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Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-105003

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To prospectus dated May 9, 2003)

LOGO


PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
$250,000,000

4.30% Senior Notes due June 1, 2013

        These senior notes will bear interest at the rate of 4.30% per year. Interest on the senior notes is payable semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning December 1, 2003. The senior notes will mature on June 1, 2013. We may redeem the senior notes at any time prior to maturity, in whole or in part, at the redemption price described in this prospectus supplement. See "Description of the Senior Notes—Optional Redemption of the Senior Notes."

        The senior notes are unsecured and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured senior indebtedness. The senior notes will be issued only in registered form in denominations of $1,000.

        Investing in these securities involves risks. Consider carefully the risk factors beginning on page 4 of the accompanying prospectus.

 
   Per Senior Note
   Total

Price to investors(1)
 
99.54%
 
$248,850,000

Underwriting discount
 
0.65%
 
$1,625,000

Proceeds, before expenses, to Protective
 
98.89%
 
$247,225,000

        (1)  Plus accrued interest from May 23, 2003 if settlement occurs after that date

        Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved these securities or determined that this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

        The senior notes will be ready for delivery in book-entry form only through The Depository Trust Company on or about May 23, 2003.

Joint Book-running Managers

Merrill Lynch & Co.
 
Morgan Stanley

SunTrust Robinson Humphrey
 
Wachovia Securities

The date of this prospectus supplement is May 20, 2003.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Prospectus Supplement

     
Forward-Looking Statements   S-2
Summary of the Offer   S-3
The Company   S-4
Use of Proceeds   S-4
Capitalization   S-5
Selected Consolidated Financial Data   S-6
Consolidated Earnings Ratios   S-7
Description of the Senior Notes   S-8
Underwriting   S-13
Legal Opinions   S-14
Experts   S-14
Documents Incorporated by Reference   S-14

Prospectus
Forward-Looking Information   3
About This Prospectus   3
Where You Can Find More Information   4
Incorporation of Information We File With the SEC   4
Risk Factors   4
Protective Life Corporation   10
The PLC Capital Trusts   11
Use of Proceeds   12
Consolidated Earnings Ratios   12
Description of Debt Securities of Protective   13
Description of Capital Stock of Protective   24
Description of Preferred Stock of Protective   25
Description of Common Stock of Protective   25
Description of Preferred Securities of the PLC Capital Trusts   33
Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantees   35
Effect of Obligations Under the Subordinated Debt Securities and the Preferred Securities Guarantees   38
Description of Stock Purchase Contracts and Stock Purchase Units   39
Plan of Distribution   40
Legal Matters   41
Experts   42

        You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. No one has been authorized to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer to sell the senior notes in any jurisdiction where the offer to sell the senior notes is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, as well as information we previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and incorporated by reference, is accurate as of the date on the front cover of those documents only. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date. In this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, "Protective", "the Company", "we" and "our" refer to Protective Life Corporation.


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the information incorporated in such documents by reference include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that reflect Protective's current view with respect to future events and financial performance. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including those identified in "Risk Factors" beginning on page 4 of the accompanying prospectus as well as those noted in the documents incorporated by reference, which could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated. Forward-looking statements can be identified by use of words such as "expect," "estimate," "project," "budget," "forecast," "anticipated," "plan," and similar expressions. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. Protective undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or changes to projections over time.

S-2


SUMMARY OF THE OFFER

        The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the detailed information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and in the accompanying prospectus.


THE COMPANY

        Protective is a holding company, whose subsidiaries provide financial services through the production, distribution and administration of insurance and investment products. Protective had revenues of approximately $1.9 billion for the year ended December 31, 2002 and approximately $0.5 billion for the three-month period ended March 31, 2003. As of March 31, 2003, Protective had assets of approximately $22.8 billion. Our principal executive offices are located at 2801 Highway 280 South, Birmingham, Alabama 35223, and our telephone number is (205) 268-1000.


THE SENIOR NOTES OFFERING

Senior Notes Offered   Protective is offering $250,000,000 aggregate principal amount of senior notes which will bear interest at a per annum rate of 4.30%. Interest on the senior notes will be payable semi-annually in arrears June 1 and December 1 of each year beginning on December 1, 2003.

Date of Maturity
 
The senior notes will mature on June 1, 2013.

Record Date
 
Protective will make payments on the senior notes to the holder of record on the 15th calendar day of the month preceding each June 1 and December 1.

Optional Redemption
 
We may redeem the senior notes in whole at any time or in part from time to time at the redemption price described in the section entitled "Description of Senior Notes—Optional Redemption of Senior Notes."

Ranking
 
The senior notes are our unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured senior indebtedness from time to time outstanding.

Covenants
 
The indenture under which the senior notes will be issued contains covenants that impose conditions on our ability to create liens on any capital stock of our Restricted Subsidiaries or engage in sales of the capital stock of our Restricted Subsidiaries.

Listing
 
The senior notes will not be listed on any national securities exchange.

Use of Proceeds
 
Protective estimates that the net proceeds of the offering will be approximately $246,851,050 after expenses, including the underwriting discount. Protective intends to use a significant portion of the proceeds from the offering of the senior notes to redeem its outstanding 8% Senior Notes due July 1, 2010 and its 8.1% Senior Notes due August 1, 2015 and to repay outstanding bank indebtedness. Any portion of the proceeds retained by Protective will be used for general corporate purposes.

Risk Factors
 
You should carefully consider all information set forth and incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and, in particular, should carefully read the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the accompanying prospectus before purchasing any of the senior notes.

S-3


THE COMPANY

        Protective is a holding company, whose subsidiaries provide financial services through the production, distribution and administration of insurance and investment products. Protective had revenues of approximately $1.9 billion for the year ended December 31, 2002, and approximately $0.5 billion for the three-month period ended March 31, 2003. As of March 31, 2003, Protective had assets of approximately $22.8 billion. Unless the context otherwise requires, "Protective" refers to the consolidated group of Protective Life Corporation and its subsidiaries; however, the description of the obligations under the senior notes applies only to Protective.


USE OF PROCEEDS

        Protective expects to receive approximately $246,851,050 in net proceeds from the sale of the senior notes, after deducting the underwriting discount and commission and the estimated offering expenses of $373,950. Protective intends to use approximately $50 million of the proceeds to redeem its outstanding 8% Senior Notes due July 1, 2010, approximately $40 million to redeem its outstanding 8.1% Senior Notes due August 1, 2015 and approximately $150 million to repay its current outstanding bank indebtedness. As of March 31, 2003, the weighted average interest rate on such bank indebtedness was 1.7617%. This indebtedness is outstanding under a revolving credit facility which is scheduled to terminate in October of 2005. The proceeds remaining after repayment of such indebtedness will be used by Protective for general corporate purposes.

S-4


CAPITALIZATION

        The following table sets forth the unaudited summary capitalization of Protective and its consolidated subsidiaries at March 31, 2003, and as adjusted to give effect to the consummation of the offering of the senior notes and the planned use of proceeds and other adjustments noted below. See "Use of Proceeds." The table below should be read together with the detailed information and financial statements appearing in the documents incorporated in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 
   As of March 31, 2003

 
 
Actual
 
Adjustments1
 
As Adjusted
 
   (dollars in thousands)
Long-Term Debt                  
 
Notes payable to banks
 
$
150,000
 
$
(150,000
)1
$
—
  7.95% Senior Notes due July 1, 2004     75,000           75,000
  7.45% Medium Term Notes due August 1, 2011     9,852           9,852
  Mortgage Notes on investment real estate     6,937           6,937
  8% Senior Notes due July 1, 2010     49,858     (49,858 )1   —
  8.1% Senior Notes due August 1, 2015     39,843     (39,843 )1   —
  8.25% Senior Notes due October 1, 2030     34,699           34,699
  7.5% Senior Notes due July 1, 2016     59,914           59,914
  4.30% Senior Notes due June 1, 2013           250,0001     250,000
   
       
    Total long-term debt     426,103           436,402
Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interests in Company's Subordinated Debt Securities                  
  7.5% Trust Originated Preferred Securities     100,000           100,000
  7.25% Trust Originated Preferred Securities     115,000           115,000
   
       
    Total Preferred Beneficial Interests     215,000           215,000
Share-owners' equity                  
  Preferred Stock ($1 par value shares authorized: 3,600,000; issued: none)     —           —
  Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock ($1 par value shares authorized: 400,000; issued: none)     —           —
  Common equity ($.50 par value, shares authorized: 160,000,000; issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2003: 68,891,149)     1,810,480           1,810,480
   
       
    Total share-owners' equity     1,810,480           1,810,480
   
       
      Total capitalization   $ 2,451,583         $ 2,461,882
   
       
1
Adjustments to give effect to the sale of the 4.30% Senior Notes due June 1, 2013 and the use of proceeds described in this prospectus supplement under "Use of Proceeds".

S-5


SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

        The following selected financial information for the years ended as of December 31, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999 and 1998 has been derived from previously published audited consolidated financial statements of Protective, prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), which have been examined and reported upon by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants. The selected financial information for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 is unaudited but, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2003. The selected financial information should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the consolidated financial statements from which it has been derived and the accompanying notes thereto incorporated by reference herein and the related Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations associated therewith and incorporated by reference herein.

 
   Three Months Ended
March 31,
   Year Ended December 31,

 
 
2003
 
2002
 
2002
 
2001
 
2000
 
1999
 
1998
 
   (dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

Income Statement Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Premiums and Policy Fees   $ 388,071   $ 380,981   $ 1,543,350   $ 1,389,820   $ 1,175,898   $ 861,027   $ 750,584
  Reinsurance Ceded     189,417     176,683     760,218     771,151     686,108     462,297     378,397
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Net of Reinsurance Ceded     198,654     204,298     783,132     618,669     489,790     398,730     412,187
  Net investment income     260,560     245,005     1,031,204     884,041     730,149     667,968     629,045
  Realized investment gains (losses)     (11,692 )   (3,603 )   6,146     (20,171 )   (7,043 )   (1,057 )   3,121
  Other income     25,309     25,804     100,196     120,647     151,833     89,680     60,022
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total Revenues     472,831     471,504     1,920,678     1,603,186     1,364,729     1,155,321     1,104,375
    Benefits and Expenses     416,792     409,219     1,655,635     1,393,690     1,153,054     954,660     922,404
Income tax expense     18,334     20,679     87,688     68,538     74,321     70,976     63,309

Net income from continuing operations
 
 
37,705
 
 
41,606
 
 
177,355
 
 
141,058
 
 
137,354
 
 
129,685
 
 
118,662

Income (loss) from discontinued operations (1)
 
 
—
 
 
—
 
 
—
 
 
(30,522
)
 
16,122
 
 
21,642
 
 
12,119
Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle (2)     —     —     —     (7,593 )   —     —     —
Net income   $ 37,705   $ 41,606   $ 177,355   $ 102,943   $ 153,476   $ 151,327   $ 130,781
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

Per Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Net income from continuing operations—diluted     0.53     0.59     2.52     2.01     2.08     1.96     1.85
  Net income—diluted     0.53     0.59     2.52     1.47     2.32     2.29     2.04
  Average shares outstanding—diluted     70,483,448     70,383,580     70,482,797     69,950,173     66,281,128     66,161,367     64,087,744
  Net income—basic     0.54     0.60     2.54     1.48     2.33     2.31     2.06
  Average shares outstanding—basic     69,956,505     69,893,453     69,923,955     69,410,525     65,832,349     65,604,311     63,521,587
  Cash dividends     0.15     0.14     0.59     0.55     0.51     0.47     0.43
  Share-owners' equity     26.28     19.70     25.06     20.42     17.26     13.41     14.65
  Share-owners' equity excluding accumulated other comprehensive income     21.97     20.07     21.62     19.63     18.05     15.68     13.80

Balance Sheet Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Total Assets     22,774,363     20,138,370     21,929,989     19,718,824     15,145,633     12,994,164     11,989,495
  Long-term debt     426,103     386,691     406,110     376,211     306,125     236,023     172,035
  Total debt     426,103     386,691     406,110     376,211     306,125     236,023     172,035
  9% Cumulative Monthly Income Preferred Securities, Series A     —     —     —     —     —     —     55,000
  8.25% Trust Originated Preferred Securities     —     75,000     —     75,000     75,000     75,000     75,000
  7.5% Trust Originated Preferred Securities     100,000     100,000     100,000     100,000     —     —     —
  7.25% Trust Originated Preferred Securities     115,000     —     115,000     —     —     —     —
  6.5% Feline Prides     —     —     —     —     115,000     115,000     115,000
  Share-owners' equity     1,810,480     1,352,799     1,720,702     1,400,144     1,114,058     865,223     944,194
  Accumulated other comprehensive income     296,914     (25,397 )   235,914     54,328     (51,373 )   (146,081 )   55,057
  Share-owners' equity excluding accumulated other comprehensive income(3)     1,513,566     1,378,196     1,484,788     1,345,816     1,165,431     1,011,304     889,137
(1)
Income from discontinued operations in 2001 includes loss on sale of discontinued operations and loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax.

(2)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle relating to SFAS No. 133, net of income tax.

(3)
"Share-owner's equity excluding accumulated other comprehensive income" is a non-GAAP measure. "Share-owner's equity" is a GAAP measure to which "Share-owner's equity excluding accumulated other comprehensive income" may be compared. Protective believes that an insurance company's balance sheet may be difficult to analyze without disclosing the effects of recording accumulated other comprehensive income (including unrealized gains and losses on investments).

S-6


CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS RATIOS

        The following table sets forth, for the years and periods indicated, Protective's ratios of:

        The guaranteed preferred beneficial interests discussed in this prospectus supplement comprise three types of securities:

        We calculate the "Ratio of Consolidated Earnings to Fixed Charges" by dividing the sum of income before income tax (BT), interest expense on debt and Preferred Securities and imputed interest on operating leases (I) and interest credited on investment products (IP) by the sum of interest expense on debt and the Preferred Securities described above and imputed interest on operating leases (I) and interest credited on investment products (IP). The formula of this ratio is: (BT+I+IP)/ (I+IP). Investment products include products such as guaranteed investment contracts and annuities.

        We calculate the "Ratio of Consolidated Earnings to Fixed Charges Before Interest Credited on Investment Products" by dividing the sum of income before income tax (BT) and interest expense on debt and Preferred Securities and imputed interest on operating leases (I) by interest expense on debt and Preferred Securities and imputed interest on operating leases. The formula for this calculation, therefore, would be: (BT+I)/I.

 
   Year Ended December 31,
   Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   2002
   2001
   2000
   1999
   1998
   2003
   2002
Ratio of Consolidated Earnings to Fixed Charges   1.3   1.2   1.3   1.5   1.5   1.4   1.3
Ratio of Consolidated Earnings to Fixed Charges Before Interest Credited on Investment Products   10.0   6.9   6.7   6.8   6.3   7.7   10.6

S-7


DESCRIPTION OF THE SENIOR NOTES

        Set forth below is a description of the specific terms of the senior notes. This description supplements, and should be read together with, the description of the general terms and provisions of the securities set forth in the accompanying prospectus under the caption "Description of Debt Securities of Protective." The following description does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the description in the accompanying prospectus and the indenture dated as of June 1, 1994 as supplemented by Supplemental Indenture No. 9 in respect of the senior notes, which we refer to as the "Senior Indenture", between Protective and The Bank of New York, as trustee, which we refer to as the "Senior Trustee", pursuant to which the senior notes will be issued.

General

        The senior notes will be issued as a series of senior debt securities under the Senior Indenture and will be limited in aggregate principal amount to $250,000,000. The senior notes are available for purchase in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in United States dollars. Payments of principal of, and interest on, the senior notes will be made in United States Dollars. The provisions of Article 4 of the indenture relating to defeasance, which are described in the accompanying prospectus, will apply to the senior notes.

        The senior notes are unsecured and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured senior indebtedness.

        After this offering and giving effect to the use of proceeds, we will have $429.5 million of unsecured senior indebtedness including the senior notes.

        The Senior Trustee is the paying agent at its offices in New York, New York. Protective may at any time designate additional paying agents or rescind the designations or approve a change in the offices where they act.

        The entire principal amount of the senior notes will mature and become due and payable, together with any accrued and unpaid interest thereon, on June 1, 2013. The senior notes are not subject to any sinking fund provision.

        Each senior note will bear interest of 4.30% per year from the date of original issuance. We will pay interest semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, each of which we refer to as an interest payment date, beginning on December 1, 2003, and on the maturity date. In the event an interest payment date falls on a day that is not a business day, we will postpone the interest payment to the next succeeding business day and no interest will accrue for the period from and after such interest payment date. Interest on the senior notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of 30-day months.

        If the maturity date of the senior notes falls on a day that is not a business day, we will pay principal and interest on the next succeeding business day, but we will consider that payment as being made on the date that the payment was due to you. Accordingly, no interest will accrue on the payment for the period from and after the maturity date to the date we make the payment to you (the next succeeding business day).

        The interest payable by us on a senior note on any interest payment date and on the maturity date, subject to certain exceptions, will be paid to the person in whose name such senior note is registered at the close of business on the 15th calendar day of the month preceding such interest payment date, whether or not a business day. However, interest that we pay on the maturity date, will be payable to the person to whom the principal will be payable.

        As used in this prospectus supplement, "business day" means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which commercial banks are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close in The City of New York.

        We may, from time to time, without the consent of holders of any outstanding senior notes, reopen this issue of senior notes and issue additional senior notes with the same issue date, maturity, interest rate, ranking and other terms of the senior notes being offered pursuant to this prospectus supplement. If we issue additional senior notes

S-8

having the same terms as these senior notes, those additional senior notes will, upon issuance and sale, constitute a single series of notes with the senior notes already offered hereby.

Optional Redemption of the Senior Notes

        The senior notes may be redeemed in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at our option, at a redemption price equal to the greater of:

        "treasury rate" means, with respect to any redemption date:

        The treasury rate will be calculated on the third business day preceding the redemption date.

        "calculation agent" means Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, or if that firm is unwilling or unable to select the comparable treasury issue, an investment banking institution of national standing appointed by the Senior Trustee after consultation with us.

        "comparable treasury issue" means the U.S. Treasury security selected by the calculation agent as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term ("remaining life") of the senior notes to be redeemed that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of such senior notes.

        "comparable treasury price" means (1) the average of five reference treasury dealer quotations for such redemption date, after excluding the highest and lowest reference treasury dealer quotations, or (2) if the calculation agent obtains fewer than five such reference treasury dealer quotations, the average of all such quotations.

        "reference treasury dealer" means (1) Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and its successors, provided, however, that if the foregoing shall cease to be a primary U.S. government securities dealer in New York City (a "primary treasury dealer") we will substitute therefor another primary treasury dealer and (2) another primary treasury dealer selected by the calculation agent after consultation with us.

        "reference treasury dealer quotations" means, with respect to each reference treasury dealer and any redemption date, the average, as determined by the calculation agent, of the bid and asked prices for the comparable treasury issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the calculation agent at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the third business day preceding such redemption date.

S-9


        We will mail a notice of redemption to each holder of senior notes to be redeemed by first-class mail at least 30 and not more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption. Unless we default on payment of the redemption price, interest will cease to accrue on the senior notes or portions thereof called for redemption on the applicable redemption date. If fewer than all of the senior notes are to be redeemed, the Senior Trustee will select, not more than 60 days prior to the redemption date, the particular senior notes or portions thereof for redemption from the outstanding senior notes not previously called by such method as the Senior Trustee deems fair and appropriate.

Certain Restrictive Provisions

        The Senior Indenture does not contain any provisions that will restrict Protective from incurring, assuming or becoming liable with respect to any indebtedness or other obligations, whether secured or unsecured, or from paying dividends or making other distributions on its capital stock or purchasing or redeeming its capital stock. The Senior Indenture does not contain any financial ratios or specified levels of net worth or liquidity to which Protective must adhere. In addition, the Senior Indenture does not contain any provision that would require that Protective repurchase or redeem or otherwise modify the terms of any of the senior notes upon a change in control or other events involving Protective which may adversely affect the creditworthiness of the senior notes.

        The Senior Indenture contains, among others, the following covenants:

        Limitations on Sales of Capital Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries.    Protective is restricted from disposing of in any way any shares of capital stock of a Restricted Subsidiary (other than directors' qualifying shares or dispositions to a subsidiary), and subsidiaries are restricted from disposing of in any way any shares of capital stock of any other Restricted Subsidiary (other than for directors' qualifying shares or dispositions to Protective or to a subsidiary), except for the disposition of the entire capital stock of such Restricted Subsidiary owned directly or indirectly by Protective for a consideration which, in the opinion of its Board of Directors, is at least equal to the fair value thereof.

        The term "Restricted Subsidiary" means any subsidiary of Protective with assets greater than or equal to 20% of all assets of Protective and its subsidiaries, computed and consolidated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. On the date hereof, only Protective Life Insurance Company and West Coast Life Insurance Company are Restricted Subsidiaries.

        Protective is not required pursuant to the Senior Indenture to repurchase the senior notes, in whole or in part, with the proceeds of any sale, transfer or other disposition of any shares of capital stock of any Restricted Subsidiary (or of any subsidiary having any direct or indirect control of any Restricted Subsidiary). Further, the Senior Indenture does not provide for any restrictions on Protective's use of such proceeds.

        Limitations on Liens on Restricted Subsidiaries' Capital Stock.    Protective will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary, at any time directly or indirectly to, create, assume, incur or suffer to exist any indebtedness secured by a pledge, lien or other encumbrance on the capital stock of any Restricted Subsidiary without making effective provision for securing the senior notes then outstanding (and if Protective so elects, any other indebtedness ranking on a parity with the senior notes) equally and ratably with such secured indebtedness as to such property for so long as such indebtedness will be so secured; provided, however, that this covenant will not be applicable to liens (as defined in the supplemental indenture relating to the senior notes) (i) on the shares of stock of a subsidiary of a Person that is merged with or into Protective or a Subsidiary securing debt of such Person, which debt was outstanding prior to such merger, but only if such pledge and debt were not incurred in anticipation of such merger, (ii) in favor of Protective securing debt of a Restricted Subsidiary owed to Protective, (iii) for taxes or assessments or governmental charges or levies not then due and delinquent or the validity of which are being contested in good faith or which are less than $15,000,000, or (iv) created by or resulting from any litigation or legal proceeding being contested in good faith or which are less than $15,000,000. The indenture does not restrict Protective's subsidiaries from issuing secured or unsecured indebtedness, or from granting security interests in assets other than capital stock in Restricted Subsidiaries. Therefore, indebtedness issued by Restricted Subsidiaries and indebtedness issued by Protective secured by assets other than capital stock of Restricted Subsidiaries may be paid ahead of the senior notes in the event of insolvency of Protective or its subsidiaries.

Events of Default

        The supplemental indenture relating to the senior notes will modify the events of default described in the accompanying prospectus by defining as one such event of default a default in payment of principal relating to

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indebtedness of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries for borrowed money having an aggregate principal amount of $25 million or more, or other default resulting in acceleration of indebtedness of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries for borrowed money where the aggregate principal amount so accelerated equals or exceeds $25 million and such acceleration is not rescinded or annulled within 30 days after the written notice thereof to the Company by the Senior Trustee or to the Company and the Senior Trustee by the holders of 25% in aggregate principal amount of the senior notes then outstanding; provided that such event of default will be remedied, cured or waived if the default that caused such event of default is remedied, cured or waived.

Book-Entry Only Issuance—The Depository Trust Company

        The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, will act as the initial securities depositary for the senior notes. The senior notes will be issued only as fully registered securities registered in the name of Cede & Co., DTC's nominee. One or more fully registered global senior notes will be issued, representing in the aggregate the total principal amount of senior notes, and will be deposited with DTC.

        DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. DTC holds securities that its participants ("Participants") deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the settlement among Participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in Participant's accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations ("Direct Participants"). DTC is owned by a number of its Direct Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Direct Participant, either directly or indirectly ("Indirect Participants"). The rules applicable to DTC and its Participants are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

        Purchases of senior notes within the DTC system must be made by or through Direct Participants, which will receive a credit for the senior notes on DTC's records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of senior notes (such purchaser, or the person to whom such purchaser conveys his or her ownership interest, a "Beneficial Owner") is in turn to be recorded on the Direct and Indirect Participants' records. Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchases, but Beneficial Owners are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the transactions, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the Direct or Indirect Participants through which the Beneficial Owners purchased senior notes. Transfers of ownership interests in the senior notes are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of Participants acting on behalf of Beneficial Owners. Beneficial Owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in senior notes, except in the event that use of the book-entry system for the senior notes is discontinued, Protective determines that Beneficial Owners may exchange their ownership interests for such certificates or there shall have occurred an event of default.

        DTC will have no knowledge of the actual Beneficial Owners of the senior notes. DTC's records reflect only the identity of the Direct Participants to whose accounts such senior notes are credited, which may or may not be the Beneficial Owners. The Participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.

        Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to Direct Participants, by Direct Participants to Indirect Participants and by Direct Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.

        Redemption notices will be sent to DTC. If less than all of the senior notes are being redeemed, DTC will reduce the amount of the interest of each Direct Participant in the senior notes in accordance with its procedures.

        Although voting with respect to the senior notes is limited, in those cases where a vote is required, neither DTC nor Cede & Co. will itself consent or vote with respect to senior notes. Under its usual procedures, DTC would mail an Omnibus Proxy to Protective as soon as possible after the record date. The Omnibus Proxy assigns Cede & Co.'s

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consenting or voting rights to those Direct Participants to whose accounts the senior notes are credited on the record date (identified in a listing attached to the Omnibus Proxy).

        Payments on the senior notes will be made to DTC. DTC's practice is to credit Direct Participants' accounts on the relevant payment date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC's records unless DTC has reason to believe that it will not receive payments on such payment date. Payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the account of customers registered in "street name," and will be the responsibility of such Participant and not of DTC or Protective, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Payment to DTC is the responsibility of Protective, disbursements of such payments to Direct Participants is the responsibility of DTC and disbursements of such payments to the Beneficial Owners is the responsibility of Direct and Indirect Participants.

        Except as provided herein, a Beneficial Owner of an interest in a global senior note will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of senior notes. Accordingly, each Beneficial Owner must rely on the procedures of DTC to exercise any rights under the senior notes. The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of securities in definitive form. Such laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global senior note.

        DTC may discontinue providing its services as security depositary with respect to the senior notes at any time by giving reasonable notice to Protective. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor securities depositary is not obtained, senior note certificates will be printed and delivered to the holders of record. Additionally, Protective may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry transfers through DTC (or a successor depositary) with respect to the senior notes. In that event, certificates for the senior notes will be printed and delivered to the holders of record.

        The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system has been obtained from sources that Protective believes to be reliable, but Protective takes no responsibility for the accuracy thereof. Protective has no responsibility for the performance by DTC or its Participants of their respective obligations as described herein or under the rules and procedures governing their respective operations.

        The Depository has confirmed to the Company and the Senior Trustee that it intends to follow such procedures.

        A further description of the Depository's procedures with respect to Global Notes is set forth in the accompanying prospectus under "Description of Debt Securities of Protective — Global Debt Securities."

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UNDERWRITING

        Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an underwriting agreement and the related pricing agreement, dated May 20, 2003, the underwriters named below have severally agreed to purchase, and we have agreed to sell to them, severally, the respective principal amount of the senior notes set forth opposite their respective names below:

Name
   Principal Amount
of Senior Notes
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith   $ 100,000,000
  Incorporated      
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated     100,000,000
SunTrust Capital Markets, Inc.     25,000,000
Wachovia Securities, Inc.     25,000,000
     
  Total   $ 250,000,000

        The underwriters have agreed to purchase all of the senior notes sold pursuant to the underwriting agreement if any of these senior notes are purchased.

        We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.

        The underwriters are offering the senior notes, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by their counsel, including the validity of the senior notes, and other conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, such as the receipt by the underwriters of officers' certificates and legal opinions. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.

Commissions and Discounts

        The underwriters have advised us that they propose initially to offer the senior notes to the public at the price to investors set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement, and to dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of .40% of the principal amount of the senior notes. The underwriters may allow, and the dealers may reallow, a discount not in excess of .25% of the principal amount of the senior notes to other dealers. After the initial public offering, the price to investors, concession and discount may be changed.

        The expenses of the offering, not including the underwriting discount, are estimated to be $373,950 and are payable by us.

New Issue of Senior Notes

        The senior notes are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. We do not intend to apply for listing of the senior notes on any national securities exchange or for quotation of the senior notes on any automated dealer quotation system. We have been advised by the underwriters that they presently intend to make a market in the senior notes after completion of the offering. However, they have no obligation to do so and may discontinue any market-making activities at any time without any notice. We cannot assure the liquidity of the trading market for the senior notes or that an active public market for the notes will develop. If an active public trading market for the senior notes does not develop, the market price and liquidity of the senior notes may be adversely affected.

Price Stabilization and Short Positions

        In connection with the offering, the underwriters are permitted to engage in transactions that stabilize the market price of the senior notes. Such transactions consist of bids or purchases to peg, fix or maintain the price of the senior notes. If the underwriters create a short position in the senior notes in connection with this offering, i.e., if they sell more senior notes than are on the cover page of this prospectus supplement, the underwriters may reduce that short position by purchasing senior notes in the open market. Purchase of a security to stabilize the price or to reduce a short position could cause the price of the security to be higher than it might be in the absence of such purchases.

        Neither we nor the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the senior notes. In addition, neither we nor the underwriters make any representation that the underwriters will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

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LEGAL OPINIONS

        The validity of the senior notes offered hereby will be passed upon for Protective by Nancy Kane, Esq., Senior Associate Counsel of Protective. Ms. Kane is an employee of Protective and is a participant in various employee benefit plans offered by Protective. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for the underwriters by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York.


EXPERTS

        The consolidated balance sheets of Protective as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 and the related consolidated statements of income, share-owners' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002 and the related financial schedules which are incorporated by reference and included, respectively, in Protective's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 and which have been incorporated by reference in the accompanying prospectus have been incorporated herein in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.


DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

        We file annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). For information on the documents we incorporate by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, we refer you to "Incorporation of Certain Documents By Reference" on page 4 of the accompanying prospectus.

        In addition to the documents listed in the accompanying prospectus, we incorporate by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus the following documents and any future documents we file with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, from the date of this prospectus supplement until the offering of the senior notes is completed:

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PROSPECTUS

GRAPHIC

Protective Life Corporation
Debt Securities
Preferred Stock
Common Stock
Stock Purchase Contracts
Stock Purchase Units
PLC Capital Trust V
PLC Capital Trust VI
Preferred Securities
Guaranteed as Described in this Prospectus and the Accompanying Prospectus Supplement by
Protective Life Corporation

        By this prospectus, we may offer from time to time up to $500,000,000 of any combination of the securities described in this prospectus.

        We will provide specific terms of the securities in supplements to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement carefully before you invest. A supplement may also change or update information contained in this prospectus.

        Investing in these securities involves risks. Consider carefully the risk factors beginning on page 4 of this prospectus.

        We will not use this prospectus to confirm sales of any of our securities unless it is attached to a prospectus supplement. Unless we state otherwise in a prospectus supplement, we will not list any of these securities on any securities exchange.

        We may offer securities through underwriting syndicates managed or co-managed by one or more underwriters, or directly to purchasers. The prospectus supplement for each offering of securities will describe in detail the plan of distribution for that offering. For general information about the distribution of securities offered, please see "Plan of Distribution" in this prospectus.

        Protective's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "PL".

        Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved these securities or determined that this prospectus is accurate or complete. They have not made, nor will they make, any determination as to whether anyone should buy these securities. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is May 9, 2003.


TABLE OF CONTENTS
Prospectus

Forward-Looking Information   3
About This Prospectus   3
Where You Can Find More Information   4
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference   4
Risk Factors   4
Protective Life Corporation   10
The PLC Capital Trusts   11
Use of Proceeds   12
Consolidated Earnings Ratios   12
Description of Debt Securities of Protective   13
Description of Capital Stock of Protective   24
Description of Preferred Stock of Protective   25
Description of Common Stock of Protective   25
Description of Preferred Securities of the PLC Capital Trusts   33
Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantees   35
Effect of Obligations Under the Subordinated Debt Securities and the Preferred Securities Guarantees   38
Description of Stock Purchase Contracts and Stock Purchase Units   39
Plan of Distribution   40
Legal Matters   41
Experts   42

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FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

        This prospectus, the accompanying prospectus supplement and any pricing supplement and the information incorporated by reference in such documents may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that reflect Protective's current view with respect to future events and financial performance. The words "believe," "expect," "estimate," "project," "budget," "forecast," "anticipate," "plan," and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements which are based on future expectations rather than on historical facts and are therefore subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and neither Protective or any of our agents or dealers can give assurance that such statements will prove to be correct. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. Protective and our agents and dealers shall not undertake any obligation to update or review forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or changes to projections over time.


ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

        This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") utilizing a "shelf" registration process. Under this process, we may sell the securities described in this prospectus from time to time. This prospectus provides a general description of the securities we may offer. An accompanying prospectus supplement to this prospectus will provide the specific terms of the notes. Each time we offer to sell securities, we may also add to, update or change the information contained in this prospectus through a supplement to this prospectus and, accordingly, to the extent inconsistent, information in this prospectus is superseded by the information in the prospectus supplement. Before you agree to purchase any securities, you should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with the information described under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information" on page 4. In this prospectus, "we," "us" or "Protective" refers to Protective Life Corporation.

        You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. No one has been authorized to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. Protective is not, and any of our agents or dealers are not, making an offer to sell the securities in any jurisdiction where the offer to sell the securities is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, as well as information we previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and incorporated by reference, is accurate as of the date on the front cover of those documents only. Protective's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date. For more detail on the terms of the securities, you should read the exhibits filed with or incorporated by reference in our registration statement.

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        This prospectus, which constitutes part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement. Parts of the registration statement are omitted from this prospectus in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. The registration statement, including the attached exhibits, contains additional relevant information about Protective. Protective is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and in compliance with such laws Protective files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You can read and copy any reports or other information Protective files at the SEC's public reference room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can also request copies of Protective's documents upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC's public reference room. You can obtain information regarding the public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Protective filings are available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and over the internet at http://www.sec.gov. (This uniform resource locator (URL) is an inactive textual reference only and is not intended to incorporate the SEC web site into this prospectus).


INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

        The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" information that we files with the SEC into this prospectus, which means that incorporated documents are considered part of this prospectus. We can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. Information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the information in this prospectus.

        This prospectus incorporates by reference the following documents:

This prospectus also incorporates by reference all documents that we file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering of the notes. These documents contain important information about Protective and its finances.

        You may request a copy of any documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus (including any exhibits that are specifically incorporated by reference in them), at no cost, by writing or telephoning to the following address or telephone number:


RISK FACTORS

        Your investment in the securities will involve certain risks. This prospectus and any prospectus supplement do not describe all of those risks. The business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of Protective may have changed since that date.

        In consultation with your own financial and legal advisors, you should carefully consider the information included in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, and pay special attention to the following discussion of risks before deciding whether an investment in the securities is suitable for you. The securities will not be an appropriate investment for you if you are not knowledgeable about significant features of the securities or financial matters in general. You should not purchase securities unless you understand, and know that you can bear, these investment risks.

4


        While Protective has obtained insurance, implemented risk management and contingency plans, and taken preventive measures and other precautions, no predictions of specific scenarios can be made nor can assurance be given that there are not scenarios that could have an adverse effect on Protective. A natural disaster or an outbreak of an easily communicable disease could adversely affect the mortality or morbidity experience of Protective or its reinsurers.

        Life and health insurance is a mature industry. In recent years, the industry has experienced little growth in life insurance sales, though the aging population has increased the demand for retirement savings products. Life and health insurance is a highly competitive industry. Protective encounters significant competition in all lines of business from other insurance companies, many of which have greater financial resources than Protective, as well as competition from other providers of financial services. Competition could result in, among other things, lower sales or higher lapses of existing products.

        The insurance industry is consolidating, with larger, potentially more efficient organizations emerging from consolidation. Participants in certain of Protective's independent distribution channels are also consolidating into larger organizations. Some mutual insurance companies are converting to stock ownership, which will give them greater access to capital markets. Additionally, commercial banks, insurance companies, and investment banks may now combine, provided certain requirements are satisfied. The ability of banks to increase their securities-related business or to affiliate with insurance companies may materially and adversely affect sales of all of Protective's products by substantially increasing the number and financial strength of potential competitors.

        Protective's ability to compete is dependent upon, among other things, its ability to attract and retain distribution channels to market its insurance and investment products, its ability to develop competitive and profitable products, its ability to maintain low unit costs, and its maintenance of strong ratings from rating agencies.

        Rating organizations periodically review the financial performance and condition of insurers, including Protective and its subsidiaries. A downgrade in the ratings of Protective and its subsidiaries could adversely affect Protective's ability to sell its products, retain existing business, and compete for attractive acquisition opportunities. Specifically, a ratings downgrade would materially harm Protective's ability to sell certain products, including guaranteed investment contracts and funding agreements, and would increase the likelihood of a reduction in rating of the senior secured notes.

        Rating organizations assign ratings based upon several factors. While most of the factors relate to the rated company, some of the factors relate to the views of the rating organization, general economic conditions and circumstances outside the rated company's control. Protective cannot predict what actions the rating organizations may take, or what actions Protective may be required to take in response to the actions of the rating organizations, which could adversely affect Protective.

        Protective's results may fluctuate from period to period due to fluctuations in policy claims received by Protective. Certain of Protective's businesses may experience higher claims if the economy is growing slowly or in recession, or equity markets decline.

        Mortality and morbidity expectations incorporate assumptions about many factors, including for example, how a product is distributed, persistency and lapses, and future progress in the fields on

5


health and medicine. Actual mortality and morbidity could differ from its expectations if actual results differ from those assumptions.

        In the conduct of business, Protective makes certain assumptions regarding the mortality, persistency, expenses and interest rates, or other factors appropriate to the type of business it expects to experience in future periods, which are also used to estimate the amounts of deferred policy acquisition costs, policy liabilities and accruals, and various other components of Protective's balance sheet. Protective's actual experience, as well as changes in estimates, are used to prepare Protective's statements of income.

        The calculations Protective uses to estimate various components of its balance sheet and statements of income are necessarily complex and involve analyzing and interpreting large quantities of data. Protective currently employs various techniques for such calculations and it from time to time will develop and implement more sophisticated administrative systems and procedures capable of facilitating the calculation of more precise estimates.

        Assumptions and estimates involve judgment, and by their nature are imprecise and subject to changes and revision over time. Accordingly, Protective's results may be affected, positively or negatively, from time to time, by actual results differing from assumptions, by changes in estimates, and by changes resulting from implementing more sophisticated administrative systems and procedures that facilitate the calculation of more precise estimates.

        The timing of premium payments to, and receipt of expense allowances from, reinsurers may differ from Protective's receipt of customer premium payments and incurrence of expenses. These timing differences introduce variability in certain components of Protective's statements of income, and may also introduce variability in Protective's quarterly results.

        Many of the products offered by Protective and its insurance subsidiaries allow policyholders and contract holders to withdraw their funds under defined circumstances. Protective and its insurance subsidiaries manage their liabilities and configure their investment portfolios so as to provide and maintain sufficient liquidity to support anticipated withdrawal demands and contract benefits and maturities. While Protective and its life insurance subsidiaries own a significant amount of liquid assets, a certain portion of their assets are relatively illiquid. If Protective or its subsidiaries experience unanticipated withdrawal or surrender activity, Protective or its subsidiaries could exhaust their liquid assets and be forced to liquidate other assets, perhaps on unfavorable terms. If Protective or its subsidiaries are forced to dispose of assets on unfavorable terms, it could have an adverse effect on Protective's financial condition.

        Significant changes in interest rates expose insurance companies to the risk of not earning anticipated spreads between the interest rate earned on investments and the credited interest rates paid on outstanding policies and contracts. Both rising and declining interest rates can negatively affect Protective's spread income. While Protective develops and maintains asset/liability management programs and procedures designed to preserve spread income in rising or falling interest rate environments, no assurance can be given that changes in interest rates will not affect such spreads.

        From time to time, Protective has participated in securities repurchase transactions that have contributed to Protective's investment income. Such transactions involve some degree of risk that the counterparty may fail to perform its obligations to pay amounts owed and the collateral has insufficient

6


value to satisfy the obligation. No assurance can be given that such transactions will contribute to Protective's investment income in the future.

        Changes in interest rates may also impact its business in other ways. Lower interest rates may result in lower sales of certain of Protective's insurance and investment products. In addition, certain of Protective's insurance and investment products guarantee a minimum credited interest rate, and Protective could become unable to earn its spread income should interest rates decrease significantly.

        Higher interest rates may create a less favorable environment for the origination of mortgage loans and decrease the investment income Protective receives in the form of prepayment fees, make-whole payments, and mortgage participation income. Higher interest rates may also increase the cost of debt and other obligations having floating rate or rate reset provisions, and may result in lower sales of variable products.

        Additionally, Protective's asset/liability management programs and procedures incorporate assumptions about the relationship between short-term and long-term interest rates (i.e., the slope of the yield curve), relationships between risk-adjusted and risk-free interest rates, market liquidity, and other factors. The effectiveness of Protective's asset/liability management programs and procedures may be negatively affected whenever actual results differ from these assumptions.

        In general terms, Protective's results are improved when the yield curve is positively sloped (i.e., when long-term interest rates are higher than short-term interest rates), and will be adversely affected by a flat or negatively sloped curve.

        The amount of policy fees received from variable products is affected by the performance of the equity markets, increasing or decreasing as markets rise or fall. Equity market volatility can also affect the profitability of variable products in other ways.

        The amortization of deferred policy acquisitions costs relating to variable products and the estimated cost of providing guaranteed minimum death benefits incorporate various assumptions about the overall performance of equity markets over certain time periods. The rate of amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and the estimated cost of providing guaranteed minimum death benefits could increase if equity market performance is worse than assumed.

        The business of insurance necessarily involves the collection and dissemination of large amounts of data using systems operated by Protective. Examples of data collected and analyzed include policy information, policy rates, expenses, and mortality and morbidity experience. To the extent that data input errors, systems errors, or systems failures are not identified and corrected by Protective's internal controls, the information generated by the systems and used by Protective and/or supplied to business partners, policyholders and others may be incorrect and may result in an overpayment or underpayment of amounts owed to or by Protective and/or Protective using incorrect assumptions in its business decisions or financial reporting.

        In the second quarter of 2002, Protective discovered that the rates payable on certain life insurance policies were incorrectly entered into its reinsurance administrative system in 1991. As a result, Protective overpaid to several reinsurance companies the reinsurance premiums related to such policies of approximately $94.6 million over a period of ten years beginning in 1992. Protective is seeking recovery of the overpayments, and has already received refunds from some of the reinsurance companies.

        Protective and its insurance subsidiaries are subject to government regulation in each of the states in which they conduct business. Such regulation is vested in state agencies having broad administrative

7

power dealing with many aspects of the insurance business, which may include premium rates, marketing practices, advertising, policy forms, and capital adequacy, and is concerned primarily with the protection of policyholders rather than share owners. From time to time, regulators raise issues during examinations or audits of Protective's subsidiaries that could, if determined adversely, have a material impact on Protective, and Protective cannot predict whether or when regulatory actions may be taken that could adversely affect Protective or its operations.

        Protective and its insurance subsidiaries may be subject to regulation by the United States Department of Labor when providing a variety of products and services to employee benefit plans governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Severe penalties are imposed for breach of duties under ERISA.

        Certain policies, contracts, and annuities offered by Protective and its insurance subsidiaries are subject to regulation under the federal securities laws administered by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The federal securities laws contain regulatory restrictions and criminal, administrative, and private remedial provisions.

        Other types of regulation that could affect Protective and its subsidiaries include insurance company investment laws and regulations, state statutory accounting practices, state anti-trust laws, minimum solvency requirements, and, because Protective owns and operates real property, state, federal and local environmental laws. Protective cannot predict what form any future changes in these or other areas of regulation affecting the insurance industry might take or what effect, if any, such proposals might have on Protective if enacted into law.

        Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), income tax payable by policyholders on investment earnings is deferred during the accumulation period of certain life insurance and annuity products. This favorable tax treatment may give certain of Protective's products a competitive advantage over other non-insurance products. To the extent that the Code is revised to reduce the tax-deferred status of life insurance and annuity products, or to increase the tax-deferred status of competing products, all life insurance companies, including Protective and its subsidiaries, would be adversely affected with respect to their ability to sell such products, and, depending upon grandfathering provisions, the surrenders of existing annuity contracts and life insurance policies. In addition, life insurance products are often used to fund estate tax obligations. Legislation has recently been enacted that would, over time, reduce and eventually eliminate the estate tax. If the estate tax is significantly reduced or eliminated, the demand for certain life insurance products could be adversely affected. Additionally, Protective is subject to the federal corporation income tax. Protective cannot predict what changes to tax law or interpretations of existing tax law could adversely affect Protective.

        A number of civil jury verdicts have been returned against insurers, broker-dealers, and other providers of financial services involving sales practices, alleged agent misconduct, failure to properly supervise representatives, relationships with agents or other persons with whom the insurer does business and other matters. Increasingly these lawsuits have resulted in the award of substantial judgments that are disproportionate to the actual damages, including material amounts of punitive non-economic compensatory damages. In some states, juries, judges, and arbitrators have substantial discretion in awarding punitive and non-economic compensatory damages, which creates the potential for unpredictable material adverse judgments or awards in any given lawsuit or arbitration. Arbitration awards are subject to very limited appellate review. In addition, in some class action and other lawsuits, companies have made material settlement payments. Protective, like other financial services companies, in the ordinary course of business is involved in such litigation or, alternatively, arbitration. Protective cannot predict the outcome of any such litigation or arbitration.

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        Protective's ability to maintain low unit costs is dependent upon the level of new sales and persistency (continuation or renewal) of existing business. A decrease in sales or persistency without a corresponding reduction in expenses may result in higher unit costs.

        Additionally, a decrease in persistency may result in higher or more rapid amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and lower reported earnings. Although many of Protective's products contain surrender charges, the charges decrease over time and may not be sufficient to cover the unamortized deferred policy acquisition costs with respect to the insurance policy or annuity contract being surrendered. Some of Protective's products do not contain surrender charge features and such products can be surrendered or exchanged without penalty. A decrease in persistency may also result in higher claims.

        Protective's invested assets and derivative financial instruments are subject to customary risks of credit defaults and changes in market values. The value of Protective's commercial mortgage loan portfolio depends in part on the financial condition of the tenants occupying the properties which Protective has financed. Factors that may affect the overall default rate on, and market value of, Protective's invested assets, derivative financial instruments, and mortgage loans include interest rate levels, financial market performance, and general economic conditions as well as particular circumstances affecting the businesses of individual borrowers and tenants.

        Protective's acquisitions have increased its earnings in part by allowing Protective to enter new markets and to position itself to realize certain operating efficiencies. There can be no assurance, however, that suitable acquisitions, presenting opportunities for continued growth and operating efficiencies, or capital to fund acquisitions will continue to be available to Protective, or that Protective will realize the anticipated financial results from its acquisitions.

        Additionally, in connection with its acquisitions, Protective assumes or otherwise becomes responsible for the obligations of policies and other liabilities of other insurers. Any regulatory, legal, financial, or other adverse development affecting the other insurer could also have an adverse effect on Protective.

        Protective's results may be affected by the performance of others because Protective has entered into various arrangements involving other parties. For example, most of Protective's products are sold through independent distribution channels, and variable annuity deposits are invested in funds managed by third parties. Additionally, Protective's operations are dependent on various technologies some of which are provided and/or maintained by other parties.

        Certain of these other parties may act on behalf of Protective or represent Protective in various capacities. Consequently, Protective may be held responsible for obligations that arise from the acts or omissions of these other parties.

        As with all financial services companies, its ability to conduct business is dependent upon consumer confidence in the industry and its products. Actions of competitors and financial difficulties of other companies in the industry could undermine consumer confidence and adversely affect retention of existing business and future sales of Protective's insurance and investment products.

        Protective and its insurance subsidiaries cede material amounts of insurance and transfer related assets to other insurance companies through reinsurance. Protective may enter into third party

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reinsurance arrangements under which Protective will rely on the third party to collect premiums, pay claims, and/or perform customer service functions. However, Protective remains liable with respect to ceded insurance should any reinsurer fail to meet the obligations assumed by it.

        The cost of reinsurance is, in some cases, reflected in the premium rates charged by Protective. Under certain reinsurance agreements, the reinsurer may increase the rate it charges Protective for the reinsurance, though Protective does not anticipate increases to occur. Therefore, if the cost of reinsurance were to increase or if reinsurance were to become unavailable, or if a reinsurer should fail to meet its obligations, Protective could be adversely affected.

        A computer virus could affect the data processing systems of Protective or its business partners, destroying valuable data or making it difficult to conduct their business.

Our ability to pay principal, interest and/or dividends on offered securities is limited.

        Protective's ability to pay principal and interest on any Debt Securities or dividends on any Preferred Stock or Common Stock is affected by the ability of its insurance company subsidiaries, Protective's principal sources of cash flow, to declare and distribute dividends and to make payments on surplus notes. Surplus notes are deeply subordinated intercompany notes owed by insurance company subsidiaries to Protective that are treated as equity capital of such insurance company subsidiaries for statutory accounting purposes. These payments may be limited by regulatory restrictions and, in the case of payments on surplus notes, by certain financial covenants. Protective's cash flow is also dependent on revenues from investment, data processing, legal and management services rendered to its subsidiaries. Insurance company subsidiaries of Protective are subject to various state statutory and regulatory restrictions, applicable to insurance companies generally, that limit the amount of cash dividends, loans and advances that those subsidiaries may pay to Protective. Under Tennessee insurance laws, Protective's principal operating subsidiary, Protective Life Insurance Company generally may pay dividends to Protective only out of its unassigned surplus as reflected in its statutory financial statements filed in that State. In addition, the Tennessee Commissioner of Insurance must approve, or not disapprove within 30 days of notice, payment of an "extraordinary" dividend from Protective Life. Under Tennessee insurance laws, that term generally refers to a dividend that exceeds, together with all dividends paid by Protective Life within the previous 12 months, the greater of:

        No assurance can be given that more stringent restrictions will not be adopted from time to time by states in which Protective's insurance subsidiaries are domiciled, which could have the effect, under certain circumstances, of significantly reducing dividends or other amounts payable to Protective by such subsidiaries without affirmative prior approval by state insurance regulatory authorities.

        In the event of the insolvency, liquidation, reorganization, dissolution or other winding-up of an insurance subsidiary of Protective, all creditors of such subsidiary, including holders of life and health insurance policies, would be entitled to payment in full out of the assets of such subsidiary before Protective, as shareholder or holder of surplus notes, would be entitled to any payment. Creditors would have to be paid in full before the creditors of Protective, including holders of debt securities, would be entitled to receive any payment from the assets of such subsidiary.


PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION

        Protective is a Delaware corporation incorporated in 1981. We are a holding company, whose subsidiaries provide financial services through the production, distribution, and administration of insurance and investment products. Protective Life Insurance Company, founded in 1907, is our principal operating subsidiary. Our principal executive offices are located at 2801 Highway 280 South, Birmingham, Alabama 35223, and its telephone number is (205) 268-1000.

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THE PLC CAPITAL TRUSTS

        Protective created PLC Capital Trust V and PLC Capital Trust VI, Delaware statutory trusts, pursuant to two separate declarations of trust.

        Each trust exists solely to:


        All of the common securities of each trust will be directly or indirectly owned by Protective. The common securities will represent an aggregate liquidation amount equal to at least 3% of each trust's total capitalization. The preferred securities of each trust will represent the remaining 97% of such trust's total capitalization. The common securities will have terms substantially identical to, and will rank equal in priority of payment with, the preferred securities. However, if Protective defaults on the related subordinated debt securities, then cash distributions and liquidation, redemption and other amounts payable on the common securities will be subordinate to the preferred securities in priority of payment.

        The preferred securities of each trust will be guaranteed by Protective as described later in this prospectus.

        Each trust has a term of approximately 55 years, but may earlier terminate as provided in its declaration. Each trust's business and affairs will be conducted by the trustees appointed by Protective, as the direct or indirect holder of all the common securities. The holder of the common securities of each trust will be entitled to appoint, remove or replace any of, or increase or reduce the number of, the trustees of the trusts. The duties and obligations of the trustees shall be governed by the declaration of trust for such trust. A majority of the trustees of each trust will be persons who are employees or officers of or affiliated with Protective. One trustee of each trust will be a financial institution which will be unaffiliated with Protective and which shall act as institutional trustee and as indenture trustee for purposes of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, pursuant to the terms set forth in a prospectus supplement. In addition, unless the institutional trustee maintains a principal place of business in the State of Delaware, and otherwise meets the requirements of applicable law, one trustee of each trust will have its principal place of business or reside in the State of Delaware.

        Protective will pay all fees and expenses related to the trusts and the offering of preferred securities and common securities, the payment of which will be guaranteed by Protective. The office of the Delaware trustee for each PLC Capital Trust in the State of Delaware is Wilmington Trust Company, Rodney Square North, 1100 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19890. Each trust's offices are located at 2801 Highway 280 South, Birmingham, Alabama 35223, and each trust's telephone number is (205) 268-1000.

        The trusts will not have separate financial statements. The statements would not be material to holders of the preferred securities because the trusts will not have any independent operations. Each of the trusts exists solely for the reasons summarized above.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

        Except as otherwise described in a prospectus supplement, the Trusts will use the proceeds from the sale of any preferred securities, together with any capital contributed in respect of common securities, to invest in Protective's subordinated debt securities. We intend to use the net proceeds from any sale of our securities offered by this prospectus for general corporate purposes unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement relating to such securities. Such general corporate purposes may include, but are not limited to, repayments of our indebtedness or the indebtedness of our subsidiaries. Pending such use, the proceeds may be invested temporarily in short-term marketable securities. The prospectus supplement relating to an offering will contain a more detailed description of the use of proceeds of any specific offering of securities.


CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS RATIOS

        The following table sets forth, for the years and periods indicated, Protective's ratios of:

        The guaranteed preferred beneficial interests discussed in this prospectus comprise three types of securities:

        We calculate the ratio of "Consolidated Earnings to Fixed Charges Before Interest Credited on Investment Products" by dividing the sum of income before income tax (BT) and interest expense on debt and Preferred Securities and imputed interest on operating leases (I) by interest expense on debt and Preferred Securities and imputed interest on operating leases. The formula for this calculation, therefore, would be: (BT+I)/I.

        We calculate the ratio of "Earnings to Fixed Charges" by dividing the sum of income before income tax (BT), interest expense on debt and Preferred Securities and imputed interest on operating leases (I) and interest credited on investment products (IP) by the sum of interest expense on debt and Preferred Securities and imputed interest on operating leases (I) and interest credited on investment products (IP). The formula of this ratio is: (BT+I+IP)/ (I+IP). Investment products include products such as guaranteed investment contracts and annuities.

 
   Year Ended December 31,
 
   2002
   2001
   2000
   1999
   1998
Ratio of Consolidated Earnings to Fixed Charges Before Interest Credited on Investment Products   10.1   6.9   6.7   6.9   6.3
Ratio of Consolidated Earnings to Fixed Charges   1.3   1.2   1.3   1.6   1.5

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES OF PROTECTIVE

        The senior debt securities are to be issued in one or more series under the senior indenture, dated as of June 1, 1994, between Protective and The Bank of New York, as trustee, as supplemented by:

        The subordinated debt securities are to be issued under the subordinated indenture, dated as of June 1, 1994, between Protective and The Bank of New York, successor to AmSouth Bank by transfer of assets, successor by merger to AmSouth Bank of Alabama, successor by conversion of charter, to AmSouth Bank N.A., as trustee, as amended and supplemented by:

Copies of the indentures have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement which includes this prospectus.

        The following summary relating to the debt securities and provisions of the indentures is not meant to be a complete description and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the indentures, as they may be amended or supplemented from time to time. Whenever particular sections or defined terms of the indentures, as they may be amended or supplemented from time to time, are referred to herein or in a prospectus supplement, such sections or defined terms are incorporated by reference.

General

        The debt securities will be unsecured obligations of Protective. The senior debt securities will be unsecured and will rank equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of Protective. The subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in right of payment to the extent and in the manner set forth in the subordinated indenture to all present and future senior indebtedness of Protective. See "—Subordination under the Subordinated Indenture". The Indentures do not limit the aggregate amount of debt securities which may be issued. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the indentures, as they apply to any series of debt securities, also do not limit the incurrence or issuance of other secured or unsecured debt of Protective or any of Protective's subsidiaries.

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        Each prospectus supplement will describe the terms relating to the specific series of debt securities being offered, including:

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        Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not be listed on any securities exchange.

        Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, debt securities will be issued in fully-registered form without coupons. Where debt securities of any series are issued in bearer form, the prospectus supplement will describe the special restrictions and considerations, including special offering restrictions and special federal income tax considerations, which apply to any such debt securities and to payment on and transfer and exchange of such debt securities. Bearer debt securities will be transferable by delivery. (Section 3.5 of each indenture.)

        Debt securities may be sold at a substantial discount below their stated principal amount, bearing no interest or interest at a rate which at the time of issuance is below market rates. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the federal income tax consequences and special considerations applicable to any such debt securities.

        If the purchase price of any of the debt securities is payable in one or more foreign currencies or currency units or if any debt securities are denominated in one or more foreign currencies or currency units or if the principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any debt securities is payable in one or more foreign currencies or currency units, the prospectus supplement will set forth the restrictions, elections, certain federal income tax considerations, specific terms and other information with respect to such issue of debt securities and such foreign currency or currency.

        If any index is used to determine the amount of principal payments, premium, if any, or interest on any series of debt securities, the prospectus supplement will describe the special federal income tax, accounting and other considerations applicable.

        The general provisions of the indentures do not afford holders of the debt securities protection in the event of a highly leveraged or other transaction involving Protective that may adversely affect holders of the debt securities.

Payment, Registration, Transfer and Exchange

        Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, payments in respect of the debt securities will be made in the designated currency at the office or agency of Protective maintained for that purpose as Protective may designate from time to time. Protective may also make interest payments, if any, on debt securities in registered form:

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        Unless otherwise indicated in an applicable prospectus supplement, payment of any installment of interest on debt securities in registered form will be made to the person in whose name such debt security is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for such interest. (Section 3.7(a) of each indenture.)

        Payment on debt securities in bearer form will be made in the currency and in the manner designated in the prospectus supplement, subject to any applicable laws and regulations, at the paying agencies outside the United States appointed by Protective from time to time. The prospectus supplement will name the initial paying agents outside the United States for a series of debt securities. Protective may at any time designate additional paying agents or rescind the designation of any paying agents. However, if debt securities of a series are issuable as registered securities, Protective will be required to maintain at least one paying agent in each place of payment for such series. If debt securities of a series are issuable as bearer securities, Protective will be required to maintain a paying agent in a place of payment outside the United States where debt securities of such series and any coupons may be presented and surrendered for payment. (Section 9.2 of each indenture.)

        All moneys paid by Protective to the debt trustees or a paying agent for the payment of the principal of, or any premium or interest on, any debt security which remain unclaimed at the end of two years will be repaid to Protective. The holder of a debt security may look only to Protective for payment after such time. (Section 9.3 of each indenture.)

        Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, debt securities in registered form will be transferable or exchangeable at the agency Protective designates from time to time. (Sections 3.5 and 9.2 of each indenture.) Debt securities may be transferred or exchanged without service charge, other than any tax or other governmental charge imposed in connection therewith. (Section 3.5 of each indenture.)

Global Debt Securities

        The debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in global form. A debt security in global form will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depository which will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement. In such a case, one or more global debt securities will be issued in a denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities of the series to be represented by such global debt security or securities. (Section 3.3 of each indenture.) Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for debt securities in definitive certificated form, a global debt security may not be transferred or exchanged except (1) as a whole among the depository for such global debt security and its nominee and/or their successors and (2) in the circumstances described in the applicable prospectus supplement. (Section 3.5 of each indenture.)

        The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the depository arrangement with respect to any portion of a series of debt securities to be listed in global form. Protective expects that the following provisions will apply to depository arrangements.

        Upon the issuance of any global debt security, and the deposit of such global debt security with or on behalf of the depository, the depository will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the respective principal amounts of the debt securities represented by such global debt security to the accounts of institutions that have accounts with the depository or its nominee. These institutions are referred to as "participants." The accounts to be credited will be designated by the underwriters or agents engaging in the distribution of such debt securities or by Protective, if such debt securities are offered and sold directly by Protective. Only participants or persons that hold interests through participants may have beneficial ownership interests in a global debt security. The depository or its nominee will maintain records of the ownership of beneficial interests held by participants. Participants will maintain records of the beneficial ownership interests of persons that hold through them. The laws

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of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in certificated form. The above limitations and such laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in such global debt securities.

        So long as the depository, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a global debt security, the depository or its nominee will be considered the sole owner or holder of the debt securities for all purposes under each indenture. (Section 3.8 of each indenture.) Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement and except as specified below, owners of beneficial interests in a global debt security will not be entitled to have debt securities of the series represented by such global debt security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of debt securities in certificated form and will not be considered the holders for any purposes under the relevant indenture. (Section 3.5 of each indenture.)

        Each person owning a beneficial interest in a global debt security must rely on the procedures of the depository and, if such person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which such person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the relevant indenture. The depository may grant proxies and otherwise authorize participants to give or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action which a holder is entitled to give or take under the relevant indenture. Protective understands that, under existing industry practices, if Protective requests any action of holders or any owner of a beneficial interest in a global debt security desires to give any notice or take any action a holder is entitled to give or take under the relevant indenture, the depository would authorize the participants to give such notice or take such action, and participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through such participants to give such notice or take such action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them.

        Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, payments with respect to principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on debt securities represented by a global debt security registered in the name of a depository or its nominee will be made to such depository or its nominee, as the registered owner of such global debt security.

        Protective expects that the depository for any debt securities issued in global form, will immediately credit participants' accounts with payments of principal, premium or interest, in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of such global debt security as shown on the records of such depository. Protective also expects that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in such global debt security held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers registered in "street names," and will be the responsibility of such participants. Nevertheless, payments, transfers, exchanges and other matters relating to beneficial interests in a global debt security may be subject to various policies and procedures adopted by the depository from time to time. None of Protective, the respective debt trustee or any agent of Protective or the respective debt trustee shall have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial interests of a global debt security, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial interests. (Section 3.8 of each indenture.)

        Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, if the depository for any debt securities issued in global form notifies Protective that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depository and a successor depository is not appointed by Protective within 90 days, Protective will issue such debt securities in definitive certificated form in exchange for such global debt security. In addition, Protective may at any time and in its sole discretion determine not to have any of the debt securities of a series issued in global form and, in such event, will issue debt securities of such series in

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definitive certificated form in exchange for all of the global debt securities representing such debt securities. (Section 3.5 of each indenture.)

        The debt securities of a series may also be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more bearer global securities that will be deposited with a depository, or with a nominee for such depository, identified in the applicable prospectus supplement. Any such bearer global securities may be issued in temporary or permanent form. (Section 3.4 of each indenture.) The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms and procedures, including the specific terms of the depository arrangement, with respect to any portion of a series of debt securities to be represented by one or more bearer global securities.

Consolidation, Merger or Sale by Protective

        Under the terms of each indenture, Protective is prohibited from consolidating with or merging into any other corporation or from selling its assets substantially as an entirety, unless:

        Upon any such consolidation, merger or sale, the successor corporation formed by such consolidation, or into which Protective is merged or to which such sale is made, shall succeed to and be substituted for Protective under each indenture. (Section 7.1 of each indenture.)

Events of Default, Notice and Certain Rights on Default

        Each indenture provides that, if an event of default occurs with respect to the debt securities of any series and is continuing, the trustee for such series or the holders of 25% in aggregate principal amount of all of the outstanding debt securities of that series, by written notice to Protective, and to the trustee for such series, if notice is given by such holders of debt securities, may declare the principal of, or, if the debt securities of that series are original issue discount securities or indexed securities, such portion of the principal amount specified in the prospectus supplement, and accrued interest on all the debt securities of that series to be due and payable. However, with respect to any debt securities, including subordinated debt securities, issued under the subordinated indenture, the payment of principal and interest on such debt securities shall remain subordinated to the extent provided in Article 12 of the subordinated indenture. (Section 5.2 of each indenture.)

        The following are events of default with respect to debt securities unless otherwise provided in a prospectus supplement relating to the debt securities of a particular series:

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Events of default with respect to a specified series of debt securities may be added to the indenture and will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. (Sections 3.1 and 5.1 (7) of each indenture.)

        Each indenture provides that the respective trustee will, within 90 days after the occurrence of a default with respect to the debt securities of any series, give to the holders of the debt securities of that series notice of all defaults known to it unless such default has been cured or waived. However, except in the case of a default in payment on the debt securities of that series, the respective trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as the Board of Directors of Protective, the executive committee thereof or a committee of its responsible officers in good faith determines that withholding such notice is in the interests of the holders of the debt securities of that series. (Section 6.6 of each indenture.) "Default" means any event which is, or after notice or passage of time or both, would be, an event of default. (Section 1.1 of each indenture.)

        Each indenture provides that the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of each series affected (with each such series voting as a class) may, subject to certain limited conditions, direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee for such series, or exercising any trust or power conferred on such trustee. (Section 5.8 of each indenture.)

        Each indenture includes a covenant that Protective will file annually with the respective trustee a certificate as to Protective's compliance with all conditions and covenants of such indenture. (Section 9.6 of each indenture.)

        The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of any series of debt securities by written notice to the trustee for such series may waive, on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of such series, any past default or event of default with respect to that series and its consequences, except a default or event of default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any debt security. (Section 5.7 of each indenture.)

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Modification of the Indentures

        Each indenture contains provisions permitting Protective and the respective debt trustee to enter into one or more supplemental indentures without the consent of the holders of any of the debt securities in order:

        Each indenture also contains provisions permitting Protective and the respective debt trustee, with the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities affected by such supplemental indenture, with the debt securities of each series voting as a class, to execute supplemental indentures adding any provisions to or changing or eliminating any of the provisions of such indenture or any supplemental indenture or modifying the rights of the holders of debt securities of such series, except that, without the consent of the holder of each debt security so affected, no such supplemental indenture may:

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Subordination under the Subordinated Indenture

        In the subordinated indenture, Protective has covenanted and agreed that any subordinated debt securities issued thereunder are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all present and future senior indebtedness to the extent provided in the subordinated indenture. The subordinated indenture defines the term "senior indebtedness" as the principal, premium, if any, and interest on:

unless in any instrument or instruments evidencing or securing such indebtedness or pursuant to which the same is outstanding, or in any such amendment, renewal, extension or refunding, it is expressly provided that such indebtedness is not superior in right of payment to subordinated debt securities.

        The senior indebtedness shall continue to be senior indebtedness and entitled to the benefits of the subordination provisions irrespective of any amendment, modification or waiver of any term of the senior indebtedness or extension or renewal of the senior indebtedness.

        No direct or indirect payment, in cash, property or securities, by set-off or otherwise, shall be made or agreed to be made on account of the subordinated debt securities or interest thereon or in respect of any repayment, redemption, retirement, purchase or other acquisition of subordinated debt securities, if:

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unless and until such default in payment or event of default has been cured or waived or ceases to exist.

        All present and future senior indebtedness, including, without limitation, interest accruing after the commencement of any such proceeding, assignment or marshalling of assets, shall first be paid in full before any payment or distribution, whether in cash, securities or other property, shall be made by Protective on account of subordinated debt securities in the event of:

In any such event, payments or distributions which would otherwise be made for subordinated debt securities will generally be paid to the holders of senior indebtedness, or their representatives, in accordance with the priorities existing between these creditors at that time until the senior indebtedness is paid in full. If the payments or distributions on subordinated debt securities are in the form of Protective's securities or those of any other corporation under a plan or reorganization or adjustment and are subordinate to outstanding senior indebtedness and to any securities issued with respect to such senior indebtedness under a plan of reorganization or readjustment, they will be made to the holders of the subordinated debt securities. No present or future holder of any senior indebtedness will be prejudiced in the right to enforce the subordination of subordinated debt securities by any act or failure to act on the part of Protective.

        Senior indebtedness will only be deemed to have been paid in full if the holders of such indebtedness have received cash, securities or other property which is equal to the amount of the outstanding senior indebtedness. After payment in full of all present and future senior indebtedness, holders of subordinated debt securities will be subrogated to the rights of any holders of senior indebtedness to receive any further payments or distributions that are applicable to the senior indebtedness until all the subordinated debt securities are paid in full. In matters between holders of subordinated debt securities and any other type of Protective's creditors, any payments or distributions that would otherwise be paid to holders of senior debt securities and that are made to holders of subordinated debt securities because of this subrogation will be deemed a payment by Protective on account of senior indebtedness and not on account of subordinated debt securities.

        The subordinated indenture provides that the foregoing subordination provisions, may be changed prior to the issuance of any subordinated debt securities. The prospectus supplement relating to such subordinated debt securities would describe any such change.

        The subordinated indenture places no limitation on the amount of additional senior indebtedness that may be incurred by Protective. Protective expects from time to time to incur additional indebtedness constituting senior indebtedness.

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Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

        If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, Protective may elect either:

        As a condition to defeasance or covenant defeasance, Protective must deliver to the relevant debt trustee an officer's certificate and an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders of such debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance or covenant defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance or covenant defeasance had not occurred. Such opinion of counsel, in the case of defeasance under the first clause above, must refer to and be based upon a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or a change in applicable federal income tax law occurring after the date of the relevant indenture. Additional conditions to defeasance include:

If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, in addition to obligations of the United States or an agency or instrumentality thereof, government obligations may include obligations of the government or an agency or instrumentality of the government issuing the currency or currency unit in which debt securities of such series are payable. (Sections 1.1 and 3.1 of each indenture.)

        In addition, with respect to the subordinated indenture, in order to be discharged:

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        Protective may exercise its defeasance option with respect to such debt securities notwithstanding its prior exercise of its covenant defeasance option. If Protective exercises its defeasance option, payment of such debt securities may not be accelerated because of an event of default. If Protective exercises its covenant defeasance option, payment of such debt securities may not be accelerated by reason of a default or an event of default with respect to the covenants to which such covenant defeasance is applicable. However, if such acceleration were to occur by reason of another event of default, the realizable value at the acceleration date of the money and government obligations in the defeasance trust could be less than the principal and interest then due on such debt securities, in that the required deposit in the defeasance trust is based upon scheduled cash flow rather than market value, which will vary depending upon interest rates and other factors.

Notices

        Notices to holders of registered debt securities will be given by mail to the addresses of such holders as they may appear in the register for the relevent series of debt securities. (Section 1.6 of each indenture)

Title

        Protective, the debt trustee and any agent of Protective or the debt trustee may treat the person in whose name a debt security is registered as the absolute owner thereof, whether or not such debt security may be overdue, for the purpose of receiving payment and for all other purposes. (Section 3.8 of each indenture.)

Governing Law

        The indentures and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York. (Section 1.11 of each indenture.)

The Trustee

        The Bank of New York is the trustee under the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture. Protective may also maintain banking and other commercial relationships with The Bank of New York and its affiliates in the ordinary course of business. The Bank of New York is also the registrar and transfer agent for Protective's common stock. The indentures contain certain limitations on the right of The Bank of New York, should it become a creditor of Protective, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize for its own account on certain property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The Bank of New York will be permitted to engage in certain other transactions; however, if it acquires any conflicting interest and there is a default under the debt securities, it must eliminate such conflict or resign.


DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF PROTECTIVE

Authorized and Outstanding Capital Stock

        The authorized capital stock of Protective is 164,000,000 shares, consisting of:

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        In general, the classes of authorized capital stock are afforded preferences with respect to dividends and liquidation rights in the order listed above. The Board of Directors of Protective may, without approval of the stockholders, issue preferred stock in one or more series, with the numbers of shares of each series and the rights, preferences and limitations of each series to be determined by it. The specific matters that may be determined by the Board of Directors include the dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption rights and liquidation preferences, if any, of any wholly unissued series of preferred stock, or of the entire class of preferred stock if none of such shares have been issued, the number of shares constituting any such series and the terms and conditions of the issue thereof. The descriptions set forth below do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to:

Copies of each of these documents are filed as exhibits to the registration statement which includes this prospectus.

        No holders of any class of Protective's capital stock are entitled to preemptive rights.


DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK OF PROTECTIVE

        The particular terms of any series of preferred stock to be offered pursuant to this prospectus will be set forth in a prospectus supplement. The rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, including dividend rights, voting rights, terms of redemption and liquidation preferences, of the preferred stock of each series will be fixed or designated pursuant to a certificate of designation adopted by the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof. The description of the terms of a particular series of preferred stock that will be set forth in a prospectus supplement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the certificate of designation relating to such series.


DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK OF PROTECTIVE

General

        Subject to the rights of the holders of any shares of preferred stock which may at the time be outstanding, holders of common stock are entitled to such dividends as the Board of Directors may declare out of legally available funds. The holders of common stock will possess exclusive voting rights in Protective, except to the extent the Board of Directors specifies voting power with respect to any preferred stock issued. Except as hereinafter described, holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share of common stock, but will not have any right to cumulate votes in the election of directors. In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Protective, the holders of common stock are entitled to receive, after payment of all of Protective's debts and liabilities and of all sums to which holders of any preferred stock may be entitled, the distribution of any remaining assets of Protective. Holders of common stock will not be entitled to preemptive rights with respect to any

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shares which may be issued. Any shares of common stock sold hereunder will be fully paid and nonassessable. The Bank of New York is the registrar and transfer agent for the common stock. The common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "PL."

Potential Anti-takeover Effect of Protective's Restated Certificate of Incorporation

        The provisions of Protective's certificate of incorporation that are summarized below may have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, defer or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt that a stockholder might consider to be in such stockholder's best interests, including those attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares held by stockholders.

        Issuance of Preferred Stock.    Pursuant to the certificate of incorporation, the Board of Directors by resolution may establish one or more series of preferred stock having such number of shares, designation, relative voting rights, dividend rights, dividend rates, liquidation and other rights, preferences and limitations as may be fixed by the Board of Directors without any further stockholder approval. Such rights, preferences, privileges and limitations as may be established could have the effect of impeding or discouraging the acquisition of control of Protective.

        Business Combinations.    Protective's certificate of incorporation contains a "fair price" provision which generally requires that certain "business combinations" with a "related person" (generally the beneficial owner, together with affiliates and associates of such person, of at least 20 percent of Protective's voting stock) be approved by the holders of at least 80 percent of Protective's voting stock and the holders of at least 67 percent of the voting stock held by stockholders other than such related person, unless:



        Protective's certificate of incorporation contains the following definitions:

        "Business combination" means:

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        For purposes of Protective's certificate of incorporation, "continuing director" means a director who was a member of the Board of Directors of Protective immediately prior to the time such related person became a related person.

        "Substantial part" means more than 20 percent of the fair market value of the total assets of the corporation in question, as determined in good faith by a majority of the continuing directors as of the end of its most recent fiscal year ending prior to the time the determination is being made.

        "Reorganization" is defined to mean a merger, consolidation, plan of exchange, sale of all or substantially all of the assets (including, in the case of a subsidiary of Protective, bulk reinsurance or cession of substantially all of its policies and contracts) or other form of corporate reorganization pursuant to which shares of voting stock, or other securities of the subject corporation, are to be converted or exchanged into cash or other property, securities or other consideration.

        Under the certificate of incorporation, the amendment of, repeal of or adoption of any provision inconsistent with provisions of the certificate of incorporation relating to business combinations with a related person requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80 percent of Protective's voting stock and the holders of at least 67 percent of Protective's voting stock held by holders other than such related person.

Share Purchase Rights Plan

        On August 7, 1995, the Board of Directors of Protective declared a dividend distribution of one Right for each outstanding share of common stock. The distribution was payable on August 18, 1995 to the shareholders of record on that date. Each Right currently entitles the registered holder to purchase from Protective, under certain circumstances, one two-hundredth of a share of Junior Preferred Stock at a purchase price of $55 per one two-hundredth of a share of Junior Preferred Stock, subject to adjustment.

        The Rights will be evidenced, with respect to any of the common stock certificates outstanding as of August 18, 1995, by such common stock certificate with a copy of a "Summary of Rights" attached thereto until the earlier to occur of:

        The earlier of these dates is referred to as the "distribution date".

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        The Rights Agreement provides that, until the distribution date, the Rights will be transferred with and only with the common stock. Until the distribution date, or earlier redemption or expiration of the Rights, new common stock certificates issued after August 18, 1995, upon transfer or new issuance of the common stock, will contain a notation incorporating the Rights Agreement by reference. Until the distribution date, or earlier redemption or expiration of the Rights, the surrender for transfer of any of the common stock certificates outstanding as of August 18, 1995, even without a copy of a "Summary of Rights" attached thereto, will also constitute the transfer of the Rights associated with the common shares represented by such certificate. As soon as practicable following the distribution date, separate certificates evidencing the Rights will be mailed to holders of record of the common stock as of the close of business on the distribution date and such separate right certificates alone will evidence the Rights.

        The Rights are not exercisable until the distribution date. The Rights will expire on August 18, 2005, unless earlier redeemed by Protective as described below or extended.

        To prevent dilution, the purchase price payable and the number of shares of Junior Preferred Stock or other securities or property issuable upon exercise of the Rights are subject to adjustment from time to time in connection with the following events:

The number of Rights and number of shares of Junior Preferred Stock issuable upon the exercise of each Right are also subject to adjustment in the event of a stock split, combination or stock dividend on the common stock prior to the distribution date.

        With certain exceptions, no adjustment in the purchase price will be required until cumulative adjustments require an adjustment of at least 1% in such purchase price. No fractional shares of common stock will be issued and, in lieu thereof, an adjustment in cash will be made based on the market value of the common stock on the last trading date prior to the date of exercise.

        In the event that after the stock acquisition time, Protective is acquired in a merger or other business combination transaction or 50% or more of its assets, cash flow or earning power are sold or otherwise transferred, the Rights Agreement provides that proper provision shall be made so that each holder of a Right, other than the acquiring person, upon the exercise thereof at the then-current exercise price of the Right, shall thereafter be entitled to receive that number of shares of common stock of the acquiring company which at the time of such transaction would have a market value of two times the exercise price of the Right. In the event that Protective were the surviving corporation in a merger and its common stock was changed or exchanged, proper provision shall be made so that each holder of a Right, other than the acquiring person, will thereafter have the right to receive upon exercise, that number of shares of the common stock having a market value of two times the exercise price of the Right.

        In the event that a person or group becomes an acquiring person (otherwise than pursuant to a tender offer or exchange offer for all outstanding shares of common stock at a price and on terms which are determined to be fair and in the best interests of Protective and its stockholders by a

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majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Protective who are not acquiring persons or representatives or nominees of or affiliated or associated with an acquiring person), proper provision shall be made so that each holder of a Right, other than Rights that were beneficially owned by the acquiring person, which will thereafter be void, will thereafter have the right to receive upon exercise that number of shares of common stock having a market value, as defined in the Rights Agreement, of two times the exercise price of the Right. A person or group will not be deemed to be an acquiring person if the Board of Directors of Protective determines that such person or group became an acquiring person inadvertently and such person or group promptly divests itself of a sufficient number of shares of common stock so that such person or group is no longer an acquiring person.

        At any time prior to the earlier of (1) the stock acquisition time and (2) August 18, 2005, Protective, by resolution of its Board of Directors, may redeem the Rights in whole, but not in part, at a redemption price of $.01 per Right. Immediately upon the action of the Board of Directors electing to redeem the Rights or at such time subsequent to such action as the Board of Directors may determine, the right to exercise the Rights will terminate and the only right of the holders of Rights will be to receive this redemption price.

        At any time after a person becomes an acquiring person and prior to the acquisition by such person of 50% or more of the outstanding common stock of Protective, the Board of Directors of Protective may exchange the Rights, other than Rights beneficially owned by such person which have become void, in whole or in part, for common stock of Protective at an exchange ratio of one share of common stock per Right, subject to adjustment. Protective may at its option substitute shares of Junior Preferred Stock, or other series of substantially similar preferred stock of Protective, for some or all of the shares of common stock exchangeable for Rights, at an exchange ratio of one two-hundredth of a share of Junior Preferred Stock, or such other series of preferred stock, for each share of common stock to be exchanged.

        Until a Right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no rights as a stockholder of Protective, other than rights resulting from such holder's ownership of shares of common stock, including, without limitation, the right to vote or to receive dividends. Stockholders may, depending upon the circumstances, recognize taxable income in the event that the Rights become exercisable for common stock, or other consideration, of Protective or for common stock of the acquiring company as set forth above.

        The Rights and the Rights Agreement can be amended by Protective's Board of Directors in any respect, including, without limitation, any extension of the period in which the Right certificates may be redeemed, at any time prior to the stock acquisition time. From and after such time, without the approval of the stockholders of Protective or the holders of the Rights, the Board of Directors may only supplement or amend the Rights Agreement in order to:

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        Any such action by the Board of Directors must have the concurrence of a majority of the continuing directors and the continuing directors must constitute a majority of directors then in office. However, the Rights Agreement may not be supplemented or amended to lengthen:

        For purposes of the Rights Agreement, the term "continuing director" means any member of the Board of Directors of Protective who was a member of the Board prior to the Stock Acquisition Time, and any person who is subsequently elected to the Board if such person is recommended or approved by a majority of the continuing directors, but shall not include an acquiring person, or an affiliate or associate of an acquiring person, or any representative of the foregoing entities.

        The Rights have certain anti-takeover effects. The Rights will cause substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire Protective in a manner which causes the Rights to become exercisable unless the offer is conditioned on the Rights being redeemed. This potential dilution may have the effect of delaying, deferring or discouraging attempts to acquire control of Protective which are not approved by Protective's Board of Directors. However, the Rights should not interfere with any merger or other business combination approved by Protective's Board of Directors.

        The foregoing description of the Rights Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete terms of the Rights as set forth in the Rights Agreement. The Rights Agreement is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement which includes this prospectus. A copy of the Rights Agreement can be obtained as described under "Where You Can Find More Information."

Description of Junior Preferred Stock

        General.    In connection with the Rights Agreement, 400,000 shares of Junior Preferred Stock have been reserved and authorized for issuance by Protective's Board of Directors. No shares of Junior Preferred Stock are outstanding as of the date of this prospectus. The following statements with respect to the Junior Preferred Stock do not purport to be complete and are subject to the detailed provisions of the Protective's certificate of incorporation and the certificate of designation relating to the Junior Preferred Stock which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement which includes this prospectus.

        Ranking.    The Junior Preferred Stock shall rank junior to all other series of Protective's preferred stock as to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets, unless the terms of any such series shall provide otherwise.

        Dividends and Distributions.    Subject to the prior and superior rights of the holders of any share of any series of preferred stock ranking prior to and superior to the shares of Junior Preferred Stock with respect to dividends, the holders of shares of Junior Preferred Stock, in preference to the holders of common stock and of any other junior stock which may be outstanding, shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available for that purpose, quarterly dividends payable in cash on the first day of January, April, July and October in each year commencing on the first quarterly dividend payment date after the first issuance of a share or fraction of a share of Junior Preferred Stock, in an amount per share, rounded to the nearest cent, equal to the greater of (1) $2.50 per share ($10.00 per annum) or (2) subject to adjustment upon certain dilutive events, 100 times the aggregate per share amount of all cash dividends, and 100 times the aggregate per share amount (payable in kind) of all non-cash dividends or other distributions, other than a

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dividend payable in shares of common stock or a subdivision of the outstanding shares of common stock (by reclassification or otherwise), declared on the common stock, since the immediately preceding quarterly dividend payment date, or, with respect to the first quarterly dividend payment date, since the first issuance of any share or fraction of a share of Junior Preferred Stock.

        Protective shall declare a dividend or distribution on the Junior Preferred Stock immediately after it declares a dividend or distribution on the common stock (other than a dividend payable in shares of common stock); provided that, in the event no dividend or distribution shall have been declared on the common stock during the period between any quarterly dividend payment date and the next subsequent quarterly dividend payment date, a dividend of $2.50 per share ($10.00 per annum) on the Junior Preferred Stock shall nevertheless be payable on such subsequent quarterly dividend payment date.

        Voting Rights.    The holders of shares of Junior Preferred Stock shall have the following voting rights:

        Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up.    Upon any liquidation (voluntary or otherwise), dissolution or winding up of Protective, no distribution shall be made to the holders of shares of stock ranking junior (either as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) to the Junior Preferred Stock unless, prior thereto, the holders of shares of Junior Preferred Stock shall have received the higher of (1) $10 per share, plus an amount equal to accrued and unpaid dividends and distributions thereon, whether or not declared, to the date of such payment, or (2) an aggregate amount per share, subject to adjustment upon certain dilutive events, equal to 100 times the aggregate amount to be distributed per share to holders of common stock; nor shall any distribution be made to the holders of stock ranking on a parity (either as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up) with the Junior Preferred Stock, except distributions made ratably on the Junior Preferred Stock and all other such parity stock in proportion to the total amounts to which the holders of all such shares are entitled upon such liquidation, dissolution or winding-up.

        Consolidation, Merger, etc.    In case Protective shall enter into any consolidation, merger, combination or other transaction in which the shares of common stock are exchanged for or changed into other stock or securities, cash and/or any other property, or otherwise changed, then in any such case, each share of Junior Preferred Stock shall at the same time be similarly exchanged or changed into an amount per share (subject to adjustment upon certain dilutive events) equal to 100 times the aggregate amount of stock, securities, cash and/or any other property (payable in kind), as the case may be, into which or for which each share of common stock is changed or exchanged.

        Certain Restrictions.    Whenever quarterly dividends or other dividends or distributions payable on the Junior Preferred Stock are in arrears, thereafter and until all accrued and unpaid dividends and

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distributions, whether or not declared, on shares of Junior Preferred Stock outstanding shall have been paid in full, Protective shall not:


        Protective shall not permit any subsidiary of Protective to purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any shares of stock of Protective unless Protective could, in accordance with the foregoing restrictions, purchase or otherwise acquire such shares at such time and in such manner.

        Redemption.    The shares of Junior Preferred Stock are not redeemable.

Certain Limitations on Dividends and Other Payments

        Under the terms of the 71/2% Subordinated Debentures, Series D and the 71/4% Subordinated Debentures, Series E, Protective has the right to extend the interest payment period with respect to the Series D & E Debentures. During any such extended interest period, or at any time during which there is an uncured default or event of default (as defined in the subordinated indenture, see "Description of Debt Securities of Protective—Events of Default, Notice and Certain Rights on Default") under the Series D & E Debentures, Protective is prohibited from paying any dividends on, or redeeming, purchasing, acquiring or making a liquidation payment with respect to, any of its shares of capital stock or making any guarantee payments with respect to the foregoing, with certain limited exceptions.

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DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED SECURITIES OF THE PLC CAPITAL TRUSTS

General

        The declarations of trust of PLC Capital Trust V and PLC Capital Trust VI authorizes each trust to issue one series of preferred securities which will have the terms described in a prospectus supplement. The proceeds from the sale of each trust's preferred and common securities will be used by such trust to purchase a series of subordinated debt securities issued by Protective. The subordinated debt securities will be held in trust by the trust's institutional trustee for the benefit of the holders of such preferred and common securities. The declarations of trust have been qualified as indentures under the Trust Indenture Act. The institutional trustee for each trust, Wilmington Trust Company, an independent trustee, will act as indenture trustee for the preferred securities, to be issued by each trust, for the purposes of compliance with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act. The preferred securities will have such terms, including distributions, redemption, voting, liquidation rights and such other preferred, deferred or other special rights or such restrictions as shall be set forth in the declaration of trust or made part of the declaration of trust by the Trust Indenture Act. Such terms, rights and restrictions will mirror the terms of the subordinated debt securities held by the applicable trust and will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement relating to the preferred securities of the applicable trust will provide specific terms, including:

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        All preferred securities will be guaranteed by Protective to the extent set forth below under "Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantees." The guarantee of Protective, when taken together with Protective's obligations under its subordinated debt securities and the relevant supplemental indenture, and its obligations under each declaration of trust, including obligations to pay costs, expenses, debts and liabilities of the trust, other than with respect to preferred securities and common securities, would provide a full and unconditional guarantee of amounts due on preferred securities issued by the trusts. The prospectus supplement will describe any United States federal income tax considerations applicable to any offering of preferred securities.

        In connection with the issuance of preferred securities, each trust will issue one series of common securities. The declaration of each trust authorizes the regular trustees to issue on behalf of such trust one series of common securities having such terms including distributions, redemption, voting, liquidation rights or such restrictions as shall be set forth therein. The terms of the common securities issued by a trust will be substantially identical to the terms of the preferred securities issued by such trust and the common securities will rank equally, and payments will be made thereon pro rata, with the preferred securities. However, upon an event of default under the declaration of trust, the rights of the holders of the common securities to payment in respect of distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption and otherwise will be subordinated to the rights of the holders of the preferred securities. Except in certain limited circumstances, the common securities will also carry the right to vote, and appoint, remove or replace any of the trustees of a trust. All of the common securities of each trust will be directly or indirectly owned by Protective.

Enforcement of Certain Rights by Holders of Preferred Securities

        If an event of default occurs, and is continuing, under the declaration of trust of PLC Capital Trust V or PLC Capital Trust VI, the holders of the preferred securities of that trust would typically rely on the institutional trustee to enforce its rights as a holder of the related subordinated debt securities of Protective against Protective. Additionally, those who together hold a majority of the liquidation amount of the trust's preferred securities will have the right to:

        If such a default occurs and the event is attributable to Protective's failure to pay interest or principal on the subordinated debt securities when due, including any payment on redemption, and this debt payment failure is continuing, a preferred securities holder of the trust may directly institute a proceeding for the enforcement of this payment. Such a proceeding will be limited, however, to enforcing the payment of this principal or interest only up to the value of the aggregate liquidation amount of the holder's preferred securities as determined after the due date specified in the applicable series of subordinated debt securities. Protective will be subrogated to the holder's rights under the applicable declaration of trust to the extent of any payment it makes to the holder in connection with such a direct action.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEES

        Set forth below is a summary of information concerning the guarantees which will be executed and delivered by Protective for the benefit of the holders from time to time of preferred securities. Each guarantee will be qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. Wilmington Trust Company, an independent trustee, will act as indenture trustee under each guarantee for the purposes of compliance with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act. The terms of each guarantee will be those set forth in such guarantee and those made part of such guarantee by the Trust Indenture Act. The following summary does not purport to be complete and is subject in all respects to the provisions of, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the form of guarantee, which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement which includes this prospectus, and the Trust Indenture Act. Each guarantee will be held by the trustee for the benefit of the holders of the preferred securities of the applicable trust.

General

        Pursuant to each guarantee, Protective will irrevocably and unconditionally agree, to the extent set forth therein, to pay in full, to the holders of the preferred securities issued by PLC Capital Trust V or VI, except to the extent paid by such trust, as and when due, regardless of any defense, right of set-off or counterclaim which such trust may have or assert:

        Protective's obligation to make a guarantee payment may be satisfied by direct payment of the required amounts by the company to the holders of preferred securities or by causing the applicable trust to pay such amounts to such holders.

        Each guarantee will be a guarantee with respect to the preferred securities issued by the applicable trust, but will not apply to any payment of distributions except to the extent such trust shall have funds available therefor. If Protective does not make interest payments on the subordinated debt securities purchased by a trust, such trust will not pay distributions on the preferred securities issued by such trust and will not have funds available therefor. The guarantee, when taken together with Protective's obligations under the subordinated debt securities, the subordinated indenture, and the declaration of trust will provide a full and unconditional guarantee on a subordinated basis by Protective of payments due on the Preferred Securities.

        Protective will also agree separately, through the guarantees of the common securities, to irrevocably and unconditionally guarantee the obligations of the trusts with respect to the common securities to the same extent as the guarantees of the preferred securities. However, upon an event of default under the subordinated debt securities indenture, holders of preferred securities shall have

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priority over holders of common securities with respect to distributions and payments on liquidation, redemption or otherwise.

Certain Covenants of the Company

        In each guarantee, Protective will covenant that, so long as any preferred securities issued by the applicable trust remain outstanding, if any event that would constitute an event of default under such guarantee or the declaration of such trust has occurred, then:

Modification of the Preferred Securities Guarantees; Assignment

        Except with respect to any changes which do not adversely affect the rights of holders of preferred securities, in which case no vote will be required, each guarantee may be amended only with the prior approval of the holders of not less than a majority in liquidation amount of the outstanding preferred securities issued by the applicable trust. All guarantees and agreements contained in a guarantee shall bind the successors, assigns, receivers, trustees and representatives of Protective and shall inure to the benefit of the holders of the preferred securities of the applicable trust then outstanding.

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Termination

        Each guarantee will terminate as to the preferred securities issued by the applicable trust:

Events of Default

        An event of default under a guarantee will occur upon the failure of Protective to perform any of its payment or other obligations thereunder.

        The holders of a majority in liquidation amount of the preferred securities to which such guarantee relates have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee in respect of the guarantee or to direct the exercise of any trust or power conferred upon the trustee under such guarantee. If the trustee fails to enforce such guarantee, any holder of preferred securities to which such guarantee relates may institute a legal proceeding directly against Protective to enforce such holder's rights under such guarantee, without first instituting a legal proceeding against the relevant trust, the trustee or any other person or entity. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Protective has failed to make a guarantee payment, a holder of preferred securities may directly institute a proceeding against Protective for enforcement of the guarantee for such payment. Protective waives any right or remedy to require that any action be brought first against such trust or any other person or entity before proceeding directly against Protective.

Status of the Preferred Securities Guarantees

        The guarantees will constitute unsecured obligations of Protective and will rank as follows:

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        The terms of the preferred securities provide that each holder of preferred securities issued by the applicable trust by acceptance thereof agrees to the subordination provisions and other terms of the guarantee relating thereto.

        The guarantees will constitute a guarantee of payment and not of collection; that is, the guaranteed party may institute a legal proceeding directly against the guarantor to enforce its rights under the guarantee without instituting a legal proceeding against any other person or entity.

Information Concerning the Preferred Guarantee Trustee

        The trustee, prior to the occurrence of a default with respect to a guarantee, undertakes to perform only such duties as are specifically set forth in such guarantee and, after default, shall exercise the same degree of care as a prudent individual would exercise in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to such provisions, the trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by a guarantee at the request of any holder of preferred securities, unless offered reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred thereby; but the foregoing shall not relieve the trustee, upon the occurrence of an event of default under such guarantee, from exercising the rights and powers vested in it by such guarantee.

Governing Law

        The guarantees will be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York.


EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
AND THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEES

        As set forth in the declarations of trust, the sole purpose of PLC Capital Trusts V and VI is to issue the preferred securities and common securities evidencing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of each of the trusts, and to invest the proceeds from such issuance and sale in Protective's subordinated debt securities.

        As long as payments of interest and other payments are made when due on the subordinated debt securities held by the trusts, such payments will be sufficient to cover distributions and payments due on the preferred securities and common securities because of the following factors:

        Payments of distributions (to the extent funds therefore are available) and other payments due on the preferred securities (to the extent funds therefore are available) are guaranteed by Protective as and to the extent set forth under "Description of Preferred Securities Guarantees." If Protective does

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not make interest payments on the subordinated debt securities purchased by the applicable trust, it is expected that the applicable trust will not have sufficient funds to pay distributions on the preferred securities and the guarantee will not apply, since the guarantee covers the payment of distributions and other payments on the preferred securities only if and to the extent that Protective has made a payment of interest or principal on the subordinated debt securities held by the applicable trust as its sole asset. However, the guarantee, when taken together with Protective's obligations under the subordinated debt securities and the subordinated indenture and its obligations under the declaration of trust, including its obligations to pay costs, expenses, debts and liabilities of the trust, other than with respect to the preferred securities and common securities, provide a full and unconditional guarantee, on a subordinated basis, by Protective of amounts due on the preferred securities.

        If Protective fails to make interest or other payments on the subordinated debt securities when due, taking account of any extension period, the declarations of trust provide a mechanism whereby the holders of the preferred securities affected thereby, using the procedures described in any accompanying prospectus supplement, may direct the institutional trustee to enforce its rights under the subordinated debt securities. If a debt payment failure has occurred and is continuing, a holder of preferred securities may institute a direct action for payment after the respective due date specified in the subordinated debt securities. In connection with such direct action, Protective will be subrogated to the rights of such holder of preferred securities under the declaration of trust to the extent of any payment made by Protective to such holder of preferred securities in such direct action. Protective, under the guarantee, acknowledges that the guarantee trustee shall enforce the guarantee on behalf of the holders of the preferred securities. If Protective fails to make payments under the guarantee, the guarantee provides a mechanism whereby the holders of the preferred securities may direct the trustee to enforce its rights thereunder. Any holder of preferred securities may institute a legal proceeding directly against Protective to enforce the guarantee trustee's rights under the guarantee without first instituting a legal proceeding against the trust, the guarantee trustee, or any other person or entity.

        Protective and each of PLC Capital Trust V and VI believe that the above mechanisms and obligations, taken together, provide a full and unconditional guarantee by Protective on a subordinated basis of payments due on the preferred securities. See "Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantee—General."


DESCRIPTION OF STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS
AND STOCK PURCHASE UNITS

        Protective may issue stock purchase contracts, representing contracts obligating holders to purchase from Protective, and Protective to sell to the holders, a specified number of shares of Protective's common stock at a future date or dates. The price per share of common stock may be fixed at the time the stock purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula set forth in the stock purchase contracts. The stock purchase contracts may be issued separately or as a part of stock purchase units consisting of a stock purchase contract and debt securities of Protective or preferred securities of PLC Capital Trust V or VI or debt obligations of third parties, including U.S. Treasury securities, securing the holders' obligations to purchase the common stock under the purchase contracts. The stock purchase contracts may require Protective to make periodic payments to the holders of the stock purchase units or vice versa, and such payments may be unsecured or prefunded on some basis. The stock purchase contracts may require holders to secure their obligations thereunder in a specified manner.

        The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any stock purchase contracts or stock purchase units. The description in the prospectus supplement will not purport to be complete and will be qualified in its entirety by reference to the stock purchase contracts, and, if applicable, collateral arrangements and depositary arrangements, relating to such stock purchase contracts or stock purchase units.

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

        Protective may sell any of the debt securities, preferred stock, common stock, stock purchase contracts and stock purchase units and PLC Capital Trust V and VI may sell any of the preferred securities, being offered hereby in any one or more of the following ways from time to time:

        The distribution of the securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.

        Agents designated by Protective or the trusts may solicit offers to purchase the securities from time to time. The prospectus supplement will name any such agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities and will set forth any commissions payable by Protective or the trusts to such agent. Unless otherwise indicated in such prospectus supplement, any such agent will be acting on a reasonable best efforts basis for the period of its appointment. Any such agent may be deemed to be an underwriter, as that term is defined in the Securities Act, of the securities so offered and sold.

        If the securities are sold by means of an underwritten offering, Protective and/or the trusts will execute an underwriting agreement with an underwriter or underwriters at the time an agreement for such sale is reached. A prospectus supplement will be used by the underwriters to make resales of the securities to the public and will set forth the names of the specific managing underwriter or underwriters, as well as any other underwriters, and the terms of the transaction, including commissions, discounts and any other compensation of the underwriters and dealers, if any. If underwriters are utilized in the sale of the securities, the securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at fixed public offering prices or at varying prices determined by the underwriter at the time of sale. The securities may be offered to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters or directly by the managing underwriters. If any underwriter or underwriters are utilized in the sale of the securities, unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, the underwriting agreement will provide that the obligations of the underwriters are subject to certain conditions precedent and that the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all such securities if any are purchased.

        If a dealer is utilized in the sale of the securities, Protective or the trusts, will sell such securities to the dealer as principal. The dealer may then resell such securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealer at the time of resale. Any such dealer may be deemed to be an underwriter, as such term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933, of the securities so offered and sold. The prospectus supplement will set forth the name of the dealer and the terms of the transaction.

        Protective or the trusts may directly solicit offers to purchase the securities and may sell such securities directly to institutional investors or others, who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to any resale thereof. The prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any such sales.

        Agents, underwriters and dealers may be entitled under relevant agreements with Protective and/or the trusts to indemnification by Protective and/or the trusts against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or to any contribution with respect to payments which such agents, underwriters and dealers may be required to make.

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        Each series of securities will be a new issue with no established trading market, other than the common stock which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Any common stock sold pursuant to a prospectus supplement will be listed on such exchange, subject to official notice of issuance. Protective may elect to list any series of debt securities, preferred stock, stock purchase contracts or stock purchase units and the trusts may elect to list any series of preferred securities, on an exchange, but neither Protective nor the trusts shall be obligated to do so. It is possible that one or more underwriters may make a market in a series of the securities, but will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. Therefore, no assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for the securities.

        Agents, underwriters and dealers may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for, Protective and its subsidiaries (including the trusts) in the ordinary course of business.

        The securities may also be offered and sold, if so indicated in the prospectus supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise, by one or more firms ("remarketing firms"), acting as principals for their own accounts or as agents for Protective or the trusts. The prospectus supplement will identify any remarketing firm and will describe the terms of its agreement, if any, with Protective or the trusts and its compensation. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters, as such term is defined in the Securities Act, in connection with the securities remarketed thereby. Under agreements which may be entered into with Protective, Protective and/or the trusts may be required to provide indemnification or contribution to remarketing firms against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Remarketing firms may also be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for Protective and its subsidiaries (including the trusts) in the ordinary course of business.

        If so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, Protective or the trusts, may authorize agents, underwriters or dealers to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase the securities from Protective or the trusts, at the public offering prices set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date or dates. The applicable prospectus supplement will indicate the commission to be paid to underwriters, dealers and agents soliciting purchases of the Securities pursuant to contracts accepted by Protective.


LEGAL MATTERS

        Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, certain matters of Delaware law relating to the validity of the preferred securities of PLC Capital Trust V and PLC Capital Trust VI will be passed upon for Protective and the trusts by Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A., special Delaware counsel to Protective and the trusts, and the validity of any other securities offered hereby and of the preferred securities guarantee and the senior debt securities relating to any preferred securities of the trusts offered hereby will be passed upon for Protective and the trusts by Deborah J. Long, Senior Vice President and General Counsel for the Company. Ms. Long may rely upon Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A., special Delaware counsel to Protective and the trusts, as to all matters of Delaware law relating to any preferred securities.

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EXPERTS

        The consolidated balance sheets of Protective as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 and the related consolidated statements of income, share-owners' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002 and the related financial statement schedules which are incorporated by reference or included in Protective's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 and which have been incorporated by reference in this prospectus, have been incorporated herein in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

        The accountants are not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for their report on the unaudited interim financial information because that report is not a "report" or a "part" of the registration statement prepared or certified by the accountants within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

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$250,000,000

LOGO

PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION

4.30% Senior Notes due June 1, 2013


PROSPECTUS    SUPPLEMENT


Merrill Lynch & Co.
 
Morgan Stanley

SunTrust Robinson Humphrey
 
Wachovia Securities

May 20, 2003



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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF THE OFFER
THE COMPANY
THE SENIOR NOTES OFFERING
THE COMPANY
USE OF PROCEEDS
CAPITALIZATION
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS RATIOS
DESCRIPTION OF THE SENIOR NOTES
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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
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PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
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CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS RATIOS
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES OF PROTECTIVE
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF PROTECTIVE
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK OF PROTECTIVE
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK OF PROTECTIVE
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED SECURITIES OF THE PLC CAPITAL TRUSTS
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEES
EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES AND THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEES
DESCRIPTION OF STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND STOCK PURCHASE UNITS
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
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