People approaching retirement will receive much greater support to get the best possible retirement income under a compulsory Code of Conduct launched by the Association of British Insurers (ABI).

ABI figures show that a third of people do not shop around for an annuity when they reach retirement and, as a result, may be missing out on a higher income, potentially losing thousands of pounds over the course of their retirement.

In addition, many customers who could qualify for an enhanced annuity, due to medical conditions or lifestyle choices, buy a conventional annuity, which may mean they miss out on a higher income during retirement.

The ABI’s Code of Conduct will ensure customers have access to information to enable them to make an informed decision about annuities appropriate to their needs and lifestyle in retirement. The Code continues the work of the ABI to improve customer engagement and contribute to the financial education of customers.

The Code of Conduct will require the ABI’s members to:

• Provide clear and consistent communications to ensure customers are able to make informed and proactive decisions about retirement income products, and are able to shop around for the most appropriate product.
• Prominently highlight enhanced annuities, and the much higher income they can potentially offer, and inform customers whether they offer these products, and how to find out who does.
• Clearly signpost customers to advice and support, both from regulated advisers and government-backed advice organisations.
• Establish transparency in the annuity market so that customers have a clear picture of how individual providers’ product offerings fit in with the wider market.