Posted by Wanda Jackson on 9/22/10 2:02pm
Msg #353436

does a notary represent insurance companies

I've been asked to ask a person to sign a document stating that he is alive. This document is for insurance purposes and I have been directed to tell the person that I am representing a particular insurance company. Does anyone know if we can actually tell folks that we represent another company when we are an independent company?

Reply by Susan Fischer on 9/22/10 2:23pm
Msg #353441

Since a Notary Public is a "person of proven

integrity appointed by the state to act as an impartial witness," I wouldn't tell a signer that I ~represent~ a particular company if I weren't in its employ.

The term "represent" is a term of art that can have all kinds of repercussions, and for that alone, I'd decline.

Perhaps if they changed the request from "represent" to "...I was 'contracted (hired)' by a particular company to perform this particular notarial act, and have no other relationship with that company..." or some such, then that would be different.

jmho.

Reply by Cari on 9/22/10 2:23pm
Msg #353442

wow, um....where do I start....

First, you can represent anyone you choose to, if you're a lawyer.

Second, you're an independent contractor that's a notary public and/or nsa right? So, basically you'll be working on behalf of an insurance company to get a signature on one of their documents, notarized.

I also hope you have a contract with that insurance company that says you're an independent contractor...if you don't have one from them, or one of your own, I strongly suggest you get one so that there are no issues regarding your fee, payment, etc. I would also have the insurance company rep send you an email confirming your fee, and state your fee for a no show/no sign, and/or trip fee.

Third, I wouldn't say that you're 'representing' the insurance company. If you say that, you may be construed as actually being of legal counsel for the insurance company. So its best to make that clear from the getgo (NOT GEICO he he).

Good luck.

Reply by MW/VA on 9/22/10 2:23pm
Msg #353443

By law, a notary can't represent anyone. We must be the impartial 3rd party, limited to witnessing signatures. My policy is to stay away from anything that is asking me to do anything that is dishonest or illegal. My .02

Reply by Les_CO on 9/22/10 2:35pm
Msg #353445

You can certainly tell the signer that you’ve been hired by an insurance company to obtain, and witness their signature on a particular document, If that is truly the case. JMO

Reply by Wanda Jackson on 9/22/10 3:03pm
Msg #353450

Thanks to everyone who responded as I truly felt uncomfortable with that situation.

Reply by MW/VA on 9/22/10 3:17pm
Msg #353452

Always remember rule #1--trust your gut. If it doesn't feel

right, it probably isn't right.

Reply by Cari on 9/22/10 5:03pm
Msg #353462

here's a link to a situation where a document or statement

such as the one you described would be used by an insurance company:

http://www.claimspages.com/documents/download/9225D.pdf


I for one do not necessarily go with my gut as a first reaction. I use my brains! If my gut starts to turn, for whatever reason (maybe gas) then its all the more reason why I would've told the insurance company, a potential long lasting client, to let me get back to them, getting quickly off of the phone and doing some Internet investigation regarding that particular of document....so NO IMHO...do not necessarily go with your gut, use the old brains! You'd be surprised! =)

Reply by Julie/MI on 9/22/10 3:33pm
Msg #353456

I receive a handful of these requests from time to time usually involving pensions received from germany and colombia.

I'm not representing the company; I'm just filling in the identification used and that the person signing the form is indeed alive and to keep sending the pension checks.

I don't have a clue if this is the same as what you are referring to.

Reply by Linda Snell on 9/22/10 4:29pm
Msg #353460

licensed insurance agents represent insurance companies n/m

Reply by MistarellaFL on 9/23/10 7:14am
Msg #353536

define AGENT (as in signing agent)

Agent - An agent is a person who is authorized to act on behalf of another party and represent their interest.