The correct answer is D. A deductible is the portion of an otherwise covered loss that the insured agrees to retain before the insurer becomes responsible for the remaining covered amount. In practical risk-management terms, it represents a form of self-insurance or risk retention because the policyholder absorbs losses up to the deductible amount.

New York Department of Financial Services describes a deductible as the amount the insured agrees to be responsible for when a covered loss occurs. DFS also explains that a higher deductible generally means the insured retains a larger portion of the risk and may receive a lower premium in return.

For example, if covered property damage equals $10,000 and the applicable deductible is $1,000, the insured ordinarily bears $1,000 and the insurer pays $9,000, assuming no other policy limitation applies.

Coinsurance is different; it is an insurance-to-value or cost-sharing mechanism and is not simply the initial dollar amount retained by the insured. “Principal” describes a party or monetary concept in other contractual contexts, while “liability” means legal responsibility.

The Series 17-70 curriculum includes deductibles, loss valuation, policy conditions, and claim settlement concepts.

Therefore, D is correct.