What does the term knocking refer to in insurance?

The term "knocking" in insurance specifically refers to the practice of making derogatory remarks about competing underwriters. This term is commonly associated with unethical behavior in the industry, where an individual or company disparages rivals to undermine their credibility or market position. Such actions can create an unfair competitive advantage and diminish the overall integrity of the insurance market.

In contrast, the other options do not correctly define this term. For instance, the concept of promising to pay a fixed income to annuitants relates to annuities but does not relate to the notion of knocking. Likewise, the average life expectancy according to mortality tables refers to statistical measures used primarily for risk assessment and does not connect to the derogatory connotations of knocking. Therefore, understanding that knocking involves disparagement of competitors is crucial in recognizing its implications in the insurance field.