Critical illness specialist CIExpert has upgraded its website so advisers are able to compare more than 400 protection policies.
The firm hopes that extending its database from 359 policies will make it easier for advisers to review the merits of replacing a client’s existing policy.
Alan Lakey, director of CIExpert, said the enhancement will assist advisers in what is otherwise a “complex and time consuming” task.
“This extends the range of policies where we can provide the clarity of research and analysis that adviser’s need to review the options with their clients.”
Additions will enable advisers to review policies from:
• Allied Dunbar Lifestyle and mortgage protector policies
• J Rothschild Assurance
• Scottish Mutual Pegasus
• Scottish Provident Pegasus
• St James Place
Mr Lakey pointed out that older existing policies often have broader definitions, but for the most part there has been a “significant improvement” in cover over recent years, particularly in the wording of claims, children’s cover and additional conditions.
With this in mind, he said it is increasingly important for advisers to review the quality of their clients’ existing critical illness policies and consider whether an upgrade is in the clients best interest.
Barry Pappin, co-director of Cardiff-based Vita Financial, the information that the system provides enables advisers to rapidly assess the options available to a client and convey the information to them in a way that is easy to comprehend.
“Wording definitions can offer what appear to be subtle differences, but may carry a significant impact and the system quickly highlights these to the adviser.”
katherine.denham@ft.com
