Contractor Protection Insurance – Safeguard Your Income, Family & Business

Being a contractor gives you flexibility and freedom, but it also comes with responsibility. When you work through your own limited company or an umbrella setup, there’s no sick pay, no death-in-service, and no guaranteed income if the unexpected happens.

That’s where Contractor Protection Insurance comes in.

At Mortgage Knight, we specialise in working with contractors and freelancers across the UK. Whether you’re on a day rate, short-term contract, or working across multiple clients, we can help you access protection that fits your working style and your budget.

Protect What Matters Most – Tailored Life, Income & Business Protection

What Does Contractor Protection Cover?

Life Insurance

Life Insurance

Protect your loved ones with a lump-sum payout if you pass away. Essential if you have a mortgage, children, or financial responsibilities.

  • Level, decreasing or family income benefit options
  • Can be owned personally or via a relevant life plan (tax-efficient through your Ltd company)
  • Income Protection

    Income Protection

    If illness or injury stops you from working, income protection pays a regular income, usually up to 60–70% of your earnings, so your bills get paid..

  • Tailored to contractors with guaranteed or variable income
  • Choose a deferment period that matches your emergency fund
  • Ideal for contractors with no sick pay or benefits
  • Critical Illness Cover

    Critical Illness Cover

    Pays a lump sum if you're diagnosed with a serious illness like cancer, heart attack, or stroke — helping you recover without financial pressure.

  • Can be combined with life insurance or held as standalone cover
  • Protects you and your family if you can't work or need time off
  • Ideal if you're the main breadwinner or self-employed
  • Why Contractors Need Tailored Protection

    • No employer sick pay or death-in-service benefit
    • Income often depends on your ability to work
    • Many contractors overlook protection until it's too late
    • Traditional cover often assumes a PAYE setup, but you need something smarter

    At Mortgage Knight, we work with insurers who understand how contractors earn, including day-rate assessments, umbrella payslips, and Ltd company accounts.

    Case Studies – Real-Life Clients

    Case Study 1: Day-Rate IT Contractor

    James, a software developer earning £400/day, wanted to protect his income without overstating earnings. We arranged income protection based on an average of his last 12 months, giving him peace of mind if illness struck, with a 4-week deferment to keep premiums affordable.

    Case Study 2: Contractor with Mortgage

    Priya, a project manager working via umbrella, had just taken out a mortgage. We secured life and critical illness cover to match her mortgage term, ensuring her partner wouldn’t face repayments alone if something happened.

    Case Study 3: Ltd Company Director

    Ali runs a small consultancy and wanted to protect his family but reduce tax. We arranged a Relevant Life Plan — a company-paid life insurance policy — saving him 40% in tax compared to a personal policy.

    Ready to Protect Your Contracting Income and Future?

    Don’t leave things to chance. Whether you’re new to contracting or a seasoned consultant, the right protection gives you and your family confidence, no matter what life throws at you.

    Speak to Mortgage Knight today for no-pressure advice and contractor-specific insurance options that work with the way you earn.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    A: Yes. Many insurers now accept contract value or average earnings, especially for established contractors. We help you structure this properly.

    A: Personal life cover is paid from post-tax income. A Relevant Life Plan, however, is paid for by your Ltd company and can be more tax-efficient, especially for higher-rate taxpayers.

    A: Not necessarily. We’ll help you assess your needs, risks, and budget, then recommend a protection plan that balances coverage with affordability.

    A: Often, yes. It may affect your price or options, but many providers will still offer terms, especially if you’re currently well or it was a historic issue.

    A: We’ll review your policy as your circumstances change to make sure you’re still protected in the most relevant way.