UK households relegate insurance in budget priorities, new survey reveals
Approximately one third of the UK rank insurance as the lowest priority among essential financial commitments, potentially exposing households to heightened financial risks in the event of unexpected crises.
Older generations (45+) prioritise long-term savings over insurance, while those aged 18-24 focus on more immediate costs. Whilst recognising the importance of insurance, many households are making difficult trade-offs due to ongoing financial pressures and despite inflation rates falling to 2.0%, UK households are still placing insurance policies lower on their list of financial priorities, according to new findings from ALA Insurance’s 2024 Money Survey.
The survey, conducted with over 400 participants across the UK, reveals that insurance ranks just fifth among financial priorities, trailing behind essential expenses like general bills, housing costs, savings, and pensions. This trend highlights a significant shift in how people manage their budgets, with many focusing more on immediate financial needs than long-term protections for their car, home and more.
Top Financial Priorities
General bills
Mortgage or Rent
Savings & Investments
Pension
Insurance (car, house, travel, etc.)
Debt repayments
Contributing to an emergency fund
Although inflation rates fell considerably in May this year, households are continuing to feel the pinch, making difficult trade-offs to meet their most pressing financial obligations. The 2024 money survey found that while half of respondents recognise the value of insurance over pensions, and 40% rate it above savings, a striking 26% still place it as the lowest priority among other essential financial commitments.
"Insurance is designed to safeguard against unexpected events and potential financial hardships, but the money survey shows that people are increasingly choosing to put insurance on the back burner," said Simon England, , Founder and Managing Director of ALA Insurance. “This raises a crucial conversation about the financial vulnerabilities people might face if an unexpected event occurs without adequate coverage.”
The study reveals distinct differences in prioritisation by age and gender. Younger people (ages 18-24) are more likely to rank insurance higher than pensions, possibly due to their focus on immediate concerns, while older individuals (ages 45+) prioritise pensions over insurance, reflecting a longer-term view of financial stability. Additionally, women are more likely than men to place insurance above savings or pensions, underscoring the varied approaches to financial risk management across demographics.
While the high cost of living is leading some to forgo certain types of insurance, ALA Insurance advocates for the role insurance plays in providing financial resilience. “We’re seeing people make tough decisions to cut costs, but going without insurance could place people in more vulnerable positions,” Simon added. “To help address these concerns, ALA is committed to making insurance accessible and supporting financial literacy so that customers understand the value of protection and can make informed choices.”
The survey also found that for a significant portion of the population, cutting back on insurance may have real financial implications. While essential expenses like housing and bills must come first, unexpected events could leave many households without the financial safety net they need.
One critical area often overlooked is GAP insurance, which can be a lifeline for those underestimating their coverage needs. This insurance bridges the gap between what car insurance pays out and the amount needed to replace a vehicle with a like-for-like model.
For the 32% of respondents unable to afford a replacement and the 31% facing financial strain, standard insurance payouts may fall short, particularly as vehicle values depreciate. GAP insurance ensures that individuals are not left in a financial lurch, allowing them to afford a similar replacement without significant burden.
Read the full ALA Money Survey 2024 to find out more, or explore ways ALA Insurance is supporting its customers during challenging financial times.