What is the best way to fill out a life insurance application?
Taking time to review and answer every question in full is the best way to ensure an application is completed correctly. Filling out a life insurance application can seem like a daunting process for agents and advisors. Ticket or full application? Paper or electronic application? Carriers provide several underwriting options when it comes to application submission. However, one thing remains the same: answering each question and providing detailed information can help the application flow faster through the underwriting process. EMG Insurance Brokerage is here to help ensure your application moves through underwriting as quickly as possible.
Should a cover letter be used for a life insurance application?
A cover letter should always be included if your client has an unusual financial or medical circumstance. While it may seem time-consuming upfront, providing a cover sheet detailing your client’s special circumstances and need for a certain amount of coverage can save time in the long run. This is the snapshot that underwriters look at when assessing an application. Provide the most current and accurate details and data on your client; never rely on old client data or data provided from a conversation with a relative or spouse.
Also, writing all the information is now almost a thing of the past, since nearly everyone has access to a computer to type a cover letter and fill out a typed application. Tabbing from section to section allows you to move through each field without overlooking fields in the traditional pen and ink method.
Commonly overlooked sections on an application that can help save time during the underwriting process.
Plan and amount of insurance.
This helps underwriters review the specific underwriting guidelines according to the plan.
Insurance in force and Replacement form.
Review and provide all your client’s existing insurance in force. The replacement information provided in the application must match the information provided in the replacement form. If other coverage recently lapsed, or the client chooses not to pay the premium while shopping for new coverage, that is considered a replacement in most states. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, most carriers require a replacement form to be signed at the point of sale.
Beneficiary details.
Provide the primary beneficiary to the policy to ensure accurate underwriting and insurable interest in the policy. The insurable interest means the beneficiary is dependent on the insured and may incur a financial loss or a compromised standard of living should the insured pass away.
EMG Insurance Brokerage and carrier HIPAA forms.
Many times, the underwriting process requires that we obtain medical records. Submitting the EMG Insurance Brokerage HIPAA form allows our vendor to provide us with a copy of your client’s medical records. All carriers require their own HIPAA form – this allows the underwriter to start the review of the underwriting process.
Conditional Receipt.
If the applicant intends on binding coverage during the underwriting process, then a conditional receipt is required at the point of sale.
Agent report.
Ensure that your state appointment is complete and provide your carrier appointment on the agent report. The agent report ensures that the carrier codes the application to the correct agency.
Signatures and dates on all forms.
Signatures and dates are two of the most important and most overlooked items. Using an electronic submission method ensures that all signatures are obtained, and all dates are the same.
The initial quote.
Provide a copy of the quote initially presented to the proposed insured at the time of the sale. The quote serves as a guide to confirm the proposed insured’s age, underwriting class, death benefit, and riders, as stated in the application. This step can help the underwriter possibly apply credits or other considerations, which can help get the case to the class that you initially discussed with your client.
With these tips, you are all set to ensure a smooth submission process.
EMG Insurance Brokerage can help.
Need help with an application? We can help. EMG Insurance Brokerage knows it is essential for advisors to access quality products, expert advice, and cost-effective solutions.
EMG Insurance Brokerage supplies a wealth of support services for the growth of insurance producers. Contact us today and get the help you need to grow your business.
Paula Aguilera, FLMI, AIAA, CSR
paguilera@emgbrokerage.com
Chief Operating Officer
EMG Insurance Brokerage
Direct: (713) 507-1037
