LV= (formerly Liverpool Victoria) is one of the UK's largest and most established life insurance providers with over 180 years of heritage. They offer a comprehensive range of life insurance products including term life, whole of life, and critical illness cover. This independent review examines LV='s policies, pricing, customer service, and overall value.
LV= (Liverpool Victoria) is a mutual insurance company established in 1843, making it one of the UK's oldest and most trusted insurers. With over 1.1 million life insurance customers and £22 billion in assets under management, LV= has extensive experience in the life insurance market.
Key facts about LV=:
Founded: 1843 (over 180 years of experience)
Type: Mutual company (owned by members, not shareholders)
Customers: Over 1.1 million life insurance policyholders
Financial strength: A- rating from Standard & Poor's
Claims: Pays over 99% of life insurance claims
Products: Term life, whole of life, critical illness, income protection
Defaqto rating: 5-star rated products
Awards: Multiple industry awards for products and service
As a mutual company, LV= is owned by its members (policyholders) rather than external shareholders. This structure means profits are reinvested into the business to improve products and services for customers, rather than being paid out to shareholders.
LV= has strong financial stability ratings and a long track record of paying claims - over 99% of life insurance claims are paid. The company processes thousands of claims annually and has comprehensive underwriting expertise across all risk profiles.
LV= offers a comprehensive range of life insurance products to suit different needs:
LV= Level Term Life Insurance
Fixed payout amount throughout the policy term. Ideal for protecting your family's lifestyle, clearing debts, or leaving an inheritance. Available from £5,000 to £10 million cover. Terms from 5 to 50 years. Joint and single policies available.
LV= Decreasing Term Life Insurance
Cover amount reduces over time in line with a repayment mortgage. Most cost-effective way to protect your mortgage. Cover from £25,000 to £5 million. Terms from 5 to 40 years. Guaranteed premiums fixed for the policy term.
LV= Family Income Benefit
Pays a regular monthly income to your family instead of a lump sum. Tax-efficient option for replacing your salary. Income from £1,000 to £60,000 per month. Terms from 5 to 40 years. Options to increase payments with inflation.
LV= Critical Illness Cover
Cash lump sum if diagnosed with a serious illness. Can be added to life insurance or purchased standalone. Covers 56 critical illnesses plus 16 additional payment conditions. Children's critical illness cover included at no extra cost (up to £25,000). Payout for early-stage cancers and other less severe conditions.
LV= Whole of Life Insurance
Lifetime cover with guaranteed payout whenever you die. Ideal for inheritance tax planning, funeral costs, or leaving a legacy. No end date - covers you for life. Option to build cash value within the policy. Premiums can be paid throughout life or for a fixed term.
LV= product features include:
Guaranteed premiums - Fixed for the policy term (won't increase)
Joint policies - Cover two people under one policy for lower cost
Conversion options - Convert term insurance to whole of life later
Indexation - Optional cover increases to keep pace with inflation
Terminal illness benefit - Early payout if diagnosed with less than 12 months to live
Online claims - Submit and track claims digitally
Free will writing - Complimentary will service with policies over £100,000
Bereavement support - Counseling and practical help for families
LV= premiums are competitive but not always the cheapest on the market. Costs vary based on age, health, smoking status, cover amount, and policy term. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers can help you find the best value.
Example LV= premiums for £200,000 level term life insurance over 25 years:
Customer Profile
Estimated Monthly Premium
30-year-old non-smoker
£12-18
40-year-old non-smoker
£20-30
50-year-old non-smoker
£50-70
30-year-old smoker
£25-40
Factors affecting LV= life insurance premiums:
Age - Younger applicants receive significantly lower rates
Health - Medical conditions may increase premiums or be excluded
Smoking status - Smokers pay approximately double non-smoker rates
Family medical history - Serious illnesses in close relatives may impact cost
Occupation - High-risk jobs can increase premiums
Hobbies - Dangerous activities may result in higher rates or exclusions
LV= offers competitive rates for standard risk applicants, but pricing can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances. Some applicants may find better value with other insurers, particularly for high-risk profiles.
LifePro compares LV= quotes against 50+ other UK insurers to ensure you get the most competitive rate for your specific needs.
✓ Advantages
Over 180 years of experience and strong financial stability
Pays 99%+ of life insurance claims
Comprehensive range of products and flexible options
5-star Defaqto rated products
Mutual company structure (member-owned, not shareholder-driven)
Free children's critical illness cover (up to £25,000)
Terminal illness benefit included (12 months prognosis)
Online claims process and digital policy management
Free will writing service for larger policies
Bereavement counseling and support services
Conversion options to upgrade cover later
Indexation available to keep cover up with inflation
✗ Disadvantages
Not always the cheapest option on the market
Limited direct online purchasing - requires phone/advisor contact
Critical illness definitions may be stricter than some competitors
Some conditions require longer survival periods than rivals
Medical underwriting can be strict for certain conditions
Less competitive for high-risk occupations or hobbies
Whole of life premiums can be expensive compared to term insurance
LV= is an excellent choice if you prioritise financial stability, strong customer service, and comprehensive product options from a trusted mutual insurer. However, comparing quotes from multiple providers through LifePro ensures you get the best value for your specific circumstances.
LV= is particularly suitable if you:
Value a long-established company with strong financial ratings
Want comprehensive critical illness cover with children's protection
Prefer a mutual company owned by members, not shareholders
Need flexible policy options and conversion features
Want access to bereavement support services
Are a standard risk applicant with good health
Value extensive claims experience (99%+ payout rate)
You might find better value elsewhere if:
You're primarily focused on finding the absolute cheapest premiums
You have high-risk occupations or hobbies
You want fully online purchasing without advisor contact
You have complex medical conditions that need specialist underwriting
You're looking for very high cover amounts (£5 million+)
The best way to determine if LV= is right for you is to compare their quote against other leading UK insurers. LifePro makes this easy by comparing LV= alongside 50+ other providers in seconds.
Yes, LV= is a highly reputable insurer with over 180 years of experience, strong financial ratings (A- from Standard & Poor's), and an excellent claims record (99%+ claims paid). As a mutual company owned by members, they focus on customer value rather than shareholder returns. However, 'good' depends on your individual needs - comparing LV= against other insurers ensures you get the best deal.
How much does LV= life insurance cost?
LV= costs vary based on age, health, smoking status, and coverage needs. Example: A healthy 35-year-old non-smoker might pay £15-20/month for £200,000 cover over 25 years. Smokers typically pay double. LV= premiums are competitive but not always the cheapest - comparing quotes from multiple insurers through LifePro helps you find the best value.
Does LV= pay out on life insurance claims?
Yes, LV= has an excellent claims record and pays over 99% of life insurance claims. The small percentage not paid are typically due to non-disclosure of material facts during application or policy exclusions. LV= processes thousands of claims annually and has extensive experience supporting bereaved families through the claims process.
Can I buy LV= life insurance online?
LV= offers online quotes but typically requires phone or advisor contact to complete the application. This allows for more detailed underwriting discussions and ensures you get the right cover. Alternatively, LifePro can compare LV= alongside 50+ other insurers and help you apply online or via phone with expert guidance.
What critical illnesses does LV= cover?
LV= critical illness cover includes 56 major conditions (cancer, heart attack, stroke, MS, Parkinson's, kidney failure, etc.) plus 16 additional payment conditions for early-stage or less severe diagnoses (paying 10-25% of cover amount). Free children's critical illness cover is included up to £25,000. Always check specific policy definitions as conditions must meet certain severity criteria.
Can I cancel my LV= life insurance policy?
Yes, you can cancel LV= life insurance at any time. If you cancel within 30 days of starting the policy (cooling-off period), you'll receive a full refund of premiums paid. After 30 days, you can still cancel but won't receive any refund - the policy simply ends. If you cancel, you'll lose all protection and would need to reapply for new cover at potentially higher rates.
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LV= is a reputable insurer with strong financial ratings and comprehensive products, but comparing quotes ensures you get the best value. LifePro compares LV= alongside 50+ other UK insurers to find you the most competitive rate for your specific needs. Get free, no-obligation quotes in minutes and see how LV= stacks up against the competition. Expert advice included.