Protecting your home and mortgage if the unexpected happens
Mortgage protection is designed to help ensure your mortgage can still be paid if you die or become seriously ill. It provides peace of mind that your home is protected, whatever life throws your way.
How mortgage protection works and why many homeowners choose to put it in place
Income protection insurance is designed to pay a regular income if you’re unable to work because of illness or injury. Rather than paying a one-off lump sum, it provides ongoing financial support to help cover everyday living costs while you recover.
If you’re unable to work, income protection can pay a proportion of your income after an agreed waiting period. Payments can continue until you return to work, reach the end of the claim period, or the policy term ends — depending on how your cover is set up.
Income protection can be suitable for employed, self-employed, and contract workers — particularly where sick pay is limited or uncertain. Cover can be tailored around existing benefits, savings, and personal responsibilities.
Mortgage protection policies can be tailored to your mortgage type, balance, and long-term plans.
These policies are designed to mirror your mortgage — both in amount and duration. Getting the structure right helps ensure the policy does what it’s intended to do, without unnecessary cost or complexity.
The level of cover is usually aligned to your outstanding mortgage balance, as mortgage protection insurance is designed to help clear your mortgage in the event of a claim. In some cases, cover can also include critical illness cover, providing a lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a specified serious condition during the policy term.
Mortgage protection insurance can be arranged as either decreasing or level cover, depending on how your mortgage is set up. Decreasing cover is commonly used for repayment mortgages, as the policy amount reduces over time broadly in line with your outstanding mortgage balance. For interest-only mortgages, level cover is usually more appropriate, as the mortgage balance does not reduce. Decreasing policies typically reduce by a set percentage each year, allowing for interest rate changes and helping ensure there is sufficient cover to clear the mortgage in the event of a claim.
The policy term is usually set to match the length of your mortgage, as mortgage protection is designed to run alongside it. This helps ensure cover remains in place for the full mortgage term, with the level of cover reducing broadly in line with your mortgage being repaid.
Many people feel unsure about considered Mortgage Protection Insurance but still feel unsure about whether it’s necessary for them right now. These are some of the most common reasons people delay cover — and what’s worth considering before deciding.
While a partner may be able to cover mortgage payments, household income is often significantly affected following a serious illness or death. Additional costs such as childcare or reduced working hours can also arise. Mortgage protection insurance can help reduce financial pressure, allowing your family time to focus on what matters rather than immediate financial concerns.
Some employers provide life or death-in-service benefits, but these are usually linked to your employment and can change if you move jobs or stop working. Workplace cover also isn’t tailored to your mortgage term or balance, meaning it may not provide the right level of protection to clear your mortgage if circumstances change.
Selling the home may seem like an option, but it can be disruptive — particularly where family stability, schooling, or location are important. Mortgage protection can help provide options, reducing the need to make immediate decisions during an already difficult time.
Mortgage protection is often more affordable than expected, particularly where cover reduces in line with your mortgage balance. Because the amount insured typically decreases over time, premiums are often lower compared to other types of life insurance, subject to application and health disclosures.
“For most people, their mortgage is their biggest monthly outgoing. Mortgage protection is designed to help clear this debt if the worst happens — helping keep your home secure and significantly reducing ongoing financial pressure.”
Clear, practical advice designed to protect your home — not sell you unnecessary cover
Income protection works differently depending on whether you’re employed, self-employed, contracting, or running a business. We structure cover around your income, not generic assumptions — including bonuses, variable earnings, and changing work patterns.
We explain how income protection works in plain English — from deferment periods to payout terms — so you understand exactly what you’re paying for and when it would pay out. No pressure, no confusion, no surprises later.
Income protection should complement your mortgage, savings, and wider financial plans. We consider how all these pieces work together — helping you protect your income without over-insuring or duplicating cover.
Still have questions and not sure where to turn? Feel free to contact ME for some straight forward advice based around you
Choosing the right protection can feel overwhelming at first. These FAQs cover some of the most common questions we’re asked, helping you understand how protection insurance works and what to consider before getting started.
Income protection insurance pays you a regular monthly income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. It’s designed to help cover everyday living costs — such as your mortgage, bills, and essentials — while you focus on recovery.
Most income protection policies cover up to around 50–65% of your gross income, depending on your employment status and insurer. We’ll help you understand what level of cover is realistic and appropriate based on how you’re paid.
Income protection doesn’t usually pay immediately. Policies have a deferment period — often 4 weeks, 8 weeks, or longer — which is the time you’re off work before payments begin. The right deferment depends on your sick pay, savings, and employer benefits.
This depends on how the policy is set up. Some policies pay for a fixed period (e.g. 2 or 5 years), while others can pay right up to retirement age (usually a maximum age of 70) if you remain unable to work. We’ll explain the differences so you can choose what fits your needs and budget.
Many employers only provide short-term sick pay, and policies can change if you move jobs. Income protection gives you personal cover you control, not something tied to your employer — providing longer-term security if illness or injury lasts longer than expected.
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