UK: Shift to simplified life shows that speed is the key to success

Norwich Union, part of Aviva, are delighted with the response received from advisers to the launch of Simplified Life through Assureweb, the Exchange and Webline in April this year.

  • Norwich Union further enhances its Simplified Life proposition and launches micro-site with the opportunity to win a £500 experience day

Norwich Union, part of Aviva, are delighted with the response received from advisers to the launch of Simplified Life1 through Assureweb, the Exchange and Webline in April this year. Simplified Life now accounts for half of family and mortgage protection business written2 through advisers, demonstrating the importance of speedy administration for both customers and advisers. 

Steven Cork, IFA, said: "I use Simplified Life because it's very user friendly and easy to use.  It's beneficial to me because it's less time consuming in filling medical questions, and takes up less of a client's precious time. The service is first class, and the processing time is greatly reduced, which allow the policies to go on risk more quickly. I feel Norwich Union's support services are excellent and with Simplified Life, they've made a great effort in helping intermediaries reduce paperwork."3

Simplified Life's quick, straightforward application process allows instant acceptance in as little as 15 minutes, compared to 45 minutes through more traditional online route.

Norwich Union have now made further enhancements to the proposition to make it even easier for advisers, enabling them to print quotations, summary applications forms, and a paper application form for use out of the office. From 10 November, advisers will be able to log into the Simplified Life micro site www.simplified-challenge.com/ to learn more about the product and its benefits and take the Simplified Life IQ challenge for the chance to win a £500 gift experience day4.

Louise Colley, head of protection, says: "We're delighted with the number of advisers who have switched onto Simplified Life. Many people put off applying for life insurance as they expect lengthy, time-consuming forms.  Simplified Life was developed in response to customer research which highlighted a demand for simplicity. This is still unique in the market - 75% of applicants are accepted without the need for manual underwriting meaning that, in the majority of cases, advisers can now complete the process in a matter of minutes.  

"The streamlined online system cuts application time considerably, and can be used with or without the client present. In those cases where a decision cannot be made immediately, customers still benefit from our free protection promise meaning that it's just as fast as other routes to get cover on risk, but with that all important simple application process."

To find out more about Simplified Life Insurance advisers should contact their usual Norwich union consultant or visit the adviser sales centre - www.adviser.norwichunion.com/

-ends-

Press office contacts:                                                         
Holly Smart                            
07800 699218

Notes to editors:

1 Simplified Life can be used for applications form Norwich Union's Life insurance, which is a term assurance plan offering a level or decreasing sum assured.

2 Relates to term no options business

3 Stephen Cork can be contacted via email on stevenmcork@hotmail.com or on 01782 502619

4 Competition open for four weeks from the 10 November.

About Norwich Union
Norwich Union is the UK's largest insurer. It is a leading provider of life, pensions and investment products and one of the largest financial adviser (FA) providers. FAs provide over 70% of the company's long-term savings business in the UK.

Norwich Union is the UK's largest general insurer with a market share of around 14%, with a focus on insurance for individuals and small businesses.

Norwich Union's news releases and a selection of images are available from Aviva's internet press centre at www.aviva.com/media

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