Underwriting uses an investigative consumer report to gather information about which of the following?

• A. Financial history
• B. Medical history
• C. Character and personal habits
• D. Claims history

Answer: (C)

Underwriting uses an investigative consumer report to gather information about character and personal habits. This type of report is aimed at learning non-medical, non-financial details about the applicant’s general reputation, lifestyle, and behavior—often through interviews with people who know them and from public records. Such information helps assess risk that isn’t captured by medical history or financial data. It’s different from medical history, which comes from medical records and exams, and from claims history, which comes from the insurer’s own claim records. If an investigative report is used, insurers must follow notice and consent requirements so applicants know what information is being gathered and can review it.