UnderwriteMe’s protection platform has expanded its income protection (IP) panel with the addition of Guardian’s income protection, aiming to give advisers access to a robust income protection proposition through a single, streamlined journey.
Guardian's income protection is available on a stand-alone basis and sits alongside Guardian's full suite of protection products. This includes life essentials and life protection (premier life cover), critical illness protection, combined life with critical illness protection, and optional children’s critical illness protection.
The addition of Guardian's income protection makes Guardian the seventh insurer to offer buy-now for income protection on the platform.
"It's brilliant news that advisers can now recommend our full protection menu on UnderwriteMe’s protection platform," Hilary Banks, chief commercial officer at Guardian, said. "The platform's single application process makes it easier to build protection plans that genuinely reflect individual client needs.
"Income protection plays a key role in long‑term financial resilience, yet it’s still underused. Making it available on the platform widens access and supports the continued momentum we’re seeing in income protection recommendations across the market."
Nilesh Patel, chief revenue and customer officer at UnderwriteMe, added: "Guardian income protection is our seventh income protection product and is one of the most important, and often underserved, parts of a client's protection plan.
"Adding Guardian IP to our panel gives advisers access to a proposition with real technical depth. It's a strong addition to the platform and one we think advisers will find genuinely compelling for their clients."
Elliot Nixon, adviser at John Charcol Mortgages Ltd, commented: "Adding an established provider like Guardian to the income protection provider list on UnderwriteMe’s protection platform ensures I have more opportunity to place my clients with the best provider for them, allowing me to make a full protection package with their comprehensive critical illness and life insurance plans.
"Guardian's 'own job' definition is clearer, giving clients greater certainty if they need to claim, that they won’t be turned away simply because they could perform a different role within their wider occupation. Combined with the way premium waiver works in practice, these are the kind of features that make a real difference to clients when they need their cover to deliver. It's a very welcome addition."
