London and Country (L&C) has rolled out UnderwriteMe’s protection platform to its advisers in a move to support its protection network alongside its mortgage service.
The broker has trained its 450 mortgage advisers to use the system, which offers access to critical illness, life and income protection from distributors such as Aegon, AIG and Canada Life.
The platform is free to use for intermediaries in the UK and UnderwriteMe recently incorporated product data from Defaqto to the service.
Lucy Brown, head of protection sales at L&C, said the company was committed to providing "full and effective" advice on customers' protection needs alongside their mortgage service.
She said: "The ability to quote, underwrite and ultimately apply for multiple products across the majority of major insurers on one simple platform is unique to the protection platform.
"It’s an innovation we’ve been excited to see develop and we’ve been keen to roll out to our advisers who’ve reacted positively to the system."
Phil Jeynes, head of sales and marketing at UnderwriteMe, said: "UnderwriteMe has had a long association with L&C and know them to be among the best when it comes to giving their customers protection advice alongside a mortgage."
He added: "We now partner with all types of major distributors, from face to face advisers to direct to consumer brands - proof that good, digital technology can be tailored to meet the needs of all parties."
Alan Knowles, managing director at Cura Financial Services, said he believes a firm like London and Country adopting the platform is testament to the benefits the tool offers.
He said: "We have used The Protection Platform for some time now and find it extremely useful for comparing 'real prices' for clients with medical conditions such as Crohn's Disease, Fibromyalgia, High BMIs and a variety of mental health disclosures.
"In addition to providing a true underwritten quote, the ability to apply for the policy through the same platform makes the whole process simple and streamlined for both adviser and client.
"Overall The Protection Platform is a great example of how technology can be used to streamline the protection quote and apply process, without compromising it's importance."
rachel.addison@ft.com
