Norwich Union are to include criteria based on where you live when calculating annuity rates for your pension. The idea being that those in more affluent areas are likely to have a better lifestyle, and thus live longer, than thoose in less well-off areas. This new approach is expected to result in 30% of annuity customers reducing lower pensions. And with NU being such an influential company in the annuity market, it is likely that other providers will foolow suit.

Motor Insurers now regard an offence for driving whilst using a mobile phone as serious as unsafe driving. The offence could add around £200 to your car insurance premium as more insurers now ask for details of such offences when calculating your quote. Several of the big players now factor this in to the quotation, including Allianz, Churchill, Norwich Union and Zurich. Add the increased cost of insurance to the £60 fine and the three points on your driving license and that makes it one very expensive phone call.