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Guiding Principles for Underwriters

These Guiding Principles are presented, not to set specific standards for others to measure individual performance, but for the self-guidance of all those who are striving to understand and meet the responsibilities of an underwriter.

It is the responsibility of each underwriter to:

Act promptly, while exercising sound, objective and consistent judgment, in making underwriting decisions.
Follow established risk classification principles that differentiate fairly on the basis of sound actuarial principles and/or reasonable anticipated mortality or morbidity experience.

Treat all underwriting information with the utmost confidentiality, and use it only for the express purpose of evaluating and classifying the risk.

Comply with the letter and spirit of all insurance legislation and regulations, particularly as they apply to risk classification, privacy and disclosure.

Avoid any underwriting action which is in conflict with the obligation to act independently and without bias.

Act responsibly as an employee with scrupulous attention to the mutual trust required in an employer–employee relationship.

Provide information and support to sales personnel to help them to fulfill their field underwriting responsibilities in selecting risks and submitting underwriting information.

Strive to attain Fellowship in the Academy of Life Underwriting, maintain a high level of professional competency through continued education, and help promote the further education of all underwriters.

Maintain the dignity and sound reputation of the Underwriting Profession.

Increase the public’s understanding of the underwriting by providing information about risk classification.

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