Ready, Steady, Go: Your Year End Underwriting Roadmap

As the year winds down, we know you’re focused on closing business.  This means every application and every case interaction counts.  Follow these 5 steps to finish strong through year-end.

Get the Details Right from the Start: READY

1. Know Before you Go

As you know, the life insurance application is a legal contract, it must be complete and accurate.  Be aware of product availability and agent licensing requirements, which may vary by state.

If your client signs in a state other than their residence, there must be a valid reason (nexus), such as:

• Owning property or business in the non-resident state
• Working in the non-resident state
• Policy owned by a trust governed by the non-resident state

*Form 9928 must be submitted when residences state differs from than the state

Complete and Accurate Application: STEADY

2. Accuracy Matters

Our eApp system through iPipeline asks the right questions, alerts you to missing info, and ensures everything is in good order before it reaches us.

Paper applications often cause delays from missing forms and unanswered questions.   If you submit a paper application, please ensure completeness and use the secure upload on the Agent Portal or email to NBApplicationImages@NationalLife.com.

Submit ALL Pages, Even If Blank.  Missing forms or skipped questions can stall a case for days. Always include:

• Illustration or NAIC certification, if required
• All application pages
• EFT, 1035, or replacement forms if applicable

Reduce turnaround time by up to 5 business days by collecting all the essentials before starting an application, including:

• Social Security & Driver’s license numbers
• List of in-force and/or pending policies
• Criminal history, driving violations or bankruptcy.
• Complete medical history to include:
• Last physician visit, reason and outcome. For clients over 60, we need a routine visit with an established primary care physician within the past 24 months.
• Current prescriptions and doctors with accurate contact information for all physicians.
• Dates of diagnoses, medications or treatments, and any future appointments, follow ups or procedures.

 

3. Maintain Momentum

Stay on top of case progress by always using the agent portal.  Check the status of pending cases, upload requirements, or find out what’s outstanding right from your Book of Business dashboard:

New Business → Pending New Business → Outstanding Requirements

Answer ALL home office emails in full.  We try our best to provide all needed requirements listed in one email. Try to include complete details to all requested information in a single response to underwriting.

 

4. Avoid delays

Don’t let requirements expire, know the timelines.

• Application good for: 6 months from signing
• Statement of Health (Form 5230): Required after 90 days
• Parameds & labs valid:
  • Under age 70: 12 months
  • Age 70+: 6 months
• Rewrites: Allowed up to 120 days after original application date

The information provided on the application is compared with third-party sources.  Any discrepancies found will likely result in delays to the finish line.  Inaccuracies could have consequences such as rescission of coverage, reversed commissions, etc.

Cross the Finish Line: GO

5. Policy delivery

Once approved, get the policy into the client’s hands ASAP!  Return all delivery requirements quickly using:

• Agent Portal upload
• Prepaid return envelope which is enclosed with the printed policy
• Or email: FormsOnDelivery@NationalLife.com

 

Questions?

Check the Agent Portal, reach out to your case manager, or email NBApplicationImages@NationalLife.com.

These small tips can lead to big results, faster decisions, fewer emails, smoother processing, and closed business before the year is up.

Let’s finish strong together!

Let’s Do good. Be good. Make good.

 

download life insurance underwriting guide

 

 

sign up for underwriting training webinars

 

 

TC8564234(1125)1