There are a number of reasons why you might need life cover and critical illness cover. If you have dependents, it is important to make sure that they have financial security if something happens to you. If you have a mortgage or other debts, then life cover can help to pay these off.

Critical illness cover can provide you with a lump sum of money if you are diagnosed with a specified serious illness. This can help to cover the cost of treatment and make sure that you and your family have financial security.

NOT SO KEEN TO INSURE OUR OWN LIVES

But, according to new research [1], only 32% of people in the UK have life insurance. In comparison, to 64% who have taken out an insurance policy to cover their homes. Showing that there is still some truth in the old adage ‘An Englishman’s home is his castle’, it would seem some people place more importance on insuring their homes than their lives.

The figures reveal that whilst we’re happy to protect our latest iPhone purchase (14%), our upcoming holiday from the unpredictability of COVID (21%) and our furry four-legged friends (19%), we’re not so keen to insure our own lives to protect our loved ones.

RELUCTANT TO THINK ABOUT OUR OWN MORTALITY

Indeed, 66% of people aged over 35 do not have life insurance cover. With a further 84% not having critical illness cover. Whilst 58% of people with pet insurance and 47% with mobile phone insurance have not taken out life insurance.

It is not unusual for people to be reluctant to think about their own mortality. This shows especially in younger people in their 30s and 40s. However, it is important for people during the accumulation phase of their lives, which is generally those under 50, to think about protecting their financial journey.

TRANSFER RISK TO AN INSURANCE PROVIDER

Taking out life insurance and critical illness cover can help to transfer risk to an insurance provider. It is a way to help protect the journey towards meeting your financial goals.

Almost a fifth of the respondents (19%) who have life insurance in place said they do not have, or they are not confident that they have, sufficient life insurance to pay off their debts and provide for their dependents should the worst happen.

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY OR OTHER LOVED ONES

Less than half (45%) of those polled say their existing life insurance policy will cover their mortgage. While, only a quarter (24%) say it would cover their current salary. A further 15% say it will only cover the basic cost of living for their dependents, 4% realised that their current policy covers a previous salary which is lower than their current earnings, and 20% admit they simply don’t know how much their life insurance would cover.

Whether it’s to protect your family or other loved ones, it is important to take professional advice and make a plan. This should be reviewed regularly, to ensure that the people that matter to you are taken care of and that your financial goals can be achieved.

MAKE SURE YOUR LOVED ONES ARE LOOKED AFTER, SHOULD THE WORST HAPPEN

We’re here to help you protect your loved ones to help provide you and them with the financial security you need. This is so you don’t have to worry about tomorrow.

To discuss any of the issues raised in this article, please contact us. Further information can also be found at gov.uk.

Source data: [1] The research of 1,000 nationally representative UK adults was commissioned by Find Out Now in November 2021 on behalf of Brewin Dolphin. https://www.brewin.co.uk/group/media/news-and-comments/2022-01/more-brits-insure-their-homes-their-lives-says-brewin-dolphin

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