• Your Role in Our Future

    Your Role in Our Future

    This article was published on Thur 23 Jul 2020. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

    We are currently in the member and customer representation phase of our proposed transfer to Royal London, which is scheduled to complete on 1 October, subject to regulatory approval.

    Several of you have asked what the transfer would mean for your AO role going forward. If the transfer proceeds, the nationwide FAO and AO teams will maintain their vital links to the Police service, providing access to the Police service, representing their customer base and advocating the Police Mutual brand within their force.

    So, you will continue to provide a vital voice for the Police family, promoting its best interests and the continued benefits to the Police family of the products and services offered under the Police Mutual brand.

    In terms of governance, there will be a structure with representation of the Police service. Although the Police service representation will not have the same decision-making powers as now, it will have an oversight role. It will provide recommendations and feedback on products and services and how the business is run.

    A really important part of our model is understanding the needs of our customers and making sure that feeds through into our products and services, and our wider benevolent activities. This is why your work will continue to be vital.

    We highly value your support for Police Mutual and look forward to continuing to work with you in the future.

    Joanne Palmer

  • How Police Mutual Have Been Supporting the Police Family During the Coronavirus Outbreak

    How Police Mutual Have Been Supporting the Police Family During the Coronavirus Outbreak

    This article was published on Thur 25 Jun 2020. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

    Coronavirus has brought many changes to our lives, not least, how we work and communicate.  During this time, the key focus for Police Mutual has been what we can do to help the Police family.

    The first step, was to contact to our Members. Over 4,000 Members responded to a short survey about what we could do to help them during this time. The majority (76%) said their main concern was the health and wellbeing of family and friends, but respite breaks, support with debt and the confidential counselling service, all came out as key ways we could continue to offer our support.

    At the start of the lockdown, John Perks CEO of Police Mutual, wrote to all Chief Constables outlining what our support would entail. Whilst Government advice meant that we stopped our face to face meetings, educational inputs and events, we have continued to offer help, via the telephone and in the form of a digital version of the welcome letter from our team of Financial Wellbeing Consultants. We have also increased the number of “Definitions and Points to Prove” booklets available to support those Officers returning to, or joining, frontline services. 

    Our team of Relationship Managers and Financial Wellbeing Consultants have continued to work with Forces to understand how we can deliver digital versions of our free, tailored financial education programme. We have listened to feedback from the Forces and as a result we are offering virtual classroom sessions and modules to continue to support Forces during this time. Our approach will evolve back to normality as soon as it is safe to do so.

    We have contacted over 27,000 Members to reassure them that our team of Mortgage and Protection Advisors would be continuing to offer free advice on mortgage and life protection products over the telephone. We have also contacted over 14,000 Healthcare Policy Holders to notify them that we will continue to authorise consultant appointments during the pandemic.

    Our call centre teams are committed to providing uninterrupted levels of service, whilst safely working from home. We have issued a guide for Members about how we will be keeping in touch and tips on keeping in touch with us during lockdown including letting people know there might be a little bit more noise in the background on calls! 

    From a wellbeing perspective, we have published several guides offering help and support on wellbeing including looking after your mental health during the pandemic, supporting children during the Coronavirus outbreak, working from home and coping with bereavement. 

    In addition, we have produced a dedicated Coronavirus edition of our “Let’s Talk Money” newsletter, an article on how we are helping during the crisis and factsheets detailing how insurance might be affected during the pandemic. 

    For our NARPO Members, we have produced specific support, detailing how Police Mutual are here to support them during the crisis and a coronavirus factsheet with everything they need to know about managing their finances during the pandemic. See the latest versions of some of this information here.

    We are producing articles on how Police Mutual are helping during the crisis which are featured in our monthly newsletter, ‘On the Beat’ which goes out to over 74,000 members, and also in the Force  Authorised Officer and Authorised Officer newsletter and app.

    The debt advice service provided by Payplan continues for those that need support and we have extended the amount of referrals to the CareLine provision, which offers 24/7/365 access to a confidential telephone helpline and a health and wellbeing e-portal and app, along with counselling for those that need it.

    On respite breaks, we will be rescheduling all existing respite breaks that have been affected due to lockdown and continued to take referrals for new respite breaks for Officers and families in need.

    To make all of the information easier to access, a Coronavirus hub on our website has been set up, giving easy access to all the information here. This has been supported by social media posts on any new information and details of how to contact us during the pandemic.

    We also did not forget the families of Officers and Staff too and have produced a Police Mutual children’s activity book for those looking to keep children occupied during lockdown.  Visit the link to download a copy  https://www.policemutual.co.uk/activity/family-activity-pack/

    For more information on how Police Mutual have been supporting during the crisis, please go to https://www.policemutual.co.uk/activity/coronavirus/

    Want to learn more? Access our wellbeing hub here.

    Joanne Palmer

  • History Sometimes Repeats Itself

    History Sometimes Repeats Itself

    This article was published on Thur 25 Jun 2020. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

    Change is not something new to Police Mutual. Almost exactly 100 years ago, in June 1920 at a meeting (the equivalent of the Annual Conference and AGM) of the Police Mutual Assurance Association it was concluded that major alterations were necessary if the concept of a Police Mutual Assurance Society was to survive. With the terrible experience of the war followed by the Spanish flu, of which there were 54 Police Mutual victims, PMAA had a deficit of £336. 16s. 51/2d. and £2000 invested bringing in a modest amount of interest.  To help the situation, death payouts were reduced by 5% to cover expenses and it was recorded as a fraught and worrying period.

    At that meeting in June 1920, the sad death of long serving President Mr Stretten (formerly Deputy Chief Constable of Cambridgeshire) was also recorded. Mr Stretten had been a member at the first meeting of the PMAA in Windsor Police station in August 1866 and had a total of 52 years’ service with the PMAA and was known as The Father of the Association.  With the financial position as it was, the Members of the Committee were asked to consider radical changes which involved approaching the Home Secretary to seek support and funding for a new scheme of insurance (supported by an actuary Mr Laing).

    Needless to say, the scheme was supported and the Home Office provided funding. The Home Secretary also suggested that the new society be registered as a Friendly Society and that its management expenses should not exceed 5% of income.

    Mr Pinkerton then led the task of reconstructing the old Police Mutual Assurance Association to form a new society.  Mr Pinkerton accepted that there would be differences of opinion but said that if the new society commended itself to the Police Forces of Britain, then members of the old one would continue their membership within the new. The old PMAA would continue in name until the new Society had been established. It was noted there was much sadness at its impending end as the final annual report was heard at its last meeting, a decision that gave birth to the new Police Mutual Assurance Society of today. 

    So I think we find ourselves in a similar place, looking at the rebirth of the concept of a Police Mutual Assurance Society and commending it to the Police Forces of Britain as part of a larger, stronger Mutual in the form of Royal London.

    Joanne Palmer

  • Breakdowns – Let’s Take a Look at Some of the Common Reasons

    Breakdowns – Let’s Take a Look at Some of the Common Reasons

    This article was published on Thu 25 Jun 2020. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

    Vehicle breakdowns can occur literally on any day of the week, or hour of the day to any owner of any car. Of course, there is never a good time to have a breakdown, but we share some of the most common reasons for a breakdown and what you can do in some cases, to prevent them.

    Battery

    Perhaps the most common cause of a breakdown is a flat or faulty battery. It could happen for a variety of reasons such as a faulty or old battery or simply that you don’t go on enough longer journeys where the battery gets a longer charge.

    Charging the battery overnight every so often may help and it’s worth remembering that batteries don’t last for ever and you may need to replace every couple of years.

    Alternator

    The alternator recharges the battery using power from the engine and also provides power to the car’s electrical components.

    Unfortunately there is no way to maintain an alternator but warning signs to look out for include a flickering battery warning light, dimmed headlights and potentially slower than normal windscreen wipers.

    Starter Motor

    The starter motor uses electricity from the battery to turn and start the engine when the car ignition is switched on.

    There isn’t much you can do to avoid issues with your starter motor, although regular maintenance checks may prevent problems.

    Tyre and Wheel Damage

    A tyre could burst due to debris on the road or because of under-inflation.

    Under-inflation can cause tyres to overheat, so it’s good practice to check your vehicle’s tyre pressure and tread condition when you fill up with fuel.

    While it’s a condition of the annual vehicle MOT, It’s also a good idea to regularly check you have a serviceable spare wheel or a temporary puncture repair kit in the car.

    Misfuelling

    Thousands of drivers a year put the wrong fuel in their cars. It’s easily done. Most misfuelling errors are motorists putting petrol in a diesel car as the petrol nozzles easily fits in the wider diesel filler neck.

    If you have misfuelled your car, the most important thing is not to start your car. Even turning the ignition is enough to prime the fuel pump and pull fuel into the system. If you can, move your car away from the pumps, but remember don’t start the engine. Call your breakdown or car insurer (if covered) so they can then advise or send out a specialist to help.

    Electrical problem

    Your car’s electrical system includes a range of circuits controlling everything from the engine management system to the headlights and even the info system and stereo. As cars, get more technical, the chances of having a problem become more common.

    Other than simple fixes for broken bulbs, it’s better to get a trained mechanic to run a full analysis of the electrical system and advise you on next steps.

    Loss of oil

    Low oil levels can not only damage your engine by causing overheating but can even result in the engine seizing completely as the oil lubricates the engine parts, reducing potentially damaging friction.

    While most cars have a “low engine oil” warning light, it’s best not to rely on this and complete a regular manual check of the vehicle using the oil dipstick, normally located in the engine compartment.

    Lost Keys

    If you lose your key or lock it inside your car, you’re going to need help to get back in. While it’s a good idea to keep the spare in a safe place at home, this won’t always help you if you are miles away.

    Many newer cars have micro-chipped keys, designed to make them harder to be stolen, but which means you will have to contact a main car dealer for your car or call out a specialist.

    Breakdown cover that keeps you moving from £56 per year.

    Provided by ERS, Police Mutual Rescue unlike the AA or RAC, doesn’t have a fleet of branded vans, but utilises 425 UK recovery specialists, on hand 365 days a year*, to rescue our members when they breakdown.

    UK cover comes with:

    • Misfuelling cover
    • Lost keys and lock assistance
    • Assistance at home and within 1/4 mile
    • Onward travel provision should your car not be repairable

    For full policy cover details including any exclusions, please call 0151 242 7640 or visit our website.

    *Information provided by ERS, March 2020.

    Police Mutual Rescue (Breakdown Cover) is provided by ERS (Syndicate 218 at Lloyds).

    PMGI Limited, trading as Police Mutual, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct

    Authority. Registered in England and Wales No. 1073408. Registered office: Alexandra House,

    Queen Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6QS.

    For your security, all telephone calls are recorded and may be monitored.

    Joanne Palmer

  • FAOs vote in Favour of Police Mutual Proposal to Become Part of Royal London

    FAOs vote in Favour of Police Mutual Proposal to Become Part of Royal London

    This article was published on Thur 04 Jun 2020. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

    We are delighted to announce that Police Mutual’s Force Authorised Officers (FAOs) have voted unanimously in favour of the proposal that the Police Mutual group of companies become part of Royal London.

    The 61 FAOs represent Police Mutual members in the Police forces across the country.

    Why are we proposing that Police Mutual becomes part of Royal London?

    The financial services industry has changed rapidly over the past few years. This, coupled with a difficult economic environment, has presented some significant challenges, particularly for a relatively small financial services company like Police Mutual.

    The landscape in which we now operate means that continuing to offer products would require us to have a stronger financial position.

    What happens next?

    Signing the Transfer Agreement with Royal London in April and the FAOs vote in favour of the proposal have been the key milestones in the regulatory process and we can now proceed with confidence to the next stages of the process. The Police Mutual group of companies will write to members and customers about the proposal, the result of the FAO vote, and the start of the member and customer representation period.

    The member and customer representation period is the timeframe for customers, members and, indeed, anyone else, to provide their views and raise any concerns about the proposal.

    Why is this good news?

    Becoming part of Royal London, the UK’s largest mutual life insurance, pensions and investment company, will provide a sustainable future for Police Mutual. Police Mutual needs a stronger financial position to continue to operate – Royal London provides that financial strength.

    Royal London is a strong mutual organisation that has committed to our goal of improving the financial wellbeing of the Police and Military families.

    If the transfer proceeds, as expected, it will also make Police Mutual and Forces Mutual part of a larger, stronger business that has a broader business mix and offers a wider range of products.

    Further information is available at this dedicated hub. This includes a Summary of the Terms of the Transfer and the Summary of the Independent Actuary’s report. These can be found by clicking here. There is also an FAQ section setting out answers to some questions you may have. If you want to know how to raise any questions or concerns about the proposed transfer with the PRA, click here.

    Joanne Palmer

  • One in Four UK Households are Uninsured* – Why Take the Risk?

    One in Four UK Households are Uninsured* – Why Take the Risk?

    This article was published on Thu 28 May 2020. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

    According to the Association British Insurers (ABI) Home Insurance Premium Tracker, one in four households across the UK, have no contents insurance protection. The ABI found the region with the most uninsured properties is London, where 45% have no contents cover at all. Their research also shows that renters, especially those in big cities, consider insuring their possessions as expensive or unnecessary. However, while individual items might not be of high value, if all possessions were added up it would equate to a significant sum should it need replacing all at once.

    Here are a few things to think about if you’re a renter:


    Contents insurance

    Even though it’s not a legal necessity, it’s always a good idea to insure anything you bring into the property yourself.

    At first glance, you might not think you have a lot that’s worth insuring. However, when you tot up all your clothes, books, CDs, DVDs, LPs, your TV, your crockery and gadgets, it comes to a sum that few people would have to hand if all those possessions needed to be replaced. A fire, a break-in or a flood could potentially spell financial problems. So, with that in mind, it makes a lot of sense to insure your contents.


    Add it up

    While it’s time-consuming to work out the total value of everything you own, it’s better to be thorough than just guess an amount.

    Go through your home, room by room, and add up the value of all your possessions if you had to replace them as new. Include all of your contents, not just the big-ticket items such as the TV and sofa.

    Be as accurate as you can – there are many online calculators available to help you get a better view of the value of the things that make your property a home.


    Added valuables

    The vast majority of contents insurance policies will have a single item limit. This is the maximum value of one single item covered in your policy. If you have an item that exceeds this amount, such as an engagement ring or valuable musical instrument, this will need to be declared separately from the rest of your contents.


    Home and away

    Obviously not all of your possessions spend all of their time in your home. Some, such as phones, jewellery and laptops, will be frequently taken out and about with you. It is possible to add cover for your possessions against damage or theft when they’re out of the home. This is generally not included in contents insurance policies as standard, but is widely available as an optional add on.


    Accidents will happen

    While most contents insurance policies cover you against damage that isn’t your fault, such as theft, fire or flood, they may not necessarily include cover against accidental breakage or damage.

    You can usually add accidental damage cover to a policy if it isn’t already included. This could be useful if you own expensive or fragile items like glassware.


    Tenant improvements cover

    If you have made any improvements to the property it would be worth looking to see if your insurance covers you for tenant improvements. In the event of a claim, the landlord’s insurers would only reinstate the building back to its original state, not including any improvements you’ve made to the building to make it work for you. This could therefore leave the improvements made uninsured and your investments in the property at risk.


    Why not take a look at Police Mutual Renters’ Insurance?


    We offer renters’ insurance for those that just need the reassurance of contents cover. Provided by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc, renters’ insurance is available to serving or retired Police Officers and Staff, Specials and their families.

    Why not talk to us today?

    Call us on 0151 242 7640 for more information.

    We’re open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.


    PMGI Limited, trading as Police Mutual is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England & Wales No. 1073408. Registered office: Alexandra House, Queen Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS136QS.

    For your security, all telephone calls are recorded and may be monitored.

    * Association of British Insurers (ABI)  – Cost of home contents insurance falls to a record low, yet one in four UK households are uninsured, news article February 2019.

    Joanne Palmer

  • How Police Mutual is Supporting You During the Coronavirus Pandemic

    How Police Mutual is Supporting You During the Coronavirus Pandemic

    This article was published on Sun 24 May 2020. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

    We are naturally doing everything we can to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and, at the same time, focusing on maintaining the service we provide to you, our Members and customers. Read more information on how we will be supporting you directly.

    Guidance for the Police family

    As frontline officers and staff, you are playing a critical role in the response to this crisis, it is therefore even more important for you to say fit and well and to look after all areas of your health during this difficult time.

    For Police specific guidance, take a look at the links below:

    Physical health

    Research shows that being sedentary is bad for your health, so ensure you keep active at home. Exercise helps both your physical and mental health, if you can go outside, go for a regular walk or do some online exercise classes.

    Think about what you’re eating and where possible eat a balanced diet. Whilst food supplies may be limited, think ahead and plan your meals.

    Limit your alcohol intake. In uncertain times like these it can be tempting to reach for a bottle to cope with the boredom and uncertainty but alcohol impacts your immunity and reduces your body’s ability to fight off disease.

    Mental health

    During this time, you may be bored, frustrated or lonely. You may also feel low, worried, anxious, or be concerned about your health or that of those close to you.

    Everyone reacts differently to events and changes in the way that we think, feel and behave vary between different people and over time. It’s important that you take care of your mind as well as your body.

    Tips to help if you’re worried about coronavirus:

    • Keep a routine
    • Maintain social contact by text, Skype or phone
    • Avoid family arguments
    • Plan ahead
    • Don’t watch too much news
    • Manage your fears

    Looking after your finances

    As the outbreak continues to take its toll on life and the economy you may be worrying about what the financial impact is for you or your family members.

    For tips on keeping your finances in check during this time, see our guide in the useful resources section.

    As always we’re here to help, visit policemutual.co.uk, call 01543 441 630

    Joanne Palmer

  • Dedicated FAO Website Now Live

    Dedicated FAO Website Now Live

    This article was published on Mon 11 May 2020. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

    As you know, on 30 April we announced one of the biggest decisions Police Mutual has ever made: our proposal to become part of Royal London.

    Our dedicated website for you, our FAOs, is now live and available by clicking here:
    https://faoinfo.co.uk

    It’s a ‘one-stop-shop,’ the site provides a range of information and materials about the proposed transfer – including the what; when; and why; and the importance of your role.

    The site also includes copies of the voting pack and other materials you have been sent. And, if you have a question which isn’t covered by our FAQs, you are encouraged to submit it via the site.

    You will also find details about a series of FAO webinars we are running in the next couple of weeks, the first being at 1pm on Thursday (14 May). Please visit the website to book yourself on to one of these important webinars.

    We want you to understand why we are recommending the proposal to become part of Royal London, and the reasons behind the proposal, as well as what it will mean for members.

    It’s why all of this is aimed at providing you with as full a picture as possible about the proposal. We want all of you to be able to make a fully informed decision when you cast your crucial vote on securing Police Mutual’s future.

    Joanne Palmer

    ,

  • Join the Nation in Raising a Glass on VE Day

    Join the Nation in Raising a Glass on VE Day

    This article was published on Thur 07 May 2020. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

    VE Day marks the day when fighting against Nazi Germany in Europe ceased and World War 2 came to an end – on 8th May 1945.

    Under normal circumstances, this would be a time when we would come together to reflect upon and celebrate the sacrifices made by so many people during the war. Not just the millions of soldiers, but the men and women who worked in the factories and mines, as well as Police Officers, nurses, and many more.

    This year is the 75th anniversary of VE Day and there were lots of special celebrations planned to take place. The government had moved the traditional May Bank Holiday so that it falls on Friday 8th May. Pubs were to be allowed to stay open later, and people across the country were encouraged to throw street parties. There was also going to be a flyover of Buckingham Palace by the Red Arrows.

    However, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, plans for VE Day celebrations have been postponed until a later date.

    Instead, organisers are encouraging everyone to take part in The Nation’s Toast – raising a glass on Friday 8th May at 3pm and making the following toast: To those who gave so much, we thank you.

    We will certainly be taking part, paying tribute to the millions both home and abroad who gave so much to ensure the freedom we all enjoy today.

    Joanne Palmer

  • Proposal for Police Mutual to Become Part of Royal London

    Proposal for Police Mutual to Become Part of Royal London

    This article was published on Thu 30 Apr 2020. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

    Police Mutual is proud of its long heritage serving the Police family and is ready to take the next vital step in its journey.

    That next step is a proposal that the Police Mutual group of companies become part of The Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited (Royal London).

    The proposal would mean the transfer of Police Mutual to Royal London, the UK’s largest mutual life insurance, pensions and investment company. Royal London is a strong mutual organisation that has committed to our goal of improving the financial wellbeing of the Police and Military families.

    We believe the proposal preserves what our members, colleagues and the Police service value most about Police Mutual.

    Benefits protected
    There will be no change to the terms of members’ existing products.

    Preserving our brand and our purpose
    The proposal will provide a sustainable future for Police Mutual, and preserve our brand and purpose, creating a new chapter in our long and evolving history.

    Better offerings
    The proposal would make us part of a larger, stronger business that has a broader business mix, and which offers a wider range of products. This partnering with the UK’s largest mutual insurer gives the opportunity to create better customer offerings and will allow improvements in service and propositions and wider support of the Police family.

    Why the proposal is good for the Police and members?
    It means a continuation of our work with the Police service and broader Policing organisations to improve the financial wellbeing of serving and retired Police Officers and Staff and their families.

    Next steps
    We will write to our members and customers with more information in mid-June, following a vote on the proposal by the Force Authorised Officers (FAOs).

    Joanne Palmer