At what point must insurable interest be present in a life insurance policy?

In a life insurance policy, insurable interest must be present at the inception of the policy. This means that when the policy is initially purchased, the policyholder must have a legitimate interest in the life of the insured person, which ensures that the policyholder will suffer a financial loss if the insured individual were to pass away.

The requirement for insurable interest at the point of inception is rooted in the principle of preventing moral hazard and promoting ethical insurance practices. If individuals could take out life insurance policies on anyone without a vested interest, it could lead to scenarios where people might benefit financially from someone's death, raising potential ethical concerns and conflicts of interest. Thus, the law mandates that the policyholder must demonstrate a relationship that justifies the insurances, such as familial ties, business relationships, or other significant connections, at the time the policy is bought.

The other options do not align with this principle. Insurable interest is not required at any point during the policy period or at the time of claim, as the interest must initially exist when the contract is formed. Additionally, there is no need for insurable interest to be reassessed at the renewal of a policy, as the original requirement at inception suffices for the continuation of the policy.