Why is a Will important?

WillsArticle29 June 2023

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A Will is an important tool you can use to care for your loved ones.

You’re not alone if you find the idea of planning for death uncomfortable. It’s not nice to think about, and many people don’t see the point of ‘putting their affairs in order’ if they feel they don’t own very much.

However, in creating a Will and ensuring you’ve planned your estate, you’re looking after the people you care about. Having a Will isn’t just about deciding where your assets go when you’re no longer here – it also protects your loved ones from additional stress at a difficult time. 

 

What if I don't have many assets?

Younger people, especially, may not see making a Will as a priority because they think they don’t own enough to worry about.

For example, if you don’t own a home, you might feel you don’t need to bother with a Will. But you may be surprised about how many assets you’d leave behind if the unexpected did happen.

Most Australians have a superannuation account and, depending on how long you’ve been working and contributing, it could be worth a significant amount. Any shares or other investments also count towards your estate – as do any collections you may have, such as jewellery, tools, handbags or stamps. Your car counts, too.

Look around your home and your accounts and super – how much do you really own? When you die, it all has to go somewhere.

Most of what you own is probably simple to organise in a Will. Organising beneficiaries for your super requires some other steps, but your super fund can help you with this. 

What if I don't have any dependants?

If you don’t have a partner or children, is a Will important? Yes. There are people who you care about and who care for you – your parents, your relatives, your friends. Including these people in your Will not only ensures that your property is safely and legally distributed, it’s also a way to show your love and assist them when you’re no longer around.

There is also the option of leaving assets to a charity or a cause that matters to you.

What if I'm not worried about my relatives dividing up my assets?

Another reason why people think they don’t need a Will is that they believe their relatives will be able to sort out their assets without a lot of trouble. Even in cases where your relatives do get along and would divide your assets without argument, organising such things is stressful.

Your loved ones are already dealing with your loss. If they don’t have a Will to refer to then they have to find all your assets, consult with each other about what to do with them, and then navigate government red tape to make sure it is done legally.

You protect your loved ones by leaving a Will. It lays out your assets and your wishes and acts as instructions for the people you love, saving them additional stress at a difficult time. Take a little trouble now to sort out your Will, and you – and your loved ones – will never regret it.

Create your Will for free with Ezicover and Willed?

When you create an online Will with trusted online drafting platform Willed, the process should take only about 15 minutes from start to finish.

Even better, it’s complimentary (not $159) for our Ezicover customers until 30 June this year*. Complete your complimentary Willed Will and protect yourself and your loved ones if life goes off script.

If you still have questions for us, we’re always happy to help. If you’re an active Ezicover customer and would like access to your complimentary Will, please call us on 1800 394 268.   

“Having a Will protects your loved ones from additional stress at a difficult time.”

Find out how you can make a legally valid Will in less than 30 minutes

Learn more

 

*The promoter of this offer is Zurich Australia Limited, ABN 92 000 010 195 of 118 Mount Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060 (‘Zurich’). The following Terms and Conditions apply to this offer:

1.  This is offer is available to anyone who purchases or already has Ezicover Life Insurance or Income Protection between 1 January 2023 – 30 December 2025. This offer must be applied for by 28 February 2026.

2.   The offer consists of a complimentary Will (RRP value AU$159.00), provided by Willed Pty Ltd (‘Willed’) of Gardenvale Road, Gardenvale, VIC, 3185 ABN 20 638 925 032, through their technology platform that allows the creation of estate planning solutions using its forms and other information, where a customer holds (as policyholder) an Ezicover policy for a 12-month period.

3.   There is a limit of one unique code per policyowner which can be redeemed for one Will as described on the Willed website https://www.willed.com.au/how-it-works/. Additional charges may apply for services in addition to those described as included.

4.   This offer is not redeemable for cash and may not be replaced after expiry. The promoter reserves the right to withdraw, cancel, suspend all or any part of this offer at any time.

5.   If a unique code has been used to obtain a Will under this offer, you agree that the recommended retail price (RRP) of the Will becomes payable by you (which you agree may be deducted from the account you provide when using the service) if you cancel or do not hold your Ezicover policy for a 12-month period.

6.   Zurich does not warrant or accept liability in relation to the quality or suitability of the Will provided by Willed, except to the extent liability cannot be excluded by law.

7.   You consent to Zurich and its partners and contractors collecting, using and disclosing your personal information relating to this offer in accordance with the Zurich’s Privacy Policy.

8.   If you use this service to obtain a Will, you agree that you have read and understood Willed’s Terms and Conditions https://www.willed.com.au/terms-and-conditions/ and agree to be bound by them.

The information on this Site does not take into account your objectives, financial situations or needs. Always consider its appropriateness and the applicable PDS, policy wording and Financial Services Guide. Target market determinations are available on our website. More info.