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

When an incomplete life insurance application is submitted to an insurer, it is common practice for the insurer to return the application to the writing agent. This ensures that the necessary information is obtained to adequately assess the risk and make an informed underwriting decision. The insurer relies on complete and accurate information to evaluate the applicant's eligibility for coverage.

Returning the application allows the agent to follow up with the applicant to gather the missing information, which ultimately helps in streamlining the process and ensuring that all necessary details are included for a proper evaluation. Incomplete applications cannot be processed as they stand, as additional information would be essential to move forward with the application process, and relying on an incomplete application could lead to misunderstandings or inappropriate underwriting decisions.