The creditor insurance market has seen a rapid change in fortunes. In recent years, it has been a key driver of profits in the financial services market, with lenders making healthy margins from consumers looking to protect their loan repayments in the event of illness or unemployment. The situation today, though, looks very different. Rumblings of discontent from the consumer press has turned into a full-blown attack on the market – one that has been joined by regulatory bodies such as the FSA and the OFT.

This report covers the recent developments in the market, with a particular emphasis on the current wave of regulatory interest and the potential impact that this will have on the market. As well as sizing the overall market, Mintel examines the relative performance of the four key market segments – personal loan, credit card, car finance and mortgage cover. Marketing activity is also considered, while extensive consumer research highlights the extent to which consumers have taken onboard – or ignored – the negative press that has afflicted the market in recent years.