LV= Life Insurance Review [2026]

Independent review of LV= life insurance policies, pricing, and customer experience

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LV= Life Insurance Review

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
  • Cover amount - Higher protection = higher premiums
  • Policy term - Longer terms spread the cost but increase total premiums
  • Optional extras - Critical illness, indexation, waiver of premium add cost

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.

Compare LV= against 50+ other UK insurers

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is LV= a good life insurance company?

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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Compare LV= life insurance quotes

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.