If an insured under a life insurance policy dies with an outstanding loan balance then...

The correct answer is A. be reduced by the amount of the loan and interest owed. In permanent life insurance policies that build cash value, the policyowner may borrow against that cash value. However, if the insured dies before the loan is repaid, the insurer does not require the beneficiary to repay the loan first. Instead, the insurer deducts the outstanding loan balance plus any accrued interest from the death proceeds before paying the beneficiary. New York Life’s consumer guidance states that the total outstanding loan balance, including accrued loan interest, reduces the life insurance benefit .

This makes the other options incorrect. B is wrong because the death benefit is still paid; it is simply reduced , not withheld until repayment. C is incorrect because both the principal and interest are deducted, not just the principal. D is also incorrect because the insurer deducts the entire indebtedness , not just interest. NAIC policy loan guidance is consistent with this principle by treating the policy loan plus accrued interest as part of the amount offset against policy proceeds at death.