Zurich has introduced e-Signatures for its UK corporate risk customers in a bid to speed up and simplify the process for group income protection claims.
The launch follows a pilot when in many cases e-Signature consent came back on the same day, allowing the insurer to request medical information without delays which shortened the whole process by an average of two weeks.
The enhancement follows the recent publication of the Association of British Insurers' Principles for Use of e-Signatures for life and health insurance products.
These aim to make buying cover as simple as possible, while providing safeguards for GPs and their patients when sharing medical information.
Nick Homer, Corporate Risk Propositions Manager said: "We're continually looking at ways to innovate on the service we offer to our customers to ensure that claims are as smooth and swift as possible. Combined with Zurich's teleclaims process and same/next day service level on claims processing, e-Signatures will help speed up claim times further.
"We already ensure quick access to additional advice and support employees might need such as vocational counselling, therapy and rehabilitation. The quicker claims are processed, the more likely it is that we can assist employees in achieving a successful return to work."
