Different providers will place greater relative
emphasis on different information to others. All we are realistically
able to do is to feed the data into the machine and see what
emerges in the out tray.
It is for this reason that a comparison site
is an invaluable tool in helping a potential annuitant to access
and compare all the available information with a view to locating
the best deal.
What the comparison site cannot do however is
second guess an applicant’s own priorities, or what relative
importance he or she may place on each separate strand of information.
The raw data is generated by the site, the ultimate decision
needs always to be taken by a human being.
The most effective way to do this is to use
the comparison site as a means of drawing up a shortlist, and
then probing those providers who make that list to see which
offers the most in terms of realising the applicant’s
priorities.
This means resorting to the old-fashioned tried
and trusted method of contacting service providers for a firm
quote, which may be retained. There is no cost or obligation
involved from doing this, and acquiring a free annuity quote
could make the world of difference in respect of the amount
received from the plan at the end of each month.