Which of the following best describes the primary role of an insurance agent during the field underwriting process?

The primary role of an insurance agent during the field underwriting process involves conducting a risk assessment to determine eligibility. This stage is critical as it allows the agent to gather necessary information about the applicant, including their health, lifestyle, and any other factors that might affect the underwriting process. By assessing these risks, the agent assists the insurer in deciding whether to provide coverage and at what premium rate.

Agents evaluate the applicant's background, financial status, and specific risk factors to ensure that a fair and accurate underwriting decision is made. This step is vital because it influences not only the eligibility for insurance but also the overall risk management strategies of the insurer.

While providing education on policy options can be part of an agent's role, it doesn't encapsulate the specific task of underwriting. Setting pricing for insurance policies and filing claims are functions that don't fall under the preliminary assessment done by agents; instead, they involve later stages in the insurance process when the policy is already in place.

Thus, the key function of the agent in the context of field underwriting is to evaluate risks and gather the necessary information that feeds into the underwriting decision-making process.