Mortgage Industry News

← Back

Scottish smoking ban could improve life insurance costs

Date: Mon, 27 Mar 2006

The introduction of the Scottish smoking ban could not only help to improve the public's health but also cut life insurance premiums.

The Scottish Executive has banned smoking within pubs, restaurants and all public enclosed places across the country in an attempt to lower passive smoking and encourage people to kick the habit.

Scottish health minister Andy Kerr welcomed the relatively peaceful start to the smoking ban.

Mr Kerr added: "As well as protecting people from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke, this far-reaching and ambitious step will help many people to give up smoking.

"There really has never been a better time to quit. I know how difficult it is to stop smoking but it is the best decision a smoker can make. Stopping smoking is not only good for the health of the individual but Scotland as a whole."

Life insurance providers base premiums on a number of factors including that smokers are more likely to make a claim on their policy. However, if the smoking ban proves successful many ex-smokers could see a dramatic drop in their life insurance costs.


© 1998-2005 DeHavilland Information Services plc. All rights reserved.

Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. This can be checked on the FSA Register by visiting its web site at www.fsa.gov.uk/register.
Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited. Company No: 856706 registered in England at Shurdington Road, Cheltenham Spa, Gloucestershire GL51 4UE.