What does "field underwriting" refer to in the insurance process?

Field underwriting refers to the evaluation of risk prior to submitting an application. This process typically involves agents or brokers who perform preliminary assessments of applicants' health, lifestyle, and other factors that might affect the insurer's decision regarding coverage. The purpose is to gather necessary information and ensure that the application is complete and accurate before it reaches the insurance company’s underwriters, who will then conduct their own detailed review and decision-making.

In this context, field underwriting helps streamline the application process and increases the chances of a favorable outcome for both the applicant and the insurer by identifying potential red flags early on, thereby reducing the possibility of unexpected complications later in the evaluation. This proactive approach allows agents to better inform applicants of their eligibility and potential premiums, based on the initial assessment of risk.