First Direct will discontinue its First Directory insurance package by the end of this month. Priced at £15 monthly, First Directory includes travel insurance, mobile insurance, and breakdown cover. Although unavailable to new customers since 2020, existing customers have been able to retain the service.
First Direct has officially announced the closure of First Directory on July 31, necessitating customers to seek alternative insurance options. Travel insurance will cover trips booked up to and including July 31, 2026, starting up to and including October 31, 2026.
For mobile insurance, coverage extends until October 31, 2026, for devices purchased on or before July 31, 2026, while motor breakdown cover remains valid until the same date. Note that policyholders over 70 will see their coverage end, as First Directory has a maximum age limit of 69.
A spokesperson from First Direct stated that the decision to withdraw First Directory after July 31, 2026, was made as part of their product range review. Impacted customers will receive extended cover until the end of October at no extra charge.
In other banking news, Halifax will vanish from UK high streets after 173 years, with the brand transitioning to Lloyds. Halifax branches and customer accounts will be rebranded as Lloyds, ceasing the opening of new Halifax accounts. Account details will remain unchanged, but Halifax customers will need to utilize the Lloyds app for online banking in the near future.
Customers will be informed directly through trusted channels like the Halifax app, online banking, email, and postal mail. Lloyds Banking Group has included Halifax and Bank of Scotland since 2009, allowing customers of all brands to manage their accounts at both Halifax and Lloyds branches since early 2025.
The rebranding of Halifax branches to Lloyds will occur throughout 2027, with no anticipated job losses due to the transition.