Which of the following can influence the determination of substandard premium rates?

The determination of substandard premium rates is primarily influenced by factors that assess the risk associated with insuring an applicant. In this context, the applicant's occupation plays a critical role. Certain occupations carry higher risks of injury or mortality than others. For instance, jobs involving physical labor, hazardous conditions, or exposure to toxic substances can lead to a higher likelihood of claims. Therefore, insurers take into account the nature of the applicant's occupation when setting substandard premium rates to reflect the increased risk involved.

In contrast, while the applicant's payment history, health status, and demographic information may also influence underwriting decisions, they do not specifically pertain to the risk profile associated with the applicant's job-related activities in the same way. Payment history relates more to the applicant's financial responsibility, health status speaks to individual health risks rather than occupational risks, and demographic information can provide general insights but does not directly align with job-related risk assessment. Thus, the specific occupational risk factor is most significant when determining substandard premium rates.