Mistake #1: Missing Information

How to Avoid:

Complete an e-App rather than a paper one because missing information will be flagged and brought to your attention. If an e-App is unavailable, the other option is to scrub the application after it is complete to check for anything that was left out.

Mistake #2: Not Filling Out the Application Legibly

How to Avoid:

Typed applications are always legible. Therefore, opt for completing an e-App. If an e-App is unavailable, try to slow down and take the extra time to write more clearly.

Mistake #3: Missing Signatures

How to Avoid:

Complete an e-App rather than a paper one because the feature to e-Sign will not miss any fields with a prompt for a signature. If an e-App is unavailable, try using a highlighter or small post-it tabs to highlight or flag all signature fields on the application before actually filling the application out. Marking the signature fields with a color other than black or blue ink while the application is blank will remind you to have those fields completed as you fill out the application with your client.

Mistake #4: Missing Dates

How to Avoid:

Again, complete an e-App rather than a paper one because the date is automatically added when it is e-Signed. If an e-App is unavailable, the same method above will help you avoid missing signatures because all signature fields require the date as well.

Mistake #5: Filling Out the Wrong Application for the Desired Product

How to Avoid:

Complete an e-App rather than a paper one because you select the application directly connected to the product, whether it is by clicking “e-App” from the quote on our comparative rater tool or by accessing an e-App directly from a carrier site.

Mistake #6: Lost Pages or Cut-off Pages

How to Avoid:

Of course, this can be avoided with an e-App also, but this mistake is most related to the way a paper application is submitted. Rather than faxing an application, upload the application in the “Submit New Business” tab of our site. This will protect your client’s information by uploading the application in a secure file. Bonus benefit: if you were previously faxing applications directly to the carrier, your application will be scrubbed by our team before being sent to the carrier!

Mistake #7: Providing Misinformation or Conflicting Answers to Questions

How to Avoid:

Read each question in its entirety. Be absolutely certain you and the client understand what the question is asking before answering it. Empower Brokerage has a strong team of product specialists dedicated to agent support. If there is any doubt on the clarity of the question, do not hesitate to contact our office toll free at (888) 539-1633 to have one of our product specialists advise you.

Mistake #8: Checking the Wrong Box or One that Does Not Apply

How to Avoid:

Familiarize yourself with the application. Do not just skim any parts of the application and mark boxes without knowing why they are being marked. Only mark boxes that are applicable. Again, when in doubt always contact our office toll free at (888) 539-1633 to have one of our product specialists advise you.

Mistake #9: Not providing the Best Contact Number to Reach the Client

How to Avoid:

When filling out the basic contact information on the application, ask the client which phone number is the best one to reach them at and make note of it. The main reason is because the paramed examiner will call the client directly to schedule the exam. Express this to your client so they understand why it is important.

Mistake #10: Skipping the Field Underwriting Process

How to Avoid:

Always reference the underwriting guide or underwriting requirements by visiting our agent tools page and opening the Life Underwriting tab found under comparative raters. The Life Underwriting tab is a database powered by iPipeline that is automatically kept up to date and includes all build carts along with all other underwriting information for the carriers partnered with iPipeline. One of the easiest requirements to field underwrite is the height and weight. People tend to be private about their weight for their own personal reasons, and some agents are uncomfortable asking for that information. A good way to minimize any potential awkwardness, while still getting the information you need, is to print out a build cart for whichever carrier you are completing the application. You can show the build cart to your client and explain to them what it is and how it is used. Then, ask them to take a look to determine which rate class their height and weight puts them in. As a general rule of thumb, it is best to base the initial quote and application on a standard rate class. By doing this, your clients will be much happier when they are approved for a better rate class by the underwriter and you get to tell them you will actually be saving them money.

If you have any questions, please call us toll-free (888) 539-1633.