Electronic signature for insurance companies

A sector with high contract volumes

The insurance sector processes millions of contracts per year: underwriting, renewal, amendments, claims declarations. Digitising these workflows is a strategic priority — reducing underwriting timelines, improving customer experience, reducing administrative costs.

Documents commonly signed

• Insurance contract (underwriting)

• Membership form (mutual societies, benefits)

• Amendment (guarantee modification, beneficiary change)

• SEPA mandate (premium collection)

• Claims declaration

• Settlement receipt (indemnification)

• Pre-contractual information sheet (DDA)

Recommended signature level

For an insurance contract, advanced signature (AES) is the standard. It provides the two-factor identification needed to trace the policyholder'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 DDA compliance

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

• strongly identify the policyholder

• trace consent (audit trail)

• retain documents long-term (minimum 10 years)

• provide pre-contractual documents in advance

Compliant eIDAS electronic signature meets these requirements natively.

Operational benefits

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

• Centralised claims file: declaration + attachments + signature

• Improved conversion rate: fewer drop-offs during underwriting

• System integration: direct feed to policy management core (Guidewire, Duck Creek, Sapiens)

Common mistakes

• Forgetting the DDA information sheet in the envelope

• Using SES for high-value life insurance

• Not activating video KYC for money laundering risk contracts

• Storing identity documents beyond the necessary period

Real-world case: home insurance underwriting

A digital insurance company underwrites 200 home insurance contracts per day. Journey:

• Online entry by prospect (2 min)

• Premium pre-calculation

• Automatic contract generation + DDA sheet + SEPA mandate

• Sent in AES (SMS OTP)

• Signature in less than 5 min by policyholder

• Automatic feed to policy management core and first premium deduction

Underwriting conversion rate: +35% vs legacy 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 DDA video advice?

No, these are two separate steps. Signature confirms consent after the information phase.

Can an amendment be signed in SES?

Depending on the stakes. For a substantial guarantee change, prefer AES.

Is video KYC mandatory?

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

Retention period?

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

Must the beneficiary sign?

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

Conclusion

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

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