ACORD 36 (Reinstatement Request)
A standard ACORD form used to request reinstatement of a previously cancelled insurance policy.
What It Is
The ACORD 36 is the standard form for requesting the reinstatement of an insurance policy that has been cancelled or lapsed. It documents the reason for cancellation, the reinstatement effective date requested, and any conditions the carrier may require such as payment of past-due premium or a no-loss statement.
Reinstatement is not guaranteed — carriers evaluate whether to reinstate based on the reason for cancellation, the length of the lapse, and whether any losses occurred during the gap period. The ACORD 36 formally initiates this evaluation.
This form is commonly used when policies are cancelled for non-payment and the insured cures the default within the carrier's reinstatement window.
Why It Matters for Brokers
Brokers frequently deal with reinstatement situations when clients miss premium payments. Speed matters — the longer a policy remains cancelled, the less likely the carrier will reinstate it. Having the ACORD 36 ready to submit immediately after the insured remits payment can mean the difference between a seamless reinstatement and having to re-underwrite the entire account. Brokers must also verify whether the reinstatement creates any gap in coverage, as losses during the lapse period will not be covered even after reinstatement.
Real-World Example
A contractor's workers compensation policy is cancelled for non-payment on April 1. The contractor pays the outstanding premium on April 8 and asks the broker to reinstate. The broker submits the ACORD 36 with a no-loss letter from the insured confirming no injuries occurred during the lapse. The carrier reinstates the policy effective April 1, closing the gap.
Common Mistakes
- 1Assuming reinstatement is automatic after payment is received, when carriers often require formal approval.
- 2Failing to obtain a no-loss letter from the insured, which most carriers require before reinstating.
- 3Not documenting the exact reinstatement effective date, which can leave a coverage gap if the reinstatement is prospective rather than retroactive.
How brokerageaudit.com Handles This
BrokerageAudit tracks cancellation dates and triggers reinstatement workflows automatically when past-due payments are received. The platform generates pre-populated ACORD 36 forms and prompts the broker to obtain a no-loss statement before submission.