Life events that change what you need

Written by the SortMyCover editorial team. Updated 2 October 2026.

Cover that was right a few years ago may not fit today. Some life events change what a family needs. Here are the common ones.

A new bond

A bond is often the biggest debt a family has. A new bond or a bigger bond means more to pay off if a breadwinner dies.

A new baby

A baby brings new costs for many years, from daily care to school. It also means one more person who depends on the family income.

Marriage or a new partner

A partner may share the bond and the bills. Many people also support parents, brothers or sisters. These people can depend on an income too.

A job change

Group life cover through work usually ends when the job ends. A new employer may offer different cover, or none at all. A job change is a good time to look at what cover is in place.

Starting a business

Cover through an employer stops when a person leaves to work for themselves. A business can also bring debts and people who depend on it.

What to do next

After a big change, many people check their cover. A licensed adviser can look at the whole picture. Read what a life cover gap is or how to read a payslip cover line.

Common questions

When should cover be checked?

Many people check after a big event such as a new bond, a baby, a marriage, a job change or starting a business. It is also worth a look when income or debts change.

Does cover through work follow a person to a new job?

Usually not. Group life cover is normally tied to the employer. A person who leaves usually loses it, unless the scheme says otherwise.

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