OPTins quickly, securely allows insurance carriers to pay fees online
NASHVILLE – In an effort to improve efficiencies and customer service, the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) announces that non premium tax fees can now be paid electronically to the department.
In the past, insurance carriers faced delays and expenses when printing and mailing paper checks covering payments for expansion application fees, annual certificate fees, and insurance company corporate amendment fees, among others. Beginning this January, all insurance company fees may be paid securely and electronically through OPTins, an online electronic payment application created for states by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
“In the past, insurance companies had to rely on a postal carrier to deliver their important fee payments by mail to the department here in Nashville,” said TDCI Commissioner Hodgen Mainda. “By leveraging technology such as OPTins, our department is helping modernize state government and better serve Tennessee citizens.”
In 2011, TDCI first implemented OPTins by allowing insurers to electronically pay premium taxes to the department. With the current changes, virtually all insurance carrier fees in Tennessee can be paid online via OPTins.
“We applaud Tennessee’s efforts to leverage the efficiencies they could gain by implementing a single system for payment collection in their state, and we’re pleased to partner with them in this effort,” said Scott Morris, NAIC Chief Technology Officer.
Said TDCI Assistant Commissioner Rachel Jrade-Rice: “Implementing OPTins will create savings for companies by allowing them to instantly pay fees instead of using valuable time and resources in order to cut a paper check. I’m proud of our team for their work helping implement this important step forward for the department and Tennesseans.”
For more details, insurance carriers should visit www.optins.org or contact the OPTins Marketing Team at optinsmktg@naic.org or call (816) 783-8787 regarding the implementation process.
About the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance: Protecting Tennesseans through balanced oversight of insurance and regulated professions while enhancing consumer advocacy, education, and public safety. Our divisions include the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Insurance, Securities, Regulatory Boards, Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy, Tennessee Emergency Communications Board, and TennCare Oversight.
