A Mortgage Protection Policy is designed to discharge a mortgage in the event of the death of one of the parties to the mortgage, so that the survivor doesn’t lose their home. You choose the initial cover amount and this reduces each year during the term in line with the estimated balance outstanding on a principal and interest mortgage. It is the cheapest form of life assurance you can buy. 70% of mortgage applicants obtain mortgage protection from their bank. Because they are only getting a quote from one provider they can overpay by up to 20% or more, often for inferior cover. Over the course of a 30 year mortgage an extra €10 a month equates to €3,600 wasted.