Income Protection in Berkshire

Berkshire residents can typically insure up to 70% of their pre-tax income. Given RG/SL mortgage payments and local cost of living, most people opt for the maximum available. As an example: if you earn £65,000 per year in Berkshire, you could protect up to £45,500 per year (£3,791 per month) — enough to cover your RG/SL mortgage payments, bills, and basic living costs while you recover from illness or injury.

Yes — and income protection is arguably even more important for self-employed Berkshire residents, who have no employer sick pay to fall back on. Berkshire has a significant population of freelancers, contractors, and company directors. We work with specialist insurers who understand self-employed income from RG/SL and can structure a policy that genuinely protects your earnings, whether you operate as a sole trader or through a limited company.

The waiting period (called the deferred period) for income protection in Berkshire is typically 4, 8, 13, 26, or 52 weeks. If your employer pays sick pay for 3 months, a 13-week deferred period is usually most cost-effective. Self-employed Berkshire residents with no sick pay safety net may want a shorter deferred period — though this increases premiums. We help you choose the right balance for your circumstances.

Yes — income protection covers any illness that prevents you from working, including mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress. This is a key advantage over critical illness cover, which only pays out for a defined list of physical conditions. Mental health is one of the most common causes of long-term absence from work in the UK, making income protection essential for Berkshire residents in high-pressure roles.

This depends on the type of policy. Short-term income protection pays for a fixed period (typically 1–2 years). Long-term income protection — which we generally recommend for Berkshire residents with RG/SL mortgages — pays out until you recover and return to work, or until the policy end date (usually retirement age). Given the size of typical RG/SL mortgage payments, long-term cover provides the most important protection.