Which of the following is a component of life insurance premiums that involves risks associated with the death of the insured?

The component of life insurance premiums that specifically involves risks associated with the death of the insured is mortality experience. Mortality experience refers to the statistical data and analysis that insurance companies use to estimate the likelihood of death among policyholders, which directly influences the calculations for premiums.

The premiums are calculated based on the frequency and causes of death as determined by the insurer's assessment of mortality tables, which reflect the average life expectancy and survival rates. This component is essential because it directly affects how much a policyholder pays; higher risks of mortality typically lead to higher premiums to ensure that the insurance company can cover the claims made by beneficiaries upon the insured's death.

While investment earnings and operating expenses are also parts of the overall premium structure, they do not relate directly to the risk of death. Investment earnings pertain to the returns generated from the premiums collected, while operating expenses involve the costs incurred in administering the policies. Therefore, while all of these components contribute to the overall premium calculation, mortality experience specifically addresses the risk associated with the insured's death, making it a key factor in determining premiums.

Selecting "all of the above" implies that each element plays a role in premium calculations, but the direct correlation of mortality experience to the risk of death makes it