Why use a Mortgage Broker in Liverpool

Today we live in an uncertain economic environment. Yet, in a world full of opportunities, therefore we like to be prepared, and when it comes to our finances, there is one thing we all desire: being well informed. 

Are you looking for mortgage advice in Liverpool? 

As a group of experts, we believe that there are some excellent reasons to use a mortgage broker in Liverpool, so here we will talk about both methods’ positives and negatives so that you can make the best well-informed decision. 

We know that there are many mortgages options out there, for example, you can still go directly to the lender, whether via a branch or online. However, we discovered that most people still use a mortgage broker in Liverpool due to the benefits it brings.

Using a Broker instead of a bank

You may not have much experience, but one thing is for sure: We all like to save some money. So, when we think of mortgage advice, one of the options that first comes to mind is to go directly to a Bank or Building Society, so that you won’t have to pay a broker fee. However, that option became unattractive when credit scores came in a few years ago, and people started looking for other alternatives.

Mortgage Products Offered by Lenders

Another of the mortgage products on the market are those offered by lenders that are only available directly. This strategy gets implemented to attract a fair business distribution from consumers and brokers alike. By being exclusive, they can turn on and off these products when they deem it necessary, this method often confuses the market and consumers.

However, from 2014 onwards, lenders were no longer allowed to sell mortgages without professional advice. Many consumers felt that non-advisors had been trying to push solid advice on them, and they weren’t able to benefit from some of the consumer protection. A benefit that accompanies sales conducted by professionally trained mortgage advisors is why most people still use this service.

Because of this, in late 2014, it was not unusual to have to wait more than a month just for an appointment, and it still happens today. Not the best scenario when you’ve just had your offer accepted on the house. So, many began to make their applications through mortgage agents, who assure you professionalism and a mortgage service the same day, like ourselves.

Affordability

Another important point when applying for a mortgage is affordability, no matter how good the deal is if it is not enough money. That is why we believe that a broker is a perfect option. With our mortgage advice in Liverpool.

We can assure you of the best deal and our service when you need it, in a professional and personalized way. When you call us, we try and put you through with a qualified mortgage advisor either immediately or at the very least, within the same day (unless requested otherwise).

We Can Handle Difficult Cases

Applying for a mortgage can sometimes be difficult. Each case is unique, and many reasons can complicate an application. Some examples are:

• Poor credit history.

• Self-employed income.

• Mixed source of deposit (savings/gift).

• Let to Buy (keep your current home and buy another).

• Contract workers / zero-hour contracts.

• Affordability.

In previous years, lenders could stand out from the competition by merely offering a similar deal but better than another lender. In modern times this is very different, with lending criteria being what separates one lender from another.

However, as we mentioned before, when we talk about our well-being and finances, we like to be well informed and consult with experts on the subject. Your situation is unique, and what you need is not a better loan than someone else’s, but a better one for you and one that suits your situation.

We offer a Free Mortgage Consultation

That’s why we think that seeking professional mortgage advice in Liverpool is the best alternative. When you explain your position to an experienced mortgage broker in Liverpool, there is a chance they have come across something a little similar in the past, allowing them to personalize their service and help you through.

With a little luck, professionalism, and much work, your mortgage advisor will be able to recommend the most suitable mortgage for you at the lowest possible rate.

More than that, though, it’s not just about getting the mortgage. Even if the application itself is straightforward, our clients trust our experience and knowledge for more than that. For example, we will discuss how much they will offer for the property they are buying.

Our team of mortgage brokers in Liverpool can recommend other professional services such as solicitors and explain the different types of surveys and protection available to them. 

Responsive service

Another significant advantage of using a mortgage broker is that they tend to be much more responsive than lenders might be. It’s not been unheard of for our team to work late at night, out of hours, working hard on client cases at full speed to ensure service is prompt, but also efficient. Our team is committed to offering our assistance when you need it and how you need it.

Another point that gets overlooked when looking at why clients may prefer a broker is that everyone is very busy. You may be self-employed in Liverpool, a full-time worker, a working mom and you need a mortgage but do not have time to do it, that is where your advisor can take the burden off for you.

Professional applicants especially see the benefits of these as they have clients of their own to charge for their services and appreciate the benefits of having an expert on board.

Personalized service

Technology is taking over, and the future of the mortgage market is no different. Perhaps in the future, we will see lenders who want to compete with the broker’s business. If this happens, they are unlikely to staff-up their branch networks.

Technology is excellent, and it is a service particular for customers who are happy to do business that way, especially for straightforward cases. However, for most people, there is an element of “reality,” a “human touch,” that you can’t get anywhere other than talking to a mortgage counsellor yourself.

The mortgage broker becomes your ally and can provide you with a satisfying experience, a complete service with all the benefits that the client requires and attention that technology cannot offer.

Having said all this, the reasons for hiring a mortgage broker in Liverpool are vast and if you want to ask any questions related to mortgages. Seek or obtain this service from the hand of a professional team adapted to your needs, get in touch, and we’ll put you through with a mortgage advisor in Liverpool as soon as possible.

Liverpoolmoneyman Christmas Message During Covid-19

Have a safe Christmas

We here at Liverpoolmoneyman would like to wish everyone out there a very Merry Christmas, and we hope for a prosperous and healthy 2021 for everyone.

The values of properties in the UK have surprisingly held themselves up high during the pandemic. Due to stock shortage, undiminished consumer demand and the Stamp Duty Holiday (which is due to end in March of 2021).

Suppose we have learnt anything about the property market in 2020. In that case, it’s that you’ll never stop a dedicated and hard-working potential First-Time Buyer in Liverpool from pushing through and doing whatever it takes to own their home!

Purchase & Remortgage Predictions

We predict that as we advance into 2021, despite unemployment levels going on the rise, we here at Liverpoolmoneyman fully expect the consumer demand for buying property to continue to be on the rise.

With people spending more and more time at home, it’s only natural that people will inevitably start looking for something bigger, better or with a lovelier garden.

Also, around this time of year, we will see lots of remortgage activity from customers who are happy with their current home but would like to invest in their homes by expanding for some home improvements.

Things are looking up

Interest rates are still relatively low, and off the back of Brexit, the Government will want the property sector to thrive, especially considering that it is one of the “wide multipliers”, e.g. it will uphold lots of jobs.

Once the vaccine is fully out there, and life starts to feel a little normal again. We believe there will be many people who adopt a “life’s too short” approach to their lives, something that should be good for the economy as a whole, especially those with involvement in the property market.

If you need Mortgage Advice in Liverpool or life insurance advice in 2021, please feel free to get in touch. Our dedicated mortgage advisors are available from early until late, seven days a week to provide answers to your questions. Contact us to book your free mortgage consultation.

What do Lenders Look for When Assessing my Bank Statements?

When lenders ask for your bank statements, you can expect them to look for a wide range of things. However, their main goal is to assess whether you are the kind of person who handles money responsibly and is likely to keep up to date with their mortgage payments.

In recent months one question is being asked by applicants speaking with one of our Mortgage Advisors in Liverpool: “do gambling transactions look terrible on my bank statements”.

Questions to Consider

What has it got to do with the lender whether I gamble or not?

Whether you have an annual bet on the grand national or regularly use the internet betting sites. Clearly there is nothing illegal about properly licensed gambling.

Many people can see gambling as a mainstream hobby or pastime similar to many others. Still, it shouldn’t get forgotten that even the gambling advertisers urge customers to “please gamble responsibly” and this is the key to bear in mind when applying for a mortgage.

Consequently, whilst it is not a lender’s job to tell you how to live your life, how to spend your money or indeed to moralise on the ethical rights and wrongs of gambling, they do have a duty (underscored by mortgage regulation) to lend responsibly.

Suppose lenders need to prove to the regulators that they are making sensible lending decisions. In that case, it isn’t entirely unfair of them; therefore, to expect the people to whom they lend to adopt a similar approach when it comes to their finances.

Think about it. If you were lending your own money. Would you lend it to the applicant who gambles or the one who doesn’t?

I’ve got gambling transactions on my recent bank statements?

As mentioned above, it is not illegal to gamble so just because you have the odd gambling transaction on your bank statements it doesn’t automatically mean you will get declined for a mortgage.

However, the lender will consider whether these transactions are reasonable and responsible. Thus they will mainly look at the frequency of these transactions, the size of the transactions about the person’s income, and the impact upon the account balance.

If these transactions are infrequent small amounts that make no significant impact on a regular credit bank balance, then they are not likely to be regarded as necessary.

However, if you bet most weeks or you get overdrawn the lender continuously, therefore, expected to see that as being irresponsible and decline your application.

Is there anything else lenders wouldn’t want to see on my bank statements?

As we’ve seen, essentially lenders are looking at your bank statements to show how you manage your money and to help them establish whether this gives them either the confidence that you are financially sensible or the evidence that you are not.

Remember, lenders are financial institutions that, either directly or as part of a wider group, often sell current accounts, overdraft facilities credit cards and personal loans, so understand that these things can all play a considerable role in prudent financial planning.

The key for a mortgage applicant is how these facilities get managed. For example, having an overdraft facility and occasionally using it, is not inherently a bad thing; regularly exceeding the overdraft limit – not so good.

Consequently, lenders will look for excess overdraft fees or returned direct debits because these would generally show that the account is not being well conducted

Other things to look out for include credit transactions from payday loan companies; “undisclosed” loan repayments (i.e. if you said on the application that you have no other loans but there appear to be regular loan payments, this could be a problem).

They would look out for any missed payments; finally, they might also consider how much of a typical month get spent overdrawn – namely if you only go into credit on payday and for the rest of the month are exaggerated, how sustainable is this mortgage?

What can I do to improve things?

The simple answer is – be sensible and, if possible, plan. Typically, a bank would ask for up to three months of your most recent bank statements.

These will show your salary credits and all your regular bill payments. Thus, if you know you’re likely to want to apply for a mortgage in the not-too-distant future. Try to make sure that you avoid any of the above pitfalls.

Take a break from gambling for a short while. Then work on presenting your bank account in the best possible light.

Your mortgage broker can help you as some lenders may ask for fewer bank statements than others. Or indeed some may not even ask for them at all.

However, even these lenders would reserve the right to request bank statements in certain circumstances. So your best bet is to be as prudent as possible in the run-up to any mortgage application.

Remember, if you do gamble, please gamble responsibly!

Specialist Mortgage Advisors in Liverpool

If you are a first-time buyer in Liverpool who doesn’t know a lot about mortgages. You should get some specialist mortgage advice from a Mortgage Advisor in Liverpool.

We can guide you through the whole mortgage process and help you with your application. To get you on track so that lenders will be impressed.

Should I Transfer My Buy to Let Property to my Limited Company?

As an experienced Mortgage Broker in Liverpool. We have worked with various Buy to Let landlords across Liverpool and helped them secure competitive Buy to Let mortgage deals.

Our customers who already have an existing property portfolio always ask whether it’s possible to transfer ownership from your name(s), into the name of your limited company.

Buying as a Special Purpose Vehicle in Liverpool

Firstly, it is essential to know how a mortgage lender will approach purchases from Limited Companies. There are not many lenders that will accept Ltd Company applications through anything other than an SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) Company.

An example of this is a company set up expressly to invest in properties like this. When registering your company, your registration will include a SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) Code. You need to be aware of how mortgage lenders approach limited company purchases.

There aren’t many mortgage lenders that accept limited company applications through anything other than an SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) Company, i.e. a company set up expressly to invest in this type of property.

When you register a company, your registration includes a SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) Code that sets out the business type(s) in which the company will participate. The mortgage lender doesn’t usually accept applications from general trading companies that can trade in other areas.

The SIC codes typically accepted are 68100, 68201, 68209, 68320 but it can vary from lender to lender. To find out more information about SIC Codes, consult the Government website.

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Purchasing a Buy to Let property under a limited company comes with both advantages and disadvantages. So for instance, not every mortgage lender will consider applications from an SPV. Preferring to limit their lending to individuals/couples in their name(s).

Therefore, individuals tend to have a wider choice of lenders and products than SPVs. Of those lenders that will lend to an SPV. The mortgage rates offered would typically be higher than those provided to individuals.

On the plus side, in recent years, changes to the way rental income gets taxed have meant that. For many people, the tax advantages generated by SPV make up for any extra interest charges or lack of choice.

The first thing our Buy to Let Mortgage Advisors in Liverpool recommending you is when considering whether to buy your property portfolio under the auspices of an SPV is that you get advice from a specialist tax advisor.

They will evaluate how factors, such as your other income sources, and the rate of personal income tax you pay will affect your overall tax status and establish whether individual or SPV ownership is better for you.

Should I transfer properties that I have already purchased to an SPV?

As we mentioned before, the main factor in deciding whether to buy under an SPV is your tax position. It is complicated further when determining whether to transfer properties you already own as an individual into company ownership.

There is a slight problem, though, this sort of transaction is not a simple transfer; it’s a change of legal ownership.

The limited company is a separate corporate identity, so the transaction is essentially a purchase by the SPV from you selling as an individual, so you’ll have to account for stamp duty charges, legal costs, and new mortgage valuation charges.

Additionally, you will need to remember that limited companies have running expenses and legal obligations. However, these may get offset by the potential upside of some tax-deductible costs or long-term tax benefits.

Where Landlords are looking to increase their property portfolio, it often works out that they continue to hold existing properties in their sole name(s) but purchase any new additions under the company name, thus avoiding all the on-costs of switching.

Having said that, no case is the same, and there may be some circumstances where the switch would be beneficial in the long run, even considering the costs of switching.

Contact us if you are thinking of going down this route, our team of Specialist Mortgage Advisors in Liverpool is here to help you with all of the arrangements, providing you with top quality service.

Dealing with A Mortgage During Divorce & Separation

What happens to a joint mortgage during a separation?

When you and your partner decide to end a relationship, it is never easy. Mostly if you have made a joint financial commitment and coming to agreements, those don’t run as smoothly as you’d like.

Times like these our Mortgage Advisors in Liverpool will take the challenge of these Specialist Mortgages, aiding you whether you’re Moving Home in Liverpool or looking to Remortgage the property once it’s in your name.

Below here are the three primary mortgage-related questions that our Mortgage Advisors in Liverpool get frequently asked when it comes to Divorce and Separation Mortgage Advice in Liverpool:

• How do I remove my ex-husband/wife from my mortgage?
• How do I remove my name from my ex-partner’s mortgage?
• Can I have a second mortgage?

How do I remove my ex-husband/wife from my mortgage?

Of course, nobody goes into joint name home buying to split up, but these things are known to happen sometimes and to try to make changes to such a substantial financial commitment can prove challenging.

Regardless of gender, there may come a time when whoever is currently in the property will want to take over the mortgage as their own.

You may be able to demonstrate your ability to pay the mortgage on your own, without any help from your ex. However, this doesn’t change the way the Lender will see your case. At the point of application, you bought the property jointly, and in the event of arrears, they will be allowed to pursue either of you.

Before going ahead with a sole applicant on the mortgage, the Lender will have to go through all the initial checks from scratch, whether you’ve kept up payments or not. In any case, this is to fully ensure you can afford it as they can’t just take your word for it.

If need be, there is the ability to have a family member or new partner step in to replace your ex-partner on the mortgage. There are different ways of assessing your affordability with various lenders, so if your existing Lender says no we may still be able to help you out.

How do I remove my name from my ex-partner’s mortgage?

One thing you must remember when it comes to separation or divorce is even if you leave the family home and live somewhere else. You’re still liable for any joint financial commitments (i.e. your mortgage) that you both took out together.

Agreeing with the ex makes no difference either, as until get officially removed from the mortgage. You’re still liable for repayments if the balance falls into arrears.

When it comes to buying a new property, lenders will take the payments towards your old property into consideration. Because of this, it’s essential to speak with a Mortgage Advisor in Liverpool before you go ahead with making an offer.

Some lenders may be more generous when it comes to the amount they’re willing to lend you compared to others. When it comes to our recommendation on whom to apply for a Mortgage Agreement in Principle with, we’ll consider this.

Can I have two mortgages?

Depending on your circumstances, this is entirely possible. Lenders’ credit scoring systems analyse a significant number of factors before they offer you a mortgage.

One of these, of course, is on-going financial commitments. In any case, this includes the mortgage payment you currently hold with your ex; alongside any other obligations, you may have.

Once we’ve taken all this information and uploaded it to our system. We’ll be able to provide an outline as to the maximum you may be able to borrow. This gives you a rough idea of your budget at the outset, and the amount of deposit you’ll be needing to put down.

Moving on from previous joint financial commitments can be quite tricky. Just bear in mind that as far as lenders are concerned, it’s all about the risk. They ideally look to avoid repossession situations at all costs.

Mortgage Advisor in Liverpool

Why Would I Need A Second Mortgage in Liverpool?

Most people take out a single mortgage, but there’s plenty of reasons why you may want to take out a second mortgage. Here in this article, we will cover some common scenarios our Mortgage Advisors in Liverpool have come across to why you may require another mortgage:

• Do you need a second mortgage to raise money for your existing home?
  
• Are you looking to rent out your current home and purchase a new one?
  
• May you be looking to help your children or grandchildren onto the property ladder?
  
• Are you looking to purchase a buy to let investment property?
  
• Your name is on an existing mortgage, and you are looking to purchase a new property?

Do you need a second mortgage to raise money?

If you currently have equity in your home and are looking for a second mortgage to release some of this equity, then we can help whether you are looking to release equity to fund another purchase, home improvements or something else.

If you are looking for Remortgage Advice in Liverpool, we can help explore all of your options. In any case, if you are currently on your lenders’ standard variable rate of interest, we can find a more competitive deal along with releasing your capital. A further advance from your current lender could also be an option here.

Are you looking to help your children onto the property ladder?

Suppose you are looking to help your children or grandchildren onto the property ladder in Liverpool. There are many products out there on the market that could help you achieve this. For a free mortgage consultation and to run through your options, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Are you looking at a Buy to Let in Liverpool?

If you are looking for an additional mortgage to purchase an investment property, we can help you through the whole process. Whether you are a first-time landlord or portfolio investor, we can offer to buy to let mortgage advice in Liverpool.

Named on an existing mortgage and want to buy a new home?

Firstly, this is a situation that we come across quite often, usually due to divorce or separations. Whatever your situation, if you are currently named on another mortgage and would like to purchase a new property to live in.

How we can we help

For open & honest mortgage advice in Liverpool, please contact us. We can search 1000s of products on your behalf to find you the best deal tailored to your circumstances.

Mortgage Advice in Liverpool

Stamp Duty Cut: Summer Statement 2020

To help get the property market back on its feet post lockdown, the Government has kickstarted a stamp duty holiday which will run until March 31st 2021.

Paying stamp duty acts as a barrier to a number of people purchasing a property, so the Government set up that this move will stimulate more people to do so as the housing market is a vital part of the UK’s economy.

The Government stated the temporary move would mean 9 out of 10 people buying a home during the exemption period won’t need to pay any stamp duty at all.

Here’s we have assembled a list on how the changes which have taken effect immediately and how it may affect you:

First Time Buyers

Stamp duty does not affect First Time Buyers as they are already exempt up to £300,000. The holiday applies to properties up to £500,000 though so if you are a First Time Buyer in Liverpool buying at that maximum figure, then you would save £10,000 in stamp duty.

Home Movers

Home movers are most likely to be the biggest winners here. If you are moving and your purchase completes before March 31^st 2020, then you will not pay Stamp Duty at all as long as the purchase price is <£500,000. The Government predicts that the average stamp duty bill will fall by £4,500, but for properties priced at £500,000 the saving will be £15,000.

Buy To Let Investors/ Additional Homes

The stamp duty surcharge still applies (this got brought in to curb the number of investors buying homes that traditionally would have been bought up by First Time Buyers), but you will still be better off than before.

Under the old system, if you bought an investment property for £250,000, you’d have paid 3% on the first £125,000 and 5% on the second £125,000, resulting in a stamp duty bill of £10,000. During the holiday you will only pay 3% stamp duty on the total purchase price, meaning a bill of £7,500.

Mortgage Advice in Liverpool

Another Milestone Reached in Liverpool | September 2019

Milestone Celebration | Mortgage Broker in Liverpool

Another month has passed, and another fantastic milestone reached. The fact we have accomplished yet another goal highlights how the companies values are essential when dealing with our customers, these company rules are:

• Be Responsive
• Provide a Five Star Service
• Care for the customers
• Be Open and Honest
• Positive Attitude
  

Here at Liverpoolmoneyman were proud of our work and hope to provide that same level of customer service to every customer.

Our Reviews

An insight into some genuine reviews from our valuable customers.

Excellent service, complete confidence that the product recommended was right for me, kept fully informed at each stage of the process. I would recommend UK Moneyman Ltd to anyone looking for a new mortgage or remortgage service. – Gillian B

Liverpoolmoneyman were fantastic from start to finish. Every interaction I have had with them has been just superb especially from Nathan my mortgage broker. They got me a fantastic deal and held my hand through everything. Buying a home can be so stressful but they made it all so much easier. Can’t thank them enough. – Trusted Customer

I went to Liverpoolmoneyman because I knew getting a mortgage on a stipend income would be difficult. Jonathan talked me through the options available and made the application process quick and easy, going the extra mile to even make himself available on one of his days off! After the application, Laura took over and was brilliant at keeping me up-to-date with how the application was progressing and making sure the offer came through in a timely manner. I would thoroughly recommend as a mortgage broker to anyone looking for help. – Tom Travers


When our team sees their names mentioned, the customers must feel that our Mortgage Advisors in Liverpool generally made a difference. It’s important to us as a company that not only are you able to transact how you would like.

Mortgage Broker in Liverpool

Dewsbury & Dewsbury: Two Generations Working Together in Liverpool

Father and Son | Mortgage Advisor in Liverpool

Earlier this week, we welcome new addition to our new Mortgage Advisor in Liverpool team, Joe Dewsbury.

Joe is the son of our advisor Wayne Dewsbury who has been an advisor for nearly 40 years. You recognise Wayne or spoken to him over the years. Especially if you’ve kept up to date on our social media or booked an appointment through us.

Joe previously had worked at a high street bank for three years. Before deciding to leap to the mortgage advisor world. Tutored by star advisor Matt Collinson, Joe hopes to make quite the impact as a part of our illustrious team.

If Joe turns out like Matt or Wayne. He’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the world of mortgages.

We want to welcome Joe with open arms and look forward to working alongside him. Joe is already fitting in with the company spirit being toured around each department getting to know the team. Then soon getting to know the customers over time.

Mortgage Broker in Liverpool

Compare Mortgage Protection Insurance in Liverpool

Different Types of Mortgage Protection Insurance Available

Mortgage Protection Insurance is a term used to encompass various different types of cover. These are designed to protect borrowers from events which could severely impact their ability to maintain mortgage payments.

There are different variations of Mortgage Protection Insurance. But when connected to a mortgage they provide peace of mind and fall into these categories:

• Life Cover
• Critical Illness Cover
• Income Protection
• Accident, Sickness, Unemployment (ASU) Cover
• Family Income Benefit
  

Life Cover

Life cover generally falls into two types – “whole of life” or “term assurance”. The whole of life cover is guaranteed to pay out a lump sum on death, whenever it occurs. Term assurance pays out if you die within a specified term of years.

There are also different types of term assurance – for example, “level,” “increasing” or “convertible”. The type most commonly used as mortgage protection these days is “decreasing term assurance”. This can be linked to a repayment mortgage and the sum assured reduces at roughly the same rate as the mortgage balance.

Because the risk to the insurer diminishes over time, the premiums are generally cheaper than other types of life cover. If the policyholder dies within the term, then the sum assured should be enough to pay off the outstanding mortgage balance.

This should ensure the borrower’s dependents aren’t left with a debt they might not otherwise be able to manage.

Critical Illness Cover

Some people say that life cover is taken for the benefit of other people. This is because, sadly, you won’t be around to see any benefit. However, these days, many people survive conditions which once might have been fatal.

Nevertheless, whilst undergoing treatment and recovery, it could have an effect on your ability to meet your financial commitments. This has led to the development of Critical Illness cover.

This works in a similar way to Life Assurance, in that it is usually taken for a specific term of years. It can also have different options such as level/increasing.

It is designed to pay out a lump sum and it is typically taken on a decreasing term basis in line with the reduction of your mortgage balance.

The key is that the benefit is paid if you fall victim to one of a number of specified critical illnesses. It will then pay out whatever the long-term prognosis of that illness.

The type of illnesses covered varies for each provider. In general terms, insurers usually cover between 40 – 50 specified conditions including cancer, heart attack and stroke.

Pay-outs depend on meeting the required level of seriousness of the particular condition suffered. The life companies all work to at least the pre-designated clinical definitions as prescribed by the Association of British Insurers.

This means that they can’t just arbitrarily decide that you’re not ill enough. Hopefully, if your treatment is successful, it means that you can benefit by no longer having a mortgage to pay after your illness.

In practice, many companies will offer Life and Critical Illness Critical cover as a combined policy. This would usually payout on the “first event” i.e. whatever happens first, either death or serious illness. They can also be written on a single or joint life basis.

Income Protection

Whereas Life and Critical Illness cover pay out a lump sum, “Income Protection” pays out a monthly sum designed to replace your wages in the event of you being unfit to work.

Unlike Critical Illness cover, there are no restrictions on the illnesses or injuries covered, the only factor being whether they make you unfit to work. There are however restrictions on how much you can cover and how quickly benefits would start to be paid.

This is mostly because the insurers want you to have an incentive to return to work rather than being better off on sick. Typically, the most you can cover would be approximately 55%-65% of your income. Benefits would begin to be paid after a “deferred period”.

This would normally equate to the length of time you would receive sick pay from your employer. Benefits would continue to be paid for as long as you remain unfit to work or until the policy term ends, whichever comes first.

However, to make premiums cheaper, most companies offer a “budget” option whereby benefits would be paid for a shorter period – usually between 2-5 years – to at least allow you to make alternative arrangements in case it looks like you’ll be incapacitated for longer than that.

Like Life and Critical Illness cover, these policies are underwritten based on your health and lifestyle at the time you apply. All income protection policies are written on a single life basis.

Accident, Sickness, Unemployment (ASU) Cover

Similar in many ways to Income Protection, you are covered by these policies if made unemployed. Benefits are usually linked to your mortgage and other costs (rather than necessarily your wages). This would usually be paid one month “in arrears” after a successful claim.

These policies are only underwritten at the time of a claim rather than at the outset. Which can sometimes mean there can be some confusion/delay as to whether a claim would actually be met.

They are clearly a useful safety net if you are made long-term unemployed but be sure to check the details of how/when any unemployment benefits would be paid out, as it may be that you would have returned to work before any monies become due.

Family Income Benefit

Probably the least common of the “mortgage protection” type policies. However, these can often be valuable, particularly for those with young families. These plans can be taken to cover Life and/or Critical Illness and are underwritten on the application.

However, unlike the traditional forms of policy, rather than pay out a lump sum. The cover would pay an annual or monthly income for the remainder of the term of the plan. Thus it can replace the income of the main breadwinner for a number of years. Dependent upon a particular client’s circumstances.

Because of this would usually be written on a level or basis. Or an index-linked basis designed to keep up with inflation.

Specialist Insurance Advisors in Liverpool

There’s an old adage that says you can never have too much insurance. Many people have different types of policy and it would be wrong to think of these as an “either/or” choice. You can have more than one type of Mortgage Protection Insurance.

However, in the real world, affordability plays a massive part. So whilst it would be fantastic to cover every type of Mortgage Protection Insurance. A good advisor will sit down with you and tailor the type of cover. To be the most suitable combination for your family’s priority and budget.

If you do take more than one policy, your advisor would usually place all the cover with one provider. This is to save you the additional policy administration charges which individual policies carry.