Author:Andrew Richardson

Read:17 mins

Review of Aviva Life Insurance

Aviva is one of the biggest life insurance providers out there, and they have some great life cover options, striking a balance between simplicity and diversity. Their plans aren’t particularly customisable, but they offer a range of policies that give most people what they need. We’ve deconstructed them all for you right here to help you find the policy that’s right for you.

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Pros
  • Terminal Illness coverage included
  • Extra options: Critical Illness Cover & Income Protection
  • High maximum age for life cover
Cons
  • Service is less personalised than other providers
  • Policies can’t be customised as much as other companies’ policies can
  • Life insurance is only available in 2 policy types.

About Aviva

Operating under one globally recognised brand, Aviva is one of Europe’s leading providers of investment, savings, and insurance products, serving 31 million people across all of their services.

Established in 1833, Aviva has since become the UK’s largest insurance provider, with over 13 million customers. They pay out over £34.6 billion in claims and benefits to their customers annually. The company offer a variety of strong insurance policies that includes a stand-alone critical illness cover, a service which is rarely offered by other providers.

How User-Friendly is Aviva’s Insurance Buying Process?

The Aviva Insurance buying process paints a picture of convenience and intuitive user navigation. Simple steps with clear instructions guide potential customers through essential details like personal information, insurance coverage preferences, and policy review. They have managed to create an online platform that eliminates the need for technical skills, enhancing accessibility for tech newbies.

Moreover, Aviva has successfully invested in user education. They generously provide important, easy-to-understand information and comparative resources along the buying process. This gives users a sense of assurance and the ability to make informed decisions.

Aviva Insurance Pricing: Value for Money?

When it comes to Aviva Insurance pricing, they deliver something that strikes a fine balance between affordable and comprehensive. Their wide range of products are reasonably priced, considering the level of coverage they offer. Customers appreciate how they get a custom-fit policy according to their financial capabilities and specific needs.

Furthermore, Aviva’s pricing is highly competitive when compared to what’s offered by other insurance companies in the market. This value for money does not make clients feel short-changed but delivers peace of mind – an invaluable return.

Understanding Aviva’s Insurance Policy Terms

Grasping the terms of your insurance policy can sometimes feel like learning a foreign language. Aviva, however, has taken away this hurdle, making Aviva Insurance policy understanding a straightforward process.

In this sphere, Aviva gains an edge by ensuring all terminologies and conditions relating to an insurance policy are clear, explanatory, and without jargon. So, irrespective of your insurance knowledge or experience, reading and understanding an Aviva policy becomes no task at all.

A Look into Aviva’s Insurance Customer Service

The quality of Aviva’s customer service echoes the company’s dedication to customer satisfaction. They have a friendly, responsive, and professional team that is always ready to help guide customers and address their queries or concerns. The emphasis is on developing a bond with customers rather than just a transactional relationship.

Aviva’s customer service is praised for its availability across multiple platforms – phone, email, or online chat. This round-the-clock availability ensures no customer is left hanging, regardless of the time or day.

Aviva’s Claims Process: Fast and Fair?

Zip-lining through the Aviva claims process has been reported to be a smooth experience. Aviva has created a mechanism where the claims protocol is simple, fast, and fair. They understand the distress that comes with lodging a claim, and they’ve made it their mission to make this journey stress-free.

Furthermore, Aviva’s commitment to fairness shines through in its claim processes. The company makes it a priority to thoroughly investigate the claim and ensure that justified claims are honoured swiftly. This fast and fair approach builds trust and loyalty among Aviva customers.

Customer Opinions on Aviva Insurance Products

Gaging Aviva customer opinions shows a lot of contentment and affirmation towards their offerings. Customers have expressed satisfaction with their insurance products’ quality, affordability, and ease of purchase.

One striking bit is the high level of policy customization at Aviva. The ability to tailor insurance to one’s specific needs has been highly appreciated among customers. Furthermore, clients love the wide range of products, from life insurance and home insurance to motor insurance, providing an umbrella of coverage for varied needs.

The Strengths and Weaknesses of Aviva Insurance

Like any other stalwart in the industry, Aviva has its own set of Aviva Insurance strengths and weaknesses. Brilliance shines not only in the company’s extensive product offerings but also in its customer service, fair pricing, and fast claim processing.

However, Aviva is not without its flaws. Some customers have reported web platform glitches and have expressed a desire for more discounts or premium reductions. These occasional shortcomings, though, do not overshadow Aviva’s overall excellent performance in the insurance realm.

The Coverage You Get with Aviva Insurance

Diving into Aviva coverage, we see attractive and comprehensive protection plans. From home and content insurance that safeguards your sanctuary, and motor insurance that covers your four-wheeled buddies to travel policies that protect your exciting globetrotting adventures, Aviva has you covered.

Significantly, life insurance at Aviva boasts a wide range of features that offer financial protection for your loved ones. Customers particularly appreciate the robustness of Aviva’s life insurance, which offers extensive coverage that can be tweaked to one’s personal requirements.

Insurance options: our honest breakdown

While Aviva only offers two types of term life insurance (increasing and decreasing term), they do provide an adequate range of life insurance policies, and break them down into clear categories that are easy to understand. They also offer life insurance with an extremely flexible length of cover, with term lengths of up to 50 years or until your 90th birthday.

Half of Aviva’s customers pay just £15 per month for their life insurance policy, and during 2017, 98.9% of life insurance claims submitted to them were paid out.

Aviva offers a critical illness cover which exists as a stand-alone policy, starting at around £18 a month, and covers 54 critical illnesses. They also offer an additional critical illness benefit which is available to be claimed on a number of stated ailments including Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis, and low-grade prostate cancer. In 2017, £337m worth of claims went to customers diagnosed with a critical illness.

Aviva offers an over 50s life protection policy that requires no medical examinations and has guaranteed acceptance. The policy ranges from just £7 per month to £50 per month, depending on the amount of coverage you choose, and lasts for your whole lifetime.

Aviva’s MyAviva app allows 24/7 quick and convenient access to all your policies and their details, in one place online. The app also allows you to access help and support from their customer service representatives, and to start a claim from your phone.

If that all seems a little much to take in, here’s a breakdown of each of Aviva’s policies:

Aviva Life Insurance

Aviva’s life insurance is divided into two policies: increasing term insurance and decreasing term insurance and covers you for up to £5 million which pays out in a lump sum payment should you die during the term of the policy. Aviva life insurance offers you plenty of flexibility with the length of your cover, providing you with coverage for anything between 1 and 50 years.

Aviva’s life insurance policies suit most eventualities in life, covering you for terminal illness, and offering you a separation benefit, should you and your partner break up and need to split a joint policy into single policies. However, if you die outside of the policy term, or within the first year of the policy from suicide or self-inflicted injuries, you won’t receive a payout.

Increasing term life cover

With increasing term cover, your cover amount increases with inflation, and so do your monthly payments. At Aviva, the maximum annual increase is 15% to your premium, and 10% to your cover amount, so bear in mind that your premiums will rise at a faster rate than your cash benefit.

Whether you’re looking for Aviva life insurance to cover your salary, pay your child’s university fees, or continue to make mortgage payments, an increasing term cover may appeal to you. With an increasing term life insurance policy, you’re protected against the effects of inflation, ensuring the value of your cover doesn’t decrease over time.

Aviva’s increasing term cover includes:

  • A lump sum payment.
  • Up to £5 million worth of coverage is available.
  • Free cover for 90 days, if you’re in the middle of buying a house when you take out the policy.
  • Terminal illness cover.
  • Flexible cover length (from short-term to 50 years, or until you’re 90).
  • Cover that can be taken out between 18 – 89 years old.
  • A separation benefit.
  • The opportunity to customise your policy, in order to keep your premiums and cover the same.
  • Cover and premiums which increase throughout the policy. The maximum annual increase is 15% to your premium, and 10% to your cover amount.

Top Tip: While Aviva doesn’t offer a level term insurance policy, if you’re looking to keep both your cover and monthly premiums the same, you can take out an increasing term insurance plan and customise your policy accordingly.

Decreasing term life cover

With decreasing term cover, the amount of coverage you have goes down while your monthly premiums maintain at the same rate. This payment system can be a good option if you’re looking to pay off your mortgage or to cover any debts that you have to repay monthly.

Aviva’s decreasing term cover includes:

  • Guaranteed premiums.
  • Lump sum payment.
  • Free cover for 90 days if you’re in the middle of buying a house when you take out the policy.
  • Terminal illness cover.
  • Flexible cover length (from short-term to 50 years, or until you’re 90).
  • Cover that can be taken out between 18 – 89 years old.
  • A separation benefit.
  • Cover which decreases throughout the policy.

Critical Illness Cover

Aviva’s critical illness plan, like their life insurance, is divided into two distinct policies: increasing term and decreasing term. Unlike some other providers, this policy doesn’t have to be bought in conjunction with any other life insurance plan. This policy covers you and your child for 54 critical illnesses stated in the insurance contract, paying out a lump sum should either of you get diagnosed or require surgery. Their coverage extends up to £1,000,000 and can be taken out by anyone between the ages of 18 and 64.

It is worth noting however that in order to qualify for your payout, you’ll have to live for over 10 days after your diagnosis. You should also pay particular attention to the list of critical illnesses they cover, as some ailments and diagnoses have caveats that only offer coverage under specific circumstances. For example with HIV and AIDS, how and where you contracted the virus can influence whether or not you’re eligible for a payout.

From roughly £18 per month or less, Aviva’s critical illness plan is a good way of ensuring financial stability should you ever become unable to work as a result of your illness.

Increasing term critical illness cover

With an increasing term life insurance policy, you’re protected against the rise of inflation, ensuring the value of your cover doesn’t decrease over time. Like with Aviva’s increasing term life insurance, as the cover amount increases with inflation, so will your monthly payments. The maximum annual increase is 15% to your premium and 10% to your cover amount.

With Aviva’s critical illness cover you’re also covered for your child. If they fall ill with a critical illness (not terminal), Aviva will pay out a maximum of £25,000, or 50% of your cover amount, depending on which is less.

Aviva’s increasing term critical illness cover includes:

  • Coverage for you and your child for 54 critical illnesses.
  • A lump sum payment.
  • Flexible length of cover (from 5 to 50 years).
  • Cover that can be taken out between 18 – 64 years old, and can last until you’re 75.
  • Up to £25,000 worth of cover for your child, or 50% of the cover amount (whichever is lower).
  • A separation benefit.
  • Up to £1 million worth of cover.
  • An additional critical illness benefit, can be claimed if you’re diagnosed with any one of their specifically stated illnesses or ailments.

Decreasing term cover

With decreasing term cover, the value of your coverage decreases until it’s at zero, while your monthly premiums stay at the same rate. This payment system can benefit you if you’re looking to pay off your mortgage or cover any debts that are repaid over time. See below for the specific details of Aviva’s decreasing term critical illness cover:

Aviva’s decreasing term critical illness cover includes:

  • Covers you and your child for 54 critical illnesses.
  • Pays out in a lump sum payment.
  • Flexible length of cover (from 5 to 50 years).
  • Cover that can be taken out between 18 – 64 years old, and can last until you’re 75.
  • Provides up to £25,000 worth of cover for your child, or 50% of the cover amount (whichever is lower).
  • A separation benefit.
  • Offers up to £1 million worth of cover.
  • An additional critical illness benefit can be claimed if you’re diagnosed with any one of their specifically stated illnesses or ailments.

Over 50s Aviva Life insurance

Aviva’s over 50s life insurance plans range from just £7 per month to £50 per month, depending on the amount of coverage you choose. With Aviva, you can take out over 50s life protection between the ages of 50 and 80, and they provide you with coverage to last your lifetime. The cover ranges anywhere from £404 to £20,077, depending on your age and premium (which will remain the same throughout your lifetime). Providing your premiums are less than £100 per month, you can take out over 50s life protection in conjunction with other life insurance policies.

Aviva’s over 50s cover policy:

  • Premiums start from £7 per month.
  • Available for people between the ages of 50 and 80.
  • Cover lasts until death, with no limited term.
  • Cover ranges from £404 to £20,077.
  • No health checks.
  • Guaranteed acceptance.
  • Guaranteed premiums.
  • Cash lump sum guaranteed if you pass away after 1 year (or you pass away as a result of an accident).
  • Multiple plans.
  • Accident protection.

Free Parent Life Cover

When you take out a life insurance plan with Aviva, you’ll receive a year’s worth of parent life cover, for free. This cover is available for those between 18 and 66, with children under 4, and extends up to £15,000.

In order to be eligible for free parent life cover, you’ll have to have your name on the child’s birth certificate, the full adoption certificate, the special guardianship order, or the final residence order. You may also be rejected if you’ve had any cancer treatments in the past 12 months.

Providing you answer all questions honestly, you don’t move out of the UK, and your death isn’t a result of suicide or alcohol/drug abuse, then your family will receive a lump sum payout if you pass away.

Aviva’s life insurance for parents:

  • Available for those between 18 and 66, with children under 4.
  • Offers £15,000 worth of cover.
  • Free.
  • 1 year’s worth of coverage.
  • Children are eligible at any age before their 4th birthday.
  • Only available when you take out a life insurance policy.

How Aviva Insurance Stands Against Major Competitors

In the face-off of Aviva vs competitors, Aviva stands tall and proud. What sets them apart is their wide-ranging coverage, the reliability of claim settlement, and responsive customer service.

However, Aviva winning the race is not solely due to their product range and pricing, but because of the human touch, they give their service. Not many can match Aviva’s effort to maintain a balance between quality service and financial efficacy. This certainly makes the company a force to be reckoned with, in the crowded insurance market.

Is Aviva Insurance Worth the Investment?

To answer the critical question, Is Aviva Insurance worth the investment? It certainly is. The combination of their wide range of flexible policies, competitive pricing, reliable customer service, and quick and fair claim processes makes Aviva a wise insurance investment.

Top this with Aviva’s remarkable financial stability and years of industry experience, Aviva Insurance absolutely warrants being at the forefront of your consideration when choosing an insurance provider.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

How user-friendly is the Aviva Insurance buying process?

Aviva’s insurance buying process is straightforward and user-friendly. It guides potential customers through essential steps with clear instructions. They have a robust online ecosystem and provide relevant, easy-to-understand information during the buying process.

Is Aviva’s Insurance claim process quick and fair?

Aviva operates a user-friendly claim process that aims to be quick and fair. They ensure that justified claims are honoured swiftly, making the process as stress-free as possible for clients.

What is covered under Aviva Insurance?

Aviva boasts a wide range of insurance products that include but are not limited to home and content insurance, motor insurance, travel policies, and life insurance. The extent of the coverage depends on the selected policy.

How does Aviva Insurance stand against its competitors?

In comparison to its competitors, Aviva stands out due to its wide range of coverage, fair pricing, quick claims process, and responsive customer service. The company maintains a perfect balance between quality service and financial efficacy.

Is Aviva Insurance worth investing in?

Yes, Aviva Insurance is worth investing in. They provide wide-ranging, flexible policies, have a reputation for swift and fair claim processes, and maintain positive customer relations. Their financial stability and industry experience make Aviva a reliable insurance provider.

Aviva life insurance: conclusion

Aviva life insurance offers flexible term coverage with a range of benefits and additional services, including free parent life cover, and a stand-alone critical illness cover which can be taken out without a life insurance policy. As one of the largest insurance providers in the country, you have the security of knowing you’re taking out a policy with a name you can trust, and Aviva’s range of policies means that there’s likely to be an option to suit you – although they do lack flexibility.

If you’re a parent, Aviva’s critical illness cover may appeal to you in particular as it also insures your child for up to £25,000 worth of cover, or 50% of your policy (depending on which is less).

Aviva provides both decreasing and increasing term life insurance policies. While they don’t offer a specifically designed level term policy, if you want to keep both your cover and monthly premiums the same, you can customise your increasing term policy accordingly.

If you’re looking for a large well-known insurance provider with a lot of experience in the industry, then Aviva’s life insurance policies are worth looking into.

Aviva emerges as an all-rounder in the insurance field with its user-friendly buying process, a broad range of comprehensive products, reasonable pricing, and excellent customer service. Despite minor shortcomings, Aviva provides a potent mix of performance, protection, and price that makes it a formidable player in the market. If value-driven coverage is what you’re after, Aviva stands as a worthy consideration.

Andrew Richardson is a highly respected expert in UK life insurance, with over 25 years of industry experience. Holding an honours degree from the London School of Economics and being a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute, Andrew has made significant contributions to the field, including developing ground-breaking life insurance products. Known for his ability to simplify complex life insurance concepts, he regularly shares his insights through articles and workshops, empowering people to make informed decisions about their life insurance needs. His commitment to client service, education, and staying at the forefront of industry advancements solidifies his reputation as a trusted and leading figure in UK life insurance.

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About Andrew Richardson

Andrew Richardson, an accomplished expert in UK life insurance, brings to the table a wealth of knowledge amassed over 25 years in the industry. Andrew holds an honours degree in Business and Finance from the London School of Economics and is a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute. He has dedicated his career to ensuring his clients receive the best possible advice and solutions to safeguard their futures.

Embarking on his career in London’s bustling finance district, Andrew’s unique ability to unravel and simplify the complexities of life insurance policies became evident. This skill, coupled with his intuitive understanding of market dynamics, led him to hold high-ranking positions in some of the country’s most well-respected insurance firms.

Renowned for his industry-leading expertise, Andrew has shared his valuable insights through articles in prestigious publications such as The Economist, The Telegraph, and the Financial Times. He has significantly contributed to shaping public understanding of life insurance by presenting complex information in an accessible and digestible format.

Notably, as a former Director of Life Insurance Products at a top insurance company, Andrew played a key role in the development and launch of ground-breaking life insurance products. These innovative policies have since become industry standards, demonstrating the significant impact of Andrew’s work.

Andrew’s commitment to educating the public on life insurance doesn’t stop at his writing. He frequently conducts workshops and seminars throughout the UK, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their life insurance plans. His ability to present complex information in a clear, easy-to-understand manner has made these sessions highly sought after.

Beyond his professional achievements, Andrew actively utilises his expertise to support charitable causes, offering his knowledge of life insurance to help non-profit organisations secure their financial futures.

Always at the cutting edge of industry advancements, Andrew continually upgrades his knowledge, ensuring he offers the most current, relevant, and reliable advice to his clients. His unwavering dedication to professional growth has cemented his status as an industry leader in life insurance.

Andrew Richardson is more than just an insurance expert; he is a trusted advisor, a visionary product developer, and an invaluable asset to anyone seeking guidance on their life insurance needs. His deep knowledge, innovative spirit, and tireless commitment to client service make him an irreplaceable figure in the UK’s life insurance landscape.

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Meet our authors

Amelia Thompson

Dr. Amelia Thompson is an esteemed expert in UK health insurance, with a career spanning over 25 years. A Cambridge graduate in Medicine and a Master's holder in Health Policy from the University of London, Amelia has made significant contributions to the field, notably in the development of consumer-focused health insurance products. Renowned for her ability to simplify complex concepts, she frequently shares her insights in leading publications and educational seminars. Her commitment to ethical practice, client service, and industry advancement makes her a trusted and influential figure in UK health insurance.

Andrew Richardson

Andrew Richardson is a highly respected expert in UK life insurance, with over 25 years of industry experience. Holding an honours degree from the London School of Economics and being a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute, Andrew has made significant contributions to the field, including developing ground-breaking life insurance products. Known for his ability to simplify complex life insurance concepts, he regularly shares his insights through articles and workshops, empowering people to make informed decisions about their life insurance needs. His commitment to client service, education, and staying at the forefront of industry advancements solidifies his reputation as a trusted and leading figure in UK life insurance.

Benjamin Turner

Benjamin Turner is a highly regarded expert in UK funeral insurance, boasting a professional career that spans over 20 years. A University of Manchester graduate and a distinguished member of the Chartered Insurance Institute, Benjamin has significantly contributed to the field, notably in the creation of comprehensive funeral insurance products. Renowned for his ability to clarify complex concepts, he frequently shares his insights in leading publications and workshops. His commitment to client service, ethical practice, and industry advancement makes him a trusted figure in the UK funeral insurance landscape.

Jonathan Harvey

Jonathan Harvey is a distinguished expert with over twenty years' experience in the UK's life, health, and funeral insurance sectors. A Cambridge graduate and Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute, Jonathan has a proven track record in designing innovative insurance policies, and a strong reputation for making complex insurance matters comprehensible for the public. Known for his empathetic approach, he has helped thousands make informed decisions on their future security. Regularly contributing to leading publications and hosting educational workshops, Jonathan's commitment to client service and public education truly sets him apart in the insurance industry.

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