Choose DocuSign for Quick Contract Delivery

June 30, 2022

We're as interested as you are in getting contracts delivered, reviewed and signed quickly. That’s why we provide online delivery of annuity contracts through DocuSign. Your clients get fast delivery, and you get the assurance that your client has reviewed and signed all required documents in a timely manner.

DocuSign is the quickest way to deliver contracts. Mailing paperwork through the U.S. Postal Service is still an option, but keep in mind that it can take seven to 10 business days for a contract to arrive by mail.

To Get Started:

  • In the owner signature section of each annuity application, look for the line “Email address if requesting electronic delivery.” Include both the producer’s and the client’s email addresses.
    • If one isn’t provided, we’ll reach out to request it.
    • If we don’t receive the client's email address, we are unable to deliver a copy of the contract to the producer through DocuSign.
  • We’ll e-deliver the contract to the client and a copy to the producer.* If you or your client need to sign a contract amendment, we’ll also deliver that through DocuSign to avoid delays.

Timeline for Online Delivery

  • Day 1: We’ll send the first email within four hours after the contract issues.
  • Day 5: We’ll email a reminder to review and sign the contract (if required).
  • Days 9-13: We’ll email recipients daily to remind them to review and sign the contract (if required).
  • Day 14: The link to review and sign the contract will expire.

How DocuSign Works

  1. Review the DocuSign email. Once the policy has issued, you and your client will receive an email from The Standard.
    • Open the email and review the message. Select the button in the email to begin the process.
  2. Enter your access code. Use the last four digits of your Social Security number, followed by the five-digit ZIP code of the mailing address that we have on file for you.
    • Each person has a unique access code to ensure privacy.
    • If the contract is for a minor, the custodian should use the minor’s information for the access code.
  3. Review the electronic transaction disclosure. If you want to use electronic transactions, select “I agree to use electronic records and signatures.”
  4. Review the contract and sign, if required.
    • If signatures are required, DocuSign will show you and your clients where to sign. After all signatures are complete, each party will receive a final copy. You will be notified by email when this happens.
    • If signatures are not required, you can view, save and print contracts through DocuSign.

We’ll send an email when the review and signature steps are complete.

The states of California, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and West Virginia require delivery receipts. The 30-day right to cancel begins on the day the delivery receipt is signed.

For all other states, the 30-day right to cancel begins on the day the client enters the unique access code and accesses the electronic contract.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the contract sent to both the client and the producer?

Yes, if both email addresses are included on the application*. If we don’t receive the client's email address, we are unable to deliver a copy of the contract to the producer through DocuSign.

What if the client doesn’t want to provide an email address?

We’ll print and mail the contract to the client, unless special handling requirements have been received from your broker dealer to deliver the contract directly to the producer. We mail through USPS, with delivery in 7-10 business days.

The producer will not receive a copy of the contract through DocuSign, but will receive a contract summary when contracts are delivered to the client directly.

What if a client declines to use DocuSign?

The client can provide a reason and select Decline to Sign. We’ll print and mail the contract through USPS, with delivery in 7-10 business days.

How soon after the contract is issued will The Standard deliver the contract through DocuSign?

Contracts are sent to DocuSign immediately after issue. It takes between one minute and four hours for the DocuSign email to be sent. For more details, review the timeline for online delivery section.

What email address does the DocuSign email come from?

The email comes from the DocuSign application email: dse_na2@docusign.com

The subject line shows the annuity contract number and the applicant’s name.

If no signatures or policy exceptions are required, why does the client need to open the email?

We need to verify that the contract has been viewed for our compliance records.

The client and producer should also review to ensure all contract information is correct.

How do you print the contract?
  • Select the download option to save it to your computer.
  • Select the print option to print your contract.
What is my unique access code?

Your access code is the last four digits of your Social Security number, followed by the five-digit ZIP code of the mailing address we have on record. This is also stated in the emails sent through DocuSign.

What if my unique access code fails?

The Standard will receive the error message “Authentication Failed.”

  • We will verify the email, the last four digits of your Social Security number and the ZIP code we have on file for you, then resend the contract through DocuSign.
  • If the information provided to us is not correct, we’ll reach out to the producer for correct information or mail the contract.
Who do I contact if I have problems opening the link?

Contact our service specialists at 800.247.6888 or send us a message.

 

 

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We’re always looking to improve the customer experience. Thanks to your feedback, we’re rolling out new options for annual interest payments. See how these new features work.
We mailed IRS Form 1099-R in February to clients who took a distribution last year. You can view and download 2023 and prior year tax forms on the Annuity Portal.
Required Minimum Distribution notifications were mailed out at the end of January. Here’s the rundown on who we sent them to and what to expect.