When does the duty of disclosure apply to an individual for a life assurance policy?

The duty of disclosure for an individual applying for a life assurance policy is primarily concerned with the period before the acceptance of the proposal. During this stage, the applicant must provide the insurer with any material information that could affect the insurer's decision to underwrite the policy, including details about their health, lifestyle, and any other relevant circumstances. This obligation ensures that the insurer can adequately assess the risk associated with providing coverage.

In contrast, the other options deal with scenarios that do not align with the duty of disclosure's timeframe. The duty does not extend throughout the policy duration or specifically at the time of a claim under the policy, because the emphasis is on informing the insurer at the initiation of the policy, rather than during its lifecycle or upon a claim. Additionally, the duty does not apply upon policy maturity, as the focus is solely on the information provided before the insurer agrees to provide coverage. Thus, the correct answer highlights the critical moment when the applicant must be forthcoming with pertinent information to ensure an informed underwriting process.