Personal pensions

Pensions for the selfemployed and persons not in an occupational scheme. Tax relief is based on net relevant earnings. Retirement can be at any time between 50 and 75. A tax-free lump sum (25 per cent of fund) is available at retirement. If income drawdown is used, the balance must fund a compulsory retirement annuity by age 75. Personal pensions can be used for contracting out. The term also applies to retirement annuity contracts, set up before July 1988.

Personal property/belongings

Part of the household contents definition generally specified as ‘valuables and personal items’ belonging to the insured or his family. Personal items are items worn, used or carried about the person in everyday life. Personal belongings exclude, inter alia: money and credit cards; mechanically propelled vehicles; bicycles, caravans, bicycles, etc; fragile items; business and trade goods. Money, pedal cycles and specified articles can be insured under separate sections.

Persons at work

Under the Health and Safety at Work, etc., Act 1974 it means: ‘all persons at work, whether employers, employees or self-employed, are covered except domestic servants in a private household. The Act extends to many not covered by the previous legislation, e.g. self-employed, those employed in education, health services, leisure industries and in some parts of the transport industry.

Pet insurance

Covers domestic pet owners against financial consequences (veterinary fees) of accidental injury to the pet, illness and third party liability. Comprehensive cover extends to loss or theft, cancellation of holidays, cost of advertising, payments of rewards. Death benefit does not apply to elderly animals. Domestic pet cover is not available for racing dogs, guard dogs, working dogs or dogs registered under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. See EXOTIC BIRDS; EXOTIC MAMMALS.