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Requests for further information from GPs were reduced by almost two-thirds by tele-underwriting and as a result Financial Foundations, Lincoln's menu-based protection proposition, has now been given a full roll out.

The new service was officially launched on 17 March in partnership with MorganAsh, a tele-interviewing company. Underwriters for Lincoln believed non-disclosure rates were down as clients were more willing to provide personal health details during a tele-interview than they would with an adviser.

Keith Robertson, chief underwriter for Lincoln Financial Group, said: "The industry has struggled with the issues around non-disclosure for some time now. Tele-interviewing provides a significant opportunity for clients to provide the relevant information we need in a convenient manner.

"We have always paid out on valid claims and have never sought to refuse payment because of the non-disclosure of irrelevant information. However we are always keen to improve our business process so that we can deliver better service to financial advisers and their clients."

Mr Robertson said he believed the new proposition would enhance the experience of advisers who used the insurer.

Andrew Gething, managing director of MorganAsh, reiterated his sentiments. He said: "Our strategy is not only to reduce non-disclosure but to make buying protection easier. Lincoln is making a contribution to the industry's ongoing commitment to improving consumer confidence."

Lincoln's Financial Foundations multi-benefit protection product provides whole of life cover including income protection and critical illness.

Matt Morris, policy adviser and PR manager for London-based protection adviser Lifesearch, said he agreed with the findings.

He said: "Tele-underwriting certainly reduces the need for extra evidence and cuts down the time it takes to get clients on risk. I think we will see in the future that it does reduce cases of non-disclosure. The more providers that use tele-underwriting the better."