A limited liability company (LLC) applies for a key-person life insurance policy on its lead software developer, Julian. The LLC is the applicant and policyowner, while Julian is the proposed insured. Prior to submission, Producer Hayes realizes he misspelled the LLC's legal name on the paper application. To prevent processing delays, Hayes uses correction fluid to erase the mistake, writes the correct name, and initials the change himself. Additionally, Hayes notices that the question regarding Julian's participation in hazardous avocations is completely blank, but he submits the application without addressing it. The insurer's underwriting department overlooks the blank question, accepts the application, and issues the policy. Eight months later, Julian dies in a skydiving accident. Upon investigation, the insurer discovers skydiving was a regular hobby of Julian's. Based on insurance regulations and contract law, which of the following accurately describes the insurer's liability and the legality of the producer's actions?
- The insurer must pay the death benefit because issuing the policy waived the right to the missing information, but the producer violated application protocols by using correction fluid and altering the document without the applicant's initials.Cevap
- BThe insurer is released from paying the death benefit because the blank question represents a material concealment of risk, which invalidates the contract during the contestability period.
- CThe insurer must pay the death benefit because issuing the policy waived the right to the missing information, and the producer acted within acceptable protocols by unilaterally correcting a strictly clerical error.
- DThe insurer is released from paying the death benefit because the producer exceeded his express authority by altering the application, which automatically nullifies the contract regardless of the insurer's oversight.