The basic purpose of the incontestable clause is to

• A. Minimize the motive to murder the insured.
• B. Bar the assertion of legal defenses after the evidence concerning the cause of action has grown stale and key witnesses are no longer readily available.
• C. Encourage unscrupulous behavior.
• D. Prevent the insurer from ever questioning anything in the contract.

Answer: (B)

The incontestable clause provides certainty for the insured and beneficiaries by limiting the insurer’s ability to challenge the policy after it has been in force for a certain period. Once that period has passed, the insurer generally cannot contest the policy or deny a claim based on misstatements in the application, because evidence may be stale and witnesses hard to obtain. The option captures this idea by saying the clause bars the assertion of legal defenses after the evidence concerning the cause of action has grown stale and key witnesses are no longer readily available. It reflects the purpose of giving lasting protection to the insured’s coverage. The other choices miss the point—it's not about motives for crime, it doesn't encourage unscrupulous behavior, and it doesn't prevent the insurer from ever questioning anything in the contract (fraud and other specific exceptions can still apply).