What is a key requirement when an annuity is replaced or exchanged?

When an annuity is replaced or exchanged, a key requirement is that the annuitant must receive a comparison of benefits. This requirement is crucial because it ensures that the annuitant is fully informed about the differences between the existing annuity and the new annuity being advised. The comparison of benefits helps the consumer understand how the new product aligns with their financial goals and needs, thereby promoting transparency and informed decision-making.

This provision serves to protect the annuitant by ensuring that they receive all necessary information about potential advantages and disadvantages of the new annuity as compared to the one being replaced. Without this comparison, consumers could make uninformed choices that may not be in their best interest. It highlights the responsibility of the insurance agent to communicate effectively with clients during the replacement process.

The other options, while they might involve considerations during the replacement of an annuity, do not capture the primary regulatory focus on the need for a transparent understanding of benefits, which is essential for consumer protection in financial transactions.