Income Protection That Pays When It Matters – Spotlight on Shepherds Friendly
At Red Star, we’re proud to work with trusted insurance providers who combine exceptional products with a proven track record. That’s why we’re excited to highlight Shepherds Friendly, one of the most established names in the mutual insurance space, and their highly regarded Income Protection Insurance.
Whether your client is employed, self-employed, or a freelancer, income protection insurance in the UK is a vital safety net – and Shepherds Friendly delivers reliable cover that performs when it matters most.
Who Are Shepherds Friendly?
Shepherds Friendly is one of the UK’s oldest mutual insurance providers, dating back to 1826. Based in Cheshire and proudly member-owned, they exist to serve their policyholders – not shareholders. This means that every decision is made with the customer in mind, reinvesting profits back into the service and products they provide.
As a mutual society, Shepherds Friendly has built a reputation for transparent underwriting, ethical practices, and exceptional support – making them a standout choice in the UK income protection insurance market.
Why Choose Shepherds Friendly Income Protection?
If you’re looking for income protection insurance that pays out, Shepherds Friendly’s plan is one of the most reliable available.
- Up to 70% of gross income covered – tax-free
- Choice of deferment periods (including Day 1 cover)
- Waiver of premium during claims
- Fracture cover and hospitalisation benefit included
- No medical required in many cases
- Available to employed, self-employed and contract workers
This flexibility makes it a particularly strong option for those looking for income protection for self-employed people or workers without generous sick pay from an employer.
Income Protection Insurance – Why It’s More Important Than Ever
Too often, people overlook income protection insurance in favour of life cover – but in reality, you’re much more likely to be off work sick than to pass away during your working life.
Without cover, even short periods off work due to injury, illness or mental health struggles can cause serious financial stress. Income Protection helps maintain your lifestyle, pay your bills, and gives you breathing room to recover properly – without rushing back before you’re ready.
2024 Claims Performance: Reliable Payouts When Clients Need Them
Shepherds Friendly continues to outperform many competitors when it comes to income protection claims paid:
📊 2024 Claims Highlights:
- £3.23 million paid in Income Protection claims
- 477 total claims processed
- 96% of new claims accepted – up from 95.2% in 2023
- £1.8 million paid in 2023, showing year-on-year growth
That 96% acceptance rate puts them well above many other UK insurers – proof that this is a provider who pays when it matters.
📂 What Are Clients Claiming For?
Understanding what causes most claims can help clients see just how relevant this cover is:
- Musculoskeletal issues – 55.8% of claims
- Mental health conditions – 5% of claims, but 11.5% of total payout
- Cancer – 4% of claims, 9.9% of payout
- Heart conditions – 6.9% of claims
- Respiratory and gastrointestinal issues – combined 12% of claims
Claims Transparency and Market Comparison
Shepherds Friendly isn’t just meeting expectations – they’re exceeding them.
- Only 19 claims were declined in 2024, typically due to ineligibility or non-disclosure
- They outperformed the Association of Financial Mutuals’ 2024 average of 94.1%
- Part of £91.5 million in total IP payouts across AFM providers
If you’re looking for the best income protection insurance UK providers, Shepherds Friendly continues to rank among the top for reliability, clarity, and member care.
A Great Fit for Advisers and Clients Alike
Whether you’re working with contractors, first-time buyers, families, or self-employed professionals, this product can be shaped to suit their budget and needs.
Shepherds Friendly’s commitment to fair underwriting, digital simplicity, and flexible benefit options makes it a strong choice for any adviser’s toolkit.
Why We Recommend Shepherds Friendly at Red Star
At Red Star, we partner only with providers who share our values: transparency, care, and consistent delivery. Shepherds Friendly ticks all the boxes – and their 2024 results prove it.
Their income protection plan offers:
- Flexible, affordable cover
- Strong acceptance rates
- Exceptional service and claims support
- Member-first approach you can feel confident recommending
Ready to Protect Your Clients’ Income?
If you’re advising clients who rely on their income to meet mortgage payments, household bills or family expenses – then income protection insurance isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.
Want to find out how Shepherds Friendly’s Income Protection could fit into your client’s financial plan? Get in touch with the team at Red Star today – we’re here to help with support, comparisons, and advice.