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State RegulationsCA specificVerified · outline & fact-checked · Sep 2026Difficulty 2/5

Under California's life insurance illustration rules (Sections 10509.950-10509.965), an illustration provided to a client must:

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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)

Why A is correct

California requires life insurance illustrations to clearly separate guaranteed amounts — contractually promised by the policy — from nonguaranteed, projected amounts such as current interest, dividend scales, or expense charges. The illustration must also carry required disclosures, be signed by the applicant and the agent, and a copy must be returned to the insurer before the policy is issued. Presenting projected values as if they were guaranteed is a prohibited practice under the illustration rules.

Why the other options are wrong

  • B) An illustration is meant to show both guaranteed and projected values side by side; showing only guarantees would defeat the disclosure purpose.
  • C) Dividends and current credited interest are never guaranteed; an illustration cannot promise a projected scale for the life of the policy.
  • D) The illustration must be presented before or at the time of application and signed, with a copy returned to the insurer — not deferred until delivery.

Memory hook

Illustration = show the floor (guaranteed) and the forecast (projected) separately. Never sell the forecast as a promise.

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