Washington Life Producer Practice Exam

Which of the following is typically NOT a source of underwriting information for life or health insurance?

1. Medical records

2. Credit reports

3. Disclosure authorization response

4. Application form responses

The correct answer is: Disclosure authorization response

In the context of life or health insurance underwriting, a disclosure authorization response is typically not regarded as a primary source of underwriting information. Underwriting relies on objective information sources that provide details about an individual's risk profile. Medical records are crucial because they contain comprehensive health information that can reveal pre-existing conditions, treatment histories, and overall health status. Credit reports are also important, as they can assess an applicant's financial behavior, which may correlate with the applicant's reliability and stability. Responses from application forms serve as the foundational data submitted by applicants, encompassing personal information, medical history, and lifestyle factors essential for evaluating risk. A disclosure authorization response acts more as a permission grant that allows insurers to access certain information, rather than serving as a substantive source of data itself. Therefore, it plays a supporting role in the underwriting process rather than being a direct source of underwriting information.