How Does Climbing & Outdoor Sport Affect Your Life Insurance Policy?

Update on non disclosure rules.

All life insurance companies will consider all the information you supply when you make an application, including your health, age, smoker status and your participation in sports or hobbies.

Participation in a number of sports may impact on the terms which an insurance company may offer and climbing will probably be top of the list! Terms will vary from one company to another and will also vary depending upon where you climb, and the frequency and grade at which you climb. It is imperative that you tell the truth about your climbing and complete the application honestly.

The Consumer (Disclosure and Representations) Act 2012 came into force on the 6th April 2013 and placed a duty on the consumer to “take reasonable care not to make a misrepresentation”.

The previous duty was to disclose all necessary information. The new rules are less onerous than the previous duty and the test for “reasonable care” takes into account the type of policy , the documentation issued by the insurer and the clarity of the questions posed by the insurance company.

If a misrepresentation has occurred which was considered deliberate or reckless the insurer may be able to cancel the policy and decline any claim. This is hardly a risk worth taking , especially with a life insurance policy when you will not be around to argue your corner!