Kingsbridge Insurance Newsletter August 2025

A three-part photographic collage representing different stages of homeownership in the UK. The left panel shows the exterior of an estate agent's office with property listings in the window and a 'Sold' sign outside terraced houses. The top right panel shows a smiling woman working on a laptop at a kitchen table next to her young child. The bottom right panel shows an older couple sitting happily on a garden bench outside a modern bungalow with solar panels.

We are starting this month’s newsletter with a Market Watch to see how 2025 is faring so far. 

We also have lots of helpful advice on critical illness cover, and your changing insurance needs.

In this month’s newsletter:

  1. 2025 Market Watch 
  2. How Did Critical Illness Cover Support This Self-Employed Single Mum?
  3. From Renting to Retirement, How Do Your Insurance Needs Change Through Life?

2025 Market Watch.

It’s been a busy year in the finance world! Have you been reading along? We’d thought we’d break down a few changes. Here’s an overview of the current trends in mortgages, protection, insurance, and later-life lending so far:

Protection & General Insurance

There are some interesting things happening with technological innovation in the insurance world – but the need for a trustworthy advisor remains. As mortgage landscapes shift, protection products (like home emergency cover, legal expense add-ons, and more bespoke or digital-first solutions) are adapting.

Later-Life Lending

Again, we are seeing market growth in equity release news. Lending rose to £665 m in the first quarter of 2025 (up from £622 m in the last quarter of 2024). Marking four straight quarters of growth. Rising house prices have made homeowners more inclined to tap equity. The average release rates are now between 5.7–7%. Doubling from 3.7% in 2021.

More and more, the industry calls for emphasis on regulation and transparency for responsible lending. Making sure clients always come first. No-negative-equity guarantees and clearer consumer guidance are top of the list for regulation. Meanwhile, emerging UK home equity line of credit (HELOC)-like products reflect a shift toward more flexible equity-access methods, influenced by US-style. Did you have more questions about this?

To finish up…

Professional advice remains crucial. Especially as we are seeing falling fixed rates, strong lending volumes, and easing affordability amid policy shifts in the mortgage world, plus tech-enhanced quoting, rising complexity in protection and insurance. Equally, the continued market growth, product innovation, and rate rises in equity call for expert help.  

Do you need help getting started with any new products this month? Let’s have an honest conversation about you and your needs. We’ll update our file and address any new requirements you may have. Reply to this email or give us a call.

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How did critical illness cover support this self-employed single mom.

When it comes to buying insurance, whether for your car, home, health, or income, it’s tempting to focus on price. After all, who doesn’t want to save money? But while a cheaper premium may look appealing upfront, it could cost you far more in the long run. if the policy doesn’t do what you need it to. Equally, by chatting with an advisor, you’ll ensure you’ll end up with the right policy for you and your needs.
 
Let’s dive into the top reasons why “cheaper” doesn’t always mean “better” when it comes to insurance:
 
1. Lower Premiums Often Mean Lower Cover
Cut-price policies tend to offer minimal cover. That might be fine – until you actually need to make a claim. For example, if you bought a cheap contents insurance policy and unfortunately had a break-in, you might find that only £10,000 of items are covered. Plus, it excludes electronics, jewellery, and bikes. That “bargain” policy won’t come close to replacing what you lost.
 
2. Exclusions and Small Print Matter
Cheap insurance policies often have more exclusions. Also known as: the things they won’t pay out for. Our top tip? Always read the key facts document and ask an adviser to explain what’s not included.
 
3. Delays, Excesses, and Claim Limits
Cost-saving features reduce the price but can also reduce the value of the policy when you need it most. Such as:
 
  • Higher excesses (the amount you must pay before the insurer contributes)
  • Lower payout caps (especially on home, travel, or gadget insurance)
  • Longer waiting periods (common with income protection or private medical insurance)
 
4. Poor Service at the Worst Time
Customer service can suffer with ultra-budget insurers. Long call waits, confusing processes, and slow claims payments may be more common with cheaper providers. When you’re already dealing with theft, or an accident, poor service adds stress you don’t need.
 
Check with an advisor before choosing on price alone.
 
Some budget insurers might not offer legal and financial coverage. Or aspects like counselling services and family support. In contrast, more comprehensive (and slightly more expensive) policies often include these extras that can make a big difference in a crisis.
 
The most important question isn’t “What’s the cheapest insurance?” but “What’s the right insurance for me?”
It’s not about buying the most expensive insurance – it’s about buying the most suitable one. Sometimes that may cost a little more, but in exchange, you’ll get peace of mind, real support when you need it, and a policy that actually works for your situation.
 
Chat with us today to ensure you are insured where you need it.
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From renting to retirement, how do your insurance needs change through life.

As your lifestyle evolves, so do the risks you face. Your insurance cover should adapt to reflect that. While some policies are easy to set and forget, the reality is that regular reviews are crucial to ensure you’re properly protected at every stage of life. We can manage all this for you, so you can focus on living, and not worrying about your insurance needs!
 
Here’s how your insurance needs typically shift – from your renting days to your retirement dreams.
 
In Your 20s–30s: Renting, Studying, and Starting Out
  • Contents insurance
  • Car insurance
  • Private health (if NHS waiting times are a concern)
Young renters often assume the landlord’s building insurance has them covered – but it doesn’t protect your personal belongings. A basic contents policy can safeguard your gadgets, clothes, and furniture. And for drivers, car insurance is not just a legal requirement, but increasingly tailored to low-mileage or app-based driving styles.
 
In Your 30s–40s: Buying a Home, Having Kids, Getting Established
  • Buildings & contents insurance
  • Health insurance (especially with a young family)
  • Pet insurance
  • Gadget cover
When you buy a property, buildings insurance becomes essential (especially if you have a mortgage). It covers structural issues like fire or flooding. Add contents cover to protect everything inside, from white goods to laptops.
 
If you’ve added a furry family member, pet insurance is a smart move – vet bills can be steep, and even routine treatments add up. And as gadgets multiply, especially in households with children, gadget insurance can save you hundreds on lost or broken devices.
 
Don’t forget to reassess your policy limits as your belongings grow in value.
 
In Your 50s–60s: Upsizing, Downsizing, and Health Focus
  • Comprehensive home cover
  • Travel insurance with medical cover
  • Private medical insurance
  • Specialist car cover (e.g. for classic cars or lower mileage)
At this stage, you might be travelling more or considering early retirement. Travel insurance becomes increasingly important, and more complex, with age, as pre-existing conditions often require disclosure. Annual policies may still offer value, but be sure they cover your destinations and activities. Your health might become a bigger priority, too. Private medical insurance can provide faster diagnosis and treatment, especially if you want access to specific consultants or hospitals.
 
Tip: If you’re downsizing or moving to a different area, don’t forget to update your home policy – premiums and risks vary by postcode.
 
In Retirement: Lifestyle-Based Cover
  • Home & contents
  • Health & dental insurance
  • Travel cover with cruise or extended trip options
  • Legal expenses or home emergency cover
Retirement can bring more freedom, and more time at home or abroad. Consider home emergency cover to protect against burst pipes or boiler failures, especially if you’re away for extended periods. If you’re cruising or heading abroad for months, look for specialist travel insurance with generous trip limits.
 
For ongoing health concerns, private health insurance with outpatient care and dental add-ons can make life more comfortable and reduce waiting times.
 
Some insurers offer over-60s discounts or loyalty perks, and is worth reviewing every few years.
 
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
 
Even if your policies are set to auto-renew, they may no longer suit your lifestyle or reflect current costs and values. Regularly reviewing your cover ensures you’re not overpaying, or under-protected.
 
Whether you’re renting your first flat or planning for retirement adventures, make insurance work for where you are now, not where you were five years ago. Let’s get you updated for the future! Get in touch today for advice just for you.
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