New Electronic Signature Capability Enhances John Hancock's Life Insurance Customer Service

BOSTON, Feb. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- John Hancock Insurance has enhanced its life insurance online services with the introduction of electronic signatures. This change eliminates the need for customers to print, sign and mail the most common life insurance customer service forms.

"John Hancock is committed to providing our customers and producers with the best possible service experience," said Mike Doughty, President, John Hancock Insurance. "Automated services, such as electronic signatures, are required to meet their demands for easier and simplified ways to do business."

With an electronic signature, a life insurance customer has the peace of mind of knowing that their request is immediately in the company's hands and ready to be processed, he said. In addition, the electronic forms are "smart," guiding the client to complete the form properly. In fact, Mr. Doughty noted that 97 percent of forms submitted and signed electronically are accurate, which speeds up the response process.

"Consumers today want seamless, self-service online processes," Mr. Doughty said, adding that John Hancock's customers may make secure, online payments for policies, too.

The forms that life insurance customers may now complete online with electronic signatures are:

Enabling the use of electronic signatures is just one example of John Hancock Insurance's commitment to improving the service experience for customers. In addition, John Hancock offers online processes and tools for producers that cover every step of the sales process from submitting the application to managing inforce policies. Producers may:

• Complete and submit "in good order" applications for all life insurance products (except Survivorship, Term and COLI applications) online through John Hancock's producer website, JHSalesNet.com, or the website of the producer's firm;

• Automatically receive an electronic copy of a life policy package, within 24 hours after policy issue, and

• Access copies of clients' key inforce life policy documents online.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial

John Hancock Financial is a division of Manulife Financial, a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were C$575 billion (US$559 billion) as at September 30, 2013. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at manulife.com.

The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers and administers a broad range of financial products, including life insurance, annuities, fixed products, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com.

Insurance products are issued by John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.), Boston, MA 02116 (not licensed in New York) and John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York, Valhalla, NY 10595. MLINY012214113

SOURCE John Hancock Life Insurance