Applying them: if one disability income policy pays you a higher commission but another fits the client's occupation and budget better, recommend the better fit. Both may be legal to sell, but legal and ethical are not the same test. The Insurance Code and the regulations identify many unethical or illegal practices, but they are not a complete guide to ethical behavior (CDI outline). 'No statute bans it' does not end the question.

Seniors: anyone transacting insurance owes a prospective insured age 65 or older a duty of honesty, good faith and fair dealing (Ins. Code §785). The duty applies to the prospect before any purchase, so conduct during the offer and sale counts. Section 785 lists some products, such as Medicare supplement, long-term care and disability income, that its article does not cover. Even then, the ethical standards above still apply. Special concerns with older clients include pressure to decide quickly, products that do not fit their needs or budget, and confusion about what a policy pays.

Altering a disability application (§10382): no one other than the applicant may alter a written application for disability insurance without the applicant's written consent. The only exception is an insertion by the insurer for administrative purposes only, made so that it is clearly not ascribed to the applicant. An agent's well-meant correction, even of an obvious error, is still an alteration, and making it without consent is a misdemeanor. If an answer needs to change, the applicant changes it or consents in writing.