During the underwriting of a comprehensive life insurance policy, an underwriter discovers significant discrepancies. Part II of the application, completed by the applicant, indicates no history of health issues and denies participation in any hazardous activities. However, a Medical Information Bureau (MIB) report yields a code suggesting a recent cardiovascular event. Additionally, an Investigative Consumer Report, which the applicant was properly notified of three days prior to its request, reveals the applicant regularly participates in high-risk cave diving. The underwriter wishes to decline the application based on these combined findings.
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and standard underwriting practices, which of the following describes the legally permissible sequence of actions and compliance requirements the insurer must follow to issue an adverse underwriting decision in this scenario?
- The insurer must seek independent medical verification, such as an Attending Physician's Statement (APS), because the MIB report cannot be used as the sole basis for declining coverage; additionally, if the denial is based on the Investigative Consumer Report, the insurer must provide the applicant with the reporting agency's contact information.Cevap
- BThe insurer may decline the application immediately based on the combined reports, provided they supply complete, unedited copies of both the MIB report and the Investigative Consumer Report directly to the applicant along with the notice of adverse action.
- CThe insurer must instruct the producer to unilaterally cross out the incorrect answers on the application, document the correct health and lifestyle data, and then issue the formal denial based on the amended application.
- DThe insurer is legally permitted to void the application instantly without further medical investigation because all health statements made by the applicant on Part II are considered absolute warranties, making any MIB contradiction a material breach.