An Authorized Signature
A person with authority to act for the employer signs and dates the form. Carriers accept the signature of an owner or officer, or someone authorized to make benefits decisions for the employer.
The right person signs and dates it.
Carriers accept the signature of an owner or officer, or someone authorized to make benefits decisions for the employer. An unsigned or improperly signed form is a common cause of delay.
Sign and date it, and keep a copy for your records.
Why Authority Matters.
Carriers want to be sure the person changing the broker has the right to do so. That is why the form asks for a signer with authority over the employer’s benefits. An owner, officer or someone formally authorized qualifies at most carriers.
If the person who normally handles benefits is not an owner or officer, ask whether they have been authorized in writing. Some carriers will accept a short authorization letter from an owner.
A clearly signed and dated form with the signer’s name and title avoids most problems.
A few more questions.
Can HR sign?
If HR has authority to make benefits decisions for the employer, often yes. When in doubt, have an officer sign.
Are electronic signatures accepted?
Many carriers accept them, but practices vary. Check before you rely on one.
What if the owner is unavailable?
Another officer or authorized person can sign. If needed, the owner can give written authorization.
Does the form need to be notarized?
Most carriers do not require notarization for a broker of record letter. Check the carrier’s form.
Can an attorney sign?
Only if the employer has authorized them to act for it. The carrier may ask for proof.
Related guides.
Broker of Record Change: Form, Timeline and What to Expect
The form, the timeline and what to expect.
Decision and Review
The employer reviews the current plan and chooses a new broker. This is the longest step and the one worth taking time over.
Letter Is Signed
The employer signs the letter or carrier form. Nothing changes for employees at this point.
Send us your renewal.
We’ll tell you whether it looks competitive, where we see opportunity, and the five questions we’d put to your carrier. No cost, and no obligation to move anything.
The renewal letter
Your current plan summary
Contribution split by tier
Enrolled counts by tier
Four documents — two more if your group is 50 or more. Nothing else; every extra one is a reason to postpone.
An independent employee benefits consulting firm. We look at the entire benefits program: cost, plan performance, risk and administration.
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