Tennessee Insurance Practice Exam

What happens to an incomplete life insurance application submitted to an insurer?

1. It is processed with a temporary coverage

2. It is returned to the writing agent

3. It is approved with a conditional policy

4. It is placed on hold for further review

The correct answer is: It is returned to the writing agent

When an incomplete life insurance application is submitted to an insurer, it is typically returned to the writing agent for several reasons. The insurer relies on complete information to assess risk accurately and determine coverage eligibility. An incomplete application can hinder this process, leading to potential misunderstandings or miscommunications about the applicant's intentions, financial needs, or health status. The return of the application to the writing agent allows for the necessary corrections, additional information, or clarifications to be addressed before the application is considered again. This step is essential for ensuring that all required documentation is provided and that the insurer can make an informed decision regarding coverage. In contrast, options such as processing the application with temporary coverage or approving it with a conditional policy would typically require at least some level of completeness and clarity. Additionally, placing the application on hold for further review may suggest that there are some details provided, even if incomplete, which may not align with standard practices when handling incomplete submissions.