Just an update
Monday11thNovember
Thisweek'sheadlines:
Smartr365 – Data Transfers
Thank you for your patience whilst we have worked with Smartr365 in facilitating the transfer of data for those of you now live on Smartr365.
We would like to apologise that this transfer of data has taken longer than we anticipated, but we are pleased to now confirm that the transfer of data is underway, with the 21st October go live cohort having received their data last week.
Advisers who have gone live on the 29th October will receive their data by Tuesday, 12th November.
Advisers who have gone live on the 4th November will receive their data by Thursday, 14th November.
IMPORTANT:
The data transfer will be a “skinny” record of all cases that have completed on OWS from 2016 up to and including week 43 of 2024. A further data transfer will occur in January for cases completing weeks 44-52.
Data fields will be sufficient for you to use Smartr Retain.
Should you need to refer to further data, then OWS will continue to hold this information in a read only format. There are no plans to switch off your access to this read only view.
Smartr365 – Support Available
There are now over 200 brokers live on Smartr365.It is inevitable that you may have queries and questions whilst you familiarise yourself with the system.
There is significant support available to you as follows:
1) Weekly Smartr365 Q&A Drop in call – book in HERE
2) Post Training Webinars – Without these, you will not discover the full capabilities of the system:
Smartr Retain, Client Portal, Introducer portal Book in HERE Administration Book in HERE
3) A dedicated Learning Library within My Learning Space (MLS)
This contains User Guides, Sales Quality Guidance, top tips, videos and much more. Visit HERE
1) For issues/questions whilst using Smartr365
In the first instance raise a question via the help bubble (bottom right as pictured below:
This chat AI function has been answering around 60% of queries. If the query cannot be resolved a ticket can then be raised via the same function. This has a 1 hour SLA. If the issue cannot be resolved in this time you will be told.
If your query remains outstanding after 24hrs, you may then escalate via your Area Director. We will then escalate internally with Smartr365.
5) For issues/questions whilst using Concert
For issues or questions relating to Concert Hub only, please direct these to FIRST on 01793 567890
Should you require 1 on 1 help in familiarisation of Concert Hub, Openwork are providing for a 45 minute 1 on 1 support session that you can book in with them HERE Multiple dates and times are available to you.
We are here to help you with this transition, so Just Ask
Valunation Survey Referrals between 1st November – 31st January!
As you will know, you can refer your customers for a Level 2 Survey (formally known as Homebuyer), providing your client with piece of mind and, in return, receive a referral fee for doing so.
We have great news! Until the 31st January – you will now earn £100 for each of these carried out!
How do I refer for a Survey?
Simply, send an email to Referrals@valunation.com.
Please ensure you head the email “New Survey or Valuation Referral”
In order for the Valunation Team to proceed the following information MUST be included in your email:
1. Contact Name for the Referral
2. Contact Number
3. Email address
4. Type of survey they are interested in
You will receive payments one month following the completion of the survey, e.g. job completed in November, payment will be made December.
Bank of Ireland change
Product Transfer Booking Period
Here’s what’s happening and when:
From 1 November 2024, Bank of Ireland’s Product Transfer early booking period is changing from six months to five months.
From 1 December 2024, Bank of Ireland’s Product Transfer early booking period is changing from five months to four months.
You can transfer your customers to a new mortgage rate with Bank of Ireland’s online product transfer service. Your customer’s new interest rate will start on the expiry of their existing promotional period.
Why transfer with Bank of Ireland?
It's quick and easy. Apply online in minutes; Reduce the mortgage term at the same time; No paperwork. The application can progress straight to offer;
To guarantee that your customer's Product Transfer takes effect on the 1st of the month after their current deal ends, Bank of Ireland must receive their offer acceptance, signed by all parties on the mortgage, and any associated information by the 19th of the final month of their current deal. Offers are valid for 30 days.
Bank of Ireland pay a 0.30% proc fee for a Product Transfer.
Product Transfer Information»
Accord extends DIP Validity Period
Accord has extended its DIP validity period from 30 to 90 days across its residential and buy-to-let New Business ranges. Accord is always listening to your feedback and this change will simplify the DIP process, making it more efficient and freeing up more time for you to spend with clients.
Existing pipeline applications will continue to have a 30day validity period. However, if the DIP expires and you wish to re-submit, the 90-day validity period will then apply.
Zurich Underwriting and Rule
Changes
Zurich have made a number of positive underwriting and rule changes with These changes increasing straight through processing (STP) and improving the application journey for four of Zurich's most frequently used rules, representing approximately 20% of all disclosures.
Main Rule Changes:
Diabetes
Simplified question structure and wording to optimise customer/adviser journey. Customers can now give HbA1c if known;
Alignment of ratings with reassurance guidance - outcomes will be more in line with other providers; Opportunity for underwriters to consider immediate decisions without evidence for some younger customers; Removal of Covid-19 restrictions for customers aged 70+ (previously Zurich were unable to offer terms);
High Blood Pressure
Streamlining of questions asked and wording to optimise customer/adviser journey;
Increase in maximum acceptable blood pressure (BP) readings meaning meaning more point of sale (POS) decisions; POS decisions for females with resolved pregnancy related protein in urine; Instant standard rates for females with resolved pregnancy related high BP;
High Cholesterol
Revised question wording and structure to promote better disclosure;
Removal of existing sum assured bandings meaning more decisions offered at POS; Customers are now able to provide their exact cholesterol reading if known, meaning Zurich can give more granular decisions. If reading unknown, can pick from a new list of descriptions about control; New question to identify customers with heart related complications which represent increased risk;
Mental Health
Simplified question structure and wording to optimise customer/adviser journey;
Increased time off work thresholds before referring to UW; Some POS decisions now available when single suicide attempt/self harm over 5 years ago;
Zurich have made small changes to the rules for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ulcerative Colitis so these now reflect new reassure guidance.
Criterion Occupation List
Zurich have updated the occupation list based on the industry standard Criterion list following a lengthy consultation period with a number of protection providers and portals. The aim of the update is to:
Correct formatting issues and provide consistency in style
Provide a gender-neutral list;
Add new occupations to allow a wider range of titles for advisers and customers to choose from; Remove out of date occupations that no longer exist;
Have a question about Co-op Legal Services or want to know more about their offering to you customers?
Join Co-Op on the 12th November for a “drop in” call for any questions you may have:
2pm-2:45pm – join HERE when it is time
Foundation
Home
Loans
launches EPC Saver mortgage with Vibrant
This new proposition allows the client, whether owneroccupier or landlord, to access a new type of service as part of their mortgage package.
The product includes a complimentary EPC Plus from Vibrant Energy Matters Limited (Vibrant) and provides access to Vibrant’s expert support service for making energy improvements to the property. Additionally, there is a cashback incentive offered as part of the product.
Read more about this new proposition HERE
