During a life insurance sales presentation, what is an agent unlawfully permitted to promise?

The correct answer is the agent is unlawfully permitted to promise to share the agent's commission with the applicant. In many jurisdictions, including Texas, it's unethical and often illegal for insurance agents to offer to share their commission with clients. This practice can create a conflict of interest and undermine the integrity of the insurance sales process.

The other choices involve promises that may imply guarantees or alterations to the terms of the policy, which can mislead the applicant. Guaranteeing policy approval could misrepresent the underwriting process and its criteria, while lowering premium rates or providing free coverage for the first year could mislead clients regarding the true costs associated with a life insurance policy. Thus, an agent making such promises would be operating outside of ethical sales practices.