The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) has partnered with leading UK charity, Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA), to publish new guidance (attached) on economic abuse for general insurance providers. The guide details the safe design and delivery of general insurance products and services to support customers who are experiencing economic abuse and prevent its occurrence where possible.
Published today (18 February), the ‘Economic Abuse Guidance for General Insurance Providers’ consolidates examples of existing customer support schemes and shares a range of examples of how products can be misused by perpetrators to increase understanding across the profession.
The guide also outlines key training methods, policies, and procedures, helping insurers to identify and support those who may experience abuse. Recommendations include effective communication and engagement with customers, as well as careful review of products and services, and empowering colleagues with the skills, capabilities and leadership to respond appropriately to occurrences, and suspected occurrences.
In 2025, SEA and Ipsos UK research found that one in six women have experienced economic abuse from a current or former partner, and the impact on victim-survivors is devastating and can last a lifetime. The new guidance builds on the CII Group’s existing resource on economic abuse, following last year’s publications of the Personal Finance Society (PFS) Good Practice Guide for advisers about economic abuse and life insurance.
Matthew Hill, CII Chief Exec, said: “The work we are doing on economic abuse is part of an overarching strategy aimed at better understanding consumer vulnerability and delivering good outcomes for the whole of society. This guidance offers examples of our strategic approach in action, where insurers are already adapting products and services, identifying key moments in customer journeys, and empowering staff to use clear protocols and systems.”
Sam Smethers, CEO of Surviving Economic Abuse, said: “We’re pleased to have supported the Chartered Insurance Institute to develop guidance grounded in the lived experience of victim-survivors. Insurers have a vital role in preventing economic abuse, and this guide shows how safer processes and better support can make a real difference. At Surviving Economic Abuse, we’re ready to work with the insurance industry, providing training and expertise to help firms embed these vital changes. Together, we can close down opportunities for abusers and ensure survivors can access the insurance protections they need – ultimately helping to save lives and stop economic abuse forever.”