Business protection

Key Person Insurance

Protects a business against the financial impact of losing a key employee or director through death or serious illness, helping the business stay financially stable during a difficult transition.

Key benefits

Why people choose Key Person Insurance

  • Protects profits and cash flow
  • Supports recruitment and replacement costs
  • Reassures lenders and investors
  • Helps maintain business continuity

What's typically included

What Key Person Insurance covers

  • A lump sum paid to the business if a key individual dies or is diagnosed with a specified critical illness
  • Funds can be used to cover lost profits, recruitment costs, or repay business debt
  • The business is usually the policy owner and beneficiary, and pays the premiums
  • Cover amount is typically based on the individual's contribution to profit, salary, or the cost of replacing them

Important to know

What's not usually covered

Every policy is different, so exact exclusions depend on the insurer and your individual circumstances. Common exclusions to be aware of include:

  • Cover ends if the key person leaves the business, even if the policy is not cancelled and updated
  • The payout goes to the business, not the individual's family, unless separately arranged
  • Death by suicide within the first 12 months of the policy is typically excluded
  • The insurable interest and cover amount must usually be justified to the insurer at application

Common questions

Key Person Insurance FAQs

Quick answers to the things people ask us most. Can't find what you're looking for? Get in touch and we'll be happy to help.

Still have a question?

Our Blackburn-based advisers are happy to talk it through, with no obligation.

Who is considered a "key person" in a business?

This is usually someone whose skills, experience, or relationships are critical to the business, such as a founder, director, top salesperson, or specialist technical employee.

Who receives the payout from Key Person Insurance?

The business itself is normally the policy owner and beneficiary, and the payout is used to help the business manage the financial impact of losing that person, rather than going to their family.

How much Key Person cover does a business need?

This is usually based on factors such as the individual's salary, their contribution to profit, or the estimated cost of recruiting and training a replacement. An adviser can help calculate a suitable figure.

Can Key Person Insurance cover more than one person?

Yes, a business can take out separate policies for multiple key individuals, depending on who is considered critical to its ongoing operation.

Want to talk through Key Person Insurance?

Tell us what matters to you and one of our advisers will help you explore your options.

  • Free, no-obligation advice
  • Authorised & regulated by the FCA
  • Friendly Blackburn-based advisers

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