That's according to a study by Aviva, which also found tenants could be putting their financial security at risk in others ways too, by not having sufficient savings to fall back on in the event of the death of the main wage earner.

The report suggests some 650,000 people across the country may struggle to cope with unexpected expenses or the sudden loss of a household income.

Dan Harrison, Managing Director at Union Insurance, says the figures are concerning.

"These findings come on the back of reports that the number of families with dependent children living in rented accommodation is rising.

"Life insurance is really designed to safeguard their financial future if you die. It can provide a lump sum to help pay bills, cover rent or take care of funeral costs. Doing without it could not only prove to be a false economy, but complicate things for your children or partner if the worst were to happen."

For more information about Union Insurance's life insurance and to get a quick, no-obligation quote visit www.unioninsurance.co.uk/products/life-cover/ or call us freephone on 0800 484 0877.