What happens if an applicant provides a false statement on an insurance application?

When an applicant provides a false statement on an insurance application, it can lead to the potential invalidation of coverage. This is primarily due to the principle of "utmost good faith," which mandates that applicants disclose accurate and complete information. If an insurer discovers that an applicant has made false statements or omitted significant information, it may consider the misrepresentation as a breach of contract. As a result, the insurer might choose to rescind the policy, meaning that it would void the insurance coverage from its inception. This aligns with the idea that the foundation of an insurance contract relies heavily on the trust and honesty between the insurer and the insured.

In contrast, automatic approval is unlikely when there are inaccuracies present. Legal action from the insurer typically follows more serious breaches or fraudulent activities rather than simply a false statement on an application. Adjustments to premiums may occur in other contexts, such as after a policy review or based on risk assessments, but such adjustments are separate from the issues arising from misrepresentation.