Who usually selects the beneficiary of a life insurance policy?

Ownership rights in life insurance.

The policyowner controls key policy decisions, including:

Naming beneficiaries

Changing beneficiaries (if revocable)

Assigning ownership

Why the policyowner selects the beneficiary.

The beneficiary designation reflects the policyowner’s intent regarding who receives proceeds.

Why the other options are incorrect.

Insurer: Issues the policy but does not control beneficiary choices.

Beneficiary: Cannot designate themselves unless they are also the owner.

Producer: May advise but cannot select beneficiaries.

Maryland legal relevance.

Maryland law enforces beneficiary designations as written unless changed by the policyowner.

Conclusion.

The policyowner usually selects the beneficiary.