Stonebridge Protect

Stonebridge Protect, insurance broker for personal and business protection

Stonebridge Protect is an insurance broker based in the United Kingdom that focuses on financial protection products: life insurance, critical illness cover, income protection, home insurance and business protection plans. The firm presents itself as a specialist in protection advice and operates as an appointed representative of Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions Ltd, an entity authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority.

The company is part of Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions Limited, which is described as one of the UK's largest independent mortgage and protection networks, with a professional community of more than 600 member firms. Stonebridge Protect is listed on the Financial Services Register under firm reference number 826011.

Protection product range

The broker's range covers various types of cover designed to protect individuals and families against death, illness or loss of income:

• Term Life Cover: cover for a fixed term that pays a lump sum to beneficiaries if the insured person dies within that period.
• Whole of Life Cover: a lifelong policy with a guaranteed payout on death, whenever that may be.
• Critical Illness Cover: pays a lump sum if one of the illnesses specified in the policy is diagnosed.
• Family Income Benefit: instead of a lump sum, provides a tax-free monthly income to dependants in the event of death.
• Income Protection Cover: a plan that pays a monthly income when the insured person is unable to work due to accident or illness.
• Private Medical Insurance: a policy designed to cover part or all of the costs of private medical treatment.
• Business Protection: products that protect a company financially when its owners or employees are affected by illness or death, helping to sustain the business in difficult times.

In addition, the firm offers will-writing services through partner solicitors, although it specifies that this service is provided by referral only.

Advice and working method

Stonebridge Protect describes an advice process based on detailed knowledge of the client's situation. According to its presentation, advisers hold careful consultations to understand personal circumstances and objectives before recommending products. The company states that it compares a selected panel of insurers to find the most suitable policy and offers impartial, jargon-free advice, as well as help with paperwork.

The process begins with a conversation between the client and an insurance adviser. From there, the broker acts on the client's behalf and handles the entire process, including managing the paperwork. The firm states that it ensures policies are written in trust where appropriate, in order to avoid inheritance tax, and that it reviews the client's situation every two years.

Advisers are available to meet at the day, time and place most convenient for the client, by appointment.

Risk calculator and informative content

The website includes a tool called the Risk Reality Calculator, which allows users to enter a few personal details to obtain an estimate of their chances of facing situations such as a prolonged period off work, a critical illness diagnosis or an unexpected death. The website accompanies this tool with guidance on the value of preparing for such eventualities.

Relationship with mortgage intermediaries

The company has a specific proposition for mortgage brokers, whom it invites to establish a partnership. This line of activity is supported by its membership of Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions Limited and its network of member firms.

Regulatory framework and company details

Stonebridge Protect Limited acts as an appointed representative of Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The firm is entered on the Financial Services Register under number 826011. The FCA does not regulate surveys, valuations, solicitors, conveyancing, trusts, will writing or some forms of tax planning, activities for which the company acts as an introducer.

The company is registered in England and Wales under company number 11632463. Its registered address is 16 Commerce Square, Lace Market, Nottingham, NG1 1HS. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions apply.

Location and contact

16 Commerce Square, Lace Market, Nottingham, NG1 1HS