How things stand if you’ve just bought an annuity

published 27 March 2014

You probably know by now that George Osborne announced huge changes to the rules governing annuities in last week's Budget.

If you're about to retire, don't rush out and buy an annuity now. You need to think about the best approach for you now that the new rules give you more freedom.

And if you've recently bought an annuity, you may be furious that you've been locked into a low income when better options are now available.

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Well, the good news is that some insurance companies have extended the cancellation periods for recently-bought annuities.

Hargreaves Lansdown has put together a useful table which gives the current state of play for ten providers.

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Aviva	30 days from the date the application was signed	Now 30 days from when the policy has been set up instead of when the application was signed
Canada Life	30 days after policy document issued	No change
Hodge Lifetime	30 days from the date the application was signed	No change
Just Retirement	30 days from date the client received their right to cancel (issued with application form)	No change
Legal & General	30 days from the date the application was signed	No change
LV=	30 days from the date LV= receive the completed application	Extended to 60 days from the date LV= receive the completed application this is for customers currently within their existing 30 day cancellation period and for new customers who apply for an annuity in the next month
MGM Advantage	30 days after policy document issued	Extended to 60 days after policy document issued
Partnership	30 days after they receive a confirmation letter (posted to the client when Partnership processes the application)	Extended to 11 April 2014 (if current cancellation rights were beyond 11 April then the standard 30 days still applies.)
Prudential	30 days from when they receive their first Prudential quote	No change
Standard Life	30 days after policy document issued	No change

Source: Hargreaves Lansdown

If you're able to cancel your annuity purchase, it probably makes sense to do so. Then you can decide the best approach for you in an unhurried way.

The only exception to this is if you have a guaranteed annuity where you're able to benefit from a much higher pay out rate.

Some guaranteed annuities pay out as much as 10% a year or more, so some insurance companies are keen to wriggle out of the guarantee if they possibly can. If you cancel your purchase, that could give the insurer the perfect opportunity to do just that.

Ed has been a private investor since the mid-90s and has worked as a financial journalist since 2000. He's been employed by several investment websites including Citywire, breakingviews and The Motley Fool, where he was UK editor.

Ed mainly invests in technology shares, pharmaceuticals and smaller companies. He's also a big fan of investment trusts.

Away from work, Ed is a keen theatre goer and loves all things Canadian.

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