UK adults prefer to seek advice

Recent research suggests that many UK adults would prefer to seek professional advice when buying home insurance instead of navigating the process alone.

In a survey conducted by YouGov, nearly half (47%) of respondents said they would want to seek guidance when choosing a home insurance policy. Meanwhile, only 15% did not have any interest in accessing professional advice. This suggests that, on balance, there is a desire to be informed and supported when protecting what’s important.

Why seek advice?

According to the report, having peace of mind is the primary motivator behind seeking advice, with 35% of UK adults saying this was important to them. Meanwhile, 28% believed that speaking to an adviser would help them find a policy better tailored to their needs. This is understandable as exclusions, limits and optional extras can easily be overlooked without expert advice.

The prevalence of ‘cover anxiety’

The survey indicated growing anxiety around purchasing insurance online, with nearly a quarter (24%) expressing doubts about sourcing a policy in this way. Interestingly, this anxiety was even higher (33%) among those who had used a price comparison site within the last year.

This so-called ‘cover anxiety’ becomes more prevalent among parents – 42% of households with three or more children weren’t sure if their cover was right for them. This suggests that busy parents may be more likely to make a quick decision without properly consulting the policy details, potentially leaving gaps in their cover.

Advice pays off

It is encouraging to see that many UK adults seem to recognise the value of advice. Over half (56%) of respondents said they would be willing to pay more to ensure that their policy genuinely meets their needs.

Expert opinion

Louise Pengelly, proposition director at Paymentshield, commented on the findings: “Peace of mind is worth a lot and for many consumers, it’s valued more highly than the cost of the policy itself, as long as they can trust it will protect them when needed.”She added, “What’s especially encouraging is the number of people who say they want advice. This research shows there’s a large, receptive audience ready to engage with advisers, and it clearly challenges the idea that clients aren’t interested in talking about insurance.”

Get in touch

Inspired to seek advice? You don’t have to navigate the insurance process alone. We can help source cover that works for you and your budget.

As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply.

Sources:

https://protectionreporter.co.uk/peace-of-mind-driving-demand-for-guidance-when-buying-home-insurance.html