What is the change?
Royal London is introducing a significant update to its products on the Protection Platform, aimed at streamlining the application process for advisers and administrators. Users will notice a new feature on the payment page: the ability to select “TBC” (To Be Confirmed) if the exact policy start date is not yet known. This enhancement ensures that applications can still be submitted promptly, even when the start date is undecided.
“We’re constantly looking for ways to make it easier for advisers to do business with us and this latest enhancement is a great example of that. By enabling advisers to select a start date within the platform, we’re removing the need for follow-up calls or emails, saving time and creating a more seamless journey from application to being on risk. For customers, it means greater confidence that everything is progressing smoothly and that their protection will be in place when they expect it.” - Fi Wynn, Head of Protection Propositions at Royal London.
Historically, advisers submitting applications via the Protection Platform faced a bottleneck when it came to specifying the policy start date. Advisers were required to contact Royal London’s Customer Services to provide or amend the start date, interrupting the otherwise digital and self-serve journey. This process was particularly cumbersome for larger accounts and firms that rely heavily on the platform.
“We are delighted to launch the Future Start Date functionality for Royal London on the Protection Platform. This means we now mirror the existing online flexibility available to advisers through Royal London’s adviser portal. This provides mortgage advisers with the benefits of the Protection Platform underwriting and application journey and complete flexibility of when the application is placed on risk”. - Mark Cracknell, Commercial Director at UnderwriteMe
How does it work?
Advisers and administrators can submit policies to start immediately or choose to provide a start date later, all within the online system. If “TBC” is selected at submission, the start date can be updated directly later through the Adviser Dashboard, eliminating the need for phone calls or emails to Royal London.
The update is designed to create a consistent, fully digital experience for all users, regardless of how the application is submitted. It further supports Royal London’s commitment to empowering advisers and administrators with greater flexibility and control over the end-to-end application journey.
What this means for you
· Greater flexibility when setting up any of Royal London’s protection policies
· A smoother journey for customers who want to plan ahead
· Fewer follow-ups and re-quotes caused by timing mismatches
Should you have any questions or require further details about this change, please reach out to your usual Royal London contact.