Underwriting

Decline

A decline is a carrier's decision not to offer life insurance to an applicant after underwriting. The carrier judges the risk too high for the plan applied for.

Why it matters

A decline from one carrier does not mean every carrier will say no. Carriers weigh conditions differently, and guaranteed issue plans accept nearly everyone in a set age range. Ask the agent about options and for the reason in writing. Consumers can ask about their reports. Rules vary by carrier.

Source: naic.org

Read next, for familiesGuaranteed issue life insurance: who gets approved, what the waiting period means

Where we use this term

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