The CQ Life Process

Step 1: Define the purpose

The conversation begins with the reason for coverage. Is the goal final expenses, income replacement, a mortgage, legacy planning, permanent protection, or retirement-income planning? The purpose determines the appropriate amount, product type, and time horizon.

Step 2: Establish a sustainable budget

Coverage must remain affordable. The goal is not to sell the largest policy available; it is to choose protection the client can reasonably maintain. Monthly income, existing obligations, and other insurance are considered before selecting an amount.

Step 3: Complete a confidential fact finder

Questions may include age, state, height, weight, tobacco or nicotine use, diagnoses, medications, hospitalizations, surgeries, pending tests, beneficiary, ownership, and payment method. Accurate answers are essential. A broker cannot responsibly shop carriers without understanding the complete health picture.

Step 4: Review prescriptions and conditions

Medication names often require follow-up because the same medication may be prescribed for different conditions. The reason for the prescription, dosage, treatment date, and stability can affect underwriting. Health information is used only for the insurance process and handled according to applicable privacy practices.

Step 5: Compare carrier guidelines

Kevin has access to 32 carriers. Not every carrier is appropriate for every applicant, and not every carrier is available in every state or product category. The comparison focuses on likely underwriting class, benefit type, premium, financial strength, product guarantees, and the client's stated goal.

Step 6: Present preliminary options

A preliminary quote is an estimate, not an approval. The client receives clear options with coverage amount, premium, product type, and whether benefits are immediate, graded, or guaranteed issue. The client chooses what fits; recommendations come after education.

Step 7: Submit the application

With permission, the application is submitted to the selected carrier. Some applications may receive an instant decision. Others may require a telephone interview, electronic signature, prescription review, medical records, an exam, or additional underwriting.

Step 8: Underwriting and decision

The carrier may approve as applied, approve at a different rate or benefit class, postpone, request more information, or decline. No broker can guarantee approval. If the decision changes, the available alternatives are explained before the applicant accepts anything.

Step 9: Policy delivery and review

Once issued, verify the insured, owner, beneficiary, coverage amount, premium, effective date, benefit class, riders, and draft date. The free-look period allows the owner to review the contract and return it according to state and policy rules.

Step 10: Ongoing service

Insurance should not disappear into a drawer. Beneficiaries, addresses, bank information, and coverage needs change. Kevin remains available for service questions, beneficiary updates, policy reviews, and claim-direction support. The insurance company—not the broker—makes claim decisions and pays valid claims.

What to have ready

• Driver's license or government identification.
• Social Security number and date of birth.
• Physician and prescription information.
• Beneficiary name, relationship, date of birth, and contact information.
• Banking information for premium payment if an application is submitted.
• Existing policy information if replacement is being considered.

What Kevin will never promise

• A guaranteed approval on an underwritten product.
• A specific investment return from an insurance illustration.
• That one product is right for everyone.
• That government or employer benefits are always sufficient or always inadequate.