In a deferred annuity, which contract feature begins at a high level, often 5%-10%, and...

Virginia Code § 38.2-3100 et seq. governs deferred annuities, where a surrender charge (option A) is a penalty for early withdrawal, starting high (e.g., 7-10%) and declining over a surrender period (e.g., 7-10 years) until it reaches zero. Option B (front-end sales load) is a one-time fee deducted upfront, not diminishing over time. Option C (guaranteed interest rate) is a fixed return (e.g., 2%), stable or adjustable, not disappearing. Option D (expense charge) covers ongoing costs (e.g., mortality and expense fees), typically level, not phased out. The study guide likely illustrates this with a table—e.g., 10% year 1, 9% year 2, 0% year 10—emphasizing surrender charges as a liquidity deterrent, making A the matching feature.