Electronic signature for insurance companies

A sector with high contract volume

The insurance sector handles millions of contracts per year: subscriptions, renewals, endorsements, claims declarations. Digitalising these flows is a strategic priority — reducing subscription delays, improving customer experience, reducing administrative costs.

Commonly signed documents

• Insurance contract (subscription)

• Membership form (mutual insurance, employee benefits)

• Endorsement (guarantee modification, beneficiary change)

• SEPA mandate (premium collection)

• Claims declaration

• Settlement receipt (indemnity payment)

• Pre-contractual information sheet (IDD)

Recommended signature level

For an insurance contract, advanced signature (AES) is the standard. It provides the two-factor identification necessary to trace the subscriber's consent.

For certain high-stakes contracts (life insurance with beneficiary designation), QES or video KYC may be required depending on compliance policy.

ACPR and IDD compliance

The Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD) and ACPR expect insurers to:

• strongly identify the subscriber

• ensure traceability of consent (audit trail)

• keep records for long periods (minimum 10 years)

• provide pre-contractual documents in advance

eIDAS-compliant electronic signature meets these requirements natively.

Operational benefits

• Fast online subscription: contract signed in minutes instead of days

• Centralised claims file: declaration + attachments + signature

• Improved conversion rate: fewer drop-outs during subscription

• IT integration: direct feed to core policy systems (Guidewire, Duck Creek, Sapiens)

Common mistakes

• Forgetting the IDD information sheet in the package

• Using SES for high-value life insurance

• Failing to activate video KYC for money laundering risk contracts

• Storing identity documents beyond the necessary period

Real-world case: home insurance subscription

A digital insurance company subscribes to 200 home insurance contracts per day. Process:

• Online entry by prospect (2 min)

• Premium pre-calculation

• Automatic generation of contract + IDD sheet + SEPA mandate

• Sending via AES (SMS OTP)

• Signing in less than 5 minutes by the subscriber

• Automatic feed to core policy system and collection of first premium

Subscription conversion rate: +35% versus historical paper process.

How Certyneo helps you

Certyneo offers a dedicated solution for insurers and brokers: advanced signature by default, optional video KYC integration, GDPR and eIDAS compliance, 100% EU hosting (Germany), 10-year archiving, bulk export for ACPR audits.

FAQ

Does electronic signature replace IDD video advice?

No, these are two distinct steps. Signature records consent after the information phase.

Can an endorsement be signed with SES?

Depending on the stakes. For a material change in cover, AES is preferable.

Is video KYC mandatory?

Not systematically, but required for high AML/CFT risk contracts.

How long to keep records?

Minimum 10 years for contracts, often 30 years for life insurance.

Does the beneficiary need to sign?

No, only the subscriber. The beneficiary is designated in the contract.

Conclusion

Electronic signature is a major transformation lever for insurers: accelerated subscription, simplified ACPR compliance, modernised customer experience.

Try Certyneo to send, sign and track your documents online simply, quickly and securely.