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Smoking could damage your life insurance

Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2005

Smoking could damage a person's right to adequate compensation and life insurance cover.

The recent ruling of a UK judge means that many smokers could be forced to take greater responsibility for their own health and there are concerns that some could be forced to pay out for additional life insurance protection.

Mr Justice Stanley Burnton reduced a compensation pay out by 20 per cent to the widow of a man who died of asbestosis because of he had shown "contributory negligence" by failing to give up smoking.

It is thought the ruling could have a significant impact on a number of similar compensation claims. However, insurers are optimistic that life insurance premiums will not rise, especially as the decision is likely to be successfully appealed.


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Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited. Company No: 856706 registered in England at Shurdington Road, Cheltenham Spa, Gloucestershire GL51 4UE.