When a policy is issued on a basis other than that originally applied for, what must be delivered to the policyholder under West Virginia law?

When a policy is issued on a basis different from what was initially applied for, West Virginia law mandates that the policyholder must receive a disclosure statement. This document is critical as it serves to inform the policyholder about the variations or changes made to their original application, ensuring transparency in the insurance process.

The disclosure statement provides essential details regarding the terms and conditions of the policy as it was issued, which may differ in coverage, premiums, or benefits compared to what the applicant originally sought. This requirement protects consumers by making sure they are fully aware of the specific features of the policy they are receiving, thereby preventing misunderstandings and supporting informed decision-making.

In contrast, the other options do not fulfill the requirements set by state law in this context. A notification letter may inform the policyholder of the issuance, but it does not provide the necessary details that a disclosure statement would. A claim form is related to the process of filing a claim, not the issuance of the policy, and an endorsement typically modifies an existing policy rather than serves as a standard communication about discrepancies in the application process. Thus, the requirement for a disclosure statement arises specifically to address the scenario of issuing a policy under altered terms.