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Question

Difficulty: MediumRisk Classification

An underwriter is evaluating an application for a traditional whole life insurance policy. The applicant has excellent medical exam results, a normal body mass index, and a pristine family medical history. However, the applicant works full-time as a structural ironworker on high-rise bridges. Based on standard underwriting practices, how should the underwriter classify this applicant and address the occupational hazard?

  1. Classify as a substandard risk and charge a flat extra premium, as the occupational hazard represents a constant level of additional risk.Answer
  2. B
    Classify as a substandard risk and apply a tabular rating, because the occupational mortality risk increases incrementally as the applicant ages.
  3. C
    Classify as a standard risk, but document the occupation as a morale hazard requiring a mandatory exclusionary rider.
  4. D
    Decline the application completely, as insuring high-risk occupations is an impermissible transfer of speculative risk.

Answer

Classify as a substandard risk and charge a flat extra premium, as the occupational hazard represents a constant level of additional risk.
The applicant falls into the substandard classification due to the dangerous nature of their occupation. For occupational or aviation hazards where the risk of death remains relatively constant regardless of age, insurers apply a flat extra premium (a set dollar amount per thousand dollars of insurance) rather than a tabular rating.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the applicant's risk factors.
The applicant has excellent physiological health but engages in a highly hazardous occupation (structural ironworker).
Underwriters must evaluate both medical and non-medical factors to determine overall mortality risk.
2
Determine the appropriate risk classification.
The significant occupational hazard prevents the applicant from receiving preferred or standard rates, placing them in the substandard category.
Standard and preferred classifications are reserved for average or below-average risks.
3
Select the correct substandard rating method.
A flat extra premium is applied.
Unlike health conditions (which worsen with age and require a tabular rating), occupational and aviation hazards represent a constant level of risk, which is addressed by adding a flat dollar amount per thousand of coverage.

Key Concept

Substandard Risk Rating Methods (Flat Extra vs. Tabular Rating)
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Topics

Risk Classification

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