Zurich has released a pre-application tool that aims to reduce the time needed to provide indicative terms for advisers.

The insurer says that its new software, which saves all records on one dashboard, supports 90 per cent of all current pre-application enquiries that are currently handled through its telephone-based support – which will remain in place, it adds.

Advisers will be able to enter information such as client age, nicotine usage and required sum assured, with a choice of entering extra information such as lifestyle and medical history or using standard assumptions.

Decisions will be given across multiple products and benefits rather than the one selected, Zurich adds.

Zurich chief underwriter Nicky Bray says: “We’re on a constant mission to make applying for cover as simple and smooth as possible for both advisers and their customers. We know that misconceptions about cost and existing illnesses can be barriers to people taking out life insurance. We’re confident that by presenting advisers swiftly, with accurate information about all of the solutions on offer, we can challenge that view.

“We’re confident that by providing advisers with a self-service option that they can access around the clock, we’re supporting them in delivering the best possible service for customers. Ultimately, we’re keen to ensure that as many people as possible benefit from protection and the financial resilience it brings to them and their families.”

Sesame Bankhall Group campaigns and proposition director Jeff Woods adds: “Zurich seem to be leading the way in digitising much of the customer and adviser process which is great to see and I am sure there is yet more to come.”