Pickett Says Life Insurance Policies Can Now Be Delivered Electronically Under New Law

HARRISBURG - Legislation to make it easier for owners of life insurance policies and annuities to receive their documents more efficiently was signed into law on July 10, said Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna), author of the measure.

House Bill 972, now Act 30 of 2015, now gives life insurance companies the option to send policies and annuities to their customers electronically, if so chosen by the consumer. Companies still will have the option of delivery via the United States Postal Service or another postal delivery service.

"State laws need to keep up-to-date with current technology, and that also includes our insurance laws," said Pickett, who chairs the House Insurance Committee. "Before this law, insurers were required to either hand deliver or send via certified mail to a policyholder an insurance policy or annuity. This update in state law makes this process less cumbersome for both the customer and the company."

Under the new law, proof of delivery is established by the mailing to the owner or the date of electronic transmission, as long as the consumer has agreed to use that format. In the event of a dispute with the policy/annuity owner, the burden of proof shall remain with the insurer to establish that a policy or annuity was delivered.

The new law takes effect from 60 days of being signed by the governor.

Submitted article.