
Life insurance is a common way to protect your family's financial future, but many people are unsure about how much they will receive in a payout. In the UK, the average life insurance payout in 2023 was £80,403, but this can vary depending on the policy and the individual's circumstances. While some people may receive a payout of between £50,000 and £60,000, others may receive as much as £276,000, which is ten times the average UK salary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average life insurance payout in 2023 | £80,403 |
| Average salary in the UK | £27,600 |
| Average payout (10 times the average salary) | £276,000 |
| IHT if the deceased's total estate exceeds the threshold | 40% |
| Threshold | £325,000 |
| Percentage of the UK population with a life insurance policy | 35% |
| Number of new life insurance claims paid out in 2023 | 48,782 |
| Percentage of claims paid out in 2023 | 96.7% |
| Percentage of claims paid out in 2022 | 96.9% |
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What You'll Learn
- The average life insurance payout in 2023 was £80,403
- The average salary in the UK is £27,600, so the average payout would be £276,000
- Life insurance payouts are usually subject to 40% IHT if the deceased's total estate exceeds £325,000
- % of the UK population currently have a life insurance policy
- % of all life insurance claims were paid out in 2022

The average life insurance payout in 2023 was £80,403
While the average payout may seem low, it is worth noting that the sales of term life assurance fell to their lowest level in seven years in 2023, with a total of 1.5 million policies sold. This suggests that the average payout may not be indicative of the potential benefits of life insurance.
According to a survey by Forbes Advisor, the most common term period for those with life insurance is up to 20 years (31%), followed by up to 10 years (21%). This indicates that a significant proportion of individuals are opting for longer-term coverage, which may impact the average payout over time.
Despite the average payout being lower than expected, life insurance remains an important financial tool for individuals and families. It provides financial protection and peace of mind in the event of an unexpected death. By opting for a policy that pays out a multiple of one's salary, individuals can ensure that their loved ones are taken care of financially.
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The average salary in the UK is £27,600, so the average payout would be £276,000
The average life insurance payout in the UK was £80,403 in 2023, according to the ABI. However, this figure is based on the average salary in the UK, which is £27,600. Therefore, the average payout would be £276,000 if the payout was ten times the average salary.
It is important to note that life insurance payouts are usually subject to 40% IHT if the deceased's total estate exceeds the £325,000 threshold, unless the policy is written into a trust. In addition, there is a common myth that life insurance providers do not pay out, but 96.9% of all life insurance claims were paid out in 2022.
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Life insurance payouts are usually subject to 40% IHT if the deceased's total estate exceeds £325,000
The average life insurance payout in the UK was £80,403 in 2023, according to the ABI. However, life insurance payouts are usually subject to 40% IHT if the deceased's total estate exceeds the £325,000 threshold, unless the policy is written into a trust. This means that if the deceased's total estate is over £325,000, their beneficiaries will only receive 60% of the intended payout.
It is important to note that this threshold is not fixed and may change over time. Seeking advice from a qualified insurance broker can help individuals choose the right life insurance policy for their needs and ensure that their beneficiaries receive the intended payout.
While the average life insurance payout in the UK is around £80,000, it is recommended that individuals opt for a policy that pays out ten times their salary. Considering the average salary in the UK is £27,600, this would result in an average payout of £276,000.
Life insurance providers have strong payout statistics, with 96.9% of all claims paid out in 2022. This percentage slightly decreased in 2023, with 96.7% of new claims being paid out.
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35% of the UK population currently have a life insurance policy
The average life insurance payout in the UK was £80,403 in 2023. However, it is recommended that people have a policy that pays out ten times their salary, which would mean an average payout of £276,000.
It is a common myth that life insurance providers don't pay out, but 96.9% of all life insurance claims were paid out in 2022. In 2023, 48,782 new life insurance claims were paid out, totalling 96.7% of claims made.
Despite this, only 35% of the UK population currently have a life insurance policy. Sales of term life assurance fell to their lowest level in seven years in 2023, with a total of 1.5 million policies sold.
The most common term period for those who currently have life insurance is up to 20 years (31%), with up to 10 years being the second most common term length (21%).
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96.9% of all life insurance claims were paid out in 2022
In 2022, 96.9% of all life insurance claims were paid out in the UK. This is a strong statistic that counters the common myth that life insurance providers don't pay out. The average life insurance payout in 2023 was £80,403, according to the ABI. However, the average payout should ideally be around £276,000, which is ten times the average UK salary of £27,600.
Life insurance payouts are usually subject to 40% IHT if the deceased's total estate exceeds the £325,000 threshold, unless the policy is written into a trust. An insurance broker can help you choose the right life insurance for your needs and guide you to the most cost-effective policies. They can also advise on special circumstances, such as health conditions or lifestyle factors that make you difficult to insure.
In 2023, the sales of term life assurance fell to their lowest level in seven years, with a total of 1.5 million policies sold. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), 48,782 new life insurance claims were paid out in 2023, totalling 96.7% of claims made.
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Frequently asked questions
The average life insurance payout in 2023 was £80,403.
96.7% of claims were paid out in 2023, compared to 96.9% in 2022.
It's recommended that you opt for a policy that pays out ten times your salary. The average salary in the UK is £27,600, so the average payout would be £276,000.






































