Most of us take life insurance at some point to protect our loved ones in the event of our death. Unfortunately, when we die our debts remain and in addition to the distress of bereavement a grieving family might easily be saddled with money-worries too.
In most cases a mortgage lender will insist of life cover to cover the debt secured on the property. In addition, you might decide that you want to leave a lump sum to cover for expenses in the immediate months or years after your death.
Of course, as life moves on you might find that your mortgage sum is reducing or your liabilities have decreased. Perhaps you have built up savings and reduced debt, thus making the need for insurance redundant? Therefore, rather than insuring for a fixed lump sum throughout the term of your cover, some people agree a reducing insured sum, either linked to the mortgage sum outstanding or perhaps linked to family events such as the graduation of your children or the repayment of outstanding loans.
A Level Term policy is a fixed sum throughout the term. A Decreasing Term is, as the name suggests, allows for a varying sum insured to take account for events such as the ones mentioned above.
The advantage to a decreasing Term Insurance is primarily reduced premiums. The insurer’s exposure to risk is reduced and this is reflected in the premiums you must pay.
Of course, when considering life insurance, it is also worth considering terminal critical illness cover and family income benefits insurance. You should also review what other cover might be in place already including death-in-service insurance provided as a perk by some employers.
At Mortgage Required we believe that protecting your property, possessions and loved ones is essential. Having the correct cover in place gives both peace of mind and security should the worst happen. Find out more about our protection services here.
Contact Mortgage Required to speak to an protection adviser on 01628 507477.
Related articles:
Many households are still being affected by the high cost of living, with several people worrying about how they can make ends meet on a monthly-basis. Unfortunately, the cost of bills including, water, council tax, and energy are still rising. Here are some things you can do.
The Renters’ Rights Bill represents a significant milestone designed to enhance the rights and protections of tenants in the rental market. This comprehensive bill aims to foster a more balanced and fair rental sector, ensuring that tenants can enjoy greater security and equitable treatment. It is likely to become law in late 2025.
14 days ago
Owning a buy-to-let property in your sole name versus through a limited company each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
20 days ago
Data from Rightmove shows that Sunbury-on-Thames in Surrey was the number one house price hotspot in 2024. The prices in this area climbed an impressive 12.5% - increasing from an average price of £527,005 in 2023 to £592,926 in 2024.
23 days ago
On the 31st October 2024 stamp duty for those purchasing additional properties increased by 2% from 3% to 5%.
From 1st April 2025 the threshold will be reducing from £250,000 to £125,000
28 days ago
Research from Metro shows that those who chose to move home didn’t actually move that far away. With a 430g pack of chicken costing on average almost double in London than the rest of the UK, it's no wonder some people are choosing a change of scenery to save a few pennies.
20 Jan 2025
Following recent changes in the Buy to Let market, some investors may find this product less appealing. However, if done correctly, building a buy to let portfolio can be very profitable.
7 Jan 2025
Helping you understand the upcoming changes in stamp duty (SDLT) from April 2025.