TENS of thousands of cohabiting families in the North-East may leave relatives open to money troubles after a death, according to insurers Zurich.

Analysis by the company found more than 86,000 unmarried couples in the region who live together don't have life insurance.

Whilst people in the North-East are most likely to have cover compared with the national average, 68 per cent do not.

Across Yorkshire and Humber 214,598, or 72 per cent, of cohabiting families don't have life insurance.

As cohabiting families – the fastest growing household type for a decade – don't have the same legal rights as married couples, families could be at financial risk should a partner die.

Peter Hamilton, Zurich's head of strategic partnerships, said: “Putting the right plans in place, if anything, is more important for cohabitees, where the law for those without a will is different to that for married couples. Life insurance can ensure the right money goes to the right person at the right time.”