British soldiers serving abroad are facing significant increases in their insurance costs due to extended periods away from home, as per a report by the Mirror. Major insurers have a rule that requires individuals spending more than 30-60 consecutive days away each year to obtain specialized unoccupied home insurance, leading to potentially higher premiums. This policy has affected members of the armed forces deployed on foreign missions, including those assisting Ukrainian forces, according to MP Alistair Strathern.
Strathern, a Labour MP, has engaged with leading insurers to address the issue after hearing from military personnel who felt let down by their insurance providers. Notably, major insurance companies like Aviva, Hastings Direct, and Admiral have adjusted their policies to accommodate armed forces members. However, Strathern is advocating for further industry-wide actions to support all service personnel diligently.
The MP highlighted cases where soldiers stationed abroad incurred additional expenses exceeding £100 due to prolonged absences, with some facing policy cancellations by insurers. Such financial burdens and uncertainties add stress to soldiers already managing demanding responsibilities. Strathern emphasized the importance of upholding the Armed Forces Covenant, calling on insurers to translate their commitment into tangible support for military personnel.
While some insurers have shown readiness to address the issue, others have been hesitant to adapt policies for service members, citing cost and liability concerns. Strathern intends to continue advocating for fair treatment of armed forces personnel in parliament discussions. The Royal British Legion echoed the need for consistency in insurance practices, emphasizing the importance of honoring the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces community.
Several leading insurers have announced waivers on additional fees and premiums for deployed armed forces personnel. However, variations in policies remain, with decisions often made on a case-by-case basis. Insurers like Policy Expert, AXA, and NFU Mutual maintain standard terms for unoccupied properties, offering personalized solutions upon individual inquiry. The Association of British Insurers affirmed its commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, encouraging proactive communication between personnel and insurers to address coverage concerns.
Efforts are underway to reinforce the Armed Forces Covenant Duty through the Armed Forces Bill, aiming to ensure government departments consider the needs of the Armed Forces community when providing goods and services.
