First Direct to axe 'First Directory' insurance add-on this month – here's what it means for your cover, plus the top alternatives

First Direct will close its First Directory insurance add-on on 31 July 2026, meaning customers will lose the bundled travel, mobile phone and breakdown cover unless they switch to an alternative provider. Your existing insurance cover will continue as normal up to and including 31 July 2026.

After that date, First Direct will extend your cover for free until 31 October 2026, though some exceptions apply. You will be covered for trips booked up to 31 July 2026 that start up to 31 October 2026, but not for trips booked after 31 July 2026.

Mobile phones purchased on or after 1 August 2026 will not be covered, while motor breakdown protection remains normal until 31 October 2026. The bank said it decided to close First Directory completely following a recent review.

This closure will not affect your First Direct current account, overdraft, linked saver account or debit card, which you can continue using normally after 31 October. For customers seeking similar coverage, MoneySavingExpert highlights several alternatives.

Co-op Bank’s Everyday Extra account offers worldwide travel insurance for families plus mobile phone and breakdown insurance for £12 a month. Santander’s Edge Explorer provides similar travel and breakdown insurance for £17 a month, including £180 switch cash and a £150 hotel voucher.

Nationwide’s FlexPlus offers breakdown cover and family mobile coverage for £18 a month, with £175 switch cash and no maximum on covered devices. First Directory is priced at £15 a month, making the alternatives slightly cheaper or comparable in cost while maintaining similar benefits.

Customers should act before 31 July to ensure continuous protection if they do not wish to rely on the free extension period.

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