Life Insurance & Income Protection
For Tradesmen
Whether you’re a builder, electrician, plumber, roofer, carpenter, or self-employed contractor — get protection that understands physical work, variable income, and what happens if you're not there to provide.
- FCA Regulated
- Whole of Market
- 4.8/5 Rating
- FCA Regulated
- 4.8/5 Rating
Protecting The Trades That Keep Britain Running
Specialist life insurance and income protection for tradesmen and skilled workers. We understand self-employment, subcontracting, CIS income, and the reality of sick pay (or the lack of it).
- Specialist rates for manual and skilled trades
- Cover that reflects your real take-home pay
- Protection if illness or injury stops you working
- Life protection for high risk occupations
The Tradesman’s Reality
Why Generic Insurance
Lets Tradesmen Down
After years of advising tradesmen across the UK, we’ve seen how standard policies
often fail the people who rely on their hands and health to earn.
- The Problems
No sick pay safety net
If you’re self-employed or contracting, time off usually means no income. Generic cover focuses on death only — ignoring the far more common risk of illness or injury.
Manual work is misunderstood
Many insurers load premiums or restrict cover simply because your job is physical — without properly assessing experience, safety practices, or actual risk.
Income is underestimated
Day rates, overtime, cash jobs, and CIS income are often ignored, leading to cover that doesn’t truly protect your family.
Policies don’t match real life
Tradesmen need protection that works if you’re injured, recovering, or unable to pass a medical — not just worst-case scenarios.
- Our Solutions
Trade-aware underwriting
We understand the risks of physical work and place you with insurers who fairly assess skilled trades.
Proper income assessment
We look at CIS statements, contracts, average earnings, and realistic income patterns — not just last year’s tax return.
Income Protection that actually pays
If illness or injury stops you working, income protection can replace a portion of your earnings — acting as your own sick pay.
Simple, no-nonsense process
Quick online applications, minimal disruption to your workday, and fast decisions.
Real Cover for Real Working Lives
No two tradesmen work the same way. We design protection that fits how you earn — and what happens if you can’t.
Comprehensive Protection for Tradesmen
Cover That Works When You Can’t
From newly qualified tradesmen to established contractors, we provide protection
that keeps money coming in — even if work stops.
Life Insurance
Financial security for your family if the worst happens.
Critical Illness Cover
A tax-free lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a serious condition, helping cover bills, recovery, or time off work.
Income Protection
Monthly income if illness or injury prevents you from working — one of the most important covers for tradesmen.
Family Income Benefit
Pays your family a regular income instead of a lump sum — often more practical for day-to-day living.
Mortgage Protection
Ensures your home is protected if you’re unable to work or pass a medical.
How it works
Straightforward.
No Time Wasted
Built for tradesmen who don’t have time for paperwork.
Step 01
Quick Discovery
A short call to understand your trade, income, and what would happen financially if you couldn’t work or what would happen if you was not around.
Step 02
Market Comparison
We search the market for policies that suit manual work and self-employment — without unnecessary exclusions.
Step 03
Set Up & Protect
We set up your cover and any required trusts so protection is live quickly.
The advantage
Why Tradesmen
Choose, Specialist Cover
Beyond just a policy — protection built around the real-world demands, ambitions, and earning power of skilled tradespeople.
- Policies designed for physical and skilled work
- Income protection that acts as sick pay
- Fair treatment of self-employed and CIS income
- Independent advice from the whole UK market
- No pressure, no obligation
- Peace of mind knowing your income is protected
100%
Specialist focus on tradesmen
We Understand Your Work
1 Adviser Point
Dedicated adviser support
Speak To The Same Person Throughout
48hrs
<font Average decision time
Fast, Respectful Process
Annual
Ongoing policy check-ins
Cover Reviewed As Work Or Income Changes
FCA Regulated
UK-based, compliant advice
Advice You Can Trust
15+
Years advising tradesmen
Career Stage Guidance
19
Leading insurers on panel
Whole Of Market
100%
Confidential & independent
Complete Confidentiality
Ready To Get The Right Protection?
If you was not around to work tomorrow, would your bills still get paid?
Let’s put the right protection in place.
SA
Sara
Amazing Service
Liam at Cover Direct was excellent. Having spoken to another insurance company who weren't really interested in my background and only wanted to sell me their products, he really took the time to understand my needs, explain my options and answer my questions throughout. I wouldn't hesitate to use Cover Direct again and thoroughly recommend them
AR
ARP
Took the guesswork out of life insurance
I had been meaning to sort out my life insurance for months, but I couldn't get myself to get started. Cover Direct made the process very easy. Tom Fisher was professional and helpful in our phone conversations, answered all my questions, and provided his perspective without trying to push products that I didn't want - I felt that the service was personalised to my needs. The quotes were competitive and I'm happy with the coverage I got in the end.
MT
Mr Trevor Ireland
Fantastic Service- would recommend
Liam was really helpful and was able to look at all my policies and provide a saving whilst also giving better cover. Would highly recommend.
NI
Nicole
Brilliant Service
Tom, who dealt with sorting out our cover, went above and beyond. He was extremely helpful, patient and fully explained everything. I would definitely recommend using cover direct.
CH
Charlie
Great customer service
I had a great experience with Cover Direct, working with Carlo Nusca who provided honest, fair and friendly advice on potential protection insurances to take out. Carlo ensured to put my values first and didn't aim to solely gain another customer for Cover Direct. However, Carlo has gained one through providing this honest and friendly approach.
KA
KA
Highly professional and diligent service
Consultative approach and persistent feedback to any questions asked helped to make the decision quick. Happy with the service offered and glad to have done business with them.
RS
Richard Sinclair
Knowledgeable & Personable
Carlo is very knowledgable in the field of life insurance and explained very clearly the different options available to me. He also brought humour where appropriate which made the process more enjoyable than i'd expected.
RC
Rob Chance
What an absolute 10/10
What an absolute delight it’s been working with my cover direct agent. He help me through all the legal and medical questions and In the end, found me the right insurance for me.Many thanks’ and work highly recommend anyone thinking of life insurance to work with this firm. 👍 10/10 z
Frequently Asked Questions
Still not sure? We understand insurance can be tricky let us help you out!
Can I cancel my Life Insurance policy?
Yes, you can cancel your life insurance policy at any time. Most policies include a "cooling-off" period, usually 30 days from the start of the policy, during which you can cancel without penalty. If you cancel after this period, you may not receive a refund on premiums paid.
Can I get life insurance if I have a pre-existing health condition?
Yes, but it can be more challenging. Some insurers offer specialised policies, or you may qualify for standard coverage with a higher premium or reduced coverage amount. Be transparent about your medical history when applying.
What happens if I stop paying my premiums?
The outcome depends on the type of policy: Term Life: Coverage will lapse, meaning you and your beneficiaries are no longer protected. Permanent Life: If you've built up cash value, there may be options to use it to keep the policy in force, but eventually, insufficient payment will also lead to the policy lapsing.
Does my employer-provided life insurance offer enough coverage?
Probably not. Employer-provided coverage is often a small multiple of your salary. It's a good start but likely insufficient to cover your family's full financial needs in the event of your passing. Supplement this with a personal life insurance policy.
Is the life insurance payout taxable?
Generally, life insurance death benefits are not considered taxable income by the HMRC. However, there might be exceptions in complex estate situations, so it's wise to consult a tax advisor if you have significant assets.
