Which of the following would be considered an underwriting duty of an agent?

The duty of completing all applications and collecting initial premiums is indeed a fundamental responsibility of an insurance agent in the underwriting process. Agents serve as the face of the insurance company to the applicants, which includes ensuring that applications are filled out accurately and thoroughly. This duty is crucial because an accurately completed application provides the underwriter with the necessary information to assess the risk associated with insuring the applicant. By collecting initial premiums, the agent also initiates the binding process of the policy, demonstrating the applicant's commitment to the insurance coverage.

In contrast, requesting medical information from the Medical Information Bureau is typically a task performed by underwriters rather than agents, as it requires interpreting sensitive medical data and making risk assessments. Accepting or declining an application is also a responsibility primarily held by the underwriters, who analyze the collected information to determine whether the applicant meets the insurer’s risk criteria. Similarly, assigning a risk classification relies on an in-depth analysis and decision-making process carried out by underwriters who evaluate all relevant risk factors. Thus, the role of completing applications and collecting premiums remains squarely within the agent's responsibilities.