Maryland Life and Health Insurance License Practice Exam

What might be a valid reason for why an insurance policy premium is higher than the standard rate?

1. The applicant is a smoker

2. The insurable interest is uncertain

3. The insured does not meet established underwriting requirements

4. The coverage amount is low

The correct answer is: The insured does not meet established underwriting requirements

The reason that an insurance policy premium might be higher than the standard rate can be attributed to the insured not meeting established underwriting requirements. Underwriting is the process by which an insurance company evaluates the risk posed by an applicant. If an applicant does not meet these requirements, it indicates that they pose a higher risk than the typical policyholder. This increased risk leads insurers to charge higher premiums to mitigate potential losses. In situations where the underwriting guidelines are not met, insurers may assess various factors, such as health conditions, lifestyle choices, or occupation, all of which could suggest a greater likelihood of claims. As a result, the premium is adjusted to reflect this heightened risk. Other scenarios, such as smoking, contribute to higher premiums due to the associated health risks; however, they are generally more specific rather than indicative of multiple considerations within the underwriting process. Uncertainty in insurable interest and low coverage amounts do not directly correlate with premium rates in the same way as failing to meet underwriting requirements.