Axel owns a $150,000 whole life insurance policy with an accumulated cash surrender value (CSV) of $20,000. His monthly premiums are $300, due on the fifth day of each month. Axel misses his November 5 premium payment and then dies a few weeks later, on November 20.

Axel owns a $150,000 whole life insurance policy with an accumulated cash surrender value (CSV) of $20,000. His monthly premiums are $300, due on the fifth day of each month. Axel misses his November 5 premium payment and then dies a few weeks later, on November 20.
A . $0
B . $149,700
C . $150,000
D . $169,700

View Answer

Answer: C

Explanation:

In whole life insurance policies, there is generally a grace period (usually 30 days) for missed premium payments before the policy lapses. Since Axel died within this grace period (November 20, following a missed premium due November 5), the policy remains active, and the full death benefit is payable to his beneficiary. Therefore, the insurance company would pay out the entire $150,000 death benefit. The policy’s accumulated CSV is irrelevant in this context, as it only applies if the policyholder surrenders the policy or if the policy lapses after the grace period.