How our adviser’s protection expertise transformed a widow’s uncertain future

Foster Denovo mortgage and protection adviser Carly Naylor realised a little-known clause in the insurance she arranged for a couple would make all the difference when the husband suddenly died.

In her own words, Carly, who is based in our Sheffield office, takes up the story.

“I knew the couple well as they had been longstanding personal clients and needed a mortgage of £125,000. Advising on both the most suitable mortgage and protection policies for my clients is always my highest priority, because if the ‘unthinkable should happen’ there are provisions in place to limit any financial burden that could have been prevented.

“For years, they had resisted taking out life cover so when I met with them to review their options, I prepared quotes in advance to demonstrate how small the premium would be, and what the impact would be if no cover was in place, which for these particular clients, would mean having to sell the home as a single income would not be enough to pay the mortgage.

“This conversation was more important than ever as both were in their 50s, with a monthly mortgage payment that was a high proportion of their income. Happily, they agreed to pay for protection – only £28 a month.

“This was back in November 2024 and the application was submitted and underwritten, and we agreed to commence the policy when the mortgage completed on the 2^nd January 2025.

“I called the client to confirm the mortgage had completed only for her to tell me her husband had died in a scuba diving accident on the 28^th December, almost a week before the policy had begun.

“Normally, this would be catastrophic: a widow facing not only grief but the added pressure of paying the mortgage without her husband, however I recalled one crucial detail.

“The insurance company offered what’s called a “protection promise”. Essentially, this means you are covered from the date the application is submitted until the policy is activated.  I authenticated the claim with the insurer and they confirmed the clients met this criteria and paid out before the policy had even commenced! The clients hadn’t even made one payment.

“The insurer said this was only the second time in their history they’d settled a claim of this nature.

“And the truth is: unless you know this market inside out, most of us would think we had missed the boat and a claim might never have been made. It’s one of the strongest examples of the value an adviser can bring I’ve ever come across, even if I say so myself!

“While nothing can compensate for the shock and grief of losing your partner, knowing that you’d literally insured the mortgage would be paid off means real peace-of-mind. It was so important to this client and I hope this experience demonstrates how important it is for everyone.”

This case study is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice or a personalised recommendation. It is also based on our understanding of current and proposed legislation, which may change.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Foster Denovo Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA Reg No. 462728.