What is a 'return of premium' feature in an annuity?

The 'return of premium' feature in an annuity is accurately described by the statement that it guarantees total annuity payments equal to the premiums paid upon the policyholder's death. This means that if the annuitant passes away before receiving total payments that exceed the amount they invested (or paid in premiums), the beneficiary will receive the difference. This feature offers a layer of security, ensuring that beneficiaries are not left with nothing after the investment in the annuity.

In contrast to the other options, the return of premium feature does not relate to the investment performance of the annuity, does not involve the ability to increase premiums over time, and is not limited to situations where the contract is surrendered early. Each of those concepts addresses different aspects of how annuities function or how policies are structured, but they do not specifically describe the return of premium feature itself.