What must be collected by the agent to ensure that the policy is in force?

To ensure that a life insurance policy is in force, the first premium payment is critical. This payment serves as the initial contribution to the insurance contract and activates the coverage. Without receiving this payment, the insurer has no obligation to provide the coverage outlined in the policy, as the contract is essentially contingent upon this payment being made.

When a policyholder applies for insurance, they often receive a conditional receipt that indicates coverage may begin as of a certain date, but that coverage becomes permanent only upon the acceptance of the first premium. This upfront payment solidifies the agreement between the insurer and the insured, confirming the policyholder's commitment and the insurer's duty to provide benefits.

While the other options—such as a policy delivery receipt, policy endorsement, and beneficiary designation—are important components of the policy process, they do not directly activate the coverage. The policy delivery receipt verifies that the policy has been delivered to the policyholder, endorsements may modify the policy terms, and beneficiary designation involves naming individuals who will receive benefits upon the insured's death. However, none of these steps can substitute for the necessity of the first premium payment to make the policy effective.