Unemployment Cover

Secure Your Finances with Unemployment Cover

Protect your finances and secure your future with Unemployment Cover - because unexpected job loss shouldn't mean financial struggle.

Thanks. You will be redirected in a second...
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Wont effect your credit score
Whole of Market

We can search 1000s of mortgages

Keith Ahmed
DipFA CeMAP CeRER
Mortgage & Protection Director
Category:
Read time:
6
Mins
Published:
August 27, 2021
Updated:
April 4, 2022

Unemployment Cover, also known as unemployment insurance, is a type of policy that assists in managing your mortgage payments if you become involuntarily unemployed. It provides a safety net, ensuring you're covered during times of unexpected job loss, allowing you to maintain your home and lifestyle during this challenging phase.

It's crucial to understand the terms and conditions, as well as the benefits and limitations, to make an informed decision about whether this type of cover is suitable for your specific circumstances.

About
Eligibility
Pros & Cons
Other options

Unemployment Cover, often referred to as redundancy insurance, is a specific type of insurance policy designed to support you financially if you unexpectedly lose your job and find yourself unemployed. It's a safety net that pays out a monthly benefit, typically for up to 12 months or until you find a new job, whichever comes first. This payout is designed to cover your mortgage repayments and other key outgoings, providing you with financial stability during a challenging period.

It's worth noting that various terms and conditions apply to these policies. For example, they generally don't pay out if you knew about your redundancy before you took out the policy, or if you become unemployed within a certain period after taking out the policy. Therefore, it's vital to fully understand the specifics of any Unemployment Cover policy before committing to it.

The Importance of Unemployment Cover

Unemployment Cover can significantly influence the mortgage process. From a lender's perspective, the risk associated with lending is mitigated when the borrower has Unemployment Cover, knowing that the mortgage repayments can continue even in the event of job loss. For borrowers, this can sometimes mean more favourable terms or interest rates.

Additionally, the security and stability provided by Unemployment Cover can be an essential factor when lenders assess your mortgage application. It demonstrates financial responsibility and foresight, aspects that lenders value highly. However, it's important to note that while Unemployment Cover can improve your mortgage prospects, it does not replace the need for a stable income or good credit history, which remain vital in securing a mortgage.

Potential risks of not having Unemployment Cover in place

The risk of not having Unemployment Cover can be significant, particularly for those with a mortgage to maintain. Should you suddenly lose your job, without a backup plan, meeting mortgage repayments could become a challenge, possibly leading to financial strain or, in a worst-case scenario, the risk of defaulting on your mortgage. This could potentially result in a severe impact on your credit score and, ultimately, the risk of losing your home.

Additionally, without Unemployment Cover, the pressure to find new employment may be greater, possibly compelling you to accept a position that may not be in line with your career aspirations or personal circumstances. As such, while Unemployment Cover is an additional cost to consider, the protection it provides during a period of unexpected unemployment could prove invaluable.

Find out if you can get this mortgage

Try our services for free and find out if you are eligible for a mortgage.
Check My Eligibility
Free Initial Advice
No obligation quotes

How Unemployment Cover works

When the unfortunate circumstance of unemployment occurs, your Unemployment Cover comes into play. This process typically begins with you notifying your insurer about your job loss, usually within a set time period after becoming unemployed. You then submit a claim, providing all necessary supporting documentation, such as proof of your unemployment status, your previous employment, and any job search efforts you're undertaking. The insurer then reviews your claim. This review process may take some time, depending on your insurer and the specifics of your policy.


If your claim is approved, you will start receiving your monthly payouts after a predetermined waiting period, often referred to as the 'excess period' or 'deferred period.' This period typically ranges from 30 to 120 days and is set at the outset of your policy. The monthly benefit is often a percentage of your previous income or a fixed amount agreed upon when you took out your policy, designed to cover your essential outgoings, including your mortgage repayments.


It's essential to keep in mind that your Unemployment Cover will only continue to pay out for a set period, typically up to 12 months or until you find a new job, whichever comes first. Once you are re-employed, the payouts stop, and your policy continues as before, ready to provide cover should you face unemployment again.

Case Study - "John, a 35-year-old engineer"

Let's consider a case study of John, a 35-year-old engineer, who had taken out a mortgage on his family home. John was aware of the financial risk associated with sudden unemployment and had wisely taken out an Unemployment Cover policy when he secured his mortgage. Unfortunately, due to an unexpected downturn in his industry, John was made redundant.


After the initial shock, John contacted his insurance provider and initiated a claim on his Unemployment Cover. He provided all the necessary documentation, and his claim was approved. Despite the stressful situation, John had the reassurance that his mortgage repayments would continue to be met while he sought new employment.


Because he had Unemployment Cover, John was able to take the time to find a new job that was a good fit for his skills and career aspirations, rather than having to accept the first job offer that came his way out of financial necessity. This case study underscores the importance and benefits of having Unemployment Cover when carrying a mortgage.

Who should consider Unemployment Cover?

Unemployment Cover may not be suitable for everyone, and it's important to consider your specific circumstances before deciding if it's right for you. A vital factor to contemplate is your job security. If your industry or role has a high risk of redundancy, or if your employment is contract-based or seasonal, Unemployment Cover could provide valuable peace of mind. Additionally, consider your financial obligations.

If you have a mortgage or other significant commitments that would be difficult to maintain without your regular income, Unemployment Cover might be a wise investment. On the other hand, if you have substantial savings that could cover your expenses for a considerable period, or if you have other forms of income protection, you might decide that Unemployment Cover is not necessary. It's also worth bearing in mind the cost of the premiums, and whether they are affordable within your current budget.

Before making a decision, it's always recommended to seek independent financial advice tailored to your individual needs and circumstances.

For full-time workers, Unemployment Cover can be an essential safety net. If your employment is suddenly terminated, the payouts from the policy can provide financial stability, allowing you to focus on finding a new job rather than worrying about how to meet your mortgage obligations.

Part-time workers might feel they have less need for Unemployment Cover due to fewer working hours or a shorter contract. However, it's important to remember that redundancy can still occur, and without a regular income, meeting mortgage repayments could prove challenging.

For self-employed individuals, the risk of income loss can be more unpredictable, making Unemployment Cover a worthy consideration. However, for self-employed people, it's crucial to understand that this type of insurance usually only covers involuntary unemployment - not voluntary cessation of work or business closure. Therefore, verify the terms and conditions of the policy carefully before committing.

As always, these are general guidelines and considering your unique circumstances is key when deciding on Unemployment Cover.

The Application Process

1

Sign up for free

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consecte tur adipiscing elit semper dalar consectur elementum tempus hac.

2

Check your eligibility

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consecte tur adipiscing elit semper dalar consectur elementum tempus hac.

3

Get your mortgage

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consecte tur adipiscing elit semper dalar consectur elementum tempus hac.

Check My Eligibility
Signing up wont effect your credit score

How to apply for Unemployment Cover?

Applying for Unemployment Cover through Hello Mortgage is a straightforward process. To begin with, you'll need to contact one of our expert brokers either via phone, email, or by filling out an online enquiry form on our website. Once we have your initial information, one of our brokers will get in touch for a more in-depth discussion about your personal circumstances, financial commitments, and specific needs. This conversation is crucial to understanding the right level of cover for you.

Following this, we'll do the hard work of comparing policies from a wide range of insurers, pinpointing the one that provides the best cover at the most competitive price for your unique situation. Once we've found an appropriate policy, we'll guide you through the application process, helping you fill in the necessary forms and submit the required documents.

Keep in mind that acceptance for Unemployment Cover will depend on a variety of factors such as your employment status, age, health, and the nature of your job. Rest assured, at Hello Mortgage, confidentiality is paramount, and we handle all your data with the utmost care and professionalism throughout the process.

What is the Eligibility Criteria?

Eligibility criteria for Unemployment Cover can vary across different insurers. However, some common requirements include:

  1. Employment Status:
    You must be in full-time employment, typically working a minimum number of hours per week. Some insurers may also cover part-time workers or self-employed individuals, but the terms can be more restrictive.
  2. Age:
    There is often an age limit for Unemployment Cover. While this can vary, many insurers set an upper age limit of 65.
  3. Health:
    Some insurers might not offer cover if you have certain pre-existing medical conditions. It's important to disclose all relevant health information when applying.
  4. Nature of Employment
    If your employment is considered high risk for redundancy or job loss (for example, if you're in a contract or seasonal role), you may find it more challenging to acquire cover.

Remember, it's essential to carefully read the terms and conditions of any policy before you commit. If you're unsure about your eligibility or need assistance understanding the policy details, consider seeking advice from a qualified professional, such as a broker from Hello Mortgage.

The Advantages and Disadvantages

  • Financial Security: Unemployment Cover provides a financial buffer in the unfortunate event of involuntary job loss, enabling you to meet essential financial commitments, such as mortgage repayments, without dipping into your savings.
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a safety net should you become unemployed can significantly reduce stress and anxiety related to job security, allowing you to focus on your work with peace of mind.
  • Time to Find Suitable Employment: With your essential expenses covered, you can take the time to find a job that matches your skills and career goals, rather than rushing to accept the first job that comes along out of financial necessity.
  • Flexible Policy Terms: Unemployment Cover policies often offer flexibility in terms of the payout period and benefit amount, allowing you to tailor the policy to your specific needs and circumstances.
  • Cost of Premiums: Unemployment Cover involves a regular expense in the form of premium payments. These premiums can be costly, especially if you are already managing a tight budget.
  • Limited Payout Duration: Unemployment Cover typically only pays out for a set period, often up to 12 months. If you are unable to find new employment within this timeframe, you could find yourself in financial difficulty when the payouts cease.
  • Waiting Period: Most Unemployment Cover policies have a waiting period (usually around 30-90 days) before the payouts begin. This could cause short-term financial stress if you don't have sufficient savings to cover this period.
  • Exclusions and Restrictions: Unemployment Cover often comes with a range of exclusions and restrictions. For example, it may not pay out if you voluntarily resign, are dismissed for misconduct, or if you're self-employed and your business closes down. It's crucial to understand these terms before purchasing a policy.

Why use Hello Mortgage?

At Hello Mortgage, we strive to empower our clients with the right advice and tools to make informed decisions about their mortgage protection needs.

Our dedicated team of experienced advisors takes the time to understand your unique circumstances, providing personalised advice to ensure you get the most suitable Unemployment Cover.

We offer access to a wide range of policies from trusted insurers, giving you the confidence that you're choosing from the best options on the market.

Our transparent and fee-free service aims to simplify the process, making it easy for you to secure the right protection for your mortgage.

Trust Hello Mortgage to guide you through the complexities of Unemployment Cover, providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

98%

Hello Mortgage
Net Promoter Score

FAQs

Unemployment Cover

What is Unemployment Cover?

Unemployment Cover, also known as Redundancy Insurance, is a type of insurance policy that provides financial support if you lose your job due to redundancy. It typically pays out a monthly income for a set period or until you return to work, which can help you cover your mortgage repayments and other essential bills.

Can I use Unemployment Cover to pay for my mortgage?

Yes, the payout from Unemployment Cover is usually intended to cover your essential bills, which can include your mortgage repayments. The amount you receive will depend on the terms of your policy.

Is Unemployment Cover suitable for self-employed individuals?

Unemployment Cover can be beneficial for self-employed individuals, especially during unstable economic times. However, it's important to note that most policies only cover involuntary unemployment - not voluntary cessation of work or business closure.

What is the waiting period for Unemployment Cover?

The waiting period, often referred to as the 'excess period' or 'deferred period,' is the time between making a claim and when the policy starts to pay out. This period typically ranges from 30 to 120 days and is set at the outset of your policy.

Let's get the ball rolling by getting great advice!