Newcastle Permanent has introduced a new process to enable verification of identity to be completed through a video call.
The building society has introduced the process to allow VOI to be completed where a broker is unable to meet face-to-face with a client.
The following steps need to be followed to complete the VOI process:
- Clients need to send their identification to the broker before the interview takes place. Clients can email the ID;
- During the video call, customers need to hold up their ID, have it sighted by the broker, who needs to confirm the likeness of the customer with the supplied ID documents;
- The broker is to then take a screenshot or photo of the client holding their ID documentation;
- The broker needs to complete the verification of ID form confirming a video interview has been completed. Customers no longer need to sign the VOI form;
- The completed VOI form and screenshot/photo is to be provided to Newcastle Permanent along with the application documentation; and
- Newcastle Permanent will then email the customers directly with a link for them to complete an online documentation verification system check to certify their ID. The broker will be copied into that email.
Identification requirements for face-to-face interviews remain unchanged.
Newcastle Permanent has joined various other lenders, who have adopted remote loan writing and VOI processes to accommodate the social distancing measures imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Some lenders have chosen to keep the face-to-face VOI but said they would use “come to you” providers like ZipID and MaxID.
[Related: We need to tackle VOI standardisation: Connective]