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10 signs your client might need income protection
01/02/2026
Mark Crossley-May, Protection Consultant at LV=
A person’s income pays for everything. What would happen if it stopped tomorrow?
“Our income is the foundation that keeps everything else standing – mortgage or rent payments, household bills and everyday living costs. But what would happen if that income stopped due to illness or injury? For many, the impact could be devastating.”
Mark Crossley-MayProtection Consultant
Below are 10 common scenarios that can act as clear, timely triggers for financial advisers to raise the conversation around income protection with clients and help protect their financial resilience.
Life events
Mortgage
A new mortgage, particularly for first-time buyers, means monthly repayments for years ahead. Income protection can help ensure they keep
on top of those payments, even during long-term illness.
LV= Income Protection includes a pay my mortgage benefit which allows the policyholder to direct all or some of their monthly benefit amount to their lender to cover mortgage payments, without affecting the ability to claim supporting benefits.
Children
A new arrival often comes with reduced household income (parental leave) and higher outgoings. Discuss how income protection could safeguard their ability to provide for their growing family due to illness or injury.
Parent and child cover is included as standard at no extra cost with our Income Protection. It provides parents with invaluable financial support so they can care for their child if diagnosed with a specified illness or has an operation.
First job
Early in a career, clients often have minimal savings, and little in the way of backup plans. Protecting their income now can safeguard future goals.
Our longest ever claim period was 36 years, 1 month (claim now ended)1.
Financial pressure points
Career changes
A client starting their own business may be excited about the opportunities, but they’re also leaving behind sick pay and employee benefits. Income protection could be their only safety net if illness or injury keeps them from working.
1 in 5 self-employed workers would have to continue working through illness or injury to make ends meet2.
Outgoings
Maybe they’ve upgraded their home, taken on car finance or committed to private school fees. With more financial obligations, losing income could quickly destabilise the plans they have for themselves and their families.
41% of working couples require both incomes to meet their monthly living costs2.
Savings
Unexpected expenses, such as home repairs or supporting a family member, can impact savings. Without that safety net, even short-term income loss could cause significant strain.
48% of workers have less than £10,000 in savings2.
Dependants
Caring for elderly parents or financially supporting older children means more people relying on their income. An interruption of income could affect several households, not just their own.
The average UK worker has 3 people who depend on their income2.
Personal risks
High-risk job
A construction worker with a back injury or a nurse with a repetitive strain problem might be unable to work for months. Income protection could replace earnings while they recover.
Sick pay arrangements can be tricky for clients working in the public sector. Our sick pay guarantees makes life easier for teachers, dentists, doctors and surgeons – paying out alongside their sick pay arrangements.
Health scare
A recent diagnosis or medical incident can be a wake-up call. It’s an ideal opportunity to discuss protection options should another health issue arise in the future.
61% of the working population have experienced a life event where protection might have provided support2.
Fluctuating earnings
Clients whose income depends on commission, overtime or seasonal work may struggle to budget if they were taken ill. Income protection can provide a steady, predictable income during recovery.
80% of parents with young children said that if they were to experience health problems or injury, it would impact their families’ financial security2.
At LV=, we’re committed to helping you ensure your clients can become financially resilient, and our range of Income Protection products are there to support your clients should they be unable to work due to injury or illness.
Income Shortfall calculator
Show your client how much income they’d lose if they can’t work. This highlights the true benefit of Income Protection.
Positioning Protection: Conversation starter guide
This conversation starter guide covers questions you can ask clients to frame the need for protection, to help you have more impactful conversations
LV= Income Protection
Income protection is a vital lifeline for many of your clients. Here are some important things to know about our income protection.
2 LV= Reaching Resilience data 2025.