Answer:
The Journal entry is as follows:
On December 31st, 2021
Cash surrender value A/c Dr. $3,000
Insurance expense A/c Dr. $17,000
To cash A/c $20,000
(To record the payment of the insurance premium)
Working note:
Increase in cash surrender value of the policy:
= $15,000 - $12,000
= $3,000
Insurance expense:
= Annual premiums - Increase in cash surrender value of the policy
= $20,000 - $3,000
= $17,000