What must an insurance company establish before offering coverage?

Before an insurance company can offer coverage, it is crucial to establish underwriting guidelines. Underwriting guidelines are essential as they determine the criteria used to assess the risk factors associated with potential policyholders. These guidelines help the insurer evaluate whether to accept an application for insurance, what terms to offer, and how much premium to charge.

By using underwriting guidelines, the insurer can effectively categorize applicants, ensuring that those with higher risk are either charged higher premiums or possibly denied coverage altogether. This process safeguards the financial stability of the insurance company by maintaining a balanced risk pool.

Establishing loss reserves, while important for an insurance company's financial health in terms of paying future claims, comes after coverage has been offered and is more about risk management and financial planning. A marketing strategy, although vital for attracting clients, does not directly influence the underwriting process. Similarly, a compliance team is essential for meeting regulatory requirements but is not fundamental to the initial offering of insurance coverage. Focusing on underwriting guidelines is the critical step to ensure the company can thoughtfully manage the risks associated with providing insurance coverage.