Insurance
Life insurance and protection
Think about what your family would need to keep their standard of living if you were not there, or could not work. Protection is how you put that in place.
Life insurance pays a lump sum if you die during the term, which can clear the mortgage, cover bills and school fees and give your family time. The younger and healthier you are when you take it out, the less it usually costs, because the risk the insurer takes on is lower.
Critical illness cover pays a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of the conditions listed in the policy, and income protection replaces part of your salary each month if illness or injury stops you working. Our protection advisers help you decide which combination, if any, is right for you, as a single or joint policy.
What a policy typically covers
- A lump sum on death during the policy term
- A lump sum on diagnosis of a listed critical illness
- A monthly income, typically fifty to seventy per cent of earnings, while you cannot work
- Optional children's cover and waiver of premium
Exact cover, limits and excesses depend on the policy. We go through the wording with you before you buy.
How it works
Life and protection, step by step
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What needs protecting
The mortgage, your income, dependants, and what savings would already cover.
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The options
Life, critical illness, income protection, or a combination. Level, decreasing or family income benefit.
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Underwriting
The insurer asks about your health and lifestyle. We explain what to expect before you apply.
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Cover in place
Policies are usually set up in trust where appropriate so the money reaches the right people quickly.
Good to know
Life and protection questions
Do I need life insurance if I have a mortgage?
It is not a legal requirement, but if someone depends on your income to keep the home, a policy that clears the mortgage if you die is the simplest way to make sure they keep it.
What is the difference between critical illness cover and income protection?
Critical illness pays a single lump sum on diagnosis of a listed condition, then ends. Income protection pays a monthly amount for as long as you cannot work, up to the end of the policy, for almost any illness or injury.
How much does life insurance cost?
It depends on your age, health, smoking status, the amount and the term. Taking cover out earlier usually means paying less for the same amount over the years.
Why use a broker rather than a comparison site?
A comparison site ranks by price and leaves you to read the policy. We read it for you, explain what is and is not covered, and place the risk with an insurer whose wording actually fits your home and how you live in it.
What do you charge for insurance advice?
Insurers pay us commission on the policies we arrange, and we tell you the amount if you ask. Where we charge a fee for arranging cover we tell you before you commit.
Ready to talk about life and protection?
Tell us a little about what you need and we will come back within one working day. No obligation, and nothing is applied for until you say so.
Cover is subject to underwriting and to the terms and conditions of the policy. Conditions and exclusions apply. Please refer to the policy documents for full details.