Maryland Insurance Administration Life-Producer Maryland Life Producer Exam (Series 20-27) Exam Practice Test

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:A viatical settlement allows a policyowner (often with a terminal illness) to sell their life insurance policy for immediate cash, typically to a third party.

Less than the death benefit (D):The settlement amount is a fraction of the policy's face value, reflecting the buyer's expected profit after paying premiums and collecting the death benefit.

Equal to the sum of all premiums paid (A):This is incorrect as premiums paid do not determine the settlement amount.

Equal to the death benefit (B):The buyer profits from receiving the full death benefit upon the insured’s death, so they pay less upfront.

Greater than the death benefit (C):This would result in a financial loss for the buyer, which is not the case in viatical settlements.

References: Maryland Viatical Settlement Act, COMAR 31.09.10, and Terminal Illness Policyholder Assistance Guidelines.

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:Aninsurable riskmust meet specific criteria to ensure fair and financially viable coverage:

Chance of loss must be calculable (C):Correct. Insurers need statistical data to assess risk and determine premiums.

Loss must be intentional (A):Incorrect; intentional losses are not insurable.

Loss must be catastrophic (B):Incorrect; catastrophic losses (e.g., war or large-scale disasters) are often excluded or managed through reinsurance.

Large number of different loss exposures (D):A large number of similar, not different, exposures is required for risk pooling.

References:Maryland Insurance Principles, Actuarial Standards, and COMAR 31.09.14.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:

During the liquidation (or payout) phase of an annuity, the annuitant receives periodic payments:

The annuitant (D) is the individual designated to receive the payments, as they are the insured party in the contract.

The owner (A) is often the annuitant but may differ; the owner controls the contract but does not necessarily receive payments.

The beneficiary (B) receives the death benefit if the annuitant passes away, not the periodic payments.

"Nominator" (C) is not relevant terminology in annuities.

References: Maryland Insurance Guidelines on Annuities, Payment Distribution, and Liquidation.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Thefree-look periodis a consumer protection feature allowing policyholders to cancel a policy within a specified period for a full refund.

10 days (A):Maryland requires a minimum free-look period of 10 days for most individual life insurance policies. This provides enough time for policy review.

31 days (B), 45 days (C), and 60 days (D):These periods exceed Maryland's legal minimum and are typically not required unless specified by the insurer.

References:Maryland Free-Look Provisions, COMAR 31.09.09, and Maryland Consumer Protection Insurance Guidelines.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Theinsurer’s expensesare a critical factor in premium calculations. Insurers must cover operational costs, claims payouts, reserves, and regulatory compliance while ensuring profitability.

Insurer (B):Correct. Expenses such as underwriting, administrative costs, and agent commissions are incorporated into the premium.

Producer (A):Costs are included indirectly through commissions but are not a direct factor.

Policy beneficiary (C):Plays no role in premium determination.

Policy owner (D):Pays the premium but does not influence expense considerations.

References:Maryland Insurance Premium Guidelines, Rate Filing Requirements, and COMAR 31.05.02.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Thefixed amount installment optionprovides for a predetermined monthly benefit to the policy beneficiary. Payments continue until the principal (death benefit) and accumulated interest are fully paid out.

Fixed amount installment option (A):Ensures consistent payment amounts until the death benefit and interest are exhausted. This option is often used when beneficiaries want a steady income.

Accelerated endowment option (B):Not relevant as it refers to early payouts for policies reaching maturity.

Interest-only option (C):Only pays interest earned on the death benefit, leaving the principal untouched.

Fixed period installment option (D):Guarantees payments for a specific period, regardless of whether the principal or interest is depleted.

References: Maryland Life Insurance Policy Payout Regulations and Settlement Options Guidelines.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Premature distributions from an IRA (withdrawals before age 59½) are subject to a10% penalty tax (B)unless certain exceptions apply (e.g., disability, qualified education expenses, or first-time homebuyer withdrawals).

5% (A):Does not apply to IRS penalties.

10% (B):Correct. This is the standard penalty for early withdrawals.

20% (C):Represents mandatory withholding for certain distributions, not the penalty.

50% (D):Applies only to Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) failures, not premature distributions.

References:IRS Publication 590-B, Maryland IRA Penalty Exceptions Guidelines, COMAR 31.09.11.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Thetaxable portion of benefit payments under a life income settlement optiondepends on the beneficiary’s life expectancy:

Life expectancy impacts (B)how the payments are taxed, as longer payment durations result in more taxable income over time.

Thepolicy’s inclusion in the estate (A)is unrelated to the beneficiary’s life expectancy.

Thetotal death benefit (C)is fixed and not influenced by the beneficiary’s lifespan.

Premium rates (D)are determined during underwriting, not affected by beneficiary life expectancy.

References: Maryland Life Insurance Taxation Guidelines and IRS Settlement Option Rules.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Premature distributions from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) before age 59½ are subject to a10% penalty tax, in addition to regular income tax, unless an exception applies.

10% (B):Correct. This is the standard penalty for early withdrawals under IRS regulations.

5% (A):Too low and not applicable to IRA penalties.

20% (C):Refers to mandatory withholding for some plan distributions, not the penalty rate.

50% (D):Applies only to missed Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), not early withdrawals.

Exceptions to the 10% penalty:

First-time homebuyers (up to $10,000).

Qualified education expenses.

Medical expenses exceeding a certain percentage of adjusted gross income (AGI).

References:IRS Publication 590-B, Maryland Retirement Plan Regulations, and COMAR 31.09.12.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:

Producers have defined responsibilities, but they:

Do not approve policies for issue (C); this authority lies with the insurer's underwriting department.

Deliver policies (A) and notify insurers about replacements (B) as part of their role.

Collecting initial premiums (D) is a standard practice.

References: Maryland Producer Responsibilities Guidelines.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Theincontestability clauseprevents insurers from voiding a policy after a specified period, except in cases of fraud or non-payment of premiums:

2 years (C):Maryland law mandates a maximum incontestability period of two years. After this period, the insurer cannot deny claims due to misstatements on the application.

30 days (A) and 6 months (B):Too short for standard incontestability clauses.

3 years (D):Exceeds the Maryland limit.

References:Maryland Insurance Article §16-203, Incontestability Clause Guidelines, and COMAR 31.09.09.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Qualified retirement plans are subject to federal rules governing contribution limits:

Contributionscannot exceed IRS limits (C), which are adjusted annually.

Employers may adjust amounts annually, invalidating (A).

Contributions vary by employee and do not require identical dollar amounts, making (B) incorrect.

Contributions are typically unrelated to work performance, invalidating (D).

References: IRS Qualified Retirement Plan Contribution Limits, Maryland Employee Benefits Guidelines.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Defamationinvolves publishing or circulating false, malicious statements intended to harm an insurer’s reputation. It is prohibited under Maryland law to protect the integrity of insurers.

Defamation (A):Includes any written or spoken communication that is untrue and harms the insurer’s business standing.

Intimidation (B):Relates to coercing individuals through threats, not publishing falsehoods.

Extortion (C):Involves demanding something through threats, unrelated to false statements.

Coercion (D):Involves forcing a party to act under duress, not relevant to publishing false information.

References:Maryland Insurance Article §27-205, Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act.

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: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.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Insurable interest arises when there is a legitimate interest in the continued life of another person.

Marriage partners (C)inherently have an insurable interest due to emotional and legal bonds.

Competitors (A)andtraveling companions (D)do not typically meet the threshold for insurable interest.

Business associates (B)may have insurable interest, but it usually requires contractual agreements (e.g., buy-sell agreements).

References: Maryland Insurance Code and Insurable Interest Guidelines.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:The principle ofestoppelprevents a party from asserting rights or enforcing terms if their prior actions contradicted such enforcement.

Estoppel (C):If the insurer knowingly disregards a policy provision (e.g., a late premium payment), they may be barred from enforcing it later if the policyholder relied on the prior inaction.

Adhesion (A):Refers to contracts where terms are dictated by one party (e.g., the insurer), not applicable here.

Waiver (B):Occurs when an insurer voluntarily relinquishes a known right but does not necessarily create future obligations like estoppel does.

Subrogation (D):Involves transferring the insured’s claim rights to the insurer after a loss, unrelated to this scenario.

References: Maryland Legal Doctrines on Insurance Enforcement and Contractual Estoppel.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:The Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) has sole authority to regulate, suspend, or revoke an insurance producer’s license for violations of state insurance laws:

Maryland Insurance Administration (C):Correct. The MIA oversees producer licensing, compliance, and disciplinary actions.

Appointing insurer (A):Can terminate an appointment but cannot revoke a license.

Continuing education provider (B):Only offers training and has no regulatory authority.

Attorney General (D):Handles legal actions but does not directly manage licensing.

References:Maryland Insurance Article §10-126, Producer Regulation Guidelines, COMAR 31.03.13.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Universal life insurance policies offer flexibility and adaptability, but they also have specific rules:

Minimum cash value vs. death benefit (A):Correct. IRS rules require a minimum difference to maintain tax-advantaged status.

Level or increasing death benefits (B):Correct. Policyholders can choose based on their needs.

Cash value withdrawals (C):Correct. Withdrawals are allowed but may incur surrender charges.

Automatic lapse (D):Incorrect. Universal life does not immediately lapse due to missed payments; instead, costs are deducted from the cash value, and the policy remains in force until the cash value is depleted.

References:Maryland Insurance Administration Policy Lapse Guidelines, IRS Tax Code §7702, and COMAR 31.09.13.

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:Under Maryland insurance law, a terminated employee has31 days (D)to convert a group term life insurance policy into an individual policy without providing evidence of insurability.

This grace period allows individuals to maintain coverage while securing individual insurance.

10 (A), 20 (B), or 30 days (C)are incorrect, as Maryland mandates a specific 31-day window.

References: Maryland Conversion Rights in Group Life Insurance Policies, Section 15-401 of the Insurance Article.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Insurance producers using an assumed or fictitious name for their business must file the name with the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA).

File the name with the Insurance Administration (A):This ensures transparency and compliance with regulatory standards.

Apply for an additional license (B):Not required; the existing license covers the producer.

Apply for an additional appointment (C):Applies when a producer represents multiple insurers, not for fictitious names.

Post a $10,000 bond (D):Irrelevant to this context.

References: Maryland Insurance Administration Guidelines on Producer Licensing and Business Names.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Paying an applicant’s premium is considered arebate, which is generally prohibited in Maryland unless explicitly permitted by law.

Rebates (B)involve offering inducements not specified in the policy, which can undermine fairness and market stability.

Gifts (A)andloans (C)imply separate intentions and are distinct from policy-related payments.

Cost of doing business (D)does not apply, as paying premiums on behalf of clients violates anti-rebating laws.

References: Maryland Rebating Laws, Unfair Trade Practices Act.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Areplacementoccurs when a new life insurance policy is purchased, and the existing policy is surrendered, terminated, or its benefits reduced to make way for the new policy.

Replacement (B):This is regulated to ensure the policyholder is not disadvantaged by switching policies, often requiring additional disclosures and forms, like Maryland’s "Important Notice Replacement of Life Insurance or Annuities."

Nonforfeiture (A):Refers to retaining cash value benefits when a policy lapses or is canceled, not applicable here.

Reinvestment (C):Generally relates to financial or investment accounts, not life insurance.

Rollover (D):Pertains to tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs, not applicable to insurance.

References: Maryland Replacement Regulations, Disclosure Requirements, and Consumer Protections.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step by Step Explanation:Aviatical settlementinvolves selling a life insurance policy to a third party for immediate cash, typically to cover expenses associated with terminal illnesses.

Viatical settlement (C):The policyowner receives a percentage of the death benefit to cover high medical costs or improve their quality of life.

Nonforfeiture options (A):Relate to preserving cash value if the policy lapses, not a sale.

Accelerated death benefit (B):Involves accessing a portion of the death benefit directly from the insurer, not through a third party.

Survivorship policies (D):Cover two insureds and pay the death benefit only after both have passed away, unrelated to this case.

References: Maryland Viatical Settlement Law and Insurance Code.

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.