Protection That Speaks Your Language
Independent protection advice for UK families. Life cover, income protection, critical illness, business protection — and free will writing, because we believe every family deserves it.
Financial Expert Independent was founded over 15 years ago with a simple idea: bring together the best independent protection advisers in the UK and give every client access to truly expert, unbiased advice.
Our advisers come from different backgrounds, speak different languages, and serve different communities. But they share one goal — making sure your family is properly protected, with a policy that actually fits your life.
We are directly authorised by the FCA. We are whole of market. And we include free will writing and trust setup with every policy, because we believe protection is only complete when it covers what happens after.
Everything Your Family Needs. In One Place.
We Listen, Think Independently, Advise & Take Action
Integrity
We are FCA authorised and whole of market. We have no incentive to recommend any specific insurer — only the one that is right for you.
Expertise
Our advisers have spent years specialising in protection. Many focus on specific communities, industries, or languages. You get an expert, not a generalist.
Completeness
Most advisers sell the policy and stop. We go further — with free wills, trusts, and LPA support, we make sure your cover actually reaches your family.
Language & Community
We have advisers who work across different communities and languages across the UK. Advice that truly speaks your language makes all the difference.
We are FCA authorised and whole of market. We have no incentive to recommend any specific insurer — only the one that is right for you.
Choosing The Right
Financial Planning Team
FCA Authorised. Whole of Market. Completely Independent.
Financial Expert Independent (FCA 565800) is an Appointed Representative of Financial Expert Partnership Ltd (FCA 591556). We are regulated, qualified, and here for the long term.
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From Financial Expert Independent
Protection Insurance — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about life insurance, income protection, critical illness cover, wills, trusts, and working with FEI
Do I actually need life insurance?
If anyone depends on you financially — a partner, children, or someone who relies on your income — then yes, you need life insurance. It is not about what happens to you. It is about what happens to them if you are no longer there. Without it, your family faces the mortgage, the bills, and everyday costs on their own. A basic policy can cost less than a monthly takeaway. The cost of not having one can be devastating.
What is income protection insurance?
Income protection pays you a regular monthly income — typically 50 to 70% of your salary — if illness or injury stops you from working. It is not a lump sum like critical illness cover. It is a replacement income that keeps your bills paid while you recover. It pays until you either return to work, or until the end of the policy term — which can be your retirement age. It is arguably the most important insurance most people have never thought about.
What is critical illness cover and how is it different from life insurance?
Life insurance pays out when you die. Critical illness cover pays out when you are diagnosed with a serious condition — cancer, heart attack, stroke, and many others. You receive a tax-free lump sum on diagnosis, while you are still alive. This can pay off your mortgage, fund private treatment, or cover lost income. A serious diagnosis is often more financially disruptive than death — bills continue, but your income may not.
Do I need a will if I am young and healthy?
Yes. If you have a partner, children, property, or any assets, a will is essential regardless of your age. Without one, UK intestacy rules decide who receives your estate. Unmarried partners inherit nothing under intestacy rules, regardless of how long you have been together. If you have children, there is no legal document appointing a guardian. As an FEI client, we include professional will writing as part of our service — at no extra cost.
What is a discretionary trust and do I need one for my life insurance?
A discretionary trust sits outside your estate. When you write your life insurance policy in trust, the payout goes directly to your chosen beneficiaries — bypassing probate entirely. Without a trust, the money goes into your estate and can be frozen for nine to twelve months during probate. It may also be subject to inheritance tax. Setting up a trust takes around twenty minutes, costs nothing, and can make an enormous difference to your family at the worst possible time. We arrange trusts for all life policies as standard.
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney and when should I set one up?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) gives someone you trust the legal authority to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. There are two types: one for property and financial affairs, and one for health and welfare. You can only set up an LPA while you have mental capacity. Once you have lost it, it is too late — and your family may have to go through the costly Court of Protection process instead. The best time to arrange an LPA is now, while you are well.
Is FEI regulated by the FCA?
Yes. Financial Expert Independent Ltd (FCA reference 565800) is an Appointed Representative of Financial Expert Partnership Limited (FCA reference 591556), which is directly authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. You can verify this on the FCA register at fca.org.uk. FCA regulation means we are required to treat you fairly, make suitable recommendations, and handle complaints formally.