Plain Language Certification is being seeked by the insurance industry
This is in a effort to protect the consumer.
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With demands growing to have consumers protected through legislation such as
the National Credit Act, the Companies Act and the Consumer Protection Act,
banks and insurance groups are seeking to have their documents meet the
standards of these laws.
One of the requirements is that all documents sent to consumers be written in
plain, simple language.
As such, banks and insurance companies are seeking the services of South
Africa's only plan language operator, Simplified.
Simplified offers a form of certification which deems that the awarded
company meets minimum standards required by law.
The program offered by Simplified has been aligned with the definitions of
plain language as demanded by these laws.
What is surprising is that this service is provided for free to insurance
companies and banks, as the company has a mission to promote the use of plain
language in South Africa.
The founders of Simplified have many years of experience between them and
strongly believe in the need for consumers to understand their insurance
policies or mortgage contracts.
One of the founders serves on the board of Plain Language Association
International, while another acts as South Africa's representative of the legal
arm of the group, Clarity.
Speaking to the industry this week, one of the founders, Gordon noted: "The
Simplified certification is given to companies that are maximizing the benefits
of plain language to themselves and their customers rather than treating it as
yet another compliance burden."
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