Much ado about nothing

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While clearing my desk the other day I flicked through a couple of issues of COVER published 10 year...

While clearing my desk the other day I flicked through a couple of issues of COVER published 10 years ago. It made me realise how little the industry has changed. Sure, the sector has updated its critical illness (CI) definitions, tried to clamp down on non-disclosure and has launched products more suited to customers' needs, but the majority of issues the sector faced a decade ago still remain.

Income protection, the product praised by many experts as the key cover to have, is still largely undersold; protection is still very much sold rather than bought and more than justifiable CI claims continue to be turned down due to non-disclosure.

With these issues unresolved it is not surprising consumers continue to deeply mistrust the insurance industry.

Of course, insurers are not charitable organisations, here to give away things for free. But they should try to give more policyholders the benefit of the doubt before they press the "rejected claims" button. They should also invest more money where it really matters.

So, how about trying to deliver what it says on the tin? Provide life cover when life cover is bought. Not only will this help improve trust in the sector but it will also make life easier for IFAs who are the ones having to face distraught clients when yet another claim has been turned down.

So long, farewell ...

After three and a half years in this industry, the time has come for me to bid you goodbye after accepting a job at a consumer title. Not only have I learnt a lot here but I have also had a hoot and made many great friends. So a big thank you for all your support!

I will be leaving you in the safe hands of Paul Robertson, COVER's first male editor. I wish him and the rest of the team all the best. I am sure they will make COVER a better and more interesting read than ever before.

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