Zurich has made its Personal Protection and Income Protection products available through UnderwriteMe’s Protection Platform.

The products will initially be offered through a small number of distributors, with access expected to be extended to others over time.

Zurich becomes the eighth insurer to provide a “Buy Now” option for income protection through the platform.

UnderwriteMe allows advisers to answer one set of health and lifestyle questions before receiving underwritten offers from participating insurers through a single application process.

Andrew Doran, chief executive at UnderwriteMe, said: “We’re delighted that Zurich has joined the UnderwriteMe Protection Platform as one of our insurer partners.

“Being able to offer advisers access to Zurich’s Personal Protection and Income Protection products marks a significant step forward in UnderwriteMe’s growth this year and enhances our proposition further.”

Louise Colley, retail protection director at Zurich, said: “Joining the UnderwriteMe Protection Platform is an exciting development for Zurich, creating a new route for advisers to access our Personal Protection and Income Protection products.

“Following the initial launch with a smaller group of distributors, we will extend access more widely across the platform over time.”

Chloe Davies, head of protection distribution and provider relationships at London & Country Mortgages, said: “Having another provider on the platform is significant for our business, especially insurers with comprehensive and competitive products with fair underwriting and good service levels.

“From an efficiency point of view, being able to source accurate underwritten outcomes simultaneously has been very important for us, and we welcome new additions to the platform.”