How to avoid the 'curse of knowledge' in discussing protection insurance

clock • 3 min read

When we work in a specific industry for long enough we learn to speak in a different language. And we often forget the man on the street doesn't understand that language, writes Roger Edwards.

I took my car in for a service last week. Whilst waiting, and enjoying a rather good coffee in the lounge, one of the engineers popped out to have a word with me. He unloaded a stream of "car technobabble" at me. Something about traction and balance and that it could be dangerous for my tires. Holding up my hand to stop the torrent of tech, I ask him to translate what we was saying into plain English. In fairness, his second attempt at explaining the problem did the trick and I understood what was wrong and agreed to let them fix it. A few days later I was chatting to Alan Lakey...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Individual Protection

Government pledges earlier support for mental health

Government pledges earlier support for mental health

Fonagy's final report launched

Jaskeet Briah
clock 12 October 2026 • 4 min read
The COVER Review: IHT, provider updates and affordability

The COVER Review: IHT, provider updates and affordability

Week commencing 5 October 2026

COVER
clock 09 October 2026 • 1 min read
Half of UK adults support scrapping of IHT

Half of UK adults support scrapping of IHT

71% oppose 40% IHT rate increase

Patrick Brusnahan
clock 05 October 2026 • 1 min read