Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) Practice Exam

What is the initial source of information for personal underwriting?

1. Claim history

2. The application

3. Interviews with previous employers

4. Public records

The correct answer is: The application

The application is the initial source of information for personal underwriting because it provides the essential details directly from the applicant. This document typically includes key information such as the applicant's personal details, coverage requests, and responses to questions about their risk profile, including health, lifestyle, and any past insurance history. Underwriters rely on the application to assess the applicant's risk and determine the terms and premiums for the insurance policy. The application serves as the foundational document that guides the underwriting process, allowing for a structured and systematic evaluation of the risk presented by the applicant. Other sources, like claim history or interviews with previous employers, may supplement the information derived from the application but are not the initial starting point. Similarly, public records can provide additional context, but they do not represent the primary source that an underwriter would first consult when evaluating a personal insurance application.