Authority guide · Insurer matching
Best Income Protection for Self-Employed Workers
Direct answer
There is no single best income protection insurer for all self-employed workers. The Exeter, LV=, British Friendly, Zurich, and Cirencester Friendly each suit different trades, income proof methods, and budget priorities. Match own-occupation wording, dividend or SA302 underwriting, and deferred period to your business — not a generic league table.
Insurer profiles — who suits whom
Decision support for advisers and clients. Not paid rankings or a Top 10 list.
| Insurer | Often suits |
|---|---|
| The Exeter | Professionals, consultants, higher earners, directors with complex remuneration |
| LV= | Directors, sole traders with stable accounts, dividend-heavy Ltd companies |
| British Friendly | Trades, smaller businesses, clients who value mutual insurer service |
| Zurich | Professional services, executives, long-term cover to retirement |
| Cirencester Friendly | Self-employed in manual or semi-manual trades seeking mutual insurer cover |
Match insurer to trade
What to compare before choosing
- •Own occupation vs suited occupation definition for your trade
- •How insurer treats SA302 vs full accounts vs accountant certificate
- •Maximum % of income (50% vs 55% vs 60%) for self-employed
- •Deferred period aligned with savings — no employer sick pay
- •Guaranteed vs reviewable premiums over 10–20 year horizon
- •Claims reputation and rehabilitation support, not just price
Self-employed clients often arrive asking for “the best insurer.” We start with occupation class and income proof — only then does Exeter vs LV= vs British Friendly become relevant.
A £12/month saving on premium is irrelevant if the policy uses a suited occupation definition and you cannot return to your trade after injury. That is the gap between comparison sites and regulated advice.
Base guide: Self-employed income protection. Director with dividends: Company directors IP.
Insurer appetite, pricing, and policy terms change. This page is educational — not a recommendation to buy from any named provider. Your Home Finance compares the whole market and recommends based on individual circumstances.