E-Signatures for Carriers
Way back in May 2004, Insurance & Technology magazine launched a three-part series of articles titled, “A Framework for Designing an Effective e-Signature Process.” Over 16 years later, electronic signature functionality is gaining really serious traction in the insurance business. Customer expectations, advanced technology, increased mobility, and a quest for greater efficiency are driving this.
One e-signature provider counts as clients eight of the top 15 North American insurers. Our ongoing polling of insurance companies has failed to find any carriers actually prohibiting them - That’s probably because Federal laws, as well as laws in nearly every state, put electronic signatures on equal footing with pen-and-paper signatures. Further, the Big 'I's “2020 Agency Universe Study" shows agency use of eSignature at 59% of all agencies (up from 42% in 2018).
E-signature solutions equip carriers to provide the best service possible, directly and through their customer and agent service centers.
Here are some reasons carriers are—or should be—jumping on the e-signature bandwagon:
It saves money and increases productivity and quality. Case studies show e-signatures netting one carrier a cost savings of $10 per transaction and an offset of millions of dollars of paper-related expenses; another boosted productivity by 61%, and another saw an 81.6% reduction in the number of document errors.
It boosts revenue. E-signatures reduce the time it takes for agents and brokers to get customers—especially those who are busy or not near an agency—to complete and sign applications. The quicker they sign, the quicker both carriers and agents can book revenue. Think about transacting business in minutes, rather than days—or worse.
It satisfies agents, brokers, and customers. One carrier cites a 13.5 day—or 97%--reduction in turnaround time. Plus, e-signatures extend agency and carrier offices to the nearest computer, tablet, or smartphone. Faster service means more satisfied clients—and more referrals. And that creates happier, more loyal agents and brokers.
It delivers increased security and authentication. Mailing or faxing documents carries inherent security risks. They can wind up in the wrong hands or get lost. E-signature software that adheres to the legal standard of validating Identity, Consent, Disclosure, and Audit Record characteristics provides far greater security.
The law supports it. The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN), which in tandem with the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) confirms that electronic signatures constitute legally binding documents if all parties choose to sign digitally. Read more about the legality in this article from Docusign.
The ACT Technology Agreements Work Group has addressed e-signatures as a part of its 'Carrier/Agent Technology Agreements Recommendations' paper. ACORD has hosted a working group on e-signatures. And management system vendors are working with providers to integrate more and more e-signature solutions into agent and broker system workflows.
ACT is happy to connect you with representatives from any of these organizations. Just email us.
Also, consider reviewing ACT’s article on the topic, of the legal requirements applicable to using electronic signatures, electronic records, and electronic delivery in the insurance business.
Look for the next two segments in this series - eSignature for Vendors/Technology Providers, and Agents/Brokers.