Best Life Insurance Without Medical Exam 2025 Guide & Rates

Sarah’s father passed away suddenly at age 52. She discovered he had canceled his life insurance policy years earlier because he kept postponing the required medical exam. Her family faced overwhelming debt and funeral costs without financial protection. This tragic scenario affects thousands of American families annually. Life insurance without medical exam offers a solution to this critical problem. This comprehensive guide explains how these policies work, who benefits most, and how to secure coverage quickly. You’ll learn about different policy types, costs, and state-specific regulations. Additionally, you’ll discover why 102 million Americans remain uninsured or underinsured despite growing insurance accessibility.

Understanding Life Insurance Without Medical Exam

What Is No Medical Exam Life Insurance?

Life insurance without medical exam eliminates the traditional physical examination requirement from the application process. Instead, insurers evaluate applicants through digital health records, prescription databases, and comprehensive questionnaires. This innovative approach uses artificial intelligence and data analytics to assess risk accurately. According to a 2024 industry report, all 27 participating U.S. life insurance companies currently operate accelerated underwriting programs. These programs have expanded eligibility limits and digital health data usage significantly over recent years. No medical exam life insurance policies function identically to traditional coverage regarding death benefits and premium payments. The primary difference lies in faster approval times and streamlined application processes. Applicants skip scheduling paramedic visits, blood draws, and urine samples entirely.

How Digital Underwriting Works

Modern insurers access multiple data sources to evaluate applicants for life insurance without medical exam coverage. They review prescription drug reports showing medications filled within the past seven years. Motor vehicle records reveal driving history, suspended licenses, and DUI convictions. Medical Information Bureau (MIB) databases provide comprehensive health history across participating insurers. Real-time underwriting systems process applications instantly, adjusting questions based on previous answers. Algorithms analyze patterns to determine risk classification and premium rates accurately. According to Nationwide’s data, approximately 70% of eligible applicants meeting specific health criteria qualify for no-exam policies. This technology-driven approach reduces approval times from weeks to mere days or hours. Insurance companies combine traditional actuarial science with modern data analytics for precise risk assessment.

State-Specific Regulations and Availability

Life insurance without medical exam availability varies significantly across American states due to differing regulatory frameworks. Coverage may not be available in Delaware, Idaho, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, or Virginia for certain carriers like Aflac. Each state maintains unique insurance departments governing policy terms, maximum coverage amounts, and age restrictions. For example, Mutual of Omaha offers no-exam policies in all states except New York. State Farm sells life insurance nationwide except Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Benefit rates and premium structures vary based on state-mandated regulations and actuarial requirements. Texas and Florida typically have more flexible underwriting guidelines compared to highly regulated states like New York. California maintains strict consumer protection laws affecting policy features and disclosure requirements significantly.

Types of No Medical Exam Policies

Accelerated Underwriting Term Policies

Accelerated underwriting represents the most comprehensive form of term life insurance without a medical exam available today. Applicants complete detailed health questionnaires covering medical history, lifestyle habits, and family health background. Insurers access prescription databases, driving records, and previous insurance applications to verify information accuracy. Coverage amounts range from $100,000 to $3 million depending on age and health profile. According to industry analysis, Pacific Life offers up to $3 million through accelerated underwriting for ages 18-60. These policies provide identical death benefits to fully underwritten term insurance. Approval typically occurs within 24-48 hours for qualifying applicants. Premium rates remain competitive, often matching traditional policy costs for healthy individuals. However, applicants with complex medical histories may face higher rates or exam requirements.

Simplified Issue Life Insurance

Simplified issue policies require only brief health questionnaires without extensive medical documentation or examinations. Applicants answer 5-15 questions about current health conditions, medications, and recent hospitalizations. These life insurance with no medical exam options approve coverage within minutes through automated underwriting systems. Coverage limits typically range from $25,000 to $500,000 depending on the carrier and applicant age. State Farm’s Instant Answer policy provides up to $50,000 coverage for applicants under age 45. Premiums run higher than accelerated underwriting policies because insurers assume greater risk with limited information. Processing speeds make simplified issue ideal for urgent coverage needs. However, benefit amounts remain lower than traditional or accelerated underwriting options available to healthier applicants.

Guaranteed Issue Policies

Guaranteed issue life insurance without medical exam accepts all applicants regardless of health status or medical history. These policies require no health questions, medical records, or prescription drug reports whatsoever. Coverage amounts typically cap at $25,000 to $50,000, designed primarily for final expense coverage. Mutual of Omaha offers guaranteed issue whole life policies up to $25,000 for adults aged 85 and younger. Graded death benefit periods usually apply, meaning full benefits pay only after two or three years. If death occurs during the graded period, beneficiaries receive premium refunds plus interest instead of full benefits. Premiums run significantly higher than other policy types due to unlimited acceptance criteria. These policies serve seniors with serious health conditions unable to qualify for standard coverage.

Cost Analysis and Premium Factors

Average Premium Costs by Age

Life insurance without medical exam costs vary substantially based on age, gender, coverage amount, and term length selected. A 30-year-old male pays approximately $9.70 monthly for $100,000 coverage over 20 years. Similarly aged females pay $22.60 monthly for $500,000 coverage with identical terms. Forty-year-old males pay around $20.05 monthly for $200,000 coverage over 10 years. Forty-year-old females pay $21.64 monthly for $400,000 coverage with 10-year terms. According to MoneyGeek’s research, a 40-year-old woman pays approximately $46 monthly for $500,000 coverage over 20 years. No-exam policies cost 10-30% more than traditional coverage requiring medical examinations. This premium difference reflects increased insurer risk without complete health information access.

Factors Affecting Premium Rates

Multiple factors determine life insurance without medical exam premium calculations beyond basic age and coverage amounts. Gender significantly impacts rates, with women typically paying 20-30% less than men of identical age. Smoking status increases premiums by 200-300% compared to non-smokers purchasing similar coverage. Medical history revealed through prescription databases affects classification into preferred, standard, or substandard risk categories. Family medical history of heart disease, cancer, or diabetes can increase premium costs substantially. Driving records showing DUIs, suspended licenses, or reckless driving violations trigger higher rates or coverage denials. Occupation risk levels influence pricing, with dangerous jobs commanding higher premiums than office-based employment. State of residence affects costs due to varying regulatory requirements and regional mortality statistics.

Comparing No-Exam vs. Traditional Policy Costs

Understanding cost differences between no medical exam life insurance and traditional policies helps applicants make informed decisions. Traditional policies requiring medical exams often provide lower premiums for healthy individuals with clean medical histories. For example, preferred-class applicants save 15-25% with traditional underwriting compared to no-exam alternatives. However, applicants with minor health issues may receive better rates through no-exam policies avoiding unfavorable medical results.  Term life rates increased 1.4% in May 2023 and remained stable through October 2024. No-exam policy costs vary between carriers by 20-40% for identical coverage amounts. Pacific Life, Gerber Life, and Legal & General America offer competitive no-exam rates according to industry comparisons. Shopping multiple carriers becomes essential for securing optimal pricing on no-exam coverage.

Qualifying for Coverage Without Exams

Health Requirements and Restrictions

While life insurance without medical exam eliminates physical testing, insurers maintain strict health standards for approval. Applicants must accurately disclose current medications, recent hospitalizations, and diagnosed medical conditions through detailed questionnaires. Pre-existing conditions like controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, or previous cancer may qualify under accelerated underwriting. However, recent heart attacks, strokes, or terminal illness diagnoses typically require guaranteed issue policies instead. Prescription drug reports flag discrepancies between application answers and actual medication usage patterns automatically. Motor vehicle reports showing recent DUIs or suspended licenses often result in coverage denials. According to U.S. News analysis, simplified underwriting proves faster than accelerated options but offers lower coverage limits. Age restrictions vary significantly, with most accelerated underwriting programs accepting applicants between ages 20-60 only.

Application Process and Documentation

The application process for life insurance without medical exam begins with online questionnaires or telephone interviews lasting 15-30 minutes. Applicants provide personal information including full name, birthdate, Social Security number, and current address. Health questions cover current medications, doctor visits within recent years, and family medical history details. Lifestyle questions address tobacco use, alcohol consumption, dangerous hobbies, and occupational hazards accurately. Height, weight, and recent blood pressure readings help insurers assess cardiovascular health without formal examinations. Electronic signature authorization permits insurers to access prescription drug reports, motor vehicle records, and MIB databases. Real-time underwriting systems process applications instantly, providing immediate approval decisions for qualifying applicants. Some carriers require follow-up telephone interviews to clarify health questionnaire answers before final approval.

Common Approval and Denial Factors

Understanding approval criteria helps applicants successfully obtain term life insurance without a medical exam coverage efficiently. Insurers approve applicants demonstrating stable health, responsible lifestyle choices, and honest application disclosure consistently. Clean driving records, non-smoking status, and healthy BMI ranges significantly improve approval odds and premium rates. Recent hospitalizations, multiple prescription medications, or family history of fatal diseases complicate approval processes substantially. According to Ethos, insurers evaluate health and lifestyle thoroughly despite eliminating physical examinations. Applicants facing denials often qualify for simplified issue or guaranteed issue alternatives instead. Misrepresenting health information on applications constitutes fraud, potentially voiding coverage or denying death benefit claims. Working with licensed insurance agents helps applicants navigate qualification requirements and select appropriate policy types effectively.

Benefits of No-Exam Coverage

Speed and Convenience Advantages

Life insurance without medical exam dramatically reduces application timeline from weeks to mere days or hours. Traditional policies requiring medical exams involve scheduling paramedic visits, waiting for lab results, and lengthy underwriting reviews. No-exam policies eliminate these delays through instant digital data access and automated underwriting systems. Applicants receive approval notifications within 24-48 hours for accelerated underwriting policies typically. Simplified issue policies often provide immediate decisions during online application completion. This speed proves crucial for individuals needing coverage before major life events like home purchases or business partnerships. Busy professionals avoid taking time off work for medical appointments or paramedic home visits. Parents seeking coverage before international travel appreciate rapid processing and immediate policy activation. The convenience factor attracts younger, healthier applicants who value time efficiency over marginal premium savings.

Accessibility for Health-Challenged Applicants

Individuals with pre-existing conditions find life insurance with no medical exam more accessible than traditional underwriting processes. Minor health issues like controlled high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes may not affect no-exam policy approval. These conditions might trigger higher premiums or coverage denials under traditional medical examination protocols. According to industry data, approximately 102 million Americans remain uninsured or underinsured due to traditional insurance barriers. No-exam policies reduce these gaps by offering coverage to broader population segments previously excluded. Seniors aged 50-85 qualify for guaranteed issue whole life policies regardless of health status. Individuals with anxiety about medical procedures avoid stress associated with needles, blood draws, and physical examinations. Simplified applications eliminate embarrassing health discussions with paramedics or medical professionals during home visits.

Privacy and Dignity Considerations

No medical exam life insurance preserves applicant privacy by eliminating invasive physical examinations and intimate health disclosures. Traditional medical exams require discussing sensitive health topics with strangers conducting home visits or clinic appointments. Blood draws, urine samples, and physical measurements create discomfort for many applicants seeking coverage. Digital underwriting respects personal boundaries while gathering necessary health information through confidential questionnaires. Applicants control when and where they complete applications without scheduling around examiner availability. Prescription drug reports and medical records provide objective health data without subjective examiner interpretations or potential biases. Younger applicants appreciate straightforward online applications matching their digital-first lifestyle preferences and expectations. The process maintains professional distance while collecting accurate information for underwriting decisions. This approach reduces emotional barriers preventing individuals from securing essential financial protection for families.

Potential Drawbacks and Limitations

Higher Premium Costs

Life insurance without medical exam typically costs 10-30% more than traditionally underwritten policies requiring complete medical examinations. Insurers charge higher premiums because they assume greater risk without comprehensive health information from lab tests. Healthy individuals with excellent medical histories often secure better rates through traditional underwriting demonstrating their low-risk status. For example, preferred-class applicants save substantial amounts annually by completing medical exams proving superior health status. According to cost analysis, no-exam policies reflect increased insurer uncertainty through elevated premium structures. Applicants must weigh convenience benefits against long-term cost implications over 10-30 year policy terms. Some individuals find traditional exam inconvenience worthwhile for significant premium savings accumulating over policy duration. However, applicants with minor health issues may receive more favorable no-exam rates avoiding unfavorable exam results.

Coverage Amount Restrictions

Coverage limits for life insurance without medical exam often cap lower than traditional policies allow for identical applicants. Accelerated underwriting term policies typically max at $1-3 million depending on carrier and applicant qualifications. Simplified issue policies rarely exceed $500,000 in death benefits due to limited health information collection. Guaranteed issue whole life policies cap at $25,000-$50,000, designed specifically for final expense coverage only. High-net-worth individuals requiring $5-10 million coverage must complete traditional medical examinations for these amounts. According to News research, Nationwide’s no-exam term policy offers up to $1.5 million for eligible applicants. Young families needing substantial income replacement may find no-exam limits insufficient for comprehensive financial protection. Business partners requiring large buy-sell agreement funding often need traditional policies exceeding no-exam maximums.

Limited Policy Type Options

No medical exam life insurance availability concentrates heavily on term life policies rather than permanent coverage options. Term policies dominate the no-exam market because temporary coverage presents lower risk for insurers. Permanent life insurance options like whole life, universal life, and indexed universal life rarely offer no-exam underwriting. When available, no-exam permanent policies feature significantly lower coverage amounts and higher premium costs than term alternatives. Guaranteed issue whole life represents the primary no-exam permanent option but caps at $25,000-$50,000 typically. Complex permanent policies with cash value accumulation, investment components, or flexible premium structures require traditional underwriting. Applicants seeking permanent coverage with substantial death benefits must generally complete medical examinations for approval. This limitation affects estate planning strategies, business succession plans, and long-term wealth transfer objectives significantly.

Who Should Choose No-Exam Policies?

Ideal Candidates for Quick Coverage

Life insurance without medical exam serves specific applicant groups exceptionally well based on circumstances and priorities. Busy professionals lacking time for medical appointments benefit from streamlined online applications completed during lunch breaks. Parents expecting babies secure coverage quickly before childbirth, ensuring family financial protection without delay. Homebuyers needing coverage before mortgage closing dates appreciate rapid approval processes meeting tight deadlines effectively. Business partners establishing buy-sell agreements require simultaneous coverage activation without scheduling coordination challenges. Individuals planning international travel secure coverage quickly before departure dates without multi-week waiting periods. According to  Policygenius analysis, busy professionals particularly value hassle-free approval processes. Young, healthy applicants in their 20s-40s often qualify for competitive rates matching traditional policy costs closely.

Health-Concerned Applicants

Individuals with pre-existing health conditions find life insurance with no medical exam more accessible than traditional alternatives. People managing controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, or thyroid disorders may qualify under accelerated or simplified underwriting. Those with previous cancer diagnoses in remission several years often secure coverage through no-exam options. Applicants concerned about declining health between application and exam completion protect themselves through immediate approval processes. Seniors aged 50-85 with multiple medications or chronic conditions qualify for guaranteed issue policies regardless. Smokers or former smokers avoid unfavorable exam results potentially triggering higher classifications or outright denials. Individuals with anxiety about medical procedures eliminate stress associated with blood draws, needles, and physical examinations. People with limited recent medical care lacking established physician relationships avoid attending physician statement requirements.

Convenience-Focused Consumers

Modern consumers valuing digital experiences and instant gratification prefer no medical exam life insurance for alignment with lifestyle expectations. Millennials and Gen Z applicants accustomed to online transactions appreciate fully digital application processes without appointments. Individuals living in rural areas lacking convenient access to paramedic services benefit from remote application completion. People with irregular work schedules find scheduling medical exams challenging with traditional underwriting timelines and requirements. According to Simply Insurance, applicants can go from quote to covered within five minutes using instant issue carriers. Digital nomads and frequent travelers secure coverage without coordinating home visits or clinic appointments around travel schedules. Privacy-conscious individuals prefer confidential online applications over in-person examinations and health discussions with strangers.

State-by-State Coverage Variations

Highly Regulated States

Certain states maintain stricter insurance regulations significantly affecting life insurance without medical exam availability and features. New York requires separate underwriting entities for life insurance, creating coverage gaps with some national carriers. California enforces comprehensive consumer protection laws affecting policy disclosures, premium structures, and claim procedures substantially. Massachusetts and Rhode Island limit State Farm’s life insurance sales despite nationwide availability elsewhere. Florida maintains unique regulatory frameworks for guaranteed issue and simplified issue policy features and benefits. According to carrier documentation, coverage availability varies in Delaware, Idaho, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Virginia for specific insurers. These states review and approve policy forms more strictly, delaying new product launches compared to flexible jurisdictions. Premium rates reflect state-mandated reserve requirements, mortality tables, and administrative costs specific to each regulatory environment.

Flexible Underwriting States

Texas, Arizona, and Nevada offer more flexible regulatory environments facilitating broader life insurance without medical exam options. These states permit accelerated underwriting programs with fewer restrictions on coverage amounts and age limits. Carriers launch innovative products faster in flexible jurisdictions, testing market acceptance before nationwide expansion. Lower regulatory overhead often translates to slightly reduced premium costs compared to highly regulated counterparts. According to industry patterns, carriers expand coverage limits and reduce age restrictions in flexible regulatory environments first. Texas particularly encourages competitive insurance markets through balanced regulations protecting consumers without stifling innovation. Arizona permits broader use of third-party data sources for underwriting decisions without extensive approval processes. However, consumer protections may offer less robust appeal processes for claim denials or coverage disputes.

Geographic Price Variations

Premium costs for term life insurance without a medical exam fluctuate based on state-specific mortality rates and regulations. States with higher life expectancies like California, Hawaii, and Colorado typically feature lower base premium rates. Conversely, states with obesity, smoking, or chronic disease prevalence command higher premiums reflecting elevated mortality risks. Urban areas with better healthcare access may receive more favorable underwriting treatment than rural regions. State insurance departments approve rate structures based on actuarial justification specific to regional demographic and health patterns. According to MoneyGeek’s rate analysis, geographic location significantly influences final premium costs for identical coverage amounts. Applicants should compare quotes from multiple carriers because pricing strategies vary substantially between companies and states.

Application Tips and Best Practices

Preparing for Your Application

Maximizing approval odds for life insurance without medical exam begins with thorough preparation before starting applications. Gather accurate information about current medications including dosages, prescribing physicians, and reasons for prescriptions. Compile complete medical history including surgery dates, hospitalizations, and diagnosed conditions with treatment outcomes. Know family medical history specifics including ages of parents’ deaths and causes when applicable. Measure current height, weight, and recent blood pressure readings to provide accurate application information. Collect driver’s license number and motor vehicle record details to expedite background check authorization processes. Review prescription drug reports through Milliman IntelliScript beforehand to identify potential discrepancies requiring explanation. Honest, complete disclosure prevents application delays, coverage denials, or future claim disputes with beneficiaries.

Comparison Shopping Strategies

Securing optimal rates on life insurance with no medical exam requires comparing multiple carriers offering similar coverage options. Request quotes from at least 3-5 different insurers to identify pricing variations for identical coverage amounts. Work with independent insurance agents representing multiple carriers rather than captive agents selling single-company products. Online comparison platforms like Policygenius, SelectQuote, or Term4Sale streamline multi-carrier quote gathering efficiently. Evaluate financial strength ratings from AM Best, Moody’s, or Standard & Poor’s ensuring carrier stability and claims-paying ability. Review customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power studies and complaint ratios from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Compare policy features including conversion options, riders available, and premium guarantee periods beyond just death benefit costs. Consider bundling discounts if carriers offer auto, home, or other insurance products you currently need.

Working With Licensed Agents

Licensed insurance professionals provide valuable guidance navigating no medical exam life insurance options and application processes effectively. Agents explain differences between accelerated underwriting, simplified issue, and guaranteed issue policies matching individual circumstances. They identify carriers most likely to approve specific health profiles based on underwriting experience with similar applicants. Professionals help applicants understand medical terminology in questionnaires, ensuring accurate responses avoiding unintentional misrepresentation. According to industry practices, agents often expedite application processing through established carrier relationships and direct underwriter access. They advocate for applicants during underwriting reviews, providing additional context about health conditions improving approval odds. Licensed professionals remain current on regulatory changes, new product launches, and carrier underwriting guideline updates affecting coverage availability. Their compensation comes from carriers, not applicants, making professional guidance cost-free for consumers seeking coverage.

Future Trends in No-Exam Coverage

Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics

The future of life insurance without medical exam relies heavily on advancing artificial intelligence and predictive analytics technologies. Machine learning algorithms analyze vast datasets identifying mortality risk patterns more accurately than traditional underwriting methods. Wearable device data from fitness trackers and smartwatches may soon integrate into underwriting decisions for willing applicants. Genetic testing results could inform risk assessment while navigating complex ethical and legal considerations around genetic discrimination. Social media analysis and credit scores face regulatory scrutiny but may influence future underwriting practices in limited applications. According to technology trends, blockchain technology might streamline medical record verification while protecting applicant privacy through decentralized systems. Telemedicine data from virtual doctor visits could supplement traditional medical records in underwriting evaluations increasingly. These innovations promise faster approvals, more accurate risk assessment, and potentially lower premiums for qualified applicants.

Expanding Coverage Limits

Industry evolution suggests life insurance without medical exam coverage limits will continue increasing as technology improves risk assessment. Current $3 million maximums from carriers like Pacific Life may expand to $5-10 million for exceptionally qualified applicants. More insurers will likely offer no-exam permanent life insurance products beyond current limited guaranteed issue whole life options. According to industry patterns, younger applicants in excellent health may eventually secure no-exam coverage matching any traditional policy amount. Improved data analytics reduce insurer uncertainty, potentially eliminating premium penalties currently associated with no-exam underwriting. Competitive market pressures drive carriers toward higher coverage limits attracting high-net-worth clients seeking convenience. However, regulatory oversight will balance innovation against consumer protection concerns about data privacy and algorithmic bias. The convergence of traditional and no-exam underwriting may eventually make physical examinations obsolete for most applicants.

Regulatory Developments

State insurance departments continue evaluating no medical exam life insurance practices ensuring consumer protection while fostering innovation. Regulators scrutinize data sources insurers use for underwriting decisions, particularly regarding potential discrimination against protected classes. Privacy regulations like California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) affect how insurers collect, store, and utilize applicant data. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners develops model regulations addressing accelerated underwriting and data analytics standardization. Federal legislation may eventually establish uniform standards reducing state-by-state regulatory fragmentation complicating multi-state carriers. Consumer advocacy groups push for transparency regarding how algorithms make coverage and pricing decisions affecting applicants. According to regulatory trends, disclosure requirements will likely expand helping consumers understand no-exam underwriting processes better. Balanced regulation protects consumers while enabling insurance industry innovation serving underinsured populations more effectively.

FAQs

Conclusion

Life insurance without medical exam revolutionizes how Americans access essential financial protection for their families efficiently. The elimination of physical examinations removes significant barriers preventing millions from securing adequate coverage. Understanding the three main types, accelerated underwriting, simplified issue, and guaranteed issue, helps applicants select appropriate options. While premiums run 10-30% higher than traditional policies, convenience and accessibility benefits justify costs for many individuals. State regulations create availability variations requiring careful research before application submission. The future promises expanding coverage limits, lower premiums, and increased accessibility through advancing technology and data analytics. Take action today by comparing quotes from multiple carriers, working with licensed professionals, and securing protection your loved ones deserve.

References

• The 2024 industry report from Ethos documents that all 27 participating U.S. life insurance companies now operate accelerated underwriting programs.
• U.S. News & World Report conducted comprehensive surveys of 1,430 life insurance policyholders evaluating satisfaction with no-exam policies across multiple carriers.
• Policygenius maintains the Life Insurance Price Index tracking real-time rate data from leading carriers to reveal industry pricing trends.
• CNBC Select analyzed customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power’s 2024 Individual Life Insurance Study comparing major no-exam providers.
• MoneyGeek evaluated 30 insurance companies offering no-exam coverage based on affordability, customer experience, and coverage options available.
• National Association of Insurance Commissioners provides complaint ratio data helping consumers compare carrier customer service performance across states.
• CBS News analyzed specific premium costs for no-exam policies across different ages, coverage amounts, and term lengths nationwide.
• Aflac documents state-specific availability variations for no-exam coverage including regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions.
• HealthData.gov press release reports that approximately 102 million Americans remain uninsured or underinsured due to traditional coverage barriers.
• Simply Insurance provides detailed analysis of prescription drug reports, motor vehicle checks, and real-time underwriting processes.