include the accounts, after
intercompany eliminations, of Protective Life Insurance Company and its
wholly-owned subsidiaries. Protective is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Protective
Life Corporation ("PLC"), an insurance holding company.
 
    NATURE OF OPERATIONS
 
    Protective produces, distributes, and services a diverse array of life
insurance, specialty insurance and retirement savings and investment products.
Protective markets individual life insurance, dental insurance and managed care
services, credit life and disability insurance, guaranteed investment contracts,
guaranteed funding agreements, and fixed and variable annuities throughout the
United States. Protective also maintains a separate division devoted exclusively
to the acquisition of insurance policies from other companies.
 
    The operating results of companies in the insurance industry have
historically been subject to significant fluctuations due to competition,
economic conditions, interest rates, investment performance, maintenance of
insurance ratings, and other factors.
 
    RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
    In 1996 Protective adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
("SFAS") No. 120, "Accounting and Reporting by Mutual Life Insurance Enterprises
and by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration Participating Contracts;"
SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for
Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of;" and SFAS No. 122, "Accounting for Mortgage
Servicing Rights." In 1997 Protective adopted SFAS No. 125, "Accounting for
Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities;"
SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income;" and SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures
about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information."
 
    SFAS No. 130 requires the presentation of comprehensive income and its
components in a financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence
as other financial statements. Protective has reconfigured the Consolidated
Statements of Stockholder's Equity presented herein in accordance with this
Statement. SFAS No. 131 requires additional disclosures with respect to
Protective's operating segments.
 
    The adoption of these accounting standards did not have a material effect on
Protective's financial statements but has resulted in changed disclosure and
financial statement presentation.
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>
                       PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN TABLES ARE IN THOUSANDS)
 
NOTE A -- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    INVESTMENTS
 
    Protective has classified all of its investments in fixed maturities, equity
securities, and short-term investments as "available for sale."
 
    Investments are reported on the following bases less allowances for
uncollectible amounts on investments, if applicable:
 
    - Fixed maturities (bonds, bank loan participations, and redeemable
      preferred stocks) -- at current market value.
 
    - Equity securities (common and nonredeemable preferred stocks) -- at
      current market value.
 
    - Mortgage loans on real estate -- at unpaid balances, adjusted for loan
      origination costs, net of fees, and amortization of premium or discount.
 
    - Investment real estate -- at cost, less allowances for depreciation
      computed on the straight-line method. With respect to real estate acquired
      through foreclosure, cost is the lesser of the loan balance plus
      foreclosure costs or appraised value.
 
    - Policy loans -- at unpaid balances.
 
    - Other long-term investments -- at a variety of methods similar to those
      listed above, as deemed appropriate for the specific investment.
 
    - Short-term investments -- at cost, which approximates current market
      value.
 
    Substantially all short-term investments have maturities of three months or
less at the time of acquisition and include approximately $3.1 million in bank
deposits voluntarily restricted as to withdrawal.
 
    As prescribed by SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt
and Equity Securities," certain investments are recorded at their market values
with the resulting unrealized gains and losses reduced by a related adjustment
to deferred policy acquisition costs, net of income tax reported as a component
of stockholder's equity. The market values of fixed maturities increase or
decrease as interest rates fall or rise. Therefore, although the adoption of
SFAS No. 115 does not affect Protective's operations, its reported stockholder's
equity will fluctuate significantly as interest rates change.
 
    Protective's balance sheets at December 31, prepared on the basis of
reporting investments at amortized cost rather than at market values, are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1997           1996
                                                                 --------------  -------------
<S>                                                              <C>             <C>
Total investments..............................................  $    7,876,952  $   6,495,259
Deferred policy acquisition costs..............................         654,043        495,965
All other assets...............................................       1,749,321      1,161,830
                                                                 --------------  -------------
                                                                 $   10,280,316  $   8,153,054
                                                                 --------------  -------------
                                                                 --------------  -------------
Deferred income taxes..........................................  $       16,179  $      34,121
All other liabilities..........................................       9,307,085      7,349,430
                                                                 --------------  -------------
                                                                      9,323,264      7,383,551
Stockholder's equity...........................................         957,052        769,503
                                                                 --------------  -------------
                                                                 $   10,280,316  $   8,153,054
                                                                 --------------  -------------
                                                                 --------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>
                       PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN TABLES ARE IN THOUSANDS)
 
NOTE A -- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are recognized in net
income using the specific identification basis.
 
    DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
    Protective does not use derivative financial instruments for trading
purposes. Combinations of futures contracts and options on treasury notes are
currently being used as hedges for asset/liability management of certain
investments, primarily mortgage loans on real estate, mortgage-backed
securities, and liabilities arising from interest-sensitive products such as
guaranteed investment contracts and individual annuities. Realized investment
gains and losses on such contracts are deferred and amortized over the life of
the hedged asset. Net realized gains of $1.5 million and net realized losses of
$0.2 million were deferred in 1997 and 1996 respectively. At December 31, 1997
and 1996, options and open futures contracts with notional amounts of $925.0
million and $805.0 million, respectively, had net unrealized losses of $0.4
million and $1.9 million respectively.
 
    Protective uses interest rate swap contracts to convert certain investments
from a variable to a fixed rate of interest. At December 31, 1997, related open
interest rate swap contracts with a notional amount of $95.3 million were in a
$0.1 million net unrealized loss position. At December 31, 1996, related open
interest rate swap contracts with a notional amount of $150.3 million were in a
$0.7 million net unrealized loss position.
 
    In connection with a commercial mortgage loan securitization, Protective
entered into interest rate swap contracts converting a fixed rate of interest to
a floating rate of interest and converting a floating rate of interest to a
fixed rate of interest with notional amounts at December 31, 1997, of $332.4
million and $200.0 million, respectively. In the aggregate, there were no net
unrealized gains or losses associated with these swap contracts at December 31,
1997.
 
    CASH
 
    Cash includes all demand deposits reduced by the amount of outstanding
checks and drafts.
 
    PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property and equipment are reported at cost. Protective primarily uses the
straight-line method of depreciation based upon the estimated useful lives of
the assets. Major repairs or improvements are capitalized and depreciated over
the estimated useful lives of the assets. Other repairs are expensed as
incurred. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of property and
equipment sold or retired are removed from the accounts, and resulting gains or
losses are included in income.
 
    Property and equipment consisted of the following at December 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           1997       1996
                                                                         ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                      <C>        <C>
Home office building...................................................  $  37,459  $  36,586
Other, principally furniture and equipment.............................     46,937     35,401
                                                                         ---------  ---------
                                                                            84,396     71,987
Accumulated depreciation...............................................     47,989     36,498
                                                                         ---------  ---------
                                                                         $  36,407  $  35,489
                                                                         ---------  ---------
                                                                         ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>
                       PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN TABLES ARE IN THOUSANDS)
 
NOTE A -- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    SEPARATE ACCOUNTS
 
    Protective operates separate accounts, some in which Protective bears the
investment risk and others in which the investments risk rests with the
contractholder. The assets and liabilities related to separate accounts in which
Protective does not bear the investment risk are valued at market and reported
separately as assets and liabilities related to separate accounts in the
accompanying consolidated financial statements.
 
    REVENUES, BENEFITS, CLAIMS, AND EXPENSES
 
    Traditional Life and Health Insurance Products -- Traditional life insurance
products consist principally of those products with fixed and guaranteed
premiums and benefits and include whole life insurance policies, term life
insurance policies, limited-payment life insurance policies, and certain
annuities with life contingencies. Life insurance and immediate annuity premiums
are recognized as revenue when due. Health insurance premiums are recognized as
revenue over the terms of the policies. Benefits and expenses are associated
with earned premiums so that profits are recognized over the life of the
contracts. This is accomplished by means of the provision for liabilities for
future policy benefits and the amortization of deferred policy acquisition
costs.
 
    Liabilities for future policy benefits on traditional life insurance
products have been computed using a net level method including assumptions as to
investment yields, mortality, persistency, and other assumptions based on
Protective's experience modified as necessary to reflect anticipated trends and
to include provisions for possible adverse deviation. Reserve investment yield
assumptions are graded and range from 2.5% to 7.0%. The liability for future
policy benefits and claims on traditional life and health insurance products
includes estimated unpaid claims that have been reported to Protective and
claims incurred but not yet reported. Policy claims are charged to expense in
the period that the claims are incurred.
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>
                       PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN TABLES ARE IN THOUSANDS)
 
NOTE A -- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    Activity in the liability for unpaid claims is summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1997         1996         1995
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>          <C>
Balance beginning of year..............................  $   108,159  $    73,642  $    79,462
  Less reinsurance.....................................        6,423        3,330        5,024
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
Net balance beginning of year..........................      101,736       70,312       74,438
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
Incurred related to:
Current year...........................................      258,322      275,524      216,839
Prior year.............................................      (14,540)      (2,417)      (4,038)
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
  Total incurred.......................................      243,782      273,107      212,801
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
Paid related to:
Current year...........................................      203,381      197,163      164,321
Prior year.............................................       58,104       57,812       48,834
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
  Total paid...........................................      261,485      254,975      213,155
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
Other changes:
  Acquisitions and reserve transfers...................        3,415       13,292       (3,772)
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
Net balance end of year................................       87,448      101,736       70,312
  Plus reinsurance.....................................       18,673        6,423        3,330
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
Balance end of year....................................  $   106,121  $   108,159  $    73,642
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    - Universal Life and Investment Products -- Universal life and investment
      products include universal life insurance, guaranteed investment
      contracts, deferred annuities, and annuities without life contingencies.
      Revenues for universal life and investment products consist of policy fees
      that have been assessed against policy account balances for the costs of
      insurance, policy administration, and surrenders. That is, universal life
      and investment product deposits are not considered revenues in accordance
      with generally accepted accounting principles. Benefit reserves for
      universal life and investment products represent policy account balances
      before applicable surrender charges plus certain deferred policy
      initiation fees that are recognized in income over the term of the
      policies. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense include
      benefit claims incurred in the period in excess of related policy account
      balances and interest credited to policy account balances. Interest credit
      rates for universal life and investment products ranged from 3.0% to 9.4%
      in 1997.
 
      At December 31, 1997, Protective estimates the fair value of its
      guaranteed investment contracts to be $2,687.3 million using discounted
      cash flows. The surrender value of Protective's annuities which
      approximates fair value was $1,494.6 million.
 
    - Policy Acquisition Costs -- Commissions and other costs of acquiring
      traditional life and health insurance, universal life insurance, and
      investment products that vary with and are primarily related to the
      production of new business have been deferred. Traditional life and health
      insurance acquisition costs are amortized over the premium-payment period
      of the related policies in proportion to the ratio of annual premium
      income to total anticipated premium income. Acquisition costs for
      universal life and investment products are being amortized over the lives
      of the policies in relation to the present value of estimated gross
      profits from surrender
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>
                       PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN TABLES ARE IN THOUSANDS)
 
NOTE A -- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
     charges and investment, mortality, and expense margins. Under SFAS No. 97,
      "Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain
      Long-Duration Contracts and for Realized Gains and Losses from the Sale of
      Investments," Protective makes certain assumptions regarding the
      mortality, persistency, expenses, and interest rates it expects to
      experience in future periods. These assumptions are to be best estimates
      and are to be periodically updated whenever actual experience and/or
      expectations for the future change from initial assumptions. Additionally,
      relating to SFAS No. 115, these costs have been adjusted by an amount
      equal to the amortization that would have been recorded if unrealized
      gains or losses on investments associated with Protective's universal life
      and investment products had been realized.
 
    The cost to acquire blocks of insurance representing the present value of
future profits from such blocks of insurance is also included in deferred policy
acquisition costs. For acquisitions occurring after 1988, Protective amortizes
the present value of future profits over the premium payment period including
accrued interest at 8%. The unamortized present value of future profits for such
acquisitions was approximately $261.9 million and $149.9 million at December 31,
1997 and 1996, respectively. During 1996 $69.2 million of present value of
future profits on acquisitions made during the year was capitalized and $21.8
million was amortized. During 1997 $136.2 million of present value of future
profits on acquisitions made during the year was capitalized, and $24.2 million
was amortized. The unamortized present value of future profits for all
acquisitions was $274.9 million at December 31, 1997 and $167.6 million at
December 31, 1996.
 
    PARTICIPATING POLICIES
 
    Participating business comprises approximately 1% of the individual life
insurance in force and 2% of the individual life insurance premium income.
Policyholder dividends totaled $4.6 million in 1997, $4.1 million in 1996, and
$2.6 million in 1995.
 
    INCOME TAXES
 
    Protective uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income
taxes. Income tax provisions are generally based on income reported for
financial statement purposes. Deferred federal income taxes arise from the
recognition of temporary differences between the bases of assets and liabilities
determined for financial reporting purposes and the bases determined for income
tax purposes. Such temporary differences are principally related to the deferral
of policy acquisition costs and the provision for future policy benefits and
expenses.
 
    RECLASSIFICATIONS
 
    Certain reclassifications have been made in the previously reported
financial statements and accompanying notes to make the prior year amounts
comparable to those of the current year. Such reclassifications had no effect on
net income, total assets, or stockholder's equity.
 
NOTE B -- RECONCILIATION WITH STATUTORY REPORTING PRACTICES
 
    Financial statements prepared in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principals ("GAAP") differ in some respects from the statutory
accounting practices prescribed or permitted by insurance regulatory
authorities. The most significant differences are: (a) acquisition costs of
obtaining new business are deferred and amortized over the approximate life of
the policies rather
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>
                       PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN TABLES ARE IN THOUSANDS)
 
NOTE B -- RECONCILIATION WITH STATUTORY REPORTING PRACTICES (CONTINUED)
than charged to operations as incurred, (b) benefit liabilities are computed
using a net level method and are based on realistic estimates of expected
mortality, interest, and withdrawals as adjusted to provide for possible
unfavorable deviation from such assumptions, (c) deferred income taxes are
provided for temporary differences between financial and taxable earnings, (d)
the Asset Valuation Reserve and Interest Maintenance Reserve are restored to
stockholder's equity, (e) furniture and equipment, agents' debit balances, and
prepaid expenses are reported as assets rather than being charged directly to
surplus (referred to as nonadmitted items), (f) certain items of interest
income, principally accrual of mortgage and bond discounts are amortized
differently, and (g) bonds are stated at market instead of amortized cost.
 
    The reconciliations of net income and stockholder's equity prepared in
conformity with statutory reporting practices to that reported in the
accompanying consolidated financial statements are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            NET INCOME                   STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
                                  -------------------------------  --------------------------------
                                    1997       1996       1995        1997       1996       1995
                                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------
<S>                               <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>
In conformity with statutory
  reporting practices: (1)......  $ 134,417  $ 102,337  $ 115,259  $  579,111  $ 456,320  $ 324,416
Additions (deductions) by
  adjustment:
  Deferred policy acquisition
    costs, net of
    amortization................     10,310     (2,830)      (765)    632,605    488,201    410,183
  Deferred income tax...........     13,981      2,142      6,972     (49,417)   (37,722)   (67,420)
  Asset Valuation Reserve.......                                       67,369     64,233    105,769
  Interest Maintenance Reserve..     (1,434)    (2,142)    (1,235)      9,809     17,682     14,412
  Nonadmitted items.............                                       30,500     21,610     20,603
  Other timing and valuation
    adjustments.................    (54,494)   (11,210)   (45,028)   (215,448)  (197,227)  (108,495)
  Noninsurance affiliates.......     17,530     11,104        (22)         (4)         4         (9)
  Consolidation elimination.....    (22,862)   (16,858)     2,515     (35,746)   (36,910)   (46,222)
                                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------
In conformity with generally
  accepted accounting
  principles....................  $  97,448  $  82,543  $  77,696  $1,018,779  $ 776,191  $ 653,237
                                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------
                                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Consolidated
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>
                       PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN TABLES ARE IN THOUSANDS)
 
NOTE C -- INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
 
    Major categories of net investment income for the years ended December 31
are summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1997         1996         1995
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>          <C>
Fixed maturities.......................................  $   396,255  $   310,353  $   272,942
Equity securities......................................        1,186        2,124        1,338
Mortgage loans on real estate..........................      161,604      153,463      162,135
Investment real estate.................................        2,004        1,875        1,855
Policy loans...........................................       11,370       10,378        8,958
Other, principally short-term investments..............       21,876       51,637       40,348
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                             594,295      529,830      487,576
Investment expenses....................................       36,807       31,049       29,143
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                         $   557,488  $   498,781  $   458,433
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    Realized investment gains (losses) for the years ended December 31 are
summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                           <C>        <C>        <C>
Fixed maturities............................  $  (8,355) $  (7,101) $   6,118
Equity securities...........................      5,975      1,733         44
Mortgage loans and other investments........      4,204     10,878     (4,211)
                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
                                              $   1,824  $   5,510  $   1,951
                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Protective has established an allowance for uncollectible amounts on
investments. The allowance totaled $23.0 million at December 31, 1997 and $30.9
million at December 31, 1996. Additions and reductions to the allowance are
included in realized investment gains (losses). Without such additions/
reductions, Protective had net realized investment losses of $6.1 million in
1997, net realized investment gains of $3.7 million in 1996, and net realized
investment losses of $0.5 million in 1995.
 
    In 1997, gross gains on the sale of investments available for sale (fixed
maturities, equity securities and short-term investments) were $21.3 million and
gross losses were $23.5 million. In 1996, gross gains were $6.9 million and
gross losses were $11.8 million. In 1995, gross gains were $18.0 million and
gross losses were $11.8 million.
 
                                      F-30
<PAGE>
                       PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN TABLES ARE IN THOUSANDS)
 
NOTE C -- INVESTMENT OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
 
    The amortized cost and estimated market values of Protective's investments
classified as available for sale at December 31 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              GROSS        GROSS       ESTIMATED
                                                              AMORTIZED    UNREALIZED   UNREALIZED      MARKET
1997                                                            COST          GAINS       LOSSES        VALUES
- ----------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
<S>                                                         <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>
Fixed maturities:
  Bonds:
    Mortgage-backed.......................................  $   2,982,266  $    54,103   $  16,577   $   3,019,792
    United States Government and authorities..............        160,484        1,366           0         161,850
    States, municipalities, and political subdivisions....         31,621          532           0          32,153
    Public utilities......................................        481,679        7,241           0         488,920
    Convertibles and bonds with warrants..................            694            0         168             526
    All other corporate bonds.............................      2,559,186       80,903       1,019       2,639,070
  Redeemable preferred stocks.............................          5,941            0           0           5,941
                                                            -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                                                                6,221,871      144,145      17,764       6,348,252
Equity securities.........................................         24,983          300      10,277          15,006
Short-term investments....................................         54,337            0           0          54,337
                                                            -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                                                            $   6,301,190  $   144,445   $  28,041   $   6,417,595
                                                            -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                                                            -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              GROSS        GROSS       ESTIMATED
                                                              AMORTIZED    UNREALIZED   UNREALIZED      MARKET
1996                                                            COST          GAINS       LOSSES        VALUES
- ----------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
<S>                                                         <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>
Fixed maturities:
  Bonds:
    Mortgage-backed.......................................  $   2,192,978  $    29,925   $  20,810   $   2,202,093
    United States Government and authorities..............        348,318          661       1,377         347,602
    States, municipalities, and political subdivisions....          5,515           47           9           5,553
    Public utilities......................................        364,692        2,205         337         366,560
    Convertibles and bonds with warrants..................            679            0         158             521
    All other corporate bonds.............................      1,679,276       33,879      29,388       1,683,767
  Bank loan participations................................         49,829            0           0          49,829
  Redeemable preferred stocks.............................          7,238           60         226           7,072
                                                            -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                                                                4,648,525       66,777      52,305       4,662,997
Equity securities.........................................         31,669        9,570       5,989          35,250
Short-term investments....................................        101,215            0           0         101,215
                                                            -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                                                            $   4,781,409  $    76,347   $  58,294   $   4,799,462
                                                            -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                                                            -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-31
<PAGE>
                       PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN TABLES ARE IN THOUSANDS)
 
NOTE C -- INVESTMENT OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
    The amortized cost and estimated market values of fixed maturities at
December 31, by expected maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities are
derived from rates of prepayment that may differ from actual rates of
prepayment.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   ESTIMATED
                                                                    AMORTIZED       MARKET
1997                                                                  COST          VALUES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                                               <C>            <C>
Due in one year or less.........................................  $     456,248  $     460,994
Due after one year through five years...........................      2,774,769      2,815,553
Due after five years through ten years..........................      2,377,989      2,440,193
Due after ten years.............................................        612,865        631,512
                                                                  -------------  -------------
                                                                  $   6,221,871  $   6,348,252
                                                                  -------------  -------------
                                                                  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   ESTIMATED
                                                                    AMORTIZED       MARKET
1996                                                                  COST          VALUES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                                               <C>            <C>
Due in one year or less.........................................  $     417,463  $     420,774
Due after one year through five years...........................      1,547,805      1,546,278
Due after five years through ten years..........................      2,090,149      2,095,781
Due after ten years.............................................        593,108        600,164
                                                                  -------------  -------------
                                                                  $   4,648,525  $   4,662,997
                                                                  -------------  -------------
                                                                  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
    The approximate percentage distribution of Protective's fixed maturity
investments by quality rating at December 31 is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RATING                                                                        1997       1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                         <C>        <C>
AAA.......................................................................       41.1%      48.3%
AA........................................................................        4.8        4.4
A.........................................................................       29.1       22.6
BBB
  Bonds...................................................................       21.9       21.1
  Bank loan participations................................................                   0.1
BB or Less
  Bonds...................................................................        3.0        2.5
  Bank loan participations................................................                   0.9
Redeemable preferred stocks...............................................        0.1        0.1
                                                                            ---------  ---------
                                                                                100.0%     100.0%
                                                                            ---------  ---------
                                                                            ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
At December 31, 1997 and 1996, Protective had bonds which were rated less than
investment grade of $195.2 million and $117.5 million, respectively, having an
amortized cost of $193.6 million and $137.0 million, respectively. At December
31, 1997, approximately $89.6 million of the bonds rates less than investment
grade were securities issued in company-sponsored commercial mortgage loan
securitizations. Additionally, Protective had bank loan participations at
December 31, 1996 which were rated less than investment grade of $43.6 million
having an amortized cost of $43.6 million.
 
                                      F-32
<PAGE>
                       PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN TABLES ARE IN THOUSANDS)
 
NOTE C -- INVESTMENT OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
    The change in unrealized gains (losses), net of income tax on fixed maturity
and equity securities for the years ended December 31 is summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1997        1996          1995
                                                        ----------  -----------  ------------
<S>                                                     <C>         <C>          <C>
Fixed maturities......................................  $   72,741  $   (56,898) $    199,024
Equity securities.....................................  $   (8,813) $       207  $      2,740
</TABLE>
 
    At December 31, 1997, all of Protective's mortgage loans were commercial
loans of which 75% were retail, 9% were apartments, 7% were office buildings,
and 7% were warehouses. Protective specializes in making mortgage loans on
either credit-oriented or credit-anchored commercial properties, most of which
are strip shopping centers in smaller towns and cities. No single tenant's
leased space represents more than 5% of mortgage loans. Approximately 84% of the
mortgage loans are on properties located in the following states listed in
decreasing order of significance: Florida, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina,
Alabama, Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, California, Maryland,
Mississippi, Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana.
 
    Many of the mortgage loans have call provisions after five to seven years.
Assuming the loans are called at their next call dates, approximately $76.7
million would become due in 1998, $434.4 million in 1999 to 2002, and $129.7
million in 2003 to 2007.
 
    At December 31, 1997, the average mortgage loan was $1.6 million, and the
weighted average interest rate was 8.8%. The largest single mortgage loan was
$12.8 million. While Protective's mortgage loans do not have quoted market
values, at December 31, 1997 and 1996, Protective estimates the market value of
its mortgage loans to be $1,405.5 million and $1,581.7 million, respectively,
using discounted cash flows from the next call date.
 
    At December 31, 1997 and 1996, Protective's problem mortgage loans and
foreclosed properties totaled $17.7 million and $23.7 million, respectively.
Protective's mortgage loans are collateralized by real estate, any assessment of
impairment is based upon the estimated fair value of the real estate. Based on
Protective's evaluation of its mortgage loan portfolio, Protective does not
expect any material losses on its mortgage loans.
 
    Certain investments, principally real estate, with a carrying value of $6.7
million were nonincome producing for the twelve months ended December 31, 1997.
 
    Protective believes it is not practicable to determine the fair value of its
policy loans since there is no stated maturity, and policy loans are often
repaid by reductions to policy benefits. Policy loan interest rates generally
range from 4.5% to 8.0%. The fair values of Protective's other long-term
investments approximate cost.
 
                                      F-33
<PAGE>
                       PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN TABLES ARE IN THOUSANDS)
 
NOTE D -- FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
 
    Protective's effective income tax rate varied from the maximum federal
income tax rate as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      1997       1996       1995
                                                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                 <C>        <C>        <C>
Statutory federal income tax rate applied to pretax income........................       35.0%      35.0%      35.0%
Dividends received deduction and tax-exempt interest..............................       (0.2)      (0.4)      (0.5)
Low-income housing credit.........................................................       (0.6)      (0.6)      (0.7)
Tax benefits arising from prior acquisitions and other adjustments................        0.7        0.1        0.2
                                                                                          ---        ---        ---
Effective income tax rate.........................................................       34.9%      34.1%      34.0%
                                                                                          ---        ---        ---
                                                                                          ---        ---        ---
</TABLE>
 
    The provision for federal income tax differs from amounts currently payable
due to certain items reported for financial statement purposes in periods which
differ from those in which they are reported for income tax purposes.
 
    Details of the deferred income tax provision for the years ended December 31
are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 1997        1996        1995
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                                           <C>         <C>         <C>
Deferred policy acquisition costs...........................................  $    7,054  $   15,542  $  (11,606)
Benefit and other policy liability changes..................................     (23,564)    (16,321)     52,496
Temporary differences of investment income..................................       2,516      (1,163)    (34,175)
Other items.................................................................          13        (200)    (13,687)
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                              $  (13,981) $   (2,142) $   (6,972)
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
    The components of Protective's net deferred income tax liability as of
December 31 were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             1997         1996
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                       <C>          <C>
Deferred income tax assets:
  Policy and policyholder liability reserves............................................  $   138,701  $    80,151
  Other.................................................................................        1,029        2,503
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
                                                                                              139,730       82,654
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
Deferred income tax liabilities:
  Deferred policy acquisition costs.....................................................      150,895      117,696
  Unrealized gain on investments........................................................       38,252        2,680
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
                                                                                              189,147      120,376
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
  Net deferred income tax liability.....................................................  $    49,417  $    37,722
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    Under pre-1984 life insurance company income tax laws, a portion of
Protective's gain from operations which was not subject to current income
taxation was accumulated for income tax purposes in a memorandum account
designated as Policyholders' Surplus. The aggregate accumulation in this account
at December 31, 1997 was approximately $73 million. Should the accumulation in
the Policyholders' Surplus account exceed certain stated maximums, or should
distributions including cash dividends be made to PLC in excess of approximately
$727 million, such excess would be subject to federal income taxes at rates then
effective. Deferred income taxes have not been provided on
 
                                      F-34
<PAGE>
                       PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN TABLES ARE IN THOUSANDS)
 
NOTE D -- FEDERAL INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
amounts designated as Policyholders' Surplus. Protective does not anticipate
involuntarily paying income tax on amounts in the Policyholders' Surplus
accounts.
 
    Protective's income tax returns are included in the consolidated income tax
returns of PLC. The allocation of income tax liabilities among affiliates is
based upon separate income tax return calculations.
 
NOTE E -- DEBT
 
    At December 31, 1997, PLC had no borrowings outstanding under a term note
that contains, among other provisions, requirements for maintaining certain
financial ratios, and restrictions on indebtedness incurred by PLC's
subsidiaries including Protective. Additionally, PLC, on a consolidated basis,
cannot incur debt in excess of 50% of its total capital.
 
    Protective has arranged sources of credit to temporarily fund scheduled
investment commitments. Protective expects that the rate received on its
investments will equal or exceed its borrowing rate. Protective had no such
temporary borrowings outstanding at December 31, 1997 and 1996.
 
    Included in indebtedness to related parties is a surplus debenture issued by
Protective to PLC. At December 31, 1997, the balance of the surplus debenture
was $20.0 million. The debenture matures in 2003.
 
    Indebtedness to related parties also consists of payables to affiliates
under control of PLC in the amount of $8.1 million at December 31, 1997.
Protective routinely receives from or pays to affiliates under the control of
PLC reimbursements for expenses incurred on one another's behalf. Receivables
and payables among affiliates are generally settled monthly.
 
    Interest expense on borrowed money totaled $4.3 million, $4.6 million, and
$6.0 million, in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively.
 
NOTE F -- RECENT ACQUISITIONS
 
    In January 1996 Protective acquired through coinsurance a block of life
insurance policies. In June 1996 Protective acquired through coinsurance a block
of credit life insurance policies. In December 1996 Protective acquired a small
life insurance company and acquired through coinsurance a block of life
insurance policies.
 
    In June 1997, Protective acquired West Coast Life Insurance Company ("West
Coast"). In September 1997, Protective acquired the Western Diversified Group.
In October 1997, Protective coinsured a block of credit policies.
 
    These transactions have been accounted for as purchases, and the results of
the transactions have been included in the accompanying financial statements
since the effective dates of the agreements.
 
    Summarized below are the consolidated results of operations of 1997 and
1996, on an unaudited pro forma basis, as if the West Coast and Western
Diversified Group acquisitions had occurred as of January 1, 1996. The pro forma
information is based on Protective's consolidated results of operations for 1997
and 1996 and on data provided by the respective companies, after giving effect
to certain pro forma adjustments. The pro forma financial information does not
purport to be indicative of results of
 
                                      F-35
<PAGE>
                       PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN TABLES ARE IN THOUSANDS)
 
NOTE F -- RECENT ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED)
operations that would have occurred had the transaction occurred on the basis
assumed above nor are they indicative of results of the future operations of the
combined enterprises.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                   <C>            <C>
                                                                                               1997           1996
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
  Total revenues....................................................................  $   1,133,962  $   1,126,096
  Net income........................................................................  $     100,621  $      88,774
</TABLE>
 
NOTE G -- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
 
    Under insurance guaranty fund laws, in most states, insurance companies
doing business therein can be assessed up to prescribed limits for policyholder
losses incurred by insolvent companies. Protective does not believe such
assessments will be materially different from amounts already provided for in
the financial statements. Most of these laws do provide, however, that an
assessment may be excused or deferred if it would threaten an insurer's own
financial strength.
 
    A number of civil jury verdicts have been returned against life and health
insurers in the jurisdictions in which Protective does business involving the
insurers' sales practices, alleged agent misconduct, failure to properly
supervise agents, and other matters. Increasingly these lawsuits have resulted
in the award of substantial judgments against the insurer that are
disproportionate to the actual damages, including material amounts of punitive
damages. In addition, in some class action and other lawsuits involving
insurers' sales practices, insurers have made material settlement payments. In
some states (including Alabama), juries have substantial discretion in awarding
punitive damages which creates the potential for unpredictable material adverse
judgments in any given punitive damage suit. Protective and its subsidiaries,
like other life and health insurers, in the ordinary course of business, are
involved in such litigation. Although the outcome of any litigation cannot be
predicted with certainty, Protective believes that at the present time there are
no pending or threatened lawsuits that are reasonably likely to have a material
adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations, or liquidity of
Protective.
 
NOTE H -- STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY AND RESTRICTIONS
 
    At December 31, 1997, approximately $483 million of consolidated
stockholder's equity excluding net unrealized gains and losses represented net
assets of Protective that cannot be transferred in the form of dividends, loans,
or advances to PLC. In general, dividends up to specified levels are considered
ordinary and may be paid thirty days after written notice to the insurance
commissioner of the state of domicile unless such commissioner objects to the
dividend prior to the expiration of such period. Dividends in larger amounts are
considered extraordinary and are subject to affirmative prior approval by such
commissioner. The maximum amount that would qualify as ordinary dividends to PLC
by Protective in 1998 is estimated to be $154 million.
 
NOTE I -- PREFERRED STOCK
 
    PLC owns all of the 2,000 shares of preferred stock issued by Protective's
subsidiary, American Foundation. During 1996, American Foundation's articles of
incorporation were amended such that the preferred stock is redeemable solely at
the discretion of American Foundation. The stock pays, when and if declared,
annual minimum cumulative dividends of $50 per share, and noncumulative
participating dividends to the extent American Foundation's statutory earnings
for the immediately
 
                                      F-36
<PAGE>
                       PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN TABLES ARE IN THOUSANDS)
 
NOTE I -- PREFERRED STOCK (CONTINUED)
preceding fiscal year exceed $1 million. Dividends of $0.1 million were paid to
PLC in 1997, 1996, and 1995.
 
NOTE J -- RELATED PARTY MATTERS
 
    On August 6, 1990, PLC announced that its Board of Directors approved the
formation of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP"). On December 1, 1990,
Protective transferred to the ESOP 520,000 shares of PLC's common stock held by
it in exchange for a note. The outstanding balance of the note, $5.4 million at
December 31, 1997, is accounted for as a reduction to stockholder's equity. The
stock will be used to match employee contributions to PLC's existing 401(k)
Plan. The ESOP shares are dividend paying. Dividends on the shares are used to
pay the ESOP's note to Protective.
 
    Protective leases furnished office space and computers to affiliates. Lease
revenues were $3.1 million in 1997, $3.7 million in 1996, and $3.1 million in
1995. Protective purchases data processing, legal, investment and management
services from affiliates. The costs of such services were $51.6 million, $50.4
million, and $38.1 million, in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively. Commissions
paid to affiliated marketing organizations of $5.2 million, $7.4 million, and
$10.9 million, in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively, were included in deferred
policy acquisition costs.
 
    Certain corporations with which PLC's directors were affiliated paid
Protective premiums and policy fees for various types of group insurance. Such
premiums and policy fees amounted to $21.4 million, $31.2 million, and $21.2
million, in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively. Protective and/or PLC paid
commissions, interest, and service fees to these same corporations totaling $5.4
million, $5.0 million, and $5.3 million, in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively.
 
    For a discussion of indebtedness to related parties, see Note E.
 
NOTE K -- OPERATING SEGMENTS
 
    Protective operates seven divisions whose principal strategic focuses can be
grouped into three general categories: Life Insurance, Specialty Insurance
Products, and Retirement Savings and Investment Products. Each division has a
senior officer of Protective responsible for its operations. A division is
generally distinguished by products and/or channels of distribution. A brief
description of each division follows.
 
LIFE INSURANCE
 
    ACQUISITIONS DIVISION.  The Acquisitions Division focuses solely on
acquiring, converting, and servicing business acquired from other companies.
These acquisitions may be accomplished through acquisitions of companies or
through the assumption or reinsurance of life insurance and related policies.
 
    INDIVIDUAL LIFE DIVISION.  The Individual Life Division markets universal
life and other life insurance products on a national basis through a network of
independent insurance agents. The Division primarily utilizes a distribution
system based on experienced independent producing general agents who are
recruited by regional sales managers. In addition, the Division distributes
insurance products in the life insurance brokerage market.
 
    WEST COAST DIVISION.  The West Coast Division sells universal and
traditional ordinary life products in the life insurance brokerage market and in
the "bank owned life insurance" market. The
 
                                      F-37
<PAGE>
                       PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN TABLES ARE IN THOUSANDS)
 
NOTE K -- OPERATING SEGMENTS (CONTINUED)
Division primarily utilizes a distribution system comprised of brokerage general
agencies with a network of independent life agents.
 
SPECIALTY INSURANCE PRODUCTS
 
    DENTAL AND CONSUMER BENEFITS DIVISION.  The Division (formerly known as the
Group Division) recently exited from the traditional group major medical
business, fulfilling the Division's strategy to focus primarily on dental and
related products. Accordingly, the Division was renamed the Dental and Consumer
Benefits Division. The Division's primary focus is on indemnity dental products.
The Division also markets group life and disability coverages, and administers
an essentially closed block of individual cancer insurance policies.
 
    FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS DIVISION.  The Financial Institutions Division
specializes in marketing credit life and disability insurance products through
banks, consumer finance companies and automobile dealers. The Division markets
through employee field representatives, independent brokers, and an affiliate.
The Division also includes a small property casualty insurer that sells
automobile extended warranty coverages.
 
RETIREMENT SAVINGS AND INVESTMENT PRODUCTS
 
    GUARANTEED INVESTMENT CONTRACTS DIVISION.  The Guaranteed Investment
Contracts ("GIC") Division markets GICs to 401(k) and other qualified retirement
savings plans. The Division also offers related products, including guaranteed
funding agreements offered to the trustees of municipal bond proceeds, floating
rate contracts offered to trust departments, and long-term annuity contracts
offered to fund certain state obligations.
 
    INVESTMENT PRODUCTS DIVISION.  The Investment Products Division
manufactures, sells, and supports fixed and variable annuity products. These
products are primarily sold through stockbrokers, but are also sold through
financial institutions and the Individual Life Division's agency sales force.
 
CORPORATE AND OTHER
 
    Protective has an additional business segment herein referred to as
Corporate and Other. The Corporate and Other segment primarily consists of net
investment income and expenses not attributable to the Divisions above
(including net investment income on capital and interest on substantially all
debt).
 
    Protective uses the same accounting policies and procedures to measure
operating segment income and assets as it uses to measure its consolidated net
income and assets. Operating segment income is generally income before income
tax. Premiums and policy fees, other income, benefits and settlement expenses,
and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs are attributed directly to
each operating segment. Net investment income is allocated based on directly
related assets required for transacting the business of that segment. Realized
investment gains (losses) and other operating expenses are allocated to the
segments in a manner which most appropriately reflects the operations of that
segment. Unallocated realized investment gains (losses) are deemed not to be
associated with any specific segment.
 
    Assets are allocated based on policy liabilities and deferred policy
acquisition costs directly attributable to each segment.
 
    There are no significant intersegment transactions.
 
    Operating segment income and assets for the years ended December 31 are as
follows:
 
                                      F-38
<PAGE>
                       PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN TABLES ARE IN THOUSANDS)
 
NOTE L -- EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
    PLC has a defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all of its
employees. The plan is not separable by affiliates participating in the plan.
However, approximately 81% of the participants in the plan are employees of
Protective. The benefits are based on years of service and the employee's
highest thirty-six consecutive months of compensation. PLC's funding policy is
to contribute amounts to the plan sufficient to meet the minimum finding
requirements of ERISA plus such additional amounts as PLC may determine to be
appropriate from time to time. Contributions are intended to provide not only
for benefits attributed to service to date but also for those expected to be
earned in the future.
 
    The actuarial present value of benefit obligations and the funded status of
the plan taken as a whole at December 31 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               1997       1996
                                                                                             ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                          <C>        <C>
Accumulated benefit obligation, including vested benefits of $18,216 in 1997 and $14,720 in
  1996.....................................................................................  $  19,351  $  15,475
                                                                                             ---------  ---------
Projected benefit obligation for service rendered to date..................................  $  30,612  $  25,196
Plan assets at fair value (group annuity contract with Protective).........................     21,763     19,779
                                                                                             ---------  ---------
Plan assets less than the projected benefit obligation.....................................     (8,849)    (5,417)
Unrecognized net loss from past experience different from that assumed.....................      6,997      3,559
Unrecognized prior service cost............................................................        605        705
Unrecognized net transition asset..........................................................        (51)       (67)
                                                                                             ---------  ---------
Net pension liability recognized in balance sheet..........................................  $  (1,298) $  (1,220)
                                                                                             ---------  ---------
                                                                                             ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Net pension cost includes the following components for the years ended
December 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    1997       1996       1995
                                                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                               <C>        <C>        <C>
Service cost -- benefits earned during the year.................................  $   2,112  $   1,908  $   1,540
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation...................................      2,036      1,793      1,636
Actual return on plan assets....................................................     (1,624)    (1,674)    (1,358)
Net amortization and deferral...................................................         66        374        114
                                                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net pension cost................................................................  $   2,590  $   2,401  $   1,932
                                                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Protective's share of the net pension cost was $1.8 million, $1.5 million,
and $1.2 million, in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively.
 
    Assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations as of December 31 were
as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         1997       1996       1995
                                                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                    <C>        <C>        <C>
Weighted average discount rate.......................................................       7.25%      7.75%      7.25%
Rates of increase in compensation level..............................................       5.25%      5.75%      5.25%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets..........................................       8.50%      8.50%      8.50%
</TABLE>
 
    Assets of the pension plan are included in the general assets of Protective.
Upon retirement, the amount of pension plan assets vested in the retiree is used
to purchase a single premium annuity from Protective in the retiree's name.
Therefore, amounts presented above as plan assets exclude assets relating to
retirees.
 
                                      F-42
<PAGE>
                       PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN TABLES ARE IN THOUSANDS)
 
    PLC also sponsors an unfunded Excess Benefits Plan, which is a nonqualified
plan that provides defined pension benefits in excess of limits imposed by
federal income tax law. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the projected benefit
obligation of this plan totaled $10.0 million and $7.2 million, respectively.
 
    In addition to pension benefits, PLC provides limited healthcare benefits to
eligible retired employees until age 65. The postretirement benefit is provided
by an unfunded plan. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the liability for such
benefits totaled $1.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively. The expense
recorded by PLC was $0.1 million in 1997 and 1996 and $0.2 million in 1995.
PLC's obligation is not materially affected by a 1% change in the healthcare
cost trend assumptions used in the calculation of the obligation.
 
    Life insurance benefits for retirees are provided through the purchase of
life insurance policies upon retirement equal to the employees' annual
compensation. This plan is partially funded at a maximum of $50,000 face amount
of insurance.
 
    PLC sponsors a defined contribution plan which covers substantially all
employees. Employee contributions are made on a before-tax basis as provided by
Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. In 1990, PLC established an
Employee Stock Ownership Plan to match employee contributions to PLC's 401(k)
Plan. In 1994, a stock bonus was added to the 401(k) Plan for employees who are
not otherwise under a bonus plan. Expense related to the ESOP consists of the
cost of the shares allocated to participating employees plus the interest
expense on the ESOP's note payable to Protective less dividends on shares held
by the ESOP. At December 31, 1997, PLC had committed 47,523 shares to be
released to fund employee benefits. The expense recorded by PLC for these
employee benefits was less than $0.1 million, $1.0 million, and $0.7 million, in
1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively.
 
NOTE M -- STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
 
    Certain Protective employees participate in PLC's Performance Share Plan and
receive stock appreciation rights (SARs) from PLC.
 
    Since 1973 PLC has had a Performance Share Plan to motivate senior
management to focus on PLC's long-range earnings performance. The criterion for
payment of performance share awards is based upon a comparison of PLC's average
return on average equity over a four year award period (earlier upon the death,
disability or retirement of the executive, or in certain circumstances, of a
change in control of PLC) to that of a comparison group of publicly held life
insurance companies, multiline insurers, and insurance holding companies. If
PLC's results are below the median of the comparison group, no portion of the
award is earned. If PLC's results are at or above the 90th percentile, the award
maximum is earned. Under the plan approved by stockholders in 1992, up to
3,200,000 shares may be issued in payment of awards. The number of shares
granted in 1997, 1996, and 1995 were 49,390, 52,290, and 72,610 shares,
respectively, having an approximate market value on the grant date of $2.0
million, $1.8 million, and $1.6 million, respectively. At December 31, 1997,
outstanding awards measured at target and maximum payouts were 261,318 and
353,385 shares, respectively. The expense recorded by PLC for the Performance
Share Plan was $2.7 million, $3.0 million, and $2.9 million in 1997, 1996, and
1995, respectively.
 
    During 1996, stock appreciation rights (SARs) were granted to certain
executives of PLC to provide long-term incentive compensation based on the
performance of PLC's Common Stock. Under this arrangement PLC will pay (in
shares of PLC Common Stock) an amount equal to the difference between the
specified base price of PLC's Common Stock and the market value at the exercise
date. The SARs are exercisable after five years (earlier upon the death,
disability or retirement of the executive, or in certain circumstances, of a
change in control of PLC) and expire in 2006 or upon
 
                                      F-43
<PAGE>
                       PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN TABLES ARE IN THOUSANDS)
 
NOTE M -- STOCK BASED COMPENSATION (CONTINUED)
termination of employment. The number of SARs granted during 1996 and
outstanding at December 31, 1997 was 337,500. The SARs have a base price of
$34.875 per share of PLC Common Stock (the market price on the grant date was
$35.00 per share). The estimated fair value of the SARs on the grant date was
$3.0 million. This estimate was derived using the Roll-Geske variation of the
Black-Sholes option pricing model. Assumptions used in the pricing model are as
follows: expected volatility rate of 15% (approximately equal to that of the S &
P Life Insurance Index), a risk free interest rate of 6.35%, a dividend yield
rate of 1.97%, and an expected exercise date of August 15, 2002. The expense
recorded by PLC for the SARs was $0.6 million in 1997 and $0.2 million in 1996.
 
NOTE N -- REINSURANCE
 
    Protective assumes risks from and reinsures certain parts of its risks with
other insurers under yearly renewable term, coinsurance, and modified
coinsurance agreements. Yearly renewable term and coinsurance agreements are
accounted for by passing a portion of the risk to the reinsurer. Generally, the
reinsurer receives a proportionate part of the premiums less commissions and is
liable for a corresponding part of all benefit payments. Modified coinsurance is
accounted for similarly to coinsurance except that the liability for future
policy benefits is held by the original company, and settlements are made on a
net basis between the companies. While the amount retained on an individual life
will vary based upon age and mortality prospects of the risk Protective,
generally, will not carry more than $500,000 individual life insurance on a
single risk. In many cases, the retention is less.
 
    Protective has reinsured approximately $34.1 billion, $18.8 billion, and
$17.5 billion in face amount of life insurance risks with other insurers
representing $147.2 million, $113.5 million, and $116.1 million of premium
income for 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively. Protective has also reinsured
accident and health risks representing $187.7 million, $194.7 million, and
$217.1 million of premium income for 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively. In 1997
and 1996, policy and claim reserves relating to insurance ceded of $485.8
million and $325.9 million respectively are included in reinsurance receivables.
Should any of the reinsurers be unable to meet its obligation at the time of the
claim, obligation to pay such claim would remain with Protective. At December
31, 1997 and 1996, Protective had paid $25.6 million and $6.7 million,
respectively, of ceded benefits which are recoverable from reinsurers. In
addition, at December 31, 1997, Protective had receivables of $80.3 million
related to insurance assumed.
 
    A substantial portion of Protective's new credit insurance sales are being
reinsured. Included in the preceding paragraph are credit life and credit
accident and health insurance premiums of $96.7 million, $103.0 million, and
$125.8 million for 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, and reserves which were
ceded of $238.8 million and $135.8 million during 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
                                      F-44
<PAGE>
                       PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN TABLES ARE IN THOUSANDS)
 
NOTE O -- ESTIMATED MARKET VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
    The carrying amount and estimated market values of Protective's financial
instruments at December 31 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      1997                            1996
                                          -----------------------------   -----------------------------
                                            CARRYING        ESTIMATED       CARRYING        ESTIMATED
                                             AMOUNT       MARKET VALUES      AMOUNT       MARKET VALUES
                                          -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
<S>                                       <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
Assets (see Notes A and C):
Investments:
  Fixed maturities......................  $   6,348,252   $   6,348,252   $   4,662,997   $   4,662,997
  Equity securities.....................         15,006          15,006          35,250          35,250
  Mortgage loans on real estate.........      1,313,478       1,405,474       1,503,781       1,581,694
  Short-term investments................         54,337          54,337         101,215         101,215
Cash....................................         39,197          39,197         114,384         114,384
Liabilities (see Notes A and E):
  Guaranteed investment contract
    deposits............................      2,684,676       2,687,331       2,474,728       2,462,036
  Annuity deposits......................      1,511,553       1,494,600       1,331,067       1,322,304
Other (see Note A):
  Futures contracts.....................                                                         (1,708)
  Interest rate swaps...................                           (145)                           (679)
  Options...............................                            234
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-45
<PAGE>
              SCHEDULE III -- SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
 
               PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   COL. A                        COL. B        COL. C     COL. D       COL. E        COL. F
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                      GIC AND
                                                                                      ANNUITY
                                                DEFERRED       FUTURE               DEPOSITS AND    PREMIUMS
                                                 POLICY        POLICY                  OTHER          AND
                                               ACQUISITION    BENEFITS   UNEARNED  POLICYHOLDERS'    POLICY
                   SEGMENT                        COSTS      AND COSTS   PREMIUMS      FUNDS          FEES
- ---------------------------------------------  -----------   ----------  --------  --------------   --------
<S>                                            <C>           <C>         <C>       <C>              <C>
Year Ended December 31, 1997:
Life Insurance
  Acquisitions...............................   $138,052     $1,025,340  $ 1,437     $  311,150     $102,635
  Individual Life............................    252,321        920,924      356         16,334     127,480
  West Coast.................................    108,126        739,463        0         95,495      14,122
Specialty Insurance Products
  Dental and Consumer Benefits...............     22,459        120,925    2,536         80,654     151,110
  Financial Institutions.....................     52,836        159,422  391,085          6,791      72,263
Retirement Savings and Investment Products
  Guaranteed Investment Contracts............      1,785        180,690        0      2,684,676           0
  Investment Products........................     56,074        177,150        0      1,184,268      12,367
Corporate and Other..........................        952            380    1,282            185         229
Unallocated Realized Investment Gains
  (Losses)...................................          0              0        0              0           0
                                               -----------   ----------  --------  --------------   --------
    TOTAL....................................   $632,605     $3,324,294  $396,696    $4,379,553     $480,206
                                               -----------   ----------  --------  --------------   --------
                                               -----------   ----------  --------  --------------   --------
Year Ended December 31, 1996:
Life Insurance
  Acquisitions...............................   $156,172     $1,117,159  $ 1,087     $  251,450     $106,543
  Individual Life............................    220,232        793,370      685         15,577     116,710
Specialty Insurance Products
  Dental and Consumer Benefits...............     27,944        119,010    2,572         83,632     156,530
  Financial Institutions.....................     32,040        119,242  253,154          1,880      73,422
Retirement Savings and Investment Products
  Guaranteed Investment Contracts............      1,164        149,755        0      2,474,728           0
  Investment Products........................     50,637        149,743        0      1,120,557       8,189
Corporate and Other..........................         12            170       55            192         656
Unallocated Realized Investment Gains
  (Losses)...................................          0              0        0              0           0
                                               -----------   ----------  --------  --------------   --------
    TOTAL....................................   $488,201     $2,448,449  $257,553    $3,948,016     $462,050
                                               -----------   ----------  --------  --------------   --------
                                               -----------   ----------  --------  --------------   --------
Year Ended December 31, 1995:
Life Insurance
  Acquisitions...............................   $123,889     $  851,994  $   590     $  250,550     $98,501
  Individual Life............................    186,496        672,569      336         14,709      99,018
Specialty Insurance Products
  Dental and Consumer Benefits...............     24,974        123,279    2,806         85,925     142,483
  Financial Institutions.....................     36,283         84,162  189,973          1,495      65,669
Retirement Savings and Investment Products
  Guaranteed Investment Contracts............        993         68,704        0      2,451,693           0
  Investment Products........................     37,534        127,104        0      1,061,507       4,566
Corporate and Other..........................         14            342       62            263       1,445
Unallocated Realized Investment Gains
  (Losses)...................................          0              0        0              0           0
                                               -----------   ----------  --------  --------------   --------
    TOTAL....................................   $410,183     $1,928,154  $193,767    $3,866,142     $411,682
                                               -----------   ----------  --------  --------------   --------
                                               -----------   ----------  --------  --------------   --------
 
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------
                   COL. A                        COL. G                    COL. H       COL. I         COL. J
- ---------------------------------------------
 
                                                                                      AMORTIZATION
                                                             REALIZED     BENEFITS    OF DEFERRED
                                                  NET       INVESTMENT      AND         POLICY         OTHER
                                               INVESTMENT     GAINS      SETTLEMENT   ACQUISITION    OPERATING
                   SEGMENT                     INCOME (1)    (LOSSES)     EXPENSES       COSTS      EXPENSES (1)
- ---------------------------------------------  ----------   ----------   ----------   -----------   ------------
<S>                                            <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>
Year Ended December 31, 1997:
Life Insurance
  Acquisitions...............................   $110,155     $     0      $116,506    $ 16,606        $ 23,016
  Individual Life............................     54,593           0       114,678      27,354          18,178
  West Coast.................................     30,194           0        28,304         961           6,849
Specialty Insurance Products
  Dental and Consumer Benefits...............     23,810           0       110,148      15,711          38,572
  Financial Institutions.....................     16,341           0        27,643      30,812          20,165
Retirement Savings and Investment Products
  Guaranteed Investment Contracts............    211,915      (3,180)      179,235         618           3,945
  Investment Products........................    105,196         589        82,019      15,110          12,312
Corporate and Other..........................      5,284           0           339           3           6,833
Unallocated Realized Investment Gains
  (Losses)...................................          0       4,415             0           0               0
                                               ----------   ----------   ----------   -----------   ------------
    TOTAL....................................   $557,488     $ 1,824      $658,872    $107,175        $129,870
                                               ----------   ----------   ----------   -----------   ------------
                                               ----------   ----------   ----------   -----------   ------------
Year Ended December 31, 1996:
Life Insurance
  Acquisitions...............................   $106,015     $     0      $118,181    $ 17,162        $ 24,292
  Individual Life............................     48,442       3,098        96,404      28,393          28,611
Specialty Insurance Products
  Dental and Consumer Benefits...............     16,249           0       125,797       5,326          43,027
  Financial Institutions.....................     13,898           0        42,781      24,900          10,673
Retirement Savings and Investment Products
  Guaranteed Investment Contracts............    214,369      (7,963)      169,927         509           3,840
  Investment Products........................     98,719       3,858        73,093      14,710          13,197
Corporate and Other..........................      1,089           0           710           1           4,508
Unallocated Realized Investment Gains
  (Losses)...................................          0       6,517             0           0               0
                                               ----------   ----------   ----------   -----------   ------------
    TOTAL....................................   $498,781     $ 5,510      $626,893    $ 91,001        $128,148
                                               ----------   ----------   ----------   -----------   ------------
                                               ----------   ----------   ----------   -----------   ------------
Year Ended December 31, 1995:
Life Insurance
  Acquisitions...............................   $ 95,018     $     0      $100,016    $ 20,601        $ 22,551
  Individual Life............................     40,237           0        80,067      20,403          22,748
Specialty Insurance Products
  Dental and Consumer Benefits...............     14,329           0       109,447       3,052          37,657
  Financial Institutions.....................      9,276           0        24,020      26,809          14,229
Retirement Savings and Investment Products
  Guaranteed Investment Contracts............    203,376      (3,908)      165,963         386           4,140
  Investment Products........................     95,661       4,938        72,111      11,446          10,494
Corporate and Other..........................        536           0         1,476           3           8,069
Unallocated Realized Investment Gains
  (Losses)...................................          0         921             0           0               0
                                               ----------   ----------   ----------   -----------   ------------
    TOTAL....................................   $458,433     $ 1,951      $553,100    $ 82,700        $119,888
                                               ----------   ----------   ----------   -----------   ------------
                                               ----------   ----------   ----------   -----------   ------------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Allocations of Net Investment Income and Other Operating Expenses are based
    on a number of assumptions and estimates and results would change if
    different methods were applied.
 
                                      S-1
<PAGE>
                           SCHEDULE IV -- REINSURANCE
 
               PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   COL. A                         COL. B          COL. C          COL. D          COL. E          COL. F
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                PERCENTAGE
                                                                 CEDED TO         ASSUMED                        OF AMOUNT
                                                   GROSS           OTHER        FROM OTHER          NET           ASSUMED
                                                  AMOUNT         COMPANIES       COMPANIES        AMOUNT          TO NET
                                               -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
<S>                                            <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
Year Ended December 31, 1997:
  Life insurance in force....................  $  78,240,282   $  34,139,554   $  11,013,202   $  55,113,930           20.0%
                                               -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------            ---
                                               -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------            ---
Premiums and policy fees:
  Life insurance.............................  $     387,108   $     147,184   $      74,738   $     314,662           23.8%
  Accident and health insurance..............        336,575         187,715          10,686         159,546            6.7%
  Property and liability insurance...........          6,139             176              35           5,998            0.6%
                                               -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
  TOTAL......................................  $     729,822   $     335,075   $      85,459   $     480,206
                                               -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
                                               -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
Year Ended December 31, 1996:
  Life insurance in force....................  $  53,052,020   $  18,840,221   $  16,275,386   $  50,487,185           32.2%
                                               -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------            ---
                                               -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------            ---
Premiums and policy fees:
  Life insurance.............................  $     272,331   $     113,487   $     129,717   $     288,561           45.0%
  Accident and health insurance..............        338,709         194,687          29,467         173,489           17.0%
                                               -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
  TOTAL......................................  $     611,040   $     308,174   $     159,184   $     462,050
                                               -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
                                               -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
Year Ended December 31, 1995:
  Life insurance in force....................  $  50,346,719   $  17,524,366   $  11,537,144   $  44,359,497           26.0%
                                               -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------            ---
                                               -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------            ---
Premiums and policy fees:
  Life insurance.............................  $     308,422   $     116,091   $      66,565   $     258,896           25.7%
  Accident and health insurance..............        356,285         217,082          13,583         152,786            8.9%
                                               -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
  TOTAL......................................  $     664,707   $     333,173   $      80,148   $     411,682
                                               -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
                                               -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      S-2
<PAGE>
                                     PART C
                               OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 24. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
 
(a) Financial Statements:
 
    All required financial statements are included in Part A and Part B of this
Registration Statement.
 
(b) Exhibits:
 
   
<TABLE>
<C>  <S>  <C>
 1.  Resolution of the Board of Directors of Protective Life Insurance
     Company authorizing establishment of the Protective Life Variable
     Annuity Separate Account**
 2.  Not applicable
 3.  (a)  Form of Underwriting Agreement among Protective Life
          Insurance Company, Investment Distributors, Inc. and the
          Protective Life Variable Annuity Separate Account**
     (b)  Form of Distribution Agreement between Investment
          Distributors, Inc. and broker/ dealers**
 4.  (a)  Form of Individual Flexible Premium Deferred Variable and
          Fixed Annuity Contract*
     (b)  Endorsement**
     (c)  Qualified Retirement Plan Endorsement**
     (d)  Individual Retirement Annuity Endorsement**
     (e)  Tax Sheltered Annuity Endorsement**
     (f)  ERISA Tax-Sheltered Annuity Endorsement**
     (g)  Section 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Endorsement**
     (h)  Death Benefit Endorsement (96)***
     (i)  Tax Sheltered Annuity Endorsement (96)***
     (j)  Variable Settlement Option Endorsement
 5.  Form of Contract Applications**
 6.  (a)  Charter of Protective Life Insurance Company.*
     (b)  By-Laws of Protective Life Insurance Company.*
 7.  Not applicable
 8.  (a)  Participation/Distribution Agreement**
     (b)  Participation Agreement (Oppenheimer Variable Account
          Funds)****
     (c)  Participation Agreement (MFS Variable Insurance Trust)****
     (d)  Participation Agreement (Acacia Capital Corporation)****
 9.  Opinion and Consent of Steve M. Callaway, Esq.
10.  (a)  Consent of Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan, L.L.P.
     (b)  Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
11.  No financial statements will be omitted from Item 23
12.  Not applicable
13.  Not applicable
14.  Powers of Attorney*****
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 
    * Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Form N-4
      Registration Statement, (File No. 33-70984) filed with the Commission on
      October 28, 1993.
 
   ** Incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the
      Form N-4 Registration Statement, (File No. 33-70984) filed with the
      Commission on February 23, 1994.
 
  *** Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the
      Form N-4 Registration Statement, (File No. 33-70984) filed with the
      Commission on April 8, 1996.
 
   
 **** Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the
      Form N-4 Registration Statement, (File No. 33-70984) filed with the
      Commission on April 30, 1997.
    
 
   
***** Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to the
      Form N-4 Registration Statement, (File No. 33-70984) filed with the
      Commission on February 27, 1998.
    
 
                                      C-1
<PAGE>
Item 25. DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF DEPOSITOR.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND PRINCIPAL BUSINESS ADDRESS                             POSITION AND OFFICES WITH DEPOSITOR
- -----------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>
Drayton Nabers, Jr.                              Chairman of the Board
John D. Johns                                    President, and Director
R. Stephen Briggs                                Executive Vice President, Director
Carolyn King                                     Senior Vice President, Investment Products Division, and Director
Deborah J. Long                                  Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary, and Director
Jim E. Massengale                                Executive Vice President, Acquisitions, and Director
Steven A. Schultz                                Senior Vice President, Financial Institutions, and Director
Wayne E. Stuenkel                                Senior Vice President and Chief Actuary, and Director
A.S. Williams, III                               Executive Vice President, Investments, Treasurer, and Director
Judy Wilson                                      Senior Vice President, Guaranteed Investment Contracts
J. Russell Bailey, Jr.                           Vice President, Group
Michael B. Ballard                               Vice President, Individual Life Marketing
Harvey S. Benjamin                               Vice President, Investment Products Operations
Danny L. Bentley                                 Senior Vice President, Group, and Director
Richard J. Bielen                                Senior Vice President, Investments, and Director
Marcus N. Bowen                                  Vice President, PPGA Sales
Linda C. Cleveland                               Vice President, Acquisition Administration
Chris T. Calos                                   Vice President, Group Sales
Jerry W. DeFoor                                  Vice President and Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
John B. Deremo                                   Vice President, Individual Life Sales
Kevin M. Dunphy                                  Vice President, Business Systems
Kenneth A. Eaise                                 Vice President, Underwriting and Issue
Brent E. Fritz                                   Vice President, Individual Life Product Development
Bruce W. Gordon                                  Vice President, Marketing, Individual Life
James T. Helton III                              Vice President and Group Actuary
Charles (T.O.) McDowell                          Vice President, PPGA Sales
Lawrence G. Merrill                              Vice President, Investment Products Marketing
John O'Sullivan                                  Vice President and Actuary, Investment Products Division
Carl E. Price                                    Vice President, Group Direct Marketing
Charles M. Prior                                 Vice President, Investments
T. Michael Presley                               Vice President and Actuary, Financial Institutions
David C. Stevens                                 Vice President, Group Operations
James M. Styne                                   Vice President, Financial Institutions
Carl S. Thigpen                                  Vice President, Investments and Assistant Secretary
Alan E. Watson                                   Vice President, Individual Life Sales
Thomas W. Willingham                             Vice President, Individual Life Operations and Assistant
                                                 Secretary
Banks M. Wood                                    Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Financial Institutions
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
*   Unless otherwise indicated, principal business address is 2801 Highway 280
    South, Birmingham, Alabama 35223.
 
                                      C-2
<PAGE>
Item 26. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE DEPOSITOR AND
REGISTRANT
 
   
    The registrant is a segregated asset account of the Company and is therefore
owned and controlled by the Company. All of the Company's outstanding voting
common stock is owned by Protective Life Corporation. Protective Life
Corporation is described more fully in the prospectus included in this
registration statement. Various companies and other entities controlled by
Protective Life Corporation may therefore be considered to be under common
control with the registrant or the Company. Such other companies and entities,
together with the identity of their controlling persons (where applicable), are
set forth in Exhibit 21 to Form 10-K of Protective Life Corporation for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 (File No. 1-2332) filed with the Commission
on March 27, 1998.
    
 
                                      C-3
<PAGE>
   
Item 27. NUMBER OF CONTRACTOWNERS.
    
 
   
    As of the date of this filing, there were 23,156 contract owners of
individual flexible premium deferred variable and fixed annuity contracts
offered by Registrant.
    
 
Item 28. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
    Article XI of the By-laws of Protective Life provides, in substance, that
any of Protective Life's directors and officers, who is a party or is threatened
to be made a party to any action, suit or proceeding, other than an action by or
in the right of Protective Life, by reason of the fact that he is or was an
officer or director, shall be indemnified by Protective Life against expenses
(including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement
actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such claim,
action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of Protective
Life and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable
cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. If the claim, action or suit is or
was by or in the right of Protective Life to procure a judgment in its favor,
such person shall be indemnified by Protective Life against expenses (including
attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the
defense or settlement of such action or suit if he acted in good faith and in a
manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of
Protective Life, except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any
claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be
liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his duty to Protective
Life unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action or suit
was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of
liability but in view of all circumstances of the case, such person is fairly
and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which such court shall
deem proper. To the extent that a director or officer has been successful on the
merits or otherwise in defense of any such action, suit or proceeding, or in
defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he shall be indemnified by
Protective Life against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and
reasonably incurred by him in connection therewith, not withstanding that he has
not been successful on any other claim issue or matter in any such action, suit
or proceeding. Unless ordered by a court, indemnification shall be made by
Protective Life only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination
that indemnification of the officer or director is proper in the circumstances
because he has met the applicable standard of conduct. Such determination shall
be made (a) by the Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting
of directors who were not parties to, or who have been successful on the merits
or otherwise with respect to, such claim action, suit or proceeding, or (b) if
such a quorum is not obtainable, or, even if obtainable a quorum of
disinterested directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written
opinion or (c) by the shareholders.
 
    In addition, the executive officers and directors are insured by PLC's
Directors' and Officers' Liability Insurance Policy including Company
Reimbursement and are indemnified by a written contract with PLC which
supplements such coverage.
 
    Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of
1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.
 
                                      C-4
<PAGE>
Item 29. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER.
 
    (a)Investment Distributors, Inc. ("IDI") is the principal underwriter of the
       Contracts as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940. IDI is also
       principal underwriter for the Fund and for the Protective Life Variable
       Separate Account.
 
    (b)The following information is furnished with respect to the officers and
       directors of Investment Distributors, Inc.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND PRINCIPAL                                                  POSITION AND OFFICES
BUSINESS ADDRESS*                  POSITION AND OFFICES                WITH REGISTRANT
- --------------------------------  -----------------------  ---------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>                      <C>
Briggs, Robert Stephen            President, Chief         Executive Vice President, Director
                                  Executive Officer and
                                  Director
Ballard, Michael B.               Director                 Vice President, Individual Life
                                                           Marketing
Merrill, Lawrence G.              Director                 Vice President, Investment Products
                                                           Marketing
King, Carolyn                     Secretary, Chief         Senior Vice President, Investment
                                  Compliance Officer       Products
O'Sullivan, John                  Financial Operations     Vice President and Actuary, Investment
                                  Principal, Treasurer     Products
                                  and Director
Callaway, Steve M.                Director                 None
Janet Summey                      Assistant Secretary      Assistant Vice President, Investment
                                                           Products
Bonnie Miller                     Assistant Secretary      Assistant Vice President, Investment
                                                           Products
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
*   Unless otherwise indicated, principal business address is 2801 Highway 280
    South, Birmingham, Alabama, 35223.
 
Item 30. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS.
 
    All accounts and records required to be maintained by Section 31(c) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules thereunder are maintained by
Protective Life Insurance Company at 2801 Highway 280 South, Birmingham, Alabama
35223.
 
Item 31. MANAGEMENT SERVICES.
 
    All management contracts are discussed in Part A or Part B.
 
Item 32. UNDERTAKINGS.
 
    (a)Registrant hereby undertakes to file a post-effective amendment to this
       registration statement as frequently as is necessary to ensure that the
       audited financial statements in the registration statement are never more
       than sixteen (16) months old for so long as payments under the variable
       annuity contracts may be accepted.
 
    (b)Registrant hereby undertakes to include either (1) as part of any
       application to purchase a contract offered by the Prospectus, a space
       that an applicant can check to request a Statement of Additional
       Information, or (2) a postcard or similar written communication affixed
       to or included in the Prospectus that the applicant can remove to send
       for a Statement of Additional Information; and
 
    (c)Registrant hereby undertakes to deliver any Statement of Additional
       Information and any financial statement required to be made available
       under this Form promptly upon written or oral request.
 
                                      C-5
<PAGE>
    (d)The Company represents that in connection with its offering of the
       Contracts as funding vehicles for retirement plans meeting the
       requirements of Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, it
       is relying on a no-action letter dated November 28, 1988, to the American
       Council of Life Insurance (Ref. No. IP-6-88) regarding Sections 22(e),
       27(c)(1), and 27(d) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, and that
       paragraphs numbered (1) through (4) of that letter will be complied with.
 
    (e)Protective Life hereby 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 Protective Life.
 
                                      C-6
<PAGE>
   
                                   SIGNATURES
    
 
   
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant of this Post-Effective Amendment
to the Registration Statement has duly caused this Registration Statement to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City
of Birmingham, State of Alabama on April 29, 1998.
    
 
   
                                          PROTECTIVE VARIABLE ANNUITY
    
   
                                          SEPARATE ACCOUNT
    
 
   
                                                  By: /s/ JOHN D. JOHNS
    
 
                                          --------------------------------------
   
                                                   John D. Johns, President
                                            Protective Life Insurance Company
    
 
   
                                          PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
    
 
   
                                                  By: /s/ JOHN D. JOHNS
    
 
                                          --------------------------------------
   
                                                   John D. Johns, President
                                            Protective Life Insurance Company
    
 
   
    As required by the Securities Act of 1933, the Registration Statement has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates
indicated:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            SIGNATURE                                   TITLE                        DATE
           -------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------  -----------------
 
<S>        <C>                                          <C>                                    <C>
 
                     /s/ DRAYTON NABERS, JR.
               ----------------------------------               Chairman of the Board           April 29, 1998
                       Drayton Nabers, Jr.                  (Principal Executive Officer)
 
                        /s/ JOHN D. JOHNS
               ----------------------------------                     President                 April 29, 1998
                          John D. Johns                     (Principal Financial Officer)
 
                       /s/ JERRY W. DEFOOR              Vice President, Controller, and Chief
               ----------------------------------                Accounting Officer             April 29, 1998
                         Jerry W. DeFoor                   (Principal Accounting Officer)
 
                     /s/ DRAYTON NABERS, JR.
               ----------------------------------                     Director                  April 29, 1998
                       Drayton Nabers, Jr.
 
                        /s/ JOHN D. JOHNS
               ----------------------------------                     Director                  April 29, 1998
                          John D. Johns
 
                                *
               ----------------------------------                     Director                  April 29, 1998
                        R. Stephen Briggs
 
                                *
               ----------------------------------                     Director                  April 29, 1998
                        Jim E. Massengale
 
                                *
               ----------------------------------                     Director                  April 29, 1998
                        Wayne E. Stuenkel
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            SIGNATURE                                   TITLE                        DATE
           -------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------  -----------------
 
<S>        <C>                                          <C>                                    <C>
                                *
               ----------------------------------                     Director                  April 29, 1998
                       A. S. Williams III
 
                                *
               ----------------------------------                     Director                  April 29, 1998
                        Steven A. Schultz
 
                                *
               ----------------------------------                     Director                  April 29, 1998
                         Deborah J. Long
 
                                *
               ----------------------------------                     Director                  April 29, 1998
                          Carolyn King
 
                                *
               ----------------------------------                     Director                  April 29, 1998
                        Richard J. Bielen
 
                                *
               ----------------------------------                     Director                  April 29, 1998
                        Danny L. Bentley
 
                   *By: /s/ STEVE M. CALLAWAY
               ----------------------------------
                        Steve M. Callaway
                        ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>
   
                                                              FILE NO. 33-704984
                                                               FILE NO. 811-8108
    
 
   
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
    
 
   
                  PROTECTIVE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT
                       PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
    
 
   
                                    EXHIBITS
                                       TO
                                    FORM N-4
                         POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 7
    
<PAGE>
   
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER     DESCRIPTION
- ------     --
<C>     <S>
    4.  (j) Variable
           Settlement
           Option
           Endorsement
    9.     Opinion
           and
           Consent
           of
           Steve
           M.
           Callaway,
           Esq.
   10.  (a) Consent
           of
           Sutherland,
           Asbill &
           Brennan,
           L.L.P.
        (b) Consent
           of
           Coopers
           &
           Lybrand
           L.L.P.
</TABLE>
    

<PAGE>
   
                                                                    EXHIBIT 4(J)
    
 
   
PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY P.O. BOX 2606 BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 35020-2606
    
 
   
                           ANNUITY OPTION ENDORSEMENT
    
 
   
    The Contract to which this Endorsement is attached is amended as of its
Effective Date, as follows:
    
 
   
    An additional section is added to the provision entitled "ANNUITY OPTIONS"
    
 
   
    OPTION 5 -- VARIABLE PAYMENTS: The Owner may elect to receive all, or a
portion of the annuity benefit as variable payments. To receive payments under
this option, you must apply, at least, the greater of: (1) 50% of the Contract
Value (less applicable premium taxes); or, (2) $25,000. Annuity payments under
Option 5 are based upon the performance of the assets in the Sub-Account(s)
selected by the Owner. The variable payments will increase or decrease in
accordance with fluctuations in the net investment factor relative to the
interest assumption used. To the extent that you elect to receive variable
benefits, the Company makes no guarantee regarding the minimum amount of any
particular annuity payment under this option. The guaranteed interest rate,
annuity table payment rates and any guarantees made with respect to other
Annuity Options offered under this contract do not apply to variable payments
made under this option. Variable payments will be based on an interest
assumption of 5% and, if they involve lifetime income, a mortality basis of the
Annuity 2000 Mortality Table.
    
 
   
    You may select payments to be made for any certain period of not less than
10 nor more than 30 years, or may select to have payments made during the life
of the Annuitant with payments guaranteed for not less than 10 nor more than 30
years. If you have selected payments for a certain period, you may surrender the
variable portion, subject to any applicable surrender charges.
    
 
   
    Signed for the Company as of the Effective Date, which is the Contract Date.
    
 
   
PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
    
 
   
DEBORAH J. LONG
    
   
Secretary
    

<PAGE>
   
[LETTERHEAD]
    
   
                                                                       EXHIBIT 9
    
 
   
                                 April 29, 1998
    
 
   
Protective Life Insurance Company
2801 Highway 280 South
Birmingham, Alabama 35223
    
 
   
Gentlemen:
    
 
   
    With respect to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Form N-4
Registration Statement to be filed by Protective Life Insurance Company (the
"Company") and Protective Variable Annuity Separate Account (the "Account") with
the Securities and Exchange Commission for the purpose of registering under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, deferred variable annuity contracts (the
"Contracts"), I have examined such documents and such law as I am considered
necessary and appropriate, and on the basis of such examination, it is my
opinion that:
    
 
   
    1.  The Company is a corporation duly organized and validly existing as a
       stock life insurance company under the laws of the State of Tennessee and
       is duly authorized by the Department of Commerce and Insurance of the
       State of Tennessee to issue the Contracts.
    
 
   
    2.  The Account is a duly authorized and existing separate account
       established pursuant to the provisions of Section 53-3-501 of the
       Tennessee Code.
    
 
   
    3.  To the extent so provided under the Contracts, that portion of the
       assets of the account equal to the reserves and other contract
       liabilities with respect to the Account will not be chargeable with
       liabilities arising out of any other business that the Company may
       conduct.
    
 
   
    4.  The Contracts, when issued as contemplated by the Form N-4 registration
       statement, will constitute legal, validly issued and binding obligations
       of the Company.
    
 
   
    I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Form N-4
registration statement for the Contracts and the Account.
    
 
   
                                        Very truly yours,
    
   
                                        /s/ STEVE M. CALLAWAY
    
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
                                        Steve M. Callaway
                                        Senior Associate Counsel
    

<PAGE>
   
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(A)
    
 
   
                                  [LETTERHEAD]
    
 
   
                                   April 29, 1998
    
 
   
Board of Directors
Protective Life Insurance Company
2801 Highway 201 South
Birmingham, Alabama 35223
    
 
   
Directors:
    
 
   
    We hereby consent to the reference to our name under the caption "Legal
Matters" in the statement of additional information filed as part of
post-effective amendment number 7 to the Registration Statement on Form N-4
filed by Protective Life Insurance Company and Protective Variable Annuity
Separate Account with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In giving this
consent, we do not admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is
required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933.
    
 
   
                                        Very truly yours,
    
   
                                        SUTHERLAND, ASBILL & BRENNAN LLP
    
 
   
                                        By:  /s/ STEPHEN E. ROTH
    
                                            ------------------------------------
   
                                                   Stephen E. Roth
    

<PAGE>
   
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(B)
    
 
   
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
    
 
   
    We consent to the inclusion in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 (File No.
33-70984) to the Registration Statement under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended, filed on Form N-4 of our report dated February 11, 1998, on
our audits of the financial statements and financial statement schedules of
Protective Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries. We also consent to the
inclusion of our report dated March 5, 1998 on our audit of the financial
statements of the Protective Variable Annuity Separate Account. We also consent
to the reference to our Firm under the caption "Experts."
    
 
   
                                          COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
    
 
   
Birmingham, Alabama
April 29, 1998
    


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