What does sliding refer to in insurance practices?

Sliding in insurance practices refers to the act of selling additional products or services to a client without their explicit consent or knowledge. This practice is considered unethical because it often results in a policyholder being charged for items they did not intend to purchase, which can lead to dissatisfaction and a lack of trust between the insurer and the insured.

In the context of the options provided, selling additional products without the applicant's consent accurately captures the essence of sliding. It emphasizes the unethical nature of this practice, where clients are misled into believing they are purchasing only the insurance coverage they need, while additional products are included inappropriately.

Other choices refer to different unethical practices within the insurance industry, but they do not specifically define sliding. Adjustments to policy terms without consent or providing false information during the application process represent different violations of trust and ethics. Additionally, automatically offering policyholder discounts is a standard marketing practice and does not inherently involve deceptive means, further distinguishing it from sliding.