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Press Release

13 December 2005

Broker survey reveals mixed attitudes towards MPPI

In the first survey of mortgage brokers and intermediaries on their attitude towards mortgage payment protection insurance (MPPI) since the FSA revealed the results of its thematic review, Assurant Solutions and CETA have uncovered some mixed results.

  • 89% of respondents continue to sell MPPI despite the increased scrutiny that the product has faced from the FSA and other consumer bodies
  • One third of those surveyed believe the product has become more difficult to sell since the FSA assumed responsibility for regulating both the mortgage and general insurance industries
  • 25% believe the product does meet the needs of consumers
  • However, 75% suggest more needs to be done to improve its flexibility, affordability, and saleability
  • 82% of all respondents believe there is a lack of understanding amongst consumers about MPPI 282 intermediaries responded to questionnaire issued to 2,500 CETA members nationwide.
David Quick, Managing Director at CETA, comments: “Our members have sent a clear message through this survey that while MPPI does have a role to play, it must represent value for money and become a more affordable option to the consumer. Equally important, the product itself must sit comfortably with their individual needs if it is to become an option of choice. If insurers can address these fundamental points, then I think we’ll see a very different attitude towards saleability on any future survey.”

Ian Moffatt, Sales and Marketing Director at Assurant Solutions, goes on to say: “We were greatly encouraged to see that so many brokers are actively promoting the product, particularly as the FSA confirmed that it sees a real need for MPPI and gave brokers a relatively clean bill of health in its thematic review. However, this does contradict anecdotal evidence that indicates many have stopped selling it.

“In our view, brokers and intermediaries offer a far greater choice to consumers looking for financial solutions to suit their individual circumstance, and consumers should not be denied access to the best source of advice and options to protect themselves. There has been a lot of good work done by many over recent months to develop enhancements to this product that offer real value both to brokers and their customers, but clearly we must look closely at each stage in the lifecycle of the product if we are to help brokers and intermediaries to continue to deliver the right solutions for the customers.”

For more information, please contact either Lesley Russell or Sarah-Jayne Douglas at Spotlight Communications on 01252 352399 or email lesley@spotlightcomms.co.uk.
Note to Editors:
About Assurant Solutions

Headquartered in Slough, Assurant Solutions is part of Assurant, a provider of specialty property and consumer protection products. Focused on niche risk management, Assurant Solutions provides customised solutions designed to help its clients manage their risk-based activities and maximise their revenue potential. It develops, underwrites and markets niche insurance lines including creditor, term life, income protection, personal accident, extended service contracts and extended warranty programmes through strategic partnerships with financial institutions - including mortgage lenders, mortgage packagers, credit card issuers and finance companies - and retailers.

Assurant is premier provider of specialised insurance products and related services in North America and selected other markets. Assurant is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AIZ and has approximately US$20 billion in assets and US$7 billion in annual revenue. Assurant comprises four businesses - Assurant Employee Benefits, Assurant Health, Assurant Solutions and Assurant Specialty Property. Visit www.assurantsolutions.co.uk.

About CETA

CETA provides insurance cover for over £3.5 billion worth of domestic property in the UK through a network of 4,000 agents, using its own tailor made quotation and administration software.

With the backing of some of the UK’s leading insurers, CETA has an unrivalled portfolio of insurance products including Building and Contents, Motor, Commercial, Mortgage Protection, Liability, Legal Protection, Travel and Pet. Visit www.ceta.co.uk.
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