Previous applications: a small detail that makes a big difference
Declaring previous applications might seem like a small step, but it plays a key role in keeping the underwriting process running smoothly and efficiently. Getting it right first time helps avoid delays, reduces follow-ups, and ensures a better experience for both you and your client.
When you apply for life insurance, critical illness cover, or income protection with Zurich, we’ll ask:
“Apart from this application, have you applied to Zurich for any of these types of cover in the last 2 years?”
This question helps us ensure your client’s information is accurate and up to date. It supports a smooth and fair underwriting process and helps avoid delays.
Why your answer matters
Providing the right information helps us:
- Keep your client’s records accurate
- To check for existing in-date medical evidence or previous or current misrepresentation, or where your customer may have forgotten to tell us something that was disclosed last time
- Make the right decisions when assessing your client’s application
- Process policies quickly
- Avoid unnecessary requests for clarification
Even if a previous application didn’t go ahead or result in a policy, it should still be mentioned.
How to answer the question
If your client has applied to Zurich in the last 2 years
Simply answer “Yes”, provide details when requested and confirm if the new application is a replacement.
If your client has not applied in the last 2 years
You can confidently tick “No.”
If you’re unsure
That’s completely fine – check your client’s records or contact Zurich to confirm.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving out previous applications: Even if no policy was taken out, the application still matters
- Thinking only accepted policies count: We need to know about all applications, not just those resulting in cover
- Guessing if you’re unsure: Double-checking saves time and avoids delays
A quick tip
Talking openly with your client about any previous applications helps us process their new application faster and ensures everything is accurate from the start.
Amending application form questions online
Why this matters
Ensuring accuracy and relevance in your application forms is essential for both compliance and client satisfaction. Amending questions online is a quick way to keep your processes up to date and provide clarity for clients.
You can make changes to the underwriting questions after you have submitted the application before the point of policy issue.
How to amend application form questions online
Step 1: Retrieve your client’s application in the Zurich portal.
Step 2: Locate the questions you wish to edit.
If anything needs to be changed, you can simply click on the hyperlinked ‘Amend’ option shown to change this.
Once you’re happy all the information is correct simply click ‘Confirm’ to progress to the next screen.
This will trigger the underwriting rules engine to either accept the changes or to refer it to be assessed by one of our underwriters. It’s as easy as that.
Accurate answers for a smooth client experience
By updating the application form questions online, you help ensure that all information provided by the customer is correct when their Personal Details Confirmation form is sent after the policy is issued. This means clients won’t need to spend time making corrections or sending amended forms back, making the process faster and easier for everyone.
Clarity on client disclosures
If a condition or illness isn’t addressed by the questions in our application form, your client does not need to disclose it to us. Should a claim arise, our assessors will only consider illnesses or conditions specifically covered in the application form, ensuring clear and focused assessments. Examples of this could be family history in second degree relatives when our application only asks about first degree relative or a treated and resolved overactive thyroid problem more than 5 years ago when our application only asks for this if it was in the last 5 years.
Your client must take reasonable care to answer the questions we ask fully, honestly and accurately, to the best of their knowledge. If they don’t answer the questions correctly the policy may be cancelled, or its terms may be changed, or a claim may be rejected or not fully paid.
If you need clarification, our Zurich support team is always here to help.
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