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Difficulty: MediumCompleting the Application

An independent agent receives a signed commercial general liability application from a prospective business owner. While preparing the file for submission to the underwriting department, the agent discovers that a required question regarding the storage of hazardous materials on the premises has been left completely blank. Under standard field underwriting protocols, what is the proper procedure for the agent to resolve this omission?

  1. The agent must return the application to the business owner to provide the missing answer and initial the addition.Answer
  2. B
    The agent should submit the application as received, as it is the underwriter's responsibility to either request an amendment or waive the requirement by issuing the policy.
  3. C
    The agent should complete the omitted question based on their own prior physical inspection of the premises to prevent delays in coverage.
  4. D
    The agent may contact the business owner via telephone to obtain the verbal answer and fill it in directly, as the agent's express authority permits administrative completions.

Answer

The agent must return the application to the business owner so they can answer the omitted question and provide their initials next to the addition.
In insurance field underwriting, an agent cannot unilaterally alter or add information to a signed application. If a question is left blank, the proper legal procedure is to return the application to the prospective insured so they can answer the question and initial the addition. This ensures the applicant verifies and authorizes the new information.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the agent's responsibilities during the application process.
The agent serves as the field underwriter and is responsible for ensuring the application is complete, accurate, and free of blank spaces before submitting it to the insurer.
Submitting incomplete applications delays the underwriting process and can lead to legal disputes regarding waived information.
2
Determine the legal limitations on an agent's ability to modify an application.
An agent cannot unilaterally add, delete, or change any information on a signed application.
The application is a legal document that forms the basis of the insurance contract, and the applicant's signature attests to the truthfulness of the recorded answers.
3
Apply the correct protocol for resolving omissions or errors.
The agent must have the applicant personally provide the missing information and initial the change or addition.
Requiring the applicant's initials provides written proof that the applicant is aware of and agrees to the newly added information.

Key Concept

Field Underwriting and Application Corrections
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Completing the Application

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