NOTE: As I anticipated there have been a number of updates to the information contained in this article. I have done my best to update where new information has been added or updated. If you read an early version of this article be sure to read to the end again for the latest information I have.
ACORD® (Association for Cooperative Operations Research and Development) was created in 1970 as a non-profit organization by insurance carriers and agent organizations focused on streamlining policy applications and other industry forms. In the late 1970s, ACORD began developing data standards.
Every entity (agency, insurance company, and vendor) that uses ACORD forms or ACORD data standards is required to have a license to access and use ACORD forms. There are currently about 850 forms in the library. The current ACORD license agreement for vendors who provide ACORD forms in their platforms includes a sublicense for agency access to the forms in the platform. The vendor paid the license fee for their clients. This agreement expires on December 31, 2019.
Access to ACORD Forms is Changing
As of January 1, 2020, the vendor providing access to ACORD forms will no longer be able to provide access through sublicensing. Each organization will be required to obtain their license directly from ACORD.
