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Insurance Policy Premiums - Changing Direct Debit Payments To Be Paid By Others

Hello,
My wife and I have a joint Lifetime Insurance policy which is set to pay on 2nd death and  which we pay the premiums by Direct Debit.

This is expensive so our children have offered to take over the payment of the premiums.

Can you please confirm that it would be legal and proper (and would not change/effect the policy) by us cancelling our Direct Debit payments and they would set up new Direct debit payments to replace.

Regards.

Comments

  • dunstonh
    dunstonh Posts: 121,389 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Can you please confirm that it would be legal and proper (and would not change/effect the policy) by us cancelling our Direct Debit payments and they would set up new Direct debit payments to replace.
    Because of electronic notifications, if you cancel the direct debit at the bank, the insurer will be aware of it within 24 hours.    So, that would trigger warnings.   Usually you could complete another mandate and as long as its done quickly, its not a problem.   

    Alternatively, you can get the mandate from the insurer, complete it and ask them to redirect it to the new account and then cancel it when completed.   Or get the alternative payer to make a standing order payment to your account to arrive before payment date.

    I am an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA). The comments I make are just my opinion and are for discussion purposes only. They are not financial advice and you should not treat them as such. If you feel an area discussed may be relevant to you, then please seek advice from an Independent Financial Adviser local to you.
  • ppeetteerr
    ppeetteerr Posts: 17 Forumite
    First Anniversary First Post
    Thanks for the info, but just to confirm, is it legal have family members take over the premium payments from the
    policy holder/current premium payer.
    Regards, 
  • dunstonh
    dunstonh Posts: 121,389 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Thanks for the info, but just to confirm, is it legal have family members take over the premium payments from the
    policy holder/current premium payer.
    Regards, 
    There is no issues over legality.   However, there are potential consequences.  Small premiums are exempt from anti-money laundering checks.  Large premiums are not.  So, ID may be required.

    If the account holder dies or gets into money problems, the premiums could go unpaid and the cover gets cancelled.  Or they may stop paying and pocket the money.

    Hence the other party paying a standing order to your account may be a lot easier.




    I am an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA). The comments I make are just my opinion and are for discussion purposes only. They are not financial advice and you should not treat them as such. If you feel an area discussed may be relevant to you, then please seek advice from an Independent Financial Adviser local to you.
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