Under Georgia law, can an insurance agent offer a policy without a signed application?

A signed application is a critical component of the insurance policy issuance process under Georgia law. The primary purpose of requiring a signed application is to ensure that there is a clear, documented understanding between the insurer and the insured regarding the terms of coverage, the details of the applicant, and the risks being assumed. This obligation helps prevent potential disputes in the future about the agreed terms and ensures that the information provided by the applicant has been accurately presented and verified.

When an insurance agent offers a policy without a signed application, it undermines this fundamental process and could expose both the insurer and the insured to various legal and operational risks. For instance, without a signed application, there may be no definitive record of the disclosures made by the applicant, which can lead to complications during claim processing or policy enforcement.

While there might be scenarios where verbal agreements or informal arrangements could seem convenient, they do not fulfill the legal requirements set forth in Georgia law. Having a signed application provides critical legal backing for both parties involved in the insurance transaction, which is why the correct answer emphasizes that a signed application is necessary for all policy issues.