Do I need insurance to get a mortgage?
A.
Usually, you will need buildings insurance in place if you are buying with a mortgage, because the lender will want the property itself protected. Other protection, such as life cover or income protection, is not usually a condition of the mortgage, but that does not make it unimportant.
How much does protection cost, and does medical history affect it?
A.
Protection costs vary from person to person. In broad terms, price is usually affected by things like your age, health, smoking status, occupation, the amount of cover, and how long you want it to last. Many policies are medically underwritten, so health and medical history can affect both price and terms. That said, it is often more affordable than people assume, and we do not charge a fee for protection advice.
Do I need a Will as well as insurance?
A.
They do different jobs. Insurance is there to create money at the point it is needed. A will is there to help make sure your wishes are clear, the right people are looked after, and your estate is dealt with the way you intended. If there is no will, your estate is shared out under the legal rules, which may not match what you would have wanted. So no, they are not the same thing and having one does not remove the need to think about the other.
What could happen to my home if I have no protection in place?
A.
That depends on what has happened and what cover is missing. With a mortgage, buildings insurance is usually the starting point because the structure of the property needs to be protected. Beyond that, the wider risk is that illness, death, or loss of income can quickly turn a manageable mortgage into a financial strain.
Would the government support me if I could not work?
A.
There may be support, but it is often far below a normal income. Eligible workers can receive Statutory Sick Pay but it is capped and it is only payable for up to 28 weeks. The standard weekly amounts are modest compared with most household incomes. That is why people often look at income protection separately. Government support can help, but it is rarely designed to replace a full salary.
I’ve heard insurers never pay out, is that true?
A.
No, that is one of the most persistent myths around protection. ABI data for 2024 shows that 96.5% of new individual life claims were paid. Where claims do run into problems, it is often because key information was not disclosed properly at application stage, or because the claim does not meet the policy definition. That is one reason good advice and clear disclosure matter. (https://www.abi.org.uk/news/news-articles/2025/7/Record-8bn-paid-out-in-vital-protection-claims-during-2024/)
Can’t I just arrange protection myself online?
A.
You can, and for some people that may be fine. The question is not whether it is possible, it is whether you end up with the right type of cover, the right amount, the right policy structure, and a clear understanding of what it does and does not cover. That is where advice can add real value. It helps you think through the impact on the home, the household income, and the family if life changed suddenly, rather than just picking a product and hoping it fits.