Life-Producer Maryland Life Producer Exam (Series 20-27) Questions and Answers

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Participating life insurance policies, often issued by mutual companies, include the possibility of dividends:

Dividends (A)represent a share of surplus profits distributed to policyowners.

Policyowners are not assessed for losses (B); the insurer bears those.

The insured and policyowner can be different individuals, making (C) incorrect.

Mutual insurers typically issue participating policies, not stock companies (D).

References: Maryland Insurance Law on Participating Policies.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Theentire contract clauseensures transparency by limiting the policy's terms to the policy document and any attached application materials.

The application attached to the policy (B):Correct. It becomes part of the legal agreement between the insurer and the policyholder.

The Medical Information Bureau report (A):Used for underwriting but not part of the policy.

Any attending physician's statement (C):May inform underwriting but is not included in the policy.

The producer’s report to the insurer (D):Internal to the insurer and irrelevant to the contract itself.

References:Maryland Insurance Code §16-203, Entire Contract Provision Standards, and COMAR 31.09.09.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Boycottrefers to the refusal to engage in business dealings with a particular party as part of an unfair trade practice, often used to coerce or punish. It is prohibited under Maryland’s Unfair Trade Practices Act.

Boycott (C):Defined as an unfair method of competition when used in the insurance context.

Estoppel (A):A legal doctrine preventing someone from asserting a claim inconsistent with previous actions, unrelated to business refusal.

Injunction (B):A court order stopping specific actions, not related to refusal to do business.

Binder (D):Temporary insurance coverage, unrelated to trade practices.

References:Maryland Unfair Trade Practices Act, COMAR 31.15.03, and Maryland Insurance Code §27-205.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Premium determination in life insurance depends on factors that measure risk, butrace (D)is not and cannot be used due to anti-discrimination laws.

Age (A):A primary factor; younger applicants are charged lower premiums due to lower mortality risk.

Health (B):Significant; poor health or pre-existing conditions increase premiums.

Occupation (C):Risky professions (e.g., construction or aviation) may result in higher premiums.

Race (D):Prohibited by Maryland law, which ensures fairness and prohibits underwriting based on race, ethnicity, or similar discriminatory criteria.

References:Maryland Insurance Article §27-501, COMAR 31.09.03, and Anti-Discrimination Standards in Insurance.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:

The Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Corporation provides financial protection to policyholders:

Guarantees benefits in case of insurer insolvency (C), ensuring policyholders do not lose coverage.

It does not guarantee the issuance of policies (A and B), as policy issuance depends on underwriting.

It cannot ensure an insurer will never fail (D) but mitigates the impact of failure.

References: Maryland Life and Health Guaranty Corporation Act, Maryland Insurance Code.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:The life insurance buyer’s guide is designed to help potential policyholders make informed decisions about life insurance by:

Explaininghow to decide how much life insurance to buy (C), ensuring individuals purchase adequate coverage for their needs.

Providing details tocompare life insurance policy requirements (D)to evaluate and choose the best policy.

Showing how tocompare rates (A)for different policies to find cost-effective options.

However, it doesnot include instructions for taking civil action against an insurer (B). Such legal matters fall outside the scope of the guide and are addressed in regulatory and legal channels.

References: Maryland Insurance Buyer’s Guide Guidelines and State Insurance Regulations.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:When a group policy is issued to a labor union, Maryland law requires that eligibility criteria ensure fairness and inclusivity:

All of the members of the union (B):Eligible members must be treated equally under the group policy. Coverage cannot exclude individuals based on factors like age or health, provided they are active members.

Members of any union (A):Policies are issued to specific unions, not broadly.

Only members under age 65 (C):Age discrimination is prohibited unless specifically linked to policy provisions.

Healthy members (D):Group policies cannot discriminate based on health status.

References:Maryland Group Insurance Regulations, COMAR 31.09.06, and Labor Union Group Policies Guidelines.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Maryland law mandates that life insurance policies include aclear and concise description of the policyon the first page to ensure transparency and understanding for policyholders.

Legible and brief description (A):Correct. This ensures the buyer can quickly identify key terms and benefits of the policy.

Notary seal (B):Not required for delivering life insurance policies.

Premium coupon book (C):Optional, often replaced with digital billing methods.

Financial statement of the insurer (D):Not required in the policy itself, although insurers must provide financial stability information upon request.

References:Maryland Insurance Article §16-206, COMAR 31.09.04, and Policy Form Filing Standards.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Under a1035 exchange, policyholders can replace an insurance policy or annuity without immediate tax consequences. However, gains realized later upon surrender of the new policy are taxed as:

Ordinary income (A):The difference between the cash surrender value and the cost basis (premiums paid) is taxed as income.

Capital gains (B):Not applicable because gains on life insurance are classified as ordinary income.

Ordinary income plus a 10% surcharge (C):The 10% penalty applies only to premature withdrawals from retirement accounts, not life insurance.

Deferred capital gain (D):Does not apply, as life insurance gains are not taxed under capital gain rules.

References:IRS Code Section 1035, Maryland Tax Treatment of Life Insurance Policies, and COMAR 31.09.12.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Accelerated benefits allow a policyholder to receive a portion of the death benefit early, often due to terminal illness or specific qualifying conditions:

Decreases the death benefit (D):The accelerated amount reduces the death benefit available to beneficiaries.

Increases the cash value (A):Incorrect; accelerated benefits are drawn from the policy, reducing cash value and death benefits.

Increases the policy premium (B):Premiums generally remain unchanged.

Decreases the grace period (C):Not affected by accelerated benefits.

References:Maryland Accelerated Benefit Provisions, COMAR 31.09.04, and IRS Tax Treatment of Accelerated Death Benefits.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Offering settlements below fair value (D)is prohibited as an unfair claims settlement practice under Maryland law. Insurers must handle claims in good faith and pay fair settlements based on policy terms.

Negotiating claims (A):Permitted when there are legitimate disputes over coverage or liability.

Denying claims (B):Allowed if based on valid policy exclusions or conditions.

Including arbitration provisions (C):Legal, provided they comply with state guidelines and are not coercive.

Unfair claims settlement practices include:

Misrepresenting policy provisions.

Failing to promptly investigate or settle claims.

Attempting to settle for less than reasonable amounts.

References:Maryland Insurance Article §27-303, Unfair Claims Practices Act, and COMAR 31.15.07.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Accelerated benefits are often triggered by the inability to performactivities of daily living (ADLs), which are standard measures of functional capacity.

Dressing (A), Eating (B), Bathing (C):Correctly identified as ADLs used to assess eligibility for benefits.

Speaking (D):Not classified as an ADL under Maryland insurance definitions or long-term care benefit triggers.

References:Maryland Accelerated Benefits Guidelines, Long-Term Care Standards, and COMAR 31.09.04.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:ASection 1035 exchangeallows a policyholder to replace a life insurance policy, annuity, or endowment without immediate tax consequences. However, when the new policy is surrendered:

The gain is taxed asordinary income (A), calculated as the difference between the policy’s cash surrender value and the cost basis (total premiums paid).

Capital gain (B):Incorrect. Gains from life insurance policies are classified as ordinary income, not capital gains.

Ordinary income plus a 10% surcharge (C):The 10% penalty applies only to premature distributions from retirement accounts, not life insurance.

Deferred capital gain (D):Incorrect, as life insurance gains are not subject to capital gain rules.

References:IRS Code §1035, Maryland Tax Code on Life Insurance, and COMAR 31.09.12.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:In astock insurance company, dividends are distributed to shareholders, who are the owners of the company.

Shareholders (B):Receive dividends based on the company’s profitability, as determined by the board of directors.

Members of the board of directors (A):May also be shareholders, but their role as directors does not entitle them to dividends.

Beneficiaries (C):Receive death benefits, not company dividends.

Producers (D):Earn commissions or fees, not dividends.

References:Maryland Corporate Insurance Guidelines, Stock vs. Mutual Insurer Framework, and COMAR 31.05.03.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:

Participating life insurance policies are typically issued by mutual insurers and allow policyholders to:

Receive dividends (A), which are excess profits returned to policyholders.

Policyholders are not assessed for losses (B); insurers absorb losses.

The insured and policyowner can be separate entities, invalidating (C).

Mutual insurers, not stock companies, issue most participating policies, making (D) incorrect.

References: Maryland Mutual Insurance Practices and Participating Policy Guidelines.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Misrepresentation involves providing false, misleading, or incomplete information about a policy:

Failed to disclose exclusions of the policy (A):Correct. Not informing the insured about policy exclusions misrepresents the coverage and violates Maryland law.

Denied a claim for failure to prove damages (B):This relates to claims handling and is not misrepresentation.

Required written notice of loss (C):This is a legitimate policy requirement, not misrepresentation.

Issued a full settlement check (D):Standard claims settlement practice when agreed upon; not related to misrepresentation.

References:Maryland Insurance Article §27-303, Misrepresentation and False Advertising Standards, COMAR 31.15.03.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Qualified retirement plans, such as 401(k) and pension plans, offer significant tax advantages for employers:

Tax-deductible contributions (B):Employer contributions to qualified plans are deductible as business expenses, reducing taxable income.

Exclusive benefit for key employees (A):Not allowed under IRS rules, as qualified plans must follow non-discrimination requirements.

Funds available for business needs (C):Incorrect, as plan funds are held in trust and cannot be used for business operations.

Rewarding selected employees (D):Qualified plans must comply with anti-discrimination rules, so rewards must benefit all eligible employees.

References:IRS Publication 560, Maryland Retirement Plan Standards, and COMAR 31.09.11.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:A life annuity with aten years certainprovision guarantees payments for at least ten years. If theannuitant dies before the end of ten years, payments continue to the beneficiary for the remainder of the period.

Until the annuitant dies, or for ten years, whichever is longer (A):Ensures payments for life with a minimum ten-year guarantee.

Until the annuitant dies, and for an additional ten years (B):Incorrect; payments cease after the guaranteed period or the annuitant’s lifetime.

Only until the annuitant dies (C):Incorrect; the ten-year guarantee applies.

Only for ten years (D):Incorrect; payments continue if the annuitant outlives the guaranteed period.

References:Maryland Annuity Payout Options Guidelines, COMAR 31.09.08.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Rebatingoccurs when an insurance producer offers a portion of their commission, premium reductions, or other inducements to buyers that are not explicitly stated in the policy. It is prohibited under Maryland law to ensure fair competition and maintain ethical standards.

Rebating (D):Involves returning part of the commission or providing benefits not in the policy to incentivize a sale, violating Maryland Insurance Article §27-212.

Twisting (A):Refers to persuading a policyholder to lapse or replace a policy through misrepresentation, unrelated to commission-sharing.

Binding (B):Relates to confirming coverage but does not involve commissions.

Soliciting (C):Refers to seeking potential clients, not the unfair practice of rebating.

References:Maryland Unfair Trade Practices Act, COMAR 31.15.05, and Maryland Insurance Article §27-209.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Accidental death riders provide additional benefits if the insured dies due to an unforeseen accident.

Automobile accidents resulting from the insured’s negligence (D):Covered because negligence in driving does not disqualify the event from being an accident. The death must be directly and solely caused by the accident.

Intentionally self-inflicted injuries (A):Excluded as they are not accidental but intentional.

Illness or disease (B):Excluded as accidental death benefits do not apply to natural causes.

War or acts of war (C):Generally excluded under most policies as a specific clause addresses wartime risks.

References:Maryland Insurance Guidelines for Accidental Death Riders and Policy Exclusions, COMAR 31.09.04.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:An accidental death rider pays an additional benefit if death results solely from an accident.

Automobile accidents resulting from the insured’s negligence (D):Covered, as negligence does not negate the accidental nature of the event. The death must result directly from the accident without other contributing factors like illness.

Intentionally self-inflicted injuries (A):Excluded, as they are not accidental.

Illness or disease (B):Excluded, as accidental death benefits only apply to unforeseen events, not natural causes.

War or acts of war (C):Excluded in most policies due to specific exclusions for wartime risks.

References:Maryland Insurance Administration Policy Rider Guidelines and Accidental Death Coverage Standards, COMAR 31.09.04.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:When a death claim is filed on a life insurance policy with an outstanding loan:

Deducted from the face amount (A):The death benefit is reduced by the loan balance plus any accrued interest, ensuring the insurer recovers the outstanding debt.

Beneficiary obligation (B):Incorrect. The beneficiary receives the adjusted benefit without personal liability for the loan.

Claim against the estate (C):Incorrect. The loan is tied to the policy, not the estate.

Canceled without adjustment (D):Incorrect, as insurers must recoup the loan amount from the death benefit.

References:Maryland Life Insurance Policy Loan Provisions, COMAR 31.09.03, and Standard Death Claim Settlement Practices.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Family life insurance policies provide comprehensive coverage for families, including automatic coverage for certain dependents.

Option A:Correct. A significant portion of the premium funds whole life insurance for the primary insured (typically the head of household).

Option B:Correct. Dependent children born after the policy is issued are automatically covered, often without additional cost or underwriting.

Option C:Incorrect. Family life insurance policies are not restricted to individuals under 30; this criterion does not exist in standard policy guidelines.

Option D:Correct. Coverage for dependents can often be converted to whole life insurance at specific ages or policy milestones without medical underwriting.

References:Maryland Family Life Insurance Policy Standards, COMAR 31.09.04, and Maryland Insurance Administration Dependent Coverage Guidelines.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:In astock insurance company, shareholders are the owners and receive dividends from the company’s profits.

Shareholders (B):They are entitled to dividends when declared by the board of directors, based on profitability.

Board of directors (A):Oversee corporate governance and do not individually receive dividends as a right.

Beneficiaries (C):Receive policy death benefits, not dividends.

Producers (D):Earn commissions or fees, not dividends.

References:Maryland Corporate Insurance Structure Rules, Stock vs. Mutual Insurer Regulations, COMAR 31.05.03.