Direct offer firms see business gain from "the tsunami effect"

Online and telephone-based advisers Lifesearch and LifePolicies Direct say they have both seen an increase of around 40% in consumer enquiries for life insurance take-up than they would usually handle in January. The phenomenon has been dubbed by some firms as “the tsunami effect” because officials suggest the natural disaster may have ‘subliminally’ sparked individuals to ensure loved ones have sufficient financial assets in the event of their death. Kevin Carr, senior technical adviser at Lifesearch, admits although there is no concrete evidence to indicate consumers are buying life...