Plain-English help
Understand costs, cover types, underwriting and trusts before deciding what to do next.
Is a life insurance payout taxable in the UK? Money paid out on a standard personal life insurance protection policy following a valid death claim is generally not treated as taxable income in the hands of the recipient. However, inheritance tax is a separate question, and the payout can form part of an estate depending […]
What are the real benefits of life insurance? The biggest one is straightforward: if you die while a suitable policy is in force, a valid claim can provide money to help the people who depend on you. It cannot replace you, but it can prevent a difficult time becoming a financial crisis too. Whether you […]
Inheritance Tax is a tax on an estate after death and on some transfers during life. Whether any tax is payable depends on the estate, gifts, exemptions and available allowances; there is no single tax-free figure that applies to everyone. The main UK allowances The standard nil-rate band is £325,000. A separate residence nil-rate band […]
When it comes to planning for your family’s future, one of the biggest questions for life insurance is “how much life insurance do I need? Knowing how much can be a difficult question to answer. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to help determine the right amount of coverage for you and your […]
Probate is the legal authority to deal with certain property, money and possessions left by someone who has died. The person dealing with the estate may need a grant before banks, investment providers or other organisations will release assets or allow them to be transferred. This guide explains the broad process for England and Wales. […]
A life insurance broker can help compare protection and explain application terms, but the value depends on the service actually provided. Check the firm’s role and comparison scope rather than assuming every broker searches every insurer. 1. Identify the regulated firm Check the business and relevant details on the FCA Register. Discount Life Cover is […]
What is life insurance, and how does it actually work? In simple terms, it is an agreement under which an insurer pays the policy’s stated benefit when a valid claim is made, subject to the contract. For ordinary term life insurance, that usually means a payment if the person insured dies during the chosen number […]
Life insurance with a free gift can sound appealing. Some promotions have offered shopping vouchers, cashback or rewards linked to a new policy. The important question is whether the insurance is suitable and affordable even without the gift. This guide explains the different kinds of incentive, what to check in the small print and why […]
Which life insurance is best in the UK in 2026? Compare insurers, policy types, costs and the details that matter, with practical advice from an experienced UK broker.
Does life insurance cover death from COVID-19? For a standard life insurance policy, a death caused by COVID-19 is not ordinarily excluded simply because the cause is coronavirus. As with other death claims, payment depends on the policy being in force, the claim meeting the contract’s terms and the information given during the application being […]
