What is the proper action if an applicant's information conflicts with underwriting guidelines?

• A. Ignore the conflict.
• B. Deny the application.
• C. Submit anyway.
• D. Explain to underwriter or present to a company with less stringent guidelines.

Answer: (D)

When information from an applicant doesn’t line up with underwriting guidelines, the proper action is to flag the discrepancy and bring it to the underwriter’s attention. Explain what you’re seeing and provide any clarifying documents or notes that could resolve the conflict. If the mismatch can be clarified or corrected, the underwriter can apply the right rules or suggest alternatives. If reconciliation isn’t possible, you can present the case to a carrier whose guidelines fit the risk better.

This approach keeps the process transparent and compliant, gives the underwriter the chance to assess the risk properly, and avoids submitting conflicting data or making a unilateral decision without proper review. Submitting unchanged conflicting information or ignoring the issue could lead to misrepresentation or a denial later, while denying without review isn’t the most informed or fair path when alternatives exist.