When you move home — whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or simply relocating — your mortgage almost always changes. The amount, the term, or both.

Yet many people keep the same mortgage protection they arranged years ago, even though their circumstances have moved on.

This is why home movers often ask:

“Should I review my mortgage protection when I move?”

In most cases, a review can be incredibly important. Here’s why.

Your Mortgage Amount Might Have Changed

Most people don’t stay on the same mortgage forever. When moving home, your new mortgage could be:

  • Higher (bigger home, higher value)
  • Lower (downsizing)
  • Re-paid over a different length of time
  • Structured differently (repayment vs interest-only vs part & part)

If your mortgage protection hasn’t kept pace with those changes, it may no longer reflect what your family would need if the worst happened.

Potential risks of not reviewing your cover:

  • Your policy might not pay out enough to clear the mortgage
  • Your term might be too short
  • Your cover might last longer than needed (overpaying unnecessarily)
  • You might be paying for features that no longer match your mortgage type

A review ensures your protection still lines up with what you owe.

Repayment Mortgages Usually Need Decreasing Cover

Most home movers in the UK have repayment mortgages. This means the mortgage balance reduces every month over the term.

To match this, many policies are set up as decreasing term assurance. These policies reduce over time, broadly in line with how a repayment mortgage falls.

But here’s the key problem:

If your mortgage term changes but your policy doesn’t, they can fall out of sync.

For example:

  • If your policy ends sooner than your mortgage → you could be left with a gap
  • If your policy decreases faster than your mortgage → you might not have enough cover
  • If you extend your mortgage term (very common) → a shortfall can grow each year

These gaps often go unnoticed… until a claim is needed.

What Happens If There’s a Shortfall?

If your cover is no longer aligned with your mortgage, the payout may not clear the balance.

This shortfall would typically need to be covered by:

  • Personal savings
  • Cash the surviving partner can access quickly
  • Other insurance policies
  • Or, in the worst‑case scenario, the surviving partner may need to sell the home because they cannot afford the remaining mortgage payments any more

This is one of the biggest and least‑understood risks for people who have moved since taking out their original policy.

Moving Home Is the Perfect Time for a Review

A mortgage protection review can help you check:

  • Does your policy still match your mortgage balance?
  • Does the term align with the new mortgage end date?
  • Do you still have decreasing cover (if needed), or would level cover now be better?
  • Is the policy cost-effective compared to current options?
  • Has your health or lifestyle changed since you took the policy out?
  • Have you added a partner to your mortgage — or removed one?

Even if everything is still suitable, the peace of mind of knowing it’s up to date can be invaluable.

What If You Moved Home Years Ago?

Many clients don’t realise that:

You can review your mortgage protection at any time — not just when you move.

If you’ve moved home in the past and never reviewed your policy, it’s worth checking it now. A few minutes could ensure your policy still protects the home your family lives in today.

Linking Your Mortgage to Your Protection Makes Good Financial Sense

Your mortgage is one of your biggest commitments. Ensuring your protection follows it simply helps ensure that:

  • You’re not underinsured
  • You’re not paying for cover you don’t need
  • Your family is protected if the unexpected happens
  • Your policy finishes when your mortgage does — not earlier, not much later

Just a small adjustment can make a big difference.

Talk to ME About Your Protection Requirements

If you’ve recently moved — or you moved years ago and haven’t reviewed your cover since — now is the perfect time to check everything still matches your mortgage.

Talk to ME and we can help you understand your options and make sure your protection is aligned with your home.

Do I need to update my life insurance every time I move?

Not always, but it’s wise to check. If your mortgage amount or term has changed, your existing policy might no longer match your financial commitments.

What happens if my policy ends earlier than my mortgage?

If your protection ends before your mortgage does, you may be left without cover for the remaining balance. A review can identify and resolve this.

Is decreasing term assurance the right type of cover?

It can be suitable for some repayment mortgages because it reduces over time. But suitability depends on your mortgage and circumstances, so it’s worth reviewing.

What if my mortgage is now interest‑only?

Interest‑only mortgages often require level cover instead of decreasing cover. A review can help ensure the policy type still fits your mortgage structure.

Can I review mortgage protection years after taking it out?

Yes. You can review your policy at any time, especially if your mortgage or personal situation has changed.

This article is for information only and does not constitute personalised financial advice. Protection products depend on individual circumstances and eligibility. Consider speaking to a qualified adviser before making decisions.