An agent helps an applicant complete a health insurance application, observes the applicant's appearance and habits, and submits a written report with the application. In this role the agent is acting as a:

Why A is correct

A field underwriter is the agent in the field who gathers and verifies information for the home office underwriter — completing the application accurately, observing the applicant, and submitting an agent's report. The agent does not make the final underwriting decision, but the quality of the information gathered shapes it. Poor field underwriting is a major source of misrepresentation and rescission disputes.

Why the other options are wrong

• B) A claims adjuster evaluates losses after they occur; the agent here is collecting pre-issue information and has no authority to approve coverage.
• C) A broker represents the client in placing business; the agent's function described is information gathering for the insurer's underwriting.
• D) Reinsurance involves insurers transferring risk among themselves; it is unrelated to the agent's role at application.

Memory hook

Field underwriter = the insurer's eyes at the kitchen table. Gather facts, submit the report, leave the decision to the office.