FINANCIAL PRESSURE – resulting from Covid-19.
Covid-19 has resulted in uncertainty for both individuals and businesses and for some also financial difficulty.
The Financial Conduct Authority is keen for the insurance industry, where possible, to offer support to those experiencing financial hardship and have introduced measures that may assist those facing difficulty.
We may be able to help in a number of ways:
- Re-assessing your needs
- Reviewing levels of cover
- Adding or removing optional covers such as legal expenses
- Adding or removing people on your policy
Where amendments to your insurance cover does not resolve payment difficulties, your finance provider may be able to offer further support, which could potentially include:
- The possibility of deferring payments (see FAQ’s below)
- Reduced repayments, or rescheduled term
- Waiving missed or late payment fees
- Amending your repayment date without any cost
- Reducing interest payments
It is important that you do not leave yourself uninsured, so please contact us to discuss the options available if you are struggling to afford your payments during this uncertain time.
FAQ’s: PAYMENT DEFERRALS
Q – What is a payment deferral?
A – A payment deferral is an arrangement under which a firm permits a customer that pays their insurance premium in instalments to make no payments for a specified period
Q – How do I apply for a payment deferral?
A – You should contact your insurer or finance provider direct or if you prefer Qualitas
Q – If I am granted payment deferral, will I be classed as being in arrears on my payments?
A – No, nor would the provider or any third party such as broker or debt collector be allowed to cancel the policy or collect payment during the deferral period
Q – How long can I defer payments?
A – One to three months however, the provider can grant a longer extension should they wish
Q – Will I have to pay a fee?
A – The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) would not expect a customer to be liable to pay any charge or fee in connection with the granting of a payment deferral
POST and PAPER-BASED DOCUMENTS
We continue to handle post (incoming and outgoing), and paper-based documents, as quickly and efficiently as possible to ensure they are processed in a timely manner and to safeguard policy cover. Should you have any concerns about instructions you have sent which may not have been processed, or documents you believe you are due from us, please contact us urgently.