Defamation occurs when an agent makes a false statement intended to what?

Defamation is the act of intentionally harming someone's reputation by making false statements or revealing confidential information. Option A, promoting a new insurance product, is not related to defamation as it does not involve making false statements. Option B, securing a loan, is also not related as it does not pertain to damaging someone's reputation. Option D, encouraging switching policies, may involve some level of deception, but it is not directly related to making false statements intended to harm another insurer's reputation. Therefore, the closest and most accurate option is C, maligning another insurer.