Producer Thomas is wrapping up a health insurance application with a new client. After the client signs the paperwork and departs, Thomas conducts a final review and spots two discrepancies: the client skipped a mandatory question about other existing health coverage, and the client mistakenly wrote their previous street address instead of their current one.
Based on standard field underwriting procedures, which of the following statements are correct?
- Thomas must contact the client to provide the missing information regarding other health coverage.Answer
- Any modifications to correct the street address on the application must be initialed by the client.Answer
- CThomas has the authority to unilaterally cross out the old address and write in the current one to expedite the underwriting process.
- DIf Thomas forwards the application to the home office with the skipped question, underwriters will typically process it under the assumption that no other coverage exists.
Answer
The correct statements are that the producer must contact the client to provide the missing information, and any modifications to the application must be initialed by the client.
Standard field underwriting rules dictate that an application must be fully completed by the applicant, and any changes made after signing must be initialed by the applicant to validate the alteration. The producer cannot answer skipped questions or make uninitialed corrections on the applicant's behalf.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Application Completeness and Corrections