INCOME PROTECTION
Income protection isn’t just about preparing for illness or injury; it’s about safeguarding your lifestyle and protecting the people who rely on you. Whether you’re employed, self-employed or a contractor, income protection gives you and your family real peace of mind if you’re unable to work.
At A & R Protection Specialists, we provide personalised income protection advice based on your circumstances. We compare policies from a wide panel of trusted providers, so you can feel confident you’re getting the right cover without the hassle of searching alone.
What Is Income Protection?
Income protection is an insurance policy that pays you a regular monthly income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. It helps cover essential living costs - like your mortgage or rent, household bills and everyday expenses, so you can focus on recovery, not your finances.
Unlike critical illness cover (which pays out a one-time lump sum), income protection replaces a portion of your income for as long as you’re signed off work, up to the limits of your policy.
Why Choose A & R?
Advised Service
Recommend what’s best for individual needs
Wide Provider Panel
Real choice, not one-size-fits-all
Remote Appointments
Advice that fits around your life
No-Obligation Support
Explore your options with zero pressure
UK-Wide Expertise
Wherever you are, we’re ready to help
Types of Income Protection
Short-term Income Protection – pays out for a set period, usually 1, 2, or 5 years
Long-term Income Protection – continues until you return to work, reach retirement age, or the policy ends
Understanding Deferred & Payout Periods
Deferred Period: The waiting time before payments begin; can start from as soon as 1 day or extend to 4, 8, 13, or 26 weeks. A longer deferred period typically lowers the premium.
Payout Duration: Choose how long the policy pays out—1 year, 2 years, 5 years, or up to retirement age for long-term peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
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It depends - many employer sick pay schemes only last for a few weeks or months. Income protection can be tailored to work alongside your sick pay, with the policy kicking in when your employer payments stop. This ensures you have continuous financial support for as long as you’re unable to work.
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Yes! Income protection is especially valuable for self-employed people who don’t have employer sick pay to fall back on.
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Most policies cover around 50 – 70% of your gross income, this keeps the benefit tax-free and affordable.
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Income protection covers you for any illness or injury that stops you from working, if it’s not a pre-existing condition you had before taking out the policy. This includes both physical and mental health conditions, giving you broad, flexible protection.
Got a Question? Let's Talk
Whether you're unsure about what cover you need or just want a second opinion—we're here to help.