Cookie Consent

lv

Introduction

This unique tool from LV= helps you and your clients make a more informed decision when choosing between a Lifetime and Fixed Term Annuity. Simply click the start button and complete your client's details to view bespoke comparison charts which compare different scenarios.

Start

How to use the tool

You will need a client-specific quotation for both a Lifetime Annuity and a Fixed Term Annuity to use this tool as you will need to enter certain relevant information from the quotes in order to make the comparisons. We have produced a simple user guide to walk you through how the tool itself works - you can view this by clicking here.

If you need any further help, please speak to your LV= Account Manager.

Assumptions and important notes

The comparison tool and output are provided by LV= for use by financial intermediaries only. If you want to use this with your clients, you’re responsible for making sure it complies with the FSA rules for use with them. While every care has been taken to ensure their accuracy, the charts produced by this tool are intended only as a guide as they are based on assumptions about future events which cannot be guaranteed.

more information on how to use the tool and the assumptions made. To begin, please press the start button on the top right.

Assumptions used by the comparison tool:

  1. All charts go out to 30 years.
  2. Allowable ages for the policyholder are from 55 to 90.
  3. All annuities are assumed payable at the end of the policy month or year (often referred to as ‘in arrears’).
  4. The two options compared by this tool are the purchase of a Lifetime Annuity (LTA) at retirement and the purchase of a Fixed Term Annuity (FTA) at retirement. The FTA option consists of holding an FTA for the fixed term and then buying an LTA with the maturity value of the FTA.
  5. The escalation rate input applies both to the FTA and LTA. The LTA bought at the end of the fixed term is assumed to escalate at the same rate as the FTA during the fixed term.
  6. The annuity bought with the proceeds from the FTA is assumed to have no guarantee period.
  7. Where an escalation rate is entered, we have assumed that the first annuity payment received is not escalated.  So if the annuity amount input is £5,000, the first annuity payment received will be £5,000 even though this payment will be received one month/year after retirement (depending on the payment frequency).
  8. No allowance is made for GAD limits, so the user will have to make sure that any GAD limits which have been applied in their FTA quote are allowed for in the FTA amount input.  It is assumed that escalating annuities are allowed to escalate freely and are not subject to any GAD limits at any point during the fixed term.
  9. Assumed mortality rates and mortality improvements are those currently used by LV=.
  10. All escalation is compound and occurs on the policy anniversary.
  11. The change in circumstances scenario means simply that the joint life status is switched to single life at the end of the fixed term. So in this scenario, someone who purchases a joint-life FTA will be assumed to purchase a single-life LTA at the end of the fixed term.
  12. Other than a change in marital status, no other changes in circumstances are assumed in this scenario.  A deterioration in health is allowed for in the ‘medical uplift’ scenario.
  13. Where it exists an option to view the cumulative breakeven point will be displayed, showing each time the total expected payments of a LTA and a FTA crosses. When the total expected payments of the FTA option exceeds those of the LTA option this will be indicated with a green line. And when the total expected payments of the LTA exceeds those of the FTA option, this will be indicated with a red line.

Client Details

Member / Spouse Details

Annuity Details

Annuity Details - Specific to Lifetime Annuity

Annuity Details - Specific to Fixed Term Annuity

On completion please click the calculate button below to see your results.

Results

Recalculate
Please note: Before making your decision, it is recommended that you speak to your adviser about potentially being eligible for an enhanced annuity and whether it would be suitable for your needs.

Summary

People with the profile you have entered will often consider an Standard Annuity, Enhanced Annuity, Investment-Linked Annuity, Drawdown Pension or a Fixed Term Annuity. The following are some of the reasons they may select each.

Standard Annuity:

A standard annuity is a simple product that is guaranteed to pay for life so for customers looking for simplicity, security or are not in a financial position to take risk (even if they are prepared to take some risk), this may be a suitable option.

Investment-Linked Annuity:

An investment-linked annuity is a bit more complex than a standard annuity but it is low risk with the potential to limit the risk of inflation reducing your purchasing power. For customers who want some growth potential and to retain some options to affect income after purchase, an investment annuity may be a suitable option.

Fixed Term Annuity:

A fixed term annuity provides a guaranteed level of income during the term plus a lump sum at the end of the term. At the end of the term there is the option to buy another fixed term annuity or any other type of retirement income product however the level of income available at that time may be higher or lower. This is a higher risk option than a standard or investment annuity but the control and options available to the client and a potential for higher future income may make this a suitable option for customers prepared and financially secure enough to accept some risk.

Drawdown Pension:

A Drawdown pension has the highest potential for growth but the highest potential risk depending on the investment options selected. In addition, the level of charges is more suited to larger funds. For customers with a sufficiently large fund and a positive attitude to risk, drawdown may be a suitable option.

Product comparison sales aids