ACT engaged this work group beginning in September 2015 to address our distribution channel's struggles with adoption by agents and acceptance by carriers. The work group focuses on clear recommendations on workflow and integration to agency systems, advocacy to carriers for acceptance of vendor eSignature solutions that meet UETA and ESIGN requirements, along with their own proprietary systems, education to agents and the industry, and use and updating of existing reference documents.
In June, the group created and delivered a 'Carrier eSignature Advocacy' document - Reaching out to carriers not documented as accepting UETA- and ESIGN-compliant vendor eSignatures from agencies. This document provides significant background and rationale to urge carriers to accept agency eSignatures along with their own proprietary solutions. We are seeing positive responses from carriers.
Across 2017 and early 2018, the group recently completed additional resources for agencies, such as eSignature Benefits Guides for agency reps and customers, Training & Troubleshooting documents, and an eSignature Workflow template.
2020 Strategy Update: While this work group is officially on 'hold' having created significant point-in-time resources, we will proactively look for opportunities to update existing materials, as well as determine any new areas we can assist with.
Co-Chairs: Joyce Sigler (Jones & Wenner Insurance) and Nick Khamarji, Jr. (New England Insurance)
Click here to access the ACT eSignature web page which lists the agency tools listed above, and much more. Click here to access the ACT 'Carrier eSignature Advocacy' web page.