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all the documentation in a timely manner is crucial to ensure a policy is approved, and it eliminates back and forth between you, your client and the underwriting team. Your General Agent often can help with ways to streamline this process and make sure you are getting the right information from your client up front.

Tip 6: Write a cover letter. Submitting a cover letter with your client’s application is a great way to provide the carrier’s underwriters with an overview of your client and provide information that may not be gleaned from the application. The cover letter should provide context around his or her occupational duties and employment as well as medical and financial history. Including a cover letter with an application helps underwriters have a better understanding of the applicant’s history and potentially reduce the number of questions, which can lead to a quicker and more efficient underwriting process.

Above all, it’s important to work with an IDI carrier that helps evaluate every applicant to provide the best possible offer. While the underwriting process may seem extensive, the process hopes to ensure that your client has the best coverage at the best price to help protect him if an unforeseen illness or injury arises.

Sue Schweitzer, senior director of Individual Disability Insurance underwriting at Standard Insurance Company, leads IDI underwriting operations, including distribution system support and case management for fully underwritten businesses.