How Does Income Protection for Contractors Work?

Before you quit your formal job for the gig industry, you should note that you cannot receive the benefits you used to enjoy as an employee. That is because, as a contractor, you will only get paid for the job done. However, what happens if you cannot work anymore because of an injury or illness. You will be forced to use your savings. Fortunately, with contractor income protection, you can be guaranteed an income if you are unable to work. In this case, you will get a monthly income when you are sick.
You should note that permanent employees get sick pay for at least three months when they cannot work because of injury or illness. However, as a contractor, you cannot enjoy this benefit unless your income protection policy. If you cannot work, you get exposed to financial hardship.
Income protection insurance for contractors will protect you from financial hardship. You need to determine:
- the amount of income to protect
- type of income protection that suits your needs
- duration of the cover
Remember that there are two contractor lifestyles or businesses that are equal. Therefore, what works for you may not work for another contractor. Income protection pays you the insured monthly income as long as you are unable to work. You can even get the income until your retirement age if you are seriously ill. Depending on the insurance company you choose, you can cover your income up to 80%. These are the important things you should consider when seeking this type of cover.
Industry Experience
It is advisable to choose an insurer who has experience in the contracting industry. Such an insurance company knows how contractors work.
Dividends
You need to ensure the dividends are part of the calculations. That is because dividends make most of the contractor’s income. Remember that some insurance companies consider dividends as investment income instead of traditional income. Therefore, you need to get clarification from your income protection provider.
Past Claims
You should choose an income protection provider that has excellent records in dealing with past claims. It is advisable to involve your financial adviser in choosing the right IP provider.
Policy
Ensure that the policy states that you should benefit until you can start working as a contractor. That is because if the claim is not stated, the IP provider can claim you should look for another contract.…