The research also shows that:
* Although more than twice as many (70%) 30-50 year olds as under-30s (30%) have life insurance, the figure dips among the over 50s to 61%, despite 76% of them having dependents and a fifth still having a mortgage.
* Londoners are less likely to have life insurance than Northerners or the Scottish, who are most likely to be covered.
* Four out of ten people (39%) were prompted to take out life insurance by a financial adviser - this figure rises to 48% of 18-29 year olds, with 12% prompted by family or friends (12%).
David Elms, CEO of IFA Promotion, commented, "No one wants to dwell on the inevitable, but if people depend on you financially, you need to take steps to protect them. An IFA can weigh up your protection options and take an all-round view on the right type and level of cover for your personal situation."
For advice about your financial protection options you can obtain details of local IFAs by calling the IFA Promotion hotline on 0800 085 3250, or visit www.unbiased.co.uk
