NIGO, short for not in good order, is an industry term used to describe insurance or investment paperwork that is incomplete, inaccurate, unsigned, or otherwise fails to meet processing requirements. A NIGO application may be missing signatures, dates, required forms, replacement disclosures, suitability information, or correct payment details. When a case is tagged as NIGO, processing is delayed until the necessary corrections or additional information are provided. High NIGO rates increase administrative costs for carriers and distributors, slow down policy issue or transfer timelines, and can frustrate clients. Reducing NIGO is a major operational focus for agencies, which invest in training, checklists, and technology to improve first-time accuracy of submissions.

In day-to-day operations, case managers frequently tell producers that an application is NIGO and specify what is missing, such as "NIGO for client initials on replacement form" or "NIGO for incomplete banking information." Advisors strive to submit in good order by reviewing new business checklists, using pre-populated electronic applications, and confirming that all disclosures and signatures are present before submission. Carriers track NIGO rates by advisor, agency, and product line, sometimes providing coaching or additional support to frequent offenders. High NIGO volumes can delay commission payments and damage client relationships if policies do not issue in expected time frames. By understanding common NIGO causes and implementing process improvements, agencies can significantly improve efficiency and client satisfaction.