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Guardian 1821 Insurance Review MSE
Is Guardian 1821 Insurance UK good? (2024 Update)
What’s Guardian 1821 Insurance like in 2024? Competitive UK Insurer ticks 7 boxes in ‘Guardian Life Insurance UK reviews’. (PROS) 1: Financial Strength 2: Reliable Reputable 3: Claims Payout 4: Family Plans 5: Inclusive Waiver 6: Rider Benefits 7: Broker Only Deals. (CONS) Online Policy Documents?
With a long brand history behind them, Guardian1821 offers a flexible range of life insurance, critical illness, income protection + child cover products. 
They have recently won several Insurance Industry Awards. The award judges often praised 1821 Guardian Insurance Life for helping to bring innovation to the financial services marketplace & trying to make a real change.
So they were absolutely thrilled at the start of the 2020’s to win 2 awards at the prestigious Protection Reviews Awards.
1821 Guardian Life Insurance UK reviews show they brought home the ‘Best New Product Award’ & ‘Innovation Award’ plus they were also shortlisted for both Organisation of the Year & Underwriter of the Year.
Turning to claim payouts for 1821 Guardian Life Insurance UK.
‘Guardian 1821’ Insurance Claims Statistics 2024:
Although the Insurers brand was relaunched in 2018, Guardian Insurance UK state they would like to reassure customers they have paid claims on every type of insurance cover these Insurers offer.
Their recent protection claims history shows upto 2023 Guardian 1821 stated that over £15 million was paid out – of which £7.5 million was related to 100% life insurance claims, and over £7.5 million paid out on 92% critical illness related claims.
*What is Guardian Funeral Payment Pledge?
At any claims stage, Guardian 1821 Insurance state they always try to pay their death claims quickly. However, sometimes UK probate laws can prevent that money from reaching families for several months dependant on the complexities of their estate.
So, if a family is still awaiting probate once any life claim has been approved for payment, Guardian Insurance UK state they will pay part of that life claim early – by advancing up to £10,000 to help the bereaved family cover the cost of the funeral.
Guardian 1821 Life Insurance | The Insurers Story so far
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Background – Guardian 1821 Review
Article: ‘Guardian 1821 Review‘: Guardian Insurance was originally setup back in 1821 (hence the unique brand name) as Guardian Fire & Life and then renamed Guardian Assurance in 1902. The company merged with Royal Exchange Assurance to form the Guardian Royal Exchange Group (GRE) in 1968.
Once a major player in the protection marketplace, in 1999, the businesses of GRE (which included Guardian FS Financial Services) was acquired by Axa but then sold to Aegon UK who also own Scottish Equitable.
In 2016 the old Guardian Insurance was then acquired by ReAssure but their old protection book was closed off to new business.
The Group was acquired by Gryphon in 2018 & setup again for new UK protection business under their newer brand name – Guardian 1821 Financial Services (an appointed representative of Scottish Friendly Assurance Society).
The Guardian 1821 adviser only offering is environmental friendly, in that all their protection policies are online ie; with no paperwork. This all helps to keep their Guardian 1821 adviser price offerings competitive.
As such, should you take out cover via ‘Guardian 1821’, you would need to login to their customer portal to access all your policy details & digital communication via the Insurers.
Guardian 1821 Life Insurance Review 2024
In this Guardian Financial Services review below, we will look what are their broker only plans, key features and FAQ. Guardian 1821 protection products will also give access;
- GP services 24 / 7
- 2’nd medical opinion via Red Arc
- Halo claims support services
- Emotional well being and Aches & Pains consultations
- This includes – Counselling, Therapies & Nurse support
*What’s MSE Martin Lewis Guardian Insurance UK Review?
In terms of the range of 1821 Guardian Life Insurance UK products in 2024, Money Saving Expert (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’s Martin Lewis say on Guardian 1821 Life Insurance UK?
Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis hasn’t specifically highlighted any particular Guardian 1821 Life Insurance policies & how it stacks up against the competition. But Guardian1821 plans are a discussed MSE forum topic.
Instead the MoneySavingExpert comments 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.
He also discusses the value in other insurance plans if you were off sick like, income protection & critical illness.
Martin Lewis for a good rule of thumb in 2024, his Best Life Insurance formula is ‘THE 10 x RULE’ ie; aim to cover 10 x the Annual income of the highest earner & the main breadwinner until at least any kids have finished their full-time education or other dependants.
To help you calculate a figure that works for you, Martin Lewis on Life Insurance says it’s worth ensuring any policy covers:
- Outstanding Debts: that need to be paid off eg; mortgage unless covered by a separate plan
- Immediate Outgoings: regular bills dependants would need to pay
- Future Spending: you may have wished to make eg; university fees
- Additional Expenses: a death may trigger eg; funeral costs
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 plan types 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.
GUARDIAN MORTGAGE PROTECTION Review
What is Guardian 1821 Mortgage Life Insurance? It’s designed to cover a repayment mortgage on death or terminal illness (with optional earlier critical illness at extra cost).
As the mortgage balance slowly decreases during its repayment term, a Guardian Mortgage Insurance term policy is designed to help mirror that of your mortgage.
Their mortgage insurance is protecting what is for the majority of us, our biggest debt & to remain in their family home, our biggest asset.
Choosing their Mortgage Life Essentials option as part of their Protection Menu is usually cheaper for the more budget conscious, as they strip back various benefits from their more comprehensive Guardian Life versions.
They say this means more of your monthly budget is potentially available for other benefits, such as mortgage income protection or critical illness cover.
Key features
- Guaranteed fixed level premiums [ no cash value ]
- Terminal Illness is comprehensive: Cancer stage 4, Motor Neurone, CJD, Parkinsons +
- Mortgage Guarantee promise
- Waiver of premium inclusive – paid if off sick or 6 months if pregnant, unemployed
- House purchase cover
- Simple nomination of beneficiaries at setup before trust deed
- Dual Life means both parties have cover
Summary
Part of Guardian 1821 Protection builder plan menu, their mortgage decreasing life insurance is competitive in the market.
Their Mortgage Guarantee promise is valuable as it will aim to pay the full outstanding mortgage amount (regardless of the mortgage interest rate) providing the mortgage amount & term matches the product at plan commencement and is also not in arrears at time of claim.
It is usually cheaper then a Guardian Insurance mortgage level term insurance (which is used to insure interest only style mortgages).
As such, if you were to sadly die during its term, your family and loved ones would still be able to protect the mortgage to help stay in their family home.
GUARDIAN 1821 LIFE INSURANCE Review
What is Guardian 1821 Life Insurance? Their family protection covers if the policy holder dies, or is diagnosed with a terminal illness during the chosen term. Offered stand alone or with optional earlier critical illness at extra cost.
The 1821 Guardian Insurance Life term insurance plan is available on either on single, dual life or joint life 1’st death insurance basis.
Key features
- Lump Sums or Family Income Benefits options
- Guaranteed premiums [no cash value]
- Terminal Illness is comprehensive: Cancer stage 4, Motor Neurone, CJD, Parkinsons +
- Level, decreasing or Increasing cover upto age 90
- Life change and separation benefits
- Waiver of premium inclusive – paid if off sick or 6 months if pregnant, unemployed
- Simple nomination of beneficiaries at setup before trust deed
- Dual Life means both parties have cover
Summary
Part of Guardian 1821 Protection builder plan menu, their life insurance types are usually a well priced priced competitor in the term life insurance market re Guardian 1821 life cover reviews.
It includes features like their comprehensive waiver of premium that others charge extra for. Designed with many useful features Guardian term life insurance reviews shows it helps protect your family & loved ones if you were to sadly die during its term.
What’s the difference between Guardian Life Protection & Life Essentials?
Choosing Guardian Family Life Essentials option is usually cheaper, as they’ve stripped back various benefits from their more comprehensive Guardian Life Protection ie; It’s designed for the more budget conscious.
For example, their comprehensive Guardian Life Protection includes standard inclusive Premium Waiver with a 4-week deferred period if you’re too ill to work.
Whereas, with cheaper Life Essentials, Guardian 1821 will waive your premiums if you’re too ill to work, but only after a 26-week deferred period ie; This may work best if your employer pays you for say 26 weeks sick leave.
Note: Life Essentials still offers you high life cover limits, but they say this means potentially more of your monthly budget is available for other protection benefits eg; such as family critical illness cover or income protection.
GUARDIAN CRITICAL ILLNESS INSURANCE Reviews
What is Guardian 1821 critical illness? It helps ease financial worries if you or one of your children are diagnosed with a listed critical illness as specified by comprehensive Guardian Critical Illness Cover.
The Guardian critical illness policy is available on either on single, dual life, or joint life 1’st claim and on a stand-alone protection basis.
Key features
- Level, decreasing, increasing, family income cover ( all available optional lifecover and critical illness.)
- Guaranteed premiums [ no cash value ]
- Waiver of premium inclusive – paid if off sick or 6 months if pregnant, unemployed
- Total permanent disability
- Child benefits optional
- Additional critical illness benefits covers further % payment conditions
- Cover upgrade promise means potential claims on any old policy v newer updated offerings
- Simple nomination of beneficiaries at setup before trust deed
Summary
Part of Guardian1821 Protection builder plan menu, Guardian critical illness insurance reviews it as a very competitive product in the UK critical illness market.
The ‘cover upgrade promise’ is valuable benefit. This means that each time the Insurers upgrade their critical illness terms, then you benefit on your existing older plan (unlike most other Insurers critical illness plans).
Claims paid if the policy holder or child is sadly diagnosed with a specified critical illness during the term and confirmed by a UK consultant. This can be an additional paid for extra benefit.
Like most UK Insurers Guardian FS critical illness terms & conditions often change regularly. To check what does Guardian life insurance uk critical illness cover – please call us for latest advice or check these updates out when doing your comparison quotes.
GUARDIAN INCOME PROTECTION Reviews
What is Guardian 1821 Income Protection Insurance? It provides longer term security levels by way of a tax free monthly income if you are off work sick, or have an accident or disability as specified by income protection Guardian 1821 Insurance cover.
Available as a longer term policy that pays out if you can’t work and so suffer a loss of earnings due to illness or injury during the policy term.
Key features
- Level or increasing cover
- Risk class assessed based on own occupation
- Guaranteed premiums [no cash in value]
- The cover amount paid tax free calculated on 65% of annual salary
- Full cover to term or a 2 year limited payment term
- Initial multiple waiting, deferred periods of 4, 8, 13, 26, 52 weeks or dual deferred
- Waiver of premium included & tied in with income benefit
- Optional children’s critical illness cover
- £1,500pm Minimum Cover Guarantee
- Choice of a weekly or monthly claim payout date
- Annual statements
Summary
Part of their flexible menu plan, Guardian Income Protection pays a tax free income & is competitive when reviewed against other Income Protection PHI Insurers.
Check their terms when doing a quote or call us as to whether any PHI policy being offered to you is paid under own occupation, any occupation or specified work tasks.
‘GUARDIAN LIFE INSURANCE UK’ Review – FAQ
*Can you make changes to your ‘GUARDIAN 1821’ life insurance policy?
In terms of doing a ‘Guardian 1821 life insurance review’, often you can request some of the following:
- reduce or perhaps extend the period of cover
- decrease or increase the amount of lifecover
- remove indexation option or any specific paid for policy features
- change the collection date of your usual premiums
- life assured removed from a joint policy eg; if a unmarried couple or new parents sadly split up
The changes could be subject to medical underwriting based on your circumstances at the time & may well affect your premiums.
*How do I cancel my Guardian Life Insurance UK Policy?
You may cancel your Guardian Life Insurance UK plan at any time, if your circumstances change. Like all life insurance, you do have the right to change your mind within 30 days of your policy starting. Guardian1821 will then refund any premiums taken and your Life insurance cover would then end.
However, if you should cancel the policy at any other time, you won’t get anything back because your policy usually has no cash in values at anytime. This also means if your health changed adversely afterwards & you then tried to request your Guardian life insurance policy is put back onto cover again, this maybe declined.
We suggest you seek professional advice before taking this course of action.
*Single v Dual Life v Guardian Joint life Insurance?
Single life insurance means it covers just that 1 person only. It then pays out the chosen amount of cover if the person dies, or is terminally or critically ill during the term of the policy or whenever the event occurs it occurs if whole life. The benefit of having 2 seperate plans (known as dual life insurance) if in a relationship & one partner claims, then the surviving partner still has their own seperate policy.
Guardian ‘joint’ life insurance policy means it jointly covers 2 lives but then usually pays out on ‘1st death or claim’ basis. This means once the chosen amount of cover is paid, the policy benefits would then end. This is usually the cheaper option for Insurers ( as it only pays benefits once ) but conversely leaving the surviving partner without any cover.
What is GUARDIAN LIFESTYLE PROMISE ?
* Guardian Life UK may be able to reduce your premiums if you were paying an ‘increased risk cost’ due to any poor health or lifestyle issues and subsequently:
- Lose weight BMI KG for a sustained period of time
- Change jobs to less risky one
- Stop all nicotine smoking
- Give up a high risk sports activity
Should I put my ‘Guardian Life Insurance UK’ policy into Trust?
When any Guardian life insurance uk policy is setup, you can simply use their Payout Planner. This is an ‘expression of wish’ to ensures any proceeds go to your beneficiaries outside the estate. However, this still isn’t written into trust.
When placing a plan into trust helps ensure it will be paid to the executors of the deceased’s estate. They will handle the administration, known as probate in N Ireland, England, Wales and confirmation in Scotland. If not, the benefits will fall into your estate if you died prematurely. If you have not made a will this can then cause further complications with the life insurance monies.
Until probate is fully granted, no monies can be paid out to those named in the will. On average, this can take upto 6 months. By not placing the plan into trust may also swell up the total estate values, leading to potentially Inheritance Tax IHT issues.
So placing a Guardian policy in trust can help to ensure that the policy proceeds go to the correct beneficiaries you decide to nominate at that stage. It can also help avoid possible probate delays & IHT costs. Ask the Insurers to kindly provide their available standard discretionary trust form wordings & seek legal advice if unsure.
Importance of Disclosure & Claims – Guardian 1821
All Insurers like Guardian 1821 Insurance are in business to protect, insure & payout. Insurance cover is therefore based on your full disclosure at the time you took the original Guardian FS 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 eg; Not disclose if you familial history of high blood pressure or cholesterol (even if it costs more). If so, it may not payout !
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 Insurers recent claims payout, you will see that it is Good (but a Guardian 1821 review shows like most Insurers – not 100%).
What if my health or lifestyle changes after I have taken the Guardian policy out?
Any health or lifestyle changes since, usually does not void your existing ‘Guardian 1821 insurance’ policy, if it wasn’t relevant at that time of initial underwritten insurance Guardian Life UK application. 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 Guardian Life Insurance do I tell them?
If you had legitimately quit smoking for over 12 months at that time of original Guardian FS application, you may wish to advise them you have started smoking or vaping again.
This should not affect the original policy terms, which should still stand, as you were being honest. Also maybe suggest letting your GP know if this is the case.
Today, 1821 ‘Guardian Life Insurance UK’ have grown to be one of the major Life Insurers UK selling Life Insurance in United Kingdom (inc NI)
Article on ‘Guardian 1821 Review’ by Martyn Spencer Financial Adviser (2024)
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