The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Personal Finance: Why it's important to Challenge your Insurer on your Premiums

Aug 27, 2025
Charlie Weston, personal finance editor at the Irish Independent, shares his expertise in consumer finance, tackling pressing listener questions. He emphasizes the importance of challenging insurers on health premiums amid rising costs, offering practical tips for negotiation. Weston also discusses the upcoming November property revaluation, revealing potential local tax hikes that could significantly impact homeowners. His insights are invaluable for anyone looking to navigate the often complicated waters of personal finance.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Competition Hasn't Lowered Premiums

  • New competition hasn't lowered premiums; instead insurers are issuing multiple increases this year.
  • Many firms have raised prices repeatedly, so renewals often face successive hikes.
ANECDOTE

Matt's Renewal Shock With Fewer Dependents

  • Matt Cooper removed two adult children from his family policy and still saw his monthly premium rise.
  • He learned his current 12-month contract protects him from mid-contract increases but not from renewal hikes.
INSIGHT

Benefits Are Being Cut As Prices Rise

  • Insurers are cutting benefits and retiring old plans while increasing costs for many customers.
  • This makes renewals confusing and can reduce value even if prices climb only moderately.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app