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I have an agent that is working with a client and plans to write a policy tomorrow. The guy scuba dives and has controlled high ...


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Old 12-05-2008, 09:55 PM   #1
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I have an agent that is working with a client and plans to write a policy tomorrow. The guy scuba dives and has controlled high cholesterol.

Anyway, the issue is the diving as he dives to depths of 60-90 feet.

He doesn't want a cap on RX, so Aetna is out... We looked at American Community and they say exclusion after 40 ft. GR is an exclusion rider at those depths as well. World is saying that it's standard up to 100 feet.

Humana rates are competitive with World and would be a better fit, but does anyone know how Humana would treat a diver? Unfortunately, the agent didn't get a chance to call them today.

Any other carrier suggestions?
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Old 12-11-2008, 07:22 PM   #2
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Try Assurant Health or GTL health. I am a diver, and I have Master qualifications. I have Coventry One.
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Old 12-11-2008, 08:08 PM   #3
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What about Unicare?
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Old 12-14-2008, 08:20 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by TXINSURANCE View Post
What about Unicare?
The rates were nasty...
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Old 12-15-2008, 12:48 PM   #5
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Theres nothing about scuba diving in Anthems app in Virginia.
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Old 12-15-2008, 08:53 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by saieddie View Post
Theres nothing about scuba diving in Anthems app in Virginia.
Don't know anything about Anthem in Virginia, but very few of the companies mention scuba diving here in TX. Just because it's not on the app, doesn't mean there is no underwriting action...
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Old 12-15-2008, 10:02 PM   #7
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For some reason I can relate to this one:

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Old 12-16-2008, 02:12 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by joshril View Post
Don't know anything about Anthem in Virginia, but very few of the companies mention scuba diving here in TX. Just because it's not on the app, doesn't mean there is no underwriting action...
How are they going to underwrite for something they don't know about? Do you attach an additional page w/information that the company doesn't ask for?
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Old 12-20-2008, 10:29 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by saieddie View Post
How are they going to underwrite for something they don't know about? Do you attach an additional page w/information that the company doesn't ask for?
If there is something such as an occupation, avocation, or condition listed in the underwriting guide that is not explicitly asked about on the application, the information still needs to be provided.

In other words, if your underwriting guides says that they rider for scuba divers that dive over 60 ft, then it needs to be listed on the application even if it's not blatantly asked for.

Most apps have a details area, but it's not uncommon for me to list an additional sheet.
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In addition... you are underwriting's eyes and ears, and you are obligated to provide any details you feel are relevant to the underwriting decision if even the question is not listed on the application.

Last edited by joshril : 12-20-2008 at 10:31 AM. Reason: Posts merged
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Old 12-20-2008, 11:12 AM   #10
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Originally Posted by joshril View Post
If there is something such as an occupation, avocation, or condition listed in the underwriting guide that is not explicitly asked about on the application, the information still needs to be provided.
Nope.

That's why most carriers have explicit questions about occupation and hobbies - on the app.

You are under no obligation to provide answers to any questions that are not specifically asked on the application.

That's why they have an application...

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Last edited by moonlightandmargaritas : 12-20-2008 at 11:16 AM.
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Old 12-20-2008, 08:28 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by moonlightandmargaritas View Post
Nope.

That's why most carriers have explicit questions about occupation and hobbies - on the app.

You are under no obligation to provide answers to any questions that are not specifically asked on the application.

That's why they have an application...
I disagree. I assure you that if you call an underwriter and ask them this question they will tell you to provide any information you feel is relevant. There is also the agent report. Aetna is a great example of this.

"Are you aware of any information not disclosed on this application relating to the health, habits, or reputation of any person listed on this application which might have a bearing on the risk?"

If the client discloses something to you that you think the company would want to know and there is not a pertinent question on the application, it goes here.

For example, scuba diving is not directly on most of the applications, however almost every company will take some type of underwriting action.
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Old 12-20-2008, 09:15 PM   #12
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Originally Posted by joshril View Post
For example, scuba diving is not directly on most of the applications, however almost every company will take some type of underwriting action.
Are you sure?

We run into a fair amount of scuba action here in Florida, as one might imagine...

Golden Rule and Humana together comprise about eighty percent of the new ifp business I write.

Golden Rule has no scuba related question on their application, nor is there any mention of it the Florida Underwriting Guide.

From the HumanaOne Florida application:

"During the next two years, does anyone applying for coverage participate, or plan to participate in any of the following activities: Bungee jumping, private aviation, motorized vehicle racing, rock climbing, rodeo events, scuba diving, or sky-diving?"
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Originally Posted by joshril View Post
"Are you aware of any information not disclosed on this application relating to the health, habits, or reputation of any person listed on this application which might have a bearing on the risk?"
That's looks like a question on the application to me.

Last edited by moonlightandmargaritas : 12-20-2008 at 09:16 PM. Reason: Posts merged
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Old 12-20-2008, 10:14 PM   #13
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Originally Posted by moonlightandmargaritas View Post
Are you sure?

We run into a fair amount of scuba action here in Florida, as one might imagine...

Golden Rule and Humana together comprise about eighty percent of the new ifp business I write.

Golden Rule has no scuba related question on their application, nor is there any mention of it the Florida Underwriting Guide.

From the HumanaOne Florida application:

"During the next two years, does anyone applying for coverage participate, or plan to participate in any of the following activities: Bungee jumping, private aviation, motorized vehicle racing, rock climbing, rodeo events, scuba diving, or sky-diving?"
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That's looks like a question on the application to me.
During pre-screen, GR told us they would take negative underwriting action due to the depths this guy swims... BTW, we have an ocean here in TX too...

Stepping away from scuba for moment, you're telling me on the example I gave about Aetna's agent report, if the client provided information that you thought was relevant that did not "fit" on any questions listed on the app, you would not include it on the agent's report?
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Old 12-21-2008, 09:21 AM   #14
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I understand that we have a responsibility to the insurers that we are with, but we also have an obligation to our clients. If there was a question on the app, I would ask and answer it.

But Josh, it sounds like you are throwing your client to the wolves. Maybe just a little bit. Were you an underwriter in a past life?

Always do what you feel is best though,
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Old 12-21-2008, 02:49 PM   #15
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I very rarely have a declined application. I am very thorough on underwriting questions and I will never put myself in a position where I could be potentially be sued. Read your appointment contract... you are the insurance company's eyes and ears in the underwriting process. Anything a client tells me will go on the application (whether it is blatantly asked or not) or they won't be a client of mine.
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Old 12-22-2008, 01:05 PM   #16
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Thats why people always lie to insurance agents. Too much Law and Order has educated people to only admit to what can be proven.
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Old 12-22-2008, 06:48 PM   #17
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Originally Posted by saieddie View Post
Thats why people always lie to insurance agents. Too much Law and Order has educated people to only admit to what can be proven.
It's crazy too... I have several clients that have asked me if they should just leave something off of an application. Once I explain the post claim review process, most understand why it is important to list everything.

Carriers will try to NOT pay a large claim if they can. All it takes is one omission or misrepresentation on the application to get a policy rescinded. It's not worth it and the system can't be beat.

Then, when a $100,000 claim gets denied, guess what happens next... typically a lawsuit, and it's highly likely the agent will be named in the suit. No thanks!
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Old 12-23-2008, 10:57 AM   #18
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So where do the omissions end? Do you list bad driving habits, clients living in high crime areas, or the amount of tattoos or piercings a person has?
All these have as much impact on future claims as scuba diving.

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