The protection industry should engage with the Money Advice Service (MAS) not fear it to successfully grow the market, industry leaders have said.
The ABI and RGA urged the market to take a proactive approach by contacting the service to raise any queries and to build on information offered by it to increase sales.
Speaking at RGA's Write the future conference, Nick Kirwan, assistant director of health and protection at the ABI, argued the industry should capture customers after completing the MAS information process.
"It leaves customers by saying you should consider these areas," he said.
"As an industry we should make sure we're ready to catch people coming out of that process as they're left being told ‘You should be considering some life insurance' but not being told how much and what to do next.
"There's a real role for catching people as they come out of it and using the same jargon so it's a seamless process for them.
"The MAS only takes people so far and it's up to us to move them along," he added.
His comments supported earlier ones by David Gulland, managing director of the reinsurer, who advised the market to respond to the initiative and recommend any corrections.
"If you don't like what's on there, don't not complain, let's go and help them," he said.
"We're paying for it, the levy's on us, so let's make sure it does what we think is right for our consumers and us.
"Maybe if you're happy with what's on there put a link to it on your website, add it to your literature and material, perhaps the key features - work with them."
And Gulland was positive that in the long run, schemes such as the MAS would prove successful and encourage growth.
"Currently people are saying ‘What can you do with that? What can you achieve with budget of £45m?'" he continued.
"But it's a nudge. Take that with the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) and slowly people are beginning to realise the need to look after their own financial situations.
"Maybe if people do these things online they will realise they need some help with their financial situation."
Jason Hurley, head of sales and marketing at RGA, added: "Consistent information also matters.
"We must make sure what is there from us is giving people advice and not selling products."
