The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has called on the insurance industry to help more consumers access products that support them and their families if they become critically ill or die.
The interim findings of its competition review of pure protection products found that, for those consumers that have taken out protection insurance, the market mostly works well. There are a wide range of products, most consumers can claim when they need to, and the costs of cover have remained stable in the last few years.
But 58% of adults do not hold a pure protection product, even though many could benefit from them. The FCA wants to help close this gap.
Research suggests that the gap exists because consumers aren’t aware of their needs and aren’t prompted to consider them. Other issues include ability to pay, misunderstandings about the product or improvements needed in the sales process.
The FCA is exploring what more can be done, working with industry and other stakeholders, to better support consumers.
Graeme Reynolds, Director of Competition and Interim Director of Insurance at the FCA, commented:
“These insurance products play a vital role in helping families manage some of the most difficult experiences in life. While competition in the market is mostly working well for consumers, many more people could benefit from protection. We will work with industry to reduce this gap, to help consumers navigate their financial lives.”
