What is one primary purpose of settlement options in life insurance?

Settlement options in life insurance primarily serve to provide beneficiaries with different methods for receiving the death benefit. When a policyholder passes away, the insurer pays out the death benefit to the named beneficiaries. The settlement options allow the beneficiaries to choose how they would like to receive these funds, which can involve a lump-sum payment, installment payments over a specified period, or annuity options that provide income over the beneficiary's lifetime.

This flexibility ensures that beneficiaries can select a payout method that best meets their financial needs and circumstances. For instance, a lump-sum payment may be preferable for someone who requires immediate access to funds, while another may opt for an annuity to ensure a steady income over time.

The other options—like reducing policy premiums, providing policy loans, or enhancing cash value accumulation—do not relate directly to the primary function of settlement options. They refer to different aspects of life insurance policies, such as premium structures and policy loan provisions, which do not influence how beneficiaries receive their death benefits.