I’m not depressed: Neglecting to mention depression is common. Depression can be impossible to detect by an agent or the paramedical examiner who performs the medical review. However, any medical diagnosis of depression will be apparent in your medical records.

I’ve only had that one DUI: Lying about drunken driving happens, but lies about the second, third, or fourth offense are the most common. The also applies to traffic or moving violations such as speeding.

There’s no cancer in my family: An applicant’s own history of cancer—along with cancer among immediate family members—will result in a higher life insurance costs, increasing the temptation to fudge. Any personal history of cancer is no doubt in your medical records, and so is family history.

I don’t plan to travel anywhere dangerous: The number of applicants who misrepresent their travel plans has increased, especially as more parts of the world become dangerous. Applicants will sometimes “adjust” their plans, saying they’ll be traveling in a dangerous land for only two weeks when in fact they plan to reside there for an extended period of time.

I make $100,000 a year fixing cars: Some people will lie about their income in order to receive more coverage than they are eligible for. A couple may claim that the husband is a self-employed mechanic making $100,000 a year; and the wife is a self-employed housekeeper making $50,000 a year. When red flags go up in a case like this, insurers may pull a credit report or ask the applicant to fill out a financial supplement that details assets, liabilities, and other information.

By: Jordan Crouter