The Association of Mortgage Intermediaries has collaborated with the Protection Distributors Group and the Income Protection Taskforce to help advisers keep their clients protected.

The three have produced guidance on how to navigate the tricky issue of clients cancelling protection policies to save money in these trying times.

As well as listings points to consider when speaking to clients, such as how underwriting may change in future and lead to a higher cover for the same type of cover, it provides options on what to do if a client cannot afford cover.

This includes policy amendments, investigating options for breaks and repayment plans, and advising on direct debit cancellation costs.

Ami chief executive Robert Sinclair says: “Before Covid-19 hit, income protection policies sales were increasing and the ‘Access to Insurance’ sign posting agreement made positive strides to help clients with disabilities and medical conditions find suitable cover.

“It is important that this momentum is not lost, as protection needs continue to exist. The value that intermediaries add is crucial to ensuring clients realise the far-reaching effects that cancelling cover could have on their lives.

“Many intermediaries are already contacting clients and generating discussion, but Ami, PDG and IPTF hope that this guide will be a useful tool. It was important for Ami to collaborate with the PDG and IPTF during these difficult times and to make sure as many people as possible benefit from the content.”