The report highlights the fact that given the increased likelihood of clients spending 20-30 years in retirement, during which time their circumstances are likely to change, they may benefit from a solution that offers them more flexibility than a lifetime annuity.
The data in the latest report shows that following market changes in 2013 a client could potentially benefit even more from purchasing a fixed term annuity. The report identifies numerous situations where a fixed term annuity could produce a higher overall level of income for a client.
For example, if a client is suffering from a medical condition that is too mild to warrant an enhanced rate now but is likely to deteriorate over time or if there is a family history of ill-health. In addition, if a client’s personal circumstances are set to change as their spouse is in very poor health, they could also benefit from not locking into a lifetime annuity rate at outset.
LV= has used the latest data to create an online annuity calculator and app to help advisers identify where a fixed term annuity may or may not provide a better outcome for clients. Advisers can use these tools to create illustration charts and printable reports specific to a client’s individual circumstance.
Steve Lewis, LV= Head of Distribution said:
"With people spending longer in retirement many clients would benefit from increased flexibility as to how they take their income and we believe fixed term annuities have a valuable role to play. Our report provides advisers with robust data that indicates the situations where these products can add real value.
"More advisers and customers now understand the benefits of fixed term annuities and as a result demand continues to grow. We remain committed to the fixed term annuity market and the adviser community and have launched our annuity calculator to help advisers to easily identify those clients for whom a fixed term annuity would be most appropriate."
