Glossary

Adverse decision

Also called prior adverse decision.

Any outcome other than acceptance on standard terms: a decline, a postponement or a loading.

An adverse decision is a decline, a postponement, or an offer at other than standard rates, by any insurer at any time.

It matters because proposal forms ask about it directly, and answering yes routes the application to a human underwriter. Answering it accurately is far safer than hoping it will not surface.

Related terms

  • Loading An increase to the standard premium, reflecting a risk the insurer has assessed as higher.
  • Postponement A deferral of the decision, usually pending recovery or further information.
  • Decline A refusal to offer cover.
  • Material non-disclosure Failing to reveal something that would have affected the insurer's decision.

Back to the glossary · The four categories · How applying works

Last reviewed: