State RegulationsOH specificDifficulty 2/5
An agent in Akron offers to backdate an individual life application so the applicant can lock in a younger age and a lower premium. Under Ohio law, what limit applies to knowingly backdating a policy to reduce the premium?
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why B is correct
ORC 3915.13 prohibits any knowingly issued policy from taking effect more than 6 months before the application when the backdating reduces the premium. The application date is the later of the date the application is executed or the date of the medical examination, and age is figured on a nearest-birthday basis. Backdating beyond that 6-month horizon to secure a lower premium is unlawful, no matter how willing the parties are.
Why the other options are wrong
- A) The statutory limit is 6 months before the application, not 12; ORC 3915.13 draws the line there.
- C) A 15-day rule appears nowhere in the backdating statute; ORC 3915.13 allows up to 6 months.
- D) Private agreement cannot override ORC 3915.13 — knowingly reducing premium by dating the policy more than 6 months back is prohibited regardless of written consent.
Memory hook
Save age, save premium — but never rewind past 6 months.