The product has not been available to new customers since 2020, although existing customers have been able to keep using it
First Direct is axing its First Directory insurance bundle at the end of this month.
First Directory is priced at £15 a month and includes travel insurance, mobile insurance and breakdown cover. The product has not been available to new customers since 2020, although existing customers have been able to keep using it.
But now, First Direct has confirmed that it will be closed for good on July 31. This means you will have to look for new insurance elsewhere.
If you have an upcoming holiday, your travel insurance will cover you for trips booked up to and including July 31, 2026 and that start up to and including October 31, 2026.
For mobile insurance, you will be covered up to and including October 31, 2026 for any devices purchased on or before July 31, 2026. Motor breakdown cover will remain valid up to and including October 31, 2026.
Keep in mind your cover could end sooner if you turn 70, as First Directory has a maximum age of 69 for policy holders. You will still be able to keep using your First Direct current account as normal.
In more banking news, it was last week revealed that Halifax is set to disappear from UK high streets after 173 years, with the brand name being replaced by Lloyds.
Halifax branches and customer accounts will eventually be renamed to Lloyds, and the Halifax brand will stop opening new accounts. Account numbers and sort codes will stay the same, although Halifax customers have been told they will need to use the Lloyds app in the coming months for online banking.
Customers will be contacted directly through trusted channels, including the Halifax app, online banking, email and by letter.
Halifax and Bank of Scotland have been part of Lloyds Banking Group since 2009. Since early 2025, customers of all brands have been able to manage their accounts at all Halifax and Lloyds branches, regardless of the brand on their account.
Halifax branches will be rebranded to Lloyds over the course of 2027. The group insisted the rebranding would not lead to job losses.
Lloyds Banking Group previously announced 79 new closures on top of 95 already planned over the coming year, across the three brands. This will leave the group with 531 branches in total across the UK, of which about 190 will be former Halifax outlets.
