The implementation of NowCerts typically involves several structured steps to ensure smooth onboarding, accurate data migration, and proper staff training. The overall duration can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of the agency’s operations, amount of data to be migrated, and the number of system integrations required.
Key Steps:
Needs Assessment and Planning – Review business requirements, determine integrations, and establish an implementation plan with defined milestones.
System Configuration – Set up core modules, customize workflows, and configure features according to the agency’s needs.
Data Migration – Import existing client records, policies, and documentation from previous systems.
Integration Setup – Connect the platform with carriers, comparative raters, and other third-party applications used by the agency.
User Training – Provide training sessions, resources, and hands-on guidance for staff members.
Testing and Validation – Run pilot operations to ensure accuracy, resolve configuration issues, and finalize the setup.
Go-Live and Post-Launch Support – Transition to live operations with ongoing support to handle adjustments.
Typical Duration:
Small agencies: 1–2 weeks
Medium to large agencies: 3–6 weeks
Complex integrations and heavy data migration: 6–8 weeks or more
Customisation
NowCerts is designed to be highly configurable, allowing insurance agencies to adapt the platform to match their unique processes, workflows, and operational requirements. The flexibility helps agencies tailor the user experience without sacrificing system stability.
Customization Capabilities:
Custom Workflows – Ability to create and automate tasks, reminders, and client communications specific to agency processes.
Form and Document Templates – Modify or design templates for certificates, policies, and client communication.
Custom Fields – Add specific data fields to capture agency-specific information.
Dashboard Personalization – Adjust widgets, metrics, and reports shown to different users or teams.
Integration Flexibility – Connect with CRM, accounting tools, or carrier portals based on the agency’s requirements.
Role-Based Access Control – Customize user permissions for security and efficiency.
Additional Costs
The total cost of NowCerts goes beyond the base subscription, as agencies may incur one-time or recurring expenses for implementation, ongoing support, and system scaling. These costs vary depending on the level of customization, training, and integration required.
Possible Additional Costs:
Initial Setup Fees – Charged for system configuration, data migration, and initial integrations.
Customization Charges – Costs for advanced or complex customization work beyond standard features.
Training Costs – Fees for additional staff training sessions, either online or on-site.
Ongoing Maintenance – Regular updates and performance optimizations, generally included in the subscription, but premium maintenance may have extra charges.
Support Packages – Standard support is often included, but priority or 24/7 support may have a higher fee.
Integration Fees – Costs associated with connecting to external tools, carriers, or APIs not included in the base package.
Additional User Licenses – Charges for adding more users beyond the contracted amount.
Training
NowCerts provides a variety of training and support options designed to help new users quickly become proficient with the platform. Their approach combines structured onboarding, self-paced resources, and ongoing assistance to ensure that agencies can use all features effectively from day one.
Training and Support Options:
Live Onboarding Sessions – Interactive sessions with a product specialist to guide users through initial setup and key functionalities.
One-on-One Training – Personalized training tailored to the agency’s specific needs and workflows.
Webinars and Online Demos – Regularly scheduled sessions to demonstrate features and best practices.
Knowledge Base and Documentation – Access to detailed articles, FAQs, and step-by-step guides.
Video Tutorials – Short, topic-focused videos to help users learn at their own pace.
Email and Phone Support – Direct communication channels for quick issue resolution.
Ticket-Based Help Desk – Online support system to track and resolve technical issues.
Post-Implementation Follow-Up – Check-ins after go-live to address additional questions or adjustments.
Security Measures
NowCerts prioritizes data security by implementing multiple layers of protection that meet industry standards for confidentiality, integrity, and availability. These measures ensure that client and policy data is safeguarded from unauthorized access, breaches, and data loss.
Security Features:
Data Encryption – All sensitive information is encrypted both in transit and at rest.
Secure User Authentication – Password policies, session timeouts, and optional multi-factor authentication.
Role-Based Access Control – Permissions configured to limit access based on user roles.
Regular Security Audits – Routine checks to identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance.
Redundant Backups – Automated backups stored in multiple secure locations for disaster recovery.
Firewall and Intrusion Detection Systems – Monitors and blocks suspicious activities.
Compliance with Industry Standards – Adherence to regulations like GDPR or other applicable insurance data security frameworks.
Secure Data Centers – Hosting in facilities with physical and network-level security protections.
Updates
NowCerts releases updates regularly to introduce new features, enhance existing tools, and patch any security vulnerabilities. These updates are managed to minimize downtime and are often rolled out automatically without disrupting agency operations.
Update Management Process:
Regular Feature Updates – New functionalities and improvements are typically released every few months.
Security Patches – Urgent fixes are deployed promptly as soon as vulnerabilities are detected.
Bug Fixes – Continuous monitoring and rapid resolution of software issues.
Automated Deployment – Updates are rolled out to all users with minimal manual intervention.
Advance Notifications – Agencies receive alerts about upcoming major changes or downtime.
Version Control – Proper tracking of software versions to ensure consistency across all users.
Feedback-Driven Enhancements – Incorporation of user suggestions into the product roadmap
Data Ownership and Portability
NowCerts’ policy generally ensures that agencies retain full ownership of their data, with provisions for secure access, export, and transfer if needed. The platform is designed to give agencies control over client records, policies, and documentation, even if they decide to change service providers.
Key Points:
Full Data Ownership – The agency maintains full rights to all client information, policy details, and associated documents entered into the system.
Data Access Rights – Authorized users can view, update, and export data at any time.
Data Portability Options – Provides tools and formats (such as CSV, Excel, or API integration) to export data for migration or backup purposes.
Termination Policy – Upon cancellation, the agency can request a full data export before account closure.
Secure Transfer Protocols – Data exports are handled through encrypted channels to protect sensitive information during transfer.
Retention Policies – Defines how long NowCerts stores data post-termination and under what conditions it will be deleted.
Compliance Support – Aligns data handling with industry regulations to ensure legal compliance during transfers.
Scaling Up / Down
NowCerts offers flexible subscription terms that allow agencies to adjust their plan, user count, and feature set as their business evolves. This scalability ensures that the platform can grow alongside the agency or be adjusted downward to control costs.
Key Points:
Flexible Licensing – Ability to add or remove user licenses as staffing levels change.
Feature Tier Adjustments – Agencies can upgrade to higher feature plans for advanced capabilities or downgrade to basic plans as needed.
Integration Expansion – Additional integrations and API connections can be enabled when scaling up.
Cost Adjustments – Pricing updates automatically based on the new plan level or user count.
Short Notice Changes – Some plan changes can be implemented mid-billing cycle, while others take effect at renewal.
No Long-Term Lock-In for Scaling – Scalability terms are usually monthly or annual depending on the subscription, with the option to adjust during renewal periods.
Support for Multi-Location Agencies – Ability to expand system access across multiple offices or geographic areas.
Data Continuity – All data remains intact when scaling up or down, with no loss of historical records
The terms & conditions for contract renewal and cancellation
NowCerts typically offers subscription-based contracts that outline renewal timelines, cancellation procedures, and associated obligations. These terms are designed to provide flexibility while ensuring smooth continuity of service for agencies that choose to continue using the platform.
Key Points:
Subscription Periods – Contracts are generally offered on a monthly or annual basis, depending on the customer’s preference.
Automatic Renewal – Many plans renew automatically unless cancellation is submitted within the required notice period.
Notice Period for Cancellation – Agencies are typically required to provide written notice a set number of days before the renewal date to avoid being billed for the next term.
Early Termination Policy – Annual contracts may have penalties or pro-rated charges if cancelled before the end of the term.
Data Retrieval Upon Cancellation – Agencies can request a full export of their data before account closure.
Outstanding Payments – Any unpaid balances must be settled before cancellation is finalized.
Service Deactivation – Access to the system is terminated after the cancellation date, but data retention policies may apply for a limited period.
Renewal Review Opportunities – Agencies can use renewal periods to renegotiate terms, add features, or adjust the subscription level.
Compliance
NowCerts adheres to multiple compliance frameworks to ensure the security, privacy, and lawful processing of insurance data. These standards help agencies maintain regulatory compliance and protect client information in line with industry expectations.
Key Points:
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) – Ensures data privacy rights for individuals in the European Union, including consent and data deletion controls.
SOC 2 Compliance Principles – Follows security, availability, and confidentiality principles for managing customer data.
HIPAA-Aligned Practices – Implements safeguards suitable for handling sensitive health-related information when applicable in insurance contexts.
State Insurance Data Regulations – Meets applicable state-level requirements for storing and transmitting insurance policyholder data.
Encryption Standards – Uses AES-256 or similar encryption to meet high-level security expectations.
Disaster Recovery and Backup Protocols – Maintains compliance with industry best practices for data recovery in case of outages.
User Access Control Standards – Implements strict authentication and permission management aligned with regulatory expectations.
Regular Compliance Audits – Periodically reviews systems to confirm continued alignment with governing regulations.