Press Release

One in two homeowners reluctant to take out MPPI

PPI investigation causing confusion among consumers - leaving many under protected.

A new survey by Paymentshield, the largest independent supplier of mortgage related general insurance products to the intermediary sector, reveals that consumers are shying away from MPPI (Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance) as a result of the bad press surrounding the recent PPI investigation.

The extensive study polled over 1,500 consumers and more than 250 intermediaries on the impact of the recent PPI investigation, and how it is affecting their concerns and perceptions.

Almost half (47%) of all homeowners are aware of the recent investigation into PPI and the current criticism of the product. However, worryingly for the industry, nearly nine in 10 (87%) believe the criticism applies to all PPI (Payment Protection Insurance) products - including MPPI. Only 5% of homeowners knew the investigation related to PPI products for credit cards and unsecured loans only.

As a result of this apparent confusion between the products, nearly half (49%) of all homeowners say they are now more cautious about taking out MPPI policies. This experience is being mirrored by intermediaries, with 68% saying consumers are now more reluctant to consider MPPI. Other deterrents for consumers are fear that the policy wouldn't pay-out if something happened, or that the situation would never arise when they would need cover.

Both intermediaries and consumers agree that intermediaries are the best source to turn to for impartial advice on MPPI, with one in three (32% of consumers saying they would turn to their mortgage adviser. Less than a quarter (24%) would turn to their bank or building society, while 21% would ask their friends or family.

In general intermediaries seem happy to take on this role of educator - with 37% saying it should be their responsibility to make sure consumers are fully informed and educated about MPPI. They also state that the media (19%) and industry bodies (19%) should take an active part, followed by providers (12%) and banks and building societies (4%).

Chris Traynor, Paymentshield Sales & Marketing Director comments: "It is worrying to see that people are shying away from MPPI as a result of the PPI investigation. Our survey shows that there are real misconceptions amongst consumers about the value and importance of MPPI and people are still confusing it with PPI.

"We believe that MPPI is an appropriate product for at least 1 in 3 consumers - however these statistics are falling woefully short, leaving many people potentially unable to meet their mortgage repayments in the event of unemployment or illness.

"We are, however, reassured by the industry's enthusiasm to tackle these issues. It is vital that consumers receive proper financial advice when taking out these products and mortgage intermediaries are best placed to do so. This approach is key to ensuring consumers receive the correct levels of advice".

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:

Paymentshield Limited is the largest independent supplier of general insurance products to the mortgage intermediary sector with current new business levels consistently exceeding 30,000 policies a month. Paymentshield only sells through intermediaries and over 27,000 intermediaries have chosen Paymentshield.

For all further enquiries, please contact:

Fiona Kitchin
Head of Marketing
Tel - 0870 351 5878
Mobile - 07989 960 166
E-mail - fiona.kitchin@paymentshield.co.uk

Inez de Koning / Anna Schirmer
Lansons Communications
Tel - 0207 294 3623 / 0207 294 3605
E-mail - inezd@lansons.com / annas@lansons.com