Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Mortgage Solutions. Read the original article for full details.

Guardian Cuts Underwriting Times and Boosts Instant Decisions

Guardian has improved its underwriting process, reducing average decision times from three days to one and increasing instant decision rates across its protection products. The insurer’s internal data shows that cases requiring medical evidence are now being written in less than one-and-a-half days on average.

The company has reported a 5% increase in instant decisions across its protection range compared to the start of the year. Specifically, Guardian is now completing 14% more instant decisions for income protection and 2% more for life protection. These improvements are attributed to updated underwriting rules and a new underwriting hire.

Guardian has also updated its underwriting rules for mental health disclosures, reflecting the growing number of applicants affected by conditions such as anxiety and moderate depression. In June, 97% of applicants received an instant decision on their life cover, compared to 87% in the same month last year. Of those, 90% were offered standard terms. Currently, around three-quarters of applicants receive an immediate decision at application.

These changes follow findings from the Protection Distribution Group’s Protection Insights Report 2026, which noted that 59% of advisers identified lengthy underwriting processes as a barrier to writing more protection business.

Guardian has continued to invest in its underwriting processes by increasing its headcount and planning further hires this year. Adviser call times have also improved, with calls now being answered in 52 seconds on average.

For UK letting agents and inventory clerks, these developments may be relevant when advising clients on protection products, as faster underwriting and more instant decisions can streamline the process of securing cover for landlords and tenants.