F&TRC seeks agreement for online signatures

F&TRC has initiated a statement of best practice to address the complexity of processes used by providers when collecting online application signatures.

The statement will aim to identify the best processes available from those offered by all online providers.

It is hoped this will lead to greater cooperation between insurers in developing future application systems resulting in less confusion across the market for distributors.

The consultancy forum distributed a summary of provider processes at its last meeting demonstrating to providers how complex the activity of collecting client signatures had become for distributors.

All members agreed they would like to understand from the distributor community what they thought a good process would look like.

F&TRC also agreed to create a first draft of a good practice document on policy re-instatement for firms to review at the next Protection Forum meeting.

The consultancy noted that "policy reinstatement is a potential issue for distributors as policyholders can change their bank, miss premiums and/or existing policies can be cancelled.

"It is important for intermediaries need to be informed at the earliest possible opportunity."

Michael Aldridge, sales director at London & Country, said: "The research and documentation around topics like signature collection and reinstatement processes highlights the enormity of the task faced by distributors when trying to coordinate a standard process for what, on the face of it, should be a relatively simple task.

"Greater harmonisation brought about by good practice guidelines can't fail to have a substantial positive impact."

Ian McKenna, F&TRC Managing Director, explained the operation of the Forum, adding: "The issues addressed are those raised by distributors. We then discuss the issues as a group before agreeing whether or not to begin the process of possible improvement by measuring and benchmarking what each provider currently does in a certain area."