Which statement best describes insurable interest for life insurance?

• A. It exists only at the time of claim.
• B. It is created by the insurer.
• C. It must exist at policy inception (and continue through issuance).
• D. It is not required for life insurance.

Answer: (C)

Insurable interest in life insurance must exist at the time the policy is issued and continue for the life of the policy. This requirement prevents someone from taking out a policy on another person purely to gamble on that person’s death; there has to be a legitimate stake in the insured’s life, such as a spouse, a close relative, or a person with a financial obligation to the insured. If the policy is issued without a valid insurable interest, the contract can be challenged or invalid.

So, the statement that the insurable interest must exist at policy inception (and continue through issuance) is the best description. It reflects the idea that the relationship or financial stake must be present when the policy is bought and maintained as long as the policy remains in force. The other options describe scenarios that don’t fit how insurable interest operates: it’s not something created by the insurer, it isn’t only about the claim moment, and it is indeed required for life insurance to ensure the contract serves a legitimate purpose.