Having saved for retirement
through an insurer for decades, many consumers in the UK
automatically select the same insurer as the provider of an
annuity.

By not exercising their right
to shop around for the best annuity rate they may be doing
themselves a costly disservice, a risk industry body the
Association of British Insurers (ABI) believes its new initiative
will eliminate.

The ABI’s solution to the
problem comes in the form of a compulsory code of practice that
will compel insurers to remove the annuity application form in the
communications they send to their customers.

Commenting, ABI director of
life and savings Maggie Craig said: “Not enough people shop around
currently. This new industry initiative has been developed to make
a significant difference to people’s retirement
outcomes.”

According to the ABI, an
increasing number of consumers are already buying an annuity from a
provider which is not their pension provider – 46% of consumers in
2011 compared to 35% in 2008.

In addition, noted the ABI,
about 70% of people consider switching provider.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

However, the remaining 30% of
who do not shop around may be losing out.

The ABI noted that 650,000
people turn 65 in the UK every year. This indicates that almost
200,000 people may not be getting the best possible deal on their
retirement income.