Half the UK’s population would be
penniless in less than a month if their income ceased, warns Axa
Life, a UK unit of French insurer Axa.

This is despite the UK having the highest
life insurance penetration level in the world: 15.28 percent of GDP
in 2007, according to Swiss Re.

From a protection perspective, a survey
undertaken for Axa Life by research firm Onepoll revealed that 45
percent of the UK’s adult population has not purchased any form of
protection cover, including life insurance, critical illness or
income protection. In addition only a third believe they have any
sort of financial provision in place to cover their home
mortgage.

Of the same survey respondents 49 percent
reported having less than £1,000 ($1,450) in savings and
investments, with 72 percent saving less than £100 a month and half
of these saving nothing for the longer term.

To draw its conclusion that half the
population is at serious risk should their incomes cease, Axa Life
compared the survey’s findings with data from the UK’s Office for
National Statistics – revealing that average household expenditure
is about £450 a month based on 2007 levels.

Also of concern, noted Axa Life, was that
about half of the respondents had no idea what critical illness and
income protection cover can offer them.

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.

Given the current economic climate, the
situation is unlikely to change at present. Axa Life noted that
only 10 percent of respondents are prepared to commit to income
protection cover, 5 percent to critical illness and 7 percent to
life insurance.