British Friendly
British Friendly: Flexible Income Protection with Added Member Benefits
If you’re considering income protection insurance, British Friendly might already be on your radar. Known for its customer-focused ethos and strong track record, this mutual provider offers a range of flexible income protection policies designed to provide peace of mind if illness or injury stops you from working.
At Kerr & Watson, our role is to help you understand how providers like British Friendly compare and whether they suit your personal or financial circumstances. With our guidance, you’ll be in the best position to make a confident, informed choice.
Who Are British Friendly?
British Friendly has been supporting members since 1902. As a mutual organisation, it’s run for the benefit of its members rather than shareholders. This often translates into more focus on service, claims experience, and additional benefits.
Unlike some insurance providers that offer a wide range of products, British Friendly specialises in one thing: income protection. That singular focus allows them to offer clear, flexible policies with a strong emphasis on helping people get back on their feet during challenging times.
What Cover Does British Friendly Offer?
British Friendly provides various income protection options depending on your job, budget, and preferences. All policies are designed to replace a portion of your income if you can not work due to accident or illness.
Key Policy Types
- Short-Term Income Protection: Pays a benefit for a maximum of 1, 2, or 5 years per claim. Ideal if you’re looking for lower-cost cover or have other financial support in place.
- Long-Term Income Protection: Covers you until you reach retirement age or return to work. This is the most comprehensive form of income protection.
Policy Features
- Day 1 Cover: Option to begin receiving benefits from the first day you’re off work, depending on the policy you choose.
- Deferred Periods: Choose how long you want to wait before payments start — options range from 1 day to 1 year.
- Flexible Premiums: Level or age-costed premium options to suit your budget.
- Own Occupation Definition: This ensures you’re covered if you cannot do your specific job, rather than any job.
- Guaranteed Insurability: Allows you to increase your cover after major life events without additional underwriting.
As with any insurance, the right choice depends on your work, your lifestyle, and your financial obligations, all things we’ll help you weigh up.
Extra Benefits You Get with British Friendly
One thing that helps British Friendly stand out is its member benefit package. On top of the core insurance, you also gain access to:
- BF Care: Offers a range of wellbeing services including mental health support, virtual GP appointments, physiotherapy, and second medical opinions.
- Mutual Benefits Programme: Cashback offers, discounted gym memberships, and access to health and wellbeing resources.
- Claims Support Services: Specialist help during recovery including rehab and return-to-work planning.
- Death Benefit: A fixed lump sum payment if you pass away while holding a policy.
These additional services can add value beyond just financial protection, offering real-world support when you need it most.
Who Might British Friendly Be Right For?
British Friendly income protection could suit you if:
- You’re self-employed and would struggle financially if you couldn’t work
- You want cover tailored to your specific job role
- You’re looking for a provider with high claim payout rates and customer support
- You value added benefits like remote healthcare and mental wellbeing support
- You want flexibility in your waiting period, benefit duration, or policy budget
While British Friendly covers many occupations, some higher-risk roles may face restrictions or adjusted terms, that’s where expert advice becomes invaluable to check which insurer is best for you.
How Much Does It Cost?
As with all protection policies, premiums are based on your:
- Age and health
- Occupation and income
- Smoker status
- Chosen waiting (deferred) period
- Benefit level and term length
- Type of premium (level or increasing)
British Friendly offers both level and age-banded premiums, so you can decide whether you prefer consistency or a lower starting price. Kerr & Watson will walk you through how these options compare, help you understand what each means long-term and assess whether they are the right lender for you.
Why Choose Kerr & Watson?
At Kerr & Watson, we don’t just offer quotes, we offer clarity. Our advice is personal, practical, and fully focused on your needs.
Here’s why our clients trust us:
- We take time to understand your career, lifestyle, and what protection would mean to you
- We compare the market across a wide range of providers — including British Friendly — to find a tailored solution
- We translate policy jargon into plain English, so you know exactly what you’re buying
- We support you throughout the life of your policy, not just when you apply
- We handle all the paperwork, applications, and follow-ups so you don’t have to
Conclusion
British Friendly is a well-established mutual insurer offering income protection that’s flexible, supportive, and built around the needs of everyday workers.
With valuable extra benefits and a reputation for strong claims support, they’re a great option to consider, especially if you’re self-employed or have little access to employer sick pay. However, without taking professional advice first, it’s risky to select an insurer as they mat not be the best for your situation.
Contact Kerr & Watson today to talk through your options. Whether British Friendly is the right choice for you or not, we’ll help you make the decision that gives you the right cover for your situation.
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Kerr & Watson | Address: Pembroke House, 8 St Christophers Pl, Farnborough GU14 0NH, UK | Phone: 01252 224620 | Email: info@kerrandwatson.co.uk | Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00–17:30






