Definition of tele-underwriting

procedure in which a home office interviewer (who may or may not have underwriting experience) interviews applicants on the telephone. The questions asked the applicant are automated and scripted. The applicant's response to a particular question triggers the interviewer to either ask more details about the response or to ask another question. This procedure lists among its benefits: reduction in the time required to process applications; delivery of policies in a shorter period of time; nonduplication of the same question asked by agents, medical examiners, and underwriters; reduction in the number of omitted answers to questions on the application; and the reduction of paperwork required by an agent.