Generally, if a life application is NOT prepaid, the effective date of coverage begins on the date the

The signing of an application does not initiate coverage because it merely expresses the applicant's intent to obtain insurance. Coverage cannot commence until the insurer has completed its underwriting process and the policy has been issued, which requires the delivery of the policy and payment of the premium.

While underwriting approval is a crucial step in the insurance process, it does not by itself activate the policy. Coverage will only take effect once the policy is formally delivered and the premium is paid, meaning that even if the underwriting is completed, the insured remains unprotected until these conditions are met.

Mailing the application does not signify that coverage has begun. The postmark indicates that the application has been sent, but the insurer has yet to review the application or issue a policy. Until the policy is delivered and the premium is paid, there is no binding contract for coverage.