Why it earned this rating
Our assessment
Aspirations is Protective's B-share variable annuity. It offers 127 variable subaccounts plus a fixed account, optional SecurePay GLWB and multiple enhanced death benefit options, and a 1.20% total annual expense (M&E plus admin). The 7-year surrender window and B-share structure are standard for this product type.
The short version
For accumulation-focused buyers comfortable with market risk who want a B-share VA with broad subaccount choice and optional rider flexibility, Aspirations is a competent product from a strong carrier. The fee structure is typical for this category — meaningful but not extreme.
Key facts
**Product Type** Variable Annuity (B-share, flexible premium first year)
**Issue Ages** 0–85
**Minimum Premium** $5,000
**Surrender Period** 7 years (7, 6, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 0%)
**Free Withdrawal** 10% of initial premium in year 1; subsequent years use a multi-test free amount
**Subaccounts** 127 variable subaccounts plus a 1-year fixed account
**Annual Contract Fee** $35 (waived at $100,000)
**Total Annual Expense** 1.20% (1.10% M&E + 0.10% admin)
**Income Rider** SecurePay Investor II and SecurePay Protector V optional
**Enhanced Death Benefits** Multiple options available
The full review
Is Protective Aspirations a Good Annuity?
Yes, for the right buyer. It fits accumulation-focused buyers comfortable with market risk who want a B-share VA with broad subaccount choice and optional rider flexibility. It is not a fit for buyers seeking principal protection.
Why Someone Would Buy This Annuity
The main reason is tax-deferred market exposure with optional living benefit and enhanced death benefit riders through an A-plus carrier. The secondary reason is the breadth of the subaccount menu — 127 variable choices give buyers real allocation flexibility.
Who This Annuity Is Best For
I think Aspirations fits best for someone in their 40s through 60s who wants tax-deferred market exposure within a VA structure, may want to add a living benefit rider for income certainty, and values Protective's carrier strength. The product is also a fit for buyers using a 1035 exchange from another VA.
What You're Really Buying Here
You are buying tax-deferred market exposure through a B-share VA structure. You are not buying principal protection. The 1.20% base expense applies daily to subaccount values. Optional riders add additional costs in exchange for income or death benefit guarantees.
How the Core Feature Works
Aspirations offers 127 variable subaccounts spanning major asset classes and managers, plus a 1-year fixed account currently at 3.00%. Optional SecurePay Investor II and SecurePay Protector V riders provide GLWB-style income guarantees. Multiple enhanced death benefit options are available, including Return of Purchase Payments, Maximum Anniversary Value, Maximum Quarterly Value, and Maximum Daily Value variants. A 2% annuitization bonus applies for contracts annuitized for at least 10 years after the tenth contract anniversary.
Why the Secondary Feature Matters
The four enhanced death benefit options are the meaningful secondary feature. Buyers can choose Return of Purchase Payments (basic), Maximum Anniversary Value (locks in highest anniversary value), Maximum Quarterly Value (locks in highest quarterly value), or Maximum Daily Value (locks in highest daily value). Each carries a different cost structure, and the choice depends on legacy planning priorities.
Liquidity and Surrender Schedule
Free withdrawals are 10% of initial premium in year 1; in subsequent years the free amount is the greater of 10% of previous account anniversary premiums, 10% of previous account anniversary value, or earnings. Surrender charges scale 7, 6, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, then 0 percent over seven years. Nursing home and terminal illness waivers are available.
Fees and Tradeoffs
The base annual expense is 1.20% (1.10% M&E plus 0.10% admin), assessed daily on subaccount values. The $35 annual contract fee is waived at $100,000 account value. Subaccount fees range from 0.34% to 2.58% net. Optional riders add their own charges. Total cost stack can run 1.50% to 3.50% depending on subaccount choice and rider election.
Product snapshot
| Feature | Details |
| --- | --- |
| Product type | Variable annuity (B-share) |
| Issue ages | 0-85 |
| Minimum premium | $5,000 |
| Surrender schedule | 7, 6, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 0% |
| Annual contract fee | $35 (waived at $100,000) |
| Total annual expense | 1.20% |
| Subaccount fee range | 0.34% to 2.58% |
| Subaccounts | 127 variable plus 1 fixed |
| Current fixed account rate | 3.00% |
| Free withdrawal | 10% of initial premium year 1; multi-test in years 2+ |
| Income rider | Optional SecurePay Investor II and Protector V |
| Enhanced death benefits | Multiple options available |
| Surrender waivers | Nursing home, terminal illness |
| MGSV | N/A |
| State availability | Check with carrier |
Carrier snapshot
Protective Life Insurance Company is part of Protective Life Insurance Corporation. A.M. Best A-plus, S&P AA-minus. Aspirations is distributed through full-service broker-dealers, independent broker-dealers, and banks.
Final take
Aspirations is a competent B-share VA from a strong carrier. The 127-subaccount menu and optional rider flexibility are real differentiators. The 1.20% base expense plus subaccount and optional rider charges create a meaningful cost stack — appropriate for buyers who specifically want VA features but a real consideration relative to direct mutual fund investing.