by Charles Landa

Can I safeguard my loan or mortgage payments against unforeseen events?

You can take out payment protection against specific events, such as unemployment, sickness or disability through Payment Protection Insurance (PPI). Remember that PPI is not always suitable for your individual circumstances and independent advice should always be sought before buying this product. Should the insured event take place, the policy will cover your payments for a fixed period of time, such as 12 months. You should also consider buying sufficient life assurance such that in the event of the death of the household's main bread-winner, the loan or mortgage will be paid off by the insurance company.

How can I apply for a secured loan?

You have the choice of going direct to the lender or going to an intermediary, usually a finance broker. If you have shopped around and know what you want, you can apply direct to the lender via phone, internet, post or walk into their branch office. If you prefer to seek the advice of a finance broker you may benefit from their expertise in deciding what product and which lender is most suitable for you. This will be particularly true if your circumstances are unusual and you require a specialist product. It is also possible that a finance broker can find you a better deal as some products are only available through intermediaries.

How long does the secured loan application process take?

Depending on circumstances and personal needs, you may obtain a secured loan within 2-4 weeks. But, of course, each case is different. Normally, the consent of the first mortgage lender is required to register the secured loan on your property title and so the lender is unlikely to proceed before consent is obtained.