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Question

Difficulty: MediumRisk Classification

Marcus, a 30-year-old applicant for a whole life insurance policy, has excellent medical exam results, no family history of early mortality, and ideal biometric readings. However, he discloses on his application that he regularly participates in amateur cave diving, a high-risk hobby. Based on standard underwriting practices, how is the underwriter most likely to classify and rate Marcus's application?

  1. Substandard risk, assessed with a flat extra premium.Answer
  2. B
    Substandard risk, assessed with a tabular (table) rating.
  3. C
    Preferred risk, because his ideal health profile offsets the morale hazard of his avocation.
  4. D
    Declined risk, because insurers must practice risk avoidance for applicants engaging in dangerous hobbies.

Answer

Substandard risk, assessed with a flat extra premium.
Underwriters classify applicants with hazardous hobbies or dangerous occupations as substandard risks. Because the hazard presents a constant level of risk that does not gradually increase with age (unlike many chronic health conditions), the standard practice is to charge a flat extra premium—a fixed additional amount per $1,000 of coverage—rather than using a tabular rating.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate the applicant's overall risk profile, including medical history and avocations.
The applicant has excellent health but participates in a highly hazardous hobby (cave diving).
Underwriting requires a comprehensive review of all factors affecting mortality to determine the appropriate classification.
2
Determine the appropriate risk classification based on the identified hazards.
The hazardous hobby disqualifies the applicant from Preferred or Standard rates, resulting in a Substandard classification.
High-risk avocations significantly increase the probability of a claim, requiring the insurer to adjust the risk class downward.
3
Select the correct premium rating method for a hazardous avocation.
A flat extra premium is applied to the policy.
Unlike health conditions that worsen over time (which require a tabular rating), dangerous hobbies present a constant risk that is priced using a flat extra charge per $1,000 of coverage.

Key Concept

Risk Classification and Rating Methods
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Topics

Risk Classification

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