loose change

Premier General, a specialist insurance intermediary, has launched a policy that pays out in the event of disability, unemployment or business cessation. Premiums cost pounds 3.95 per pounds 100 of unemployment insurance or pounds 6.55 for full cover. Call 0171 828.4434.

Friends Provident is launching a five-year fixed-income investment bond, offering a choice that includes income of 10 per cent per year. The bond is linked to the joint performance of the FT-SE 100 and German DAX share indexes: if prices are 5 per cent lower in five years than at present, investors receive only the balance of the original investment after income has been paid. Call 01722 715629.

Transamerica, a specialist finance provider, is launching a telephone- based lending operation, providing personal loans to homeowners including self-employed, divorcees and those with difficult credit ratings. Rates start at 9.9 per cent APR on loans of up to pounds 50,000. Call 0800 729927.

Age Concern has relaunched its pet insurance policy. Monthly premiums for cats, which include vet treatment worth up to pounds 2,600, are pounds 4.89. Cover for dogs costs between pounds 6.37 and pounds 7.39. Call 0800 590229.

Fidelity is abolishing the 0.75 per cent charge on its Investment Trust Share Plans, together with the 0.75 per cent charge on lump sum investments. The plans allow lump sum investments into four trusts investing in Europe, Japan and Asia. Call 0800 414110.

Cooper Lancaster Brewers, a tax specialist, is offering a fixed-price tax return service to deal with the Inland Revenue's new self-assessment forms. The firm has also teamed up with Hambro to offer insurance cover, costing pounds 29.50 a year, against professional costs involved in the Revenue's move to carry out random investigations into tax returns. Call 0345 626975.

Glasgow Investment Managers is extending the no initial charges deal on its Glasgow PEP, with a choice of income and capital growth from three investment trusts. Call 0800 435 797.