Review - Cirencester Friendly |
www.cirencester-friendly.co.uk |
Cirencester Friendly Insurance Review MSE
Are Cirencester Friendly Society good?
- Mutual Insurer Status
- Income Protection Specialists
- Broker Only Deals
- Insurance claims record: Good
- Cirencester Friendly Insurance - protection claims stats | ABI
- 94% income protection payout
Defacto: 5 stars | Cover: Finalist | MoneyFacts: Award |
Cirencester Friendly Review Background
Review: Cirencester Friendly Society history originally began in 1890. The Cirencester Conservative Association Working Men’s Benefit Society was formed, followed by the Women’s and Juvenile Societies.
Over the last century & since, they have helped provide workers with sick pay, should they fall ill and become unable to work.
Today, Cirencester Friendly still look after the best interests and well being of its UK mutual members, based from their Cirencester Friendly Society Ltd head office.
Their various income protection products are sold mainly via IFA's and brokers.
Cirencester Friendly Review 2024
In this Cirencester Friendly Society review, we will look at some broker only protection plans, key features and FAQ. Cirencester Friendly products give discretionary access to the following services.…
- 'GP24' virtual services
- Friendly Voice: RedArc service - Personal Nurse Advisers
- Emotional help and practical advice when needed most
- Recovery Support
- Children’s Critical Illness Support
- Member rewards
- Access to a whole range of offers on popular brands and services eg: Apple, Fiat, Tesco
- Health & Wellbeing discounts off Fitbit device range
- Free telephone legal advice service
*What's MSE Martin Lewis Cirencester Friendly Review?
In terms of the range of Cirencester Friendly Society Insurance products in 2024, MoneySavingExpert (MSE) are fully impartial with all their best buy reviews. As you maybe aware neither Martin nor MSE never endorse products.
Yes, they mention individual products & services on MSE site, but they make it very clear don't 'support' them.
What does Martin Lewis say about Cirencester Friendly?
Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis hasn't specifically commented on any particular Cirencester Friendly Income Insurance policies & how it stacks up against the competition. But Cirencester Friendly Income protection plans are a discussed MSE forum topic.
However, he comments it’s worth looking at income protection insurance. He points out that it pays you an income if you're unable to work due to illness or disability for a set period (generally a year or two). Unsure if they meant here, you could be off sick for a year or two.
Income Protection insurance will MSE say usually pay a proportion of your salary, for example two-thirds, so that most essential spending is covered.
It generally includes a greater range of illnesses than critical illness cover, but can be more expensive they point out.. When it comes to deciding between the two types of insurance if you were off sick, it could be worth speaking to a financial adviser.
The MoneySavingExpert also says that he does '100% recommend Life Insurance', especially if you have any dependants. MSE says YES it's a cheap financial lifeline but the ultimate monthly costs choice is always yours.
MSE says 'Thinking about how your family may cope financially if you were to die isn't a very cheerful topic, BUT it is an Important One'.
So Martin Lewis agrees life insurance is important if anyone is reliant on your Income & would struggle financially without you around ie; an insurable interest.
Martin Lewis also suggests being the Money Expert - that you "NEVER BLINDLY BUY DIRECT" expensive policy offers either via your Bank or One Insurer ie; Shop around or use a Broker.
Lastly, MoneySavingExpert also said generally remember, not all insurers plans are featured on insurance comparison sites. As brokers, we would also agree here - so let us help you shop around for your best broker deals.
CIRENCESTER FRIENDLY INCOME PROTECTION Reviews
Providing security by way of a tax free monthly income if you are off longer term sick or have an accident or disability as specified by Cirencester Friendly Society. Their 2 flexible Cirencester friendly income protection products are medically underwritten and targeted at higher risk occupations & smokers. Designed to help protect your monthly bills or mortgage payments.
Key Features
- My Earnings Protected
- Income Assured Enhanced IAE *
- Claim period upto full term
- Upto 60/65% of annual taxable income
- Initial waiting deferred periods | 1,4, 8, 13, 26, 52 weeks or dual deferred
- No premium loading for occupation, hazardous pursuits or smoker status
- Fixed premium or cheaper Reviewable premiums choice
- Reviewable age-costed premiums are annual escalating
- Policy terms available upto ages 65/70
- Own occupation basis
- House Person option
Key Features
- Only 3 years Doctor Records needed
- No deductions for state benefits
- Benefits in claim paid weekly into your account
- Waiver of premium refund
- Terminal Illness benefit
- 12 month Relapse Benefit
- Guaranteed Insurability option
- No limits to the number of claims
- Need to only advise Insurers on any major changes to occupation status
- * IAE is only sold via IFA's
My Extra Benefits
- Optional extras to add on to your plan - My Earnings Protected / Income Assured Enhanced
- Severe Injury - Paid from Day 1
- Brain injury, fracture, burns scalds, loss of limb, dislocation, paralysis, loss of sight, lacerations
- UK Hospitalisation - per night benefit
- Immediate Death Benefit - lump sum
- Fracture - lump sum benefit
Summary
Cirencester Friendly Soc PHI plans may offer good value for those who pursue hazardous pastimes, riskier jobs, no smoker bias or on a budget against other Income Protection PHI Insurers.
They only offer full term in claim. Check their average insurance price terms when doing a quote or call us as to whether PHI policy being offered to you is paid under own occupation, any occupation or specified work tasks.
CIRENCESTER FRIENDLY SOCIETY - FAQ
Can you make changes to Cirencester Income Protection policy?
- reduce or perhaps extend the period of cover
- decrease or increase the amount of cover
- drop indexation option or any specific paid for policy features
- change the collection date of your usual premiums
These changes could all be subject to medical underwriting based on your circumstances at the time & may well affect your premiums.
Check your Cirencester income protection key features for further details
How do I cancel my Cirencester Friendly Income Protection Policy?
You may cancel your Cirencester Friendly Income Protection plan at any time, if your circumstances change. Like all income insurance, you do have the right to change your mind within 30 days of your policy starting. The Insurers will then refund any premiums taken and your income protection insurance cover would then end.
However, if you should cancel the Cirencester Friendly Soc cover at any other time, you may not get anything back because your policy may have no cash in values at that time. This also means if your health changed adversely afterwards & you then tried to request your insurance policy is put back onto cover again, this maybe declined.
We suggest you seek professional advice before taking this course of action.
Disclosure & Claims re Cirencester Income Protection?
All Insurers are in business to protect, insure & payout. Insurance cover is therefore based on your full disclosure at the time you took the original Cirencester Income Protection policy out ie; being 100% as honest & accurate as possible. It is not always easy to remember all your historic health details when applying.
The Consumer Insurance Act 2013 says you must not be acting careless, deliberate or reckless when applying. If so, it may not payout ! eg; If you vape, then you must tell them you are smoker (even if it costs more).
Should you make a claim, your Insurers will send you a claim form for you to complete. Once received back, they will usually contact your GP to confirm any health details.
They will then assess if your insurance claim is valid and cross check if you originally disclosed all the correct details. If you look at The Cirencester recent claims payout, you will see that it is Good (but like most Insurers - not 100%).
What if my health lifestyle changes after I have taken a policy?
Any health or lifestyle changes since, usually does not void your existing Cirencester Insurance policy, if it wasn't relevant at that time of initial underwritten insurance application eg; diagnosed high cholesterol or heart disease.
It maybe the Insurers request GP reports when you originally apply, to check any health details disclosed. Likewise they may not. Perhaps they put in some policy exclusions?
So take care to doubly re-check on your application what you initially disclosed to the Insurers, as this information then stands now and in the future. Please check your original T&C's.
If I start smoking after taking out the Insurance, do I tell them?
Unlike some Insurers, this should not affect the original income protection policy terms. They will still stand because smoking status is not affected in their costings. However, maybe suggest letting your GP know still if this is the case.
Today, Cirencester Friendly Society have grown to be one of the more specialist brands selling products for Income Protection & reviews of Life Insurance in United Kingdom (inc NI).
Sorting out your ideal life insurance cover may seem a difficult task, so don’t do it alone. It’s a good idea to get professional advice from an expert – we’re here to help.
Article by Martyn Spencer Financial Adviser 2024