A self-employed architect submits an application for a disability income policy and includes a check for the first month's premium. During the underwriting process, the insurer discovers the applicant frequently engages in high-altitude mountaineering. Instead of declining the risk, the insurer issues the policy with a hazardous sports exclusion rider and a higher premium, and sends it to the producer for delivery. Based on the elements of a legal contract, what is the status of the agreement at this point?
- The insurer has rejected the applicant's initial offer and issued a counteroffer that the applicant must now accept.Answer
- BThe contract is legally binding immediately because the applicant provided the required consideration with the application.
- CThe policy is in effect, but the applicant can dispute the rider because ambiguities in contracts of adhesion favor the insured.
- DThe agreement is void until the agent exercises implied authority to approve the underwriting changes on behalf of the applicant.
Answer
The insurer has rejected the applicant's initial offer and issued a counteroffer that the applicant must now accept.
For a legal contract to exist, there must be a definite agreement consisting of an offer and an acceptance. When the applicant submitted the application along with the premium, they made the initial offer. By issuing the policy with an exclusion rider and a different premium, the insurer did not accept the offer exactly as it was made. Legally, the insurer rejected the original offer and presented a counteroffer. A binding insurance contract will not be formed until the applicant explicitly accepts these new terms, usually by signing an amendment and paying any additional required premium upon delivery.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Agreement (Offer and Acceptance)
Estimated Time:1m 15s