Scottish Widdows - Critical Illness Insurance

Scottish Widows was founded in Edinburgh, Scotland in about 1815. Within in Scotland this was the first company to provide people with help for their future financially. The company was first brought together by a simple meeting in a coffee house just a few years before the company was then founded. There first consideration was to provide help for females and widows. As the company was founded over nearly 200 years ago, the company will have gone through many changes not only in terms of the economy's highs and lows but also through two world wars. One of those changes which they embraced in January 2009 was the company joining Lloyds Banking Group. The insurance they offer to help people plan their future is with plans such as life assurance, pensions, health insurance and other savings options.

The financial industry is one that is forever changing and Scottish Widows has also adapted with these changes to give them their large client base. At one point their was approximately 120 companies at once competing in the savings market, of which 10 of those companies had Scottish in their title giving off a strong branding message to all clients, and to also entice and attract new customers. To help bring out ‘brand awareness' Scottish Widows tried to find a marketing ploy which gave a creative look from a budget that was to a minimum. They were giving off an image that Scottish Widows were then good with your money. People must always wonder where to some companies get all the money to splash out on massive advertising posts, some may say they get it from the money you invest, where Scottish Widows only allocated a small budget to such advertising. Scottish Widows have had three icons that have helped promote the Scottish Widows brand; firstly Debbie Moore in about 1986 helped launched the values of the business in a commercial ‘Looking Good'. Next was Amanda Lamb in 1994, which was at a point where the financial industry was going through various changes. Finally Harley Hunt the last Scottish Widow in 2005. She was spotted by a modelling agency and then after her studies she did lots of TV campaigns, magazines, newspapers etc.

Financial planning can be very difficult and that is where Scottish Widows can help, they help look after you future by guiding you into the right decisions. Taking out an insurance plan with Scottish Widows means you can speak to an independent financial adviser or by simply visiting your local Lloyds TSB where you can talk to one of three thousand staff that are trained to help provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

The products offered have won many awards over the years, for example there contract has been rated by defaqto as a five star contract for their retirement account, investment bonds, global investor and corporate investor. In 2010 Scottish Widows were also rated a five star in the financial adviser service award for life and pension and also investment.