Protection & income cover for startups

Many founders have no sick pay or death-in-service cover from an employer. This guide explains the main types of protection, which are income protection, life cover and critical illness cover, and when each tends to matter.

Founders often have no sick pay or employer benefits, so protection can matter more for them. Income protection replaces part of your earnings if you cannot work, and life cover and critical illness cover protect your family or business partners. A regulated adviser can recommend how much cover you need.

Why it matters

A long illness can stop a founder working and drawing an income from the company. Protection pays out so that you and your family can keep meeting your commitments if that happens.

The basics

  • Income protection, which replaces part of your earnings if illness or injury stops you working
  • Life insurance to protect your family or mortgage
  • Critical illness cover, which pays a lump sum if you are seriously ill
  • Family income benefit and mortgage protection
  • Working out how much cover your commitments need

How to get regulated financial advice

  1. 1
    Understand the basics

    This page explains what this area involves, so you know which questions to ask an adviser.

  2. 2
    Find an authorised adviser

    Regulated advice can only come from an FCA-authorised firm. You can search the FCA register, or ask us for an introduction to Equity & General, the firm we have an introducer agreement with.

  3. 3
    Decide whether to go ahead

    An introduction is free, and you do not have to take one. If you go on to take advice, the adviser explains any fees before any work starts.

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Common questions

What is income protection?

A policy that pays you a regular income if you cannot work because of illness or injury. It matters most for people with no sick pay from an employer, which includes many founders. A regulated adviser can recommend the right type and level of cover.

Do I need life insurance as a founder?

If anyone depends on your income, such as a family or a business partner, or you have a mortgage, then usually yes. A regulated adviser can help you work out what cover, if any, you need.

How much does protection cost?

It depends on your age, health and the amount of cover, and premiums are usually lower when cover is taken out while you are young and healthy. A regulated adviser can find cover that fits your budget.

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Buzz Financial Services is a trading style of Equity & General Financial Services Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA 474163).

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