Brits over-estimate the cost of life cover

A recent survey commissioned by Legal and General life insurance has revealed that Brit's could be neglecting to protect themselves financially because they over-estimate the cost of life cover. Legal & General is concerned that people might avoid taking out protection because consider it is too expensive. The survey showed that 65% of thosed polled over-estimated the cost of a £150,000 life insurance policy with 35% over-estimating the cost of including critical illness cover as an option on the same plan. According to L&G, £150,000 of level term assurance over 25 years for a healthy, non-smoking man aged 25 would cost just £8* per month. Of those surveyed by L&G, 24% expected it to cost between £11 and £20, 18% thought that it would cost £21 - £30 and 22% thought over £30 for the same policy. Commercial Director for Housing at Legal & General, Karen Blatchford, commented: "Life cover can start from as little as £6 per month, which even families on a very tight budget may be able to afford. We’re concerned that two-thirds of people are over-estimating the costs of protection." * Based on Legal & General Direct rates as at 15 August 2008.