Business Protection/Key Person Protection

    Protect your business if a key person can't work

    What would happen to your business if you or a key partner couldn't work? Key person protection provides a financial lifeline so your company can survive and recover.

    Find my adviser →

    Key person insurance protects your business against the financial loss of a critical individual — such as a director, founder, or top salesperson. The policy is owned by the business and pays out a lump sum if the insured person dies or is diagnosed with a critical illness. We'll match you with a specialist adviser who can design the right arrangement.

    Who needs key person protection?

    If your business depends on specific individuals whose loss would directly affect revenue, operations or client relationships, key person protection is essential.

    • Business owners and company directors
    • Businesses with key employees who'd be difficult to replace
    • Companies where a specific person generates a significant proportion of revenue
    • Businesses with commercial debt secured against a key individual

    What the payout can be used for

    • Covering lost revenue while a replacement is found and trained
    • Funding emergency recruitment costs
    • Maintaining supplier and client confidence
    • Servicing commercial loans or overdrafts
    • Keeping the business operational during a difficult period

    How key person cover is arranged

    The business takes out a life insurance and/or critical illness policy on the key individual. Premiums are paid by the business. The sum assured reflects the individual's contribution — based on their revenue generation, specialist knowledge and the estimated cost of replacing them.

    What you might need to hand

    • Details of your business structure and key personnel
    • Financial information (turnover, profit and the individual's contribution)
    • Details of any existing keyman or business protection policies
    • Details of commercial debt

    Frequently asked questions

    What is key person insurance?

    Key person insurance protects your business if a critical individual — such as a director, founder or top salesperson — dies or becomes seriously ill. It provides a lump sum to help the business survive the financial impact of losing that person.

    How much key person cover do I need?

    The amount depends on the individual's contribution to the business — their revenue generation, specialist knowledge, client relationships and how long it would take to replace them. Your adviser will help you calculate an appropriate figure.

    Is key person insurance tax-deductible?

    Key person insurance premiums may be treated as an allowable business expense in certain circumstances. We always recommend consulting your accountant alongside your protection adviser.

    Does it cover critical illness as well as death?

    Yes — most key person arrangements include critical illness cover alongside life insurance, so the business is protected whether the key person dies or is diagnosed with a serious condition that prevents them from working.

    What's the difference between key person cover and shareholder protection?

    Key person cover protects the business against financial losses caused by losing a key individual. Shareholder protection focuses on ownership — ensuring remaining shareholders can buy back a deceased or critically ill shareholder's stake.

    Related guides

    • Business Protection & Trusts

      How trusts make business cover work: relevant life in trust, shareholder and partnership protection with cross-option agreements, and the tax benefits.

    Ready to protect what matters?

    It takes about 60 seconds. Tell us what you need and we'll match you with the right specialist.

    Find my adviser →

    Get An Adviser is an introduction service. We do not provide personal financial advice — we connect you with qualified, regulated advisers who can assess your circumstances and advise where appropriate. All content on this site is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Please speak to a qualified adviser before making decisions about insurance or protection. Privacy Policy · Terms of Use