Comprehensive review of Cirencester Friendly's income protection insurance. As a member-owned mutual society founded in 1890 with 37,000+ members, discover if their award-winning income protection (Best Protection Service 2023) offers the right flexible and affordable coverage for you.
By: Milly Streten Protection Expert Updated: 2nd January 2026
Compare Life Insurance Quotes »Cirencester Friendly is a member owned (mutual) business, meaning they have no shareholders. This results in them being able to reinvest back into the business.
They were founded in 1890 when the society had only 6 members. Since then, Cirencester Friendly are now exceeding 37,000 members.
Every year, to keep members feeling included and updated, the society publishes detailed claim statistics.
Their income protection policies and services, have won many awards through the years. Most recently in 2023, being a winner for ‘ Best Protection Service’ by the Moneyfacts Awards.
The amount of income protection insurance you need depends on your individual circumstances and financial commitments. Most experts recommend covering 50-70% of your gross annual income, as this typically provides enough to maintain your standard of living if you're unable to work due to illness or injury.
When calculating how much cover you need, consider:
Remember that income protection payments are tax-free, so you may not need to replace your full salary. The key is ensuring you can maintain your essential outgoings and standard of living during a period when you're unable to work.
To get an accurate quote tailored to your needs, use our free comparison service to compare quotes from 50+ UK providers, including Cirencester Friendly Income Protection.
Compare Income Protection Quotes »Cirencester Friendly's mutual structure sets them apart from shareholder-owned insurers, but how do they stack up against the competition?
When comparing Cirencester Friendly with other providers, key factors to consider:
While Cirencester Friendly excels in member value and service quality, it's essential to compare with other leading providers like LV=, Royal London, and Legal & General to ensure you're getting the best deal.
LifePro's whole of market comparison includes Cirencester Friendly alongside 50+ other UK providers, helping you find the perfect balance of cost, coverage, and service.
Compare Cirencester Friendly with 50+ Providers »Cirencester Friendly publishes detailed annual claim statistics - a sign of transparency and confidence in their claims-paying record.
One of Cirencester Friendly's strengths is their commitment to transparency. As a mutual society, they publish comprehensive claims data each year to keep members informed.
What this transparency means for you:
Why claims statistics matter: Many insurers don't publish detailed claims data, making it hard to judge their true claims-paying performance. Cirencester Friendly's openness demonstrates they have nothing to hide and are committed to member value.
Common reasons for income protection claims across the industry:
Cirencester Friendly's member-owned structure means they're incentivised to pay legitimate claims fairly and quickly. There are no shareholders demanding profit maximisation at the expense of policyholders.
When reviewing any income protection provider, ask about their claims statistics. Providers who are transparent about claims data tend to have stronger claims-paying track records.
Get Cirencester Friendly Quote »Cirencester Friendly is a member-owned mutual society founded in 1890 with 37,000+ members. Key benefits: Mutual ownership (no shareholders - profits reinvested), Winner of 'Best Protection Service' 2023 (Moneyfacts Awards), Publishes detailed annual claim statistics, Flexible and affordable policies, Two income protection policy options. Cirencester Friendly is worth considering for: Strong heritage and stability, Member-focused approach, Award-winning service. Compare with other providers through LifePro to ensure best value.
Cirencester Friendly income protection costs depend on: Age, occupation, income level, deferred period, benefit period, health/smoking status. Example: 35-year-old office worker, £30,000 income, 26-week deferred period: £22-32/month. Cirencester Friendly often offers competitive rates due to mutual structure (no shareholder profits). Compare with other providers: Legal & General, LV=, Aviva, Vitality. Prices can vary 30-40% for identical cover. Use LifePro to compare costs across different providers.
Cirencester Friendly income protection covers: Monthly payments if unable to work due to illness/injury, Payments continue until: You return to work, Benefit period ends, You retire. Two policy options available (flexible coverage levels). Does NOT cover: Unemployment/redundancy, Pre-existing conditions (usually excluded 12-24 months), Pregnancy (unless complications). Cirencester Friendly publishes annual claim statistics for transparency.
Cirencester Friendly is a mutual society, meaning: Member-owned (no shareholders), Profits reinvested into the business, Focus on member value, not shareholder dividends, Transparent operations and published claims data. Benefits for policyholders: Lower premiums (no shareholder profit extraction), Member-focused service, Long-term stability (founded 1890), Published annual claim statistics. Mutual structure aligns company interests with policyholder interests. Other mutual insurers: Royal London, LV=.
Cirencester Friendly offers two income protection policies (specific names and features vary - check with LifePro for current offerings): Standard income protection: Core coverage, Essential benefits, Competitive pricing. Enhanced income protection: More comprehensive coverage, Additional features and add-ons, Flexible customization. Choose based on: Budget and coverage needs, Occupation and income level, Desired benefit period and deferred period. Compare both options through LifePro to find best fit for your circumstances.
You can claim if unable to work due to illness or injury. Claims process: 1. Contact Cirencester Friendly claims team, 2. Provide medical evidence from doctor, 3. Complete claim form, 4. Assessment (typically 2-4 weeks), 5. Payments start after deferred period. Cirencester Friendly publishes annual claim statistics for transparency - sign of strong claims commitment. Common decline reasons: Pre-existing condition within exclusion period, Not fully unable to work, Condition not medically evidenced, Policy lapsed. Winner of 'Best Protection Service' 2023.
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