Mortgage advice that doesn't cost the earth

Keep life moving if illness, injury or redundancy stops your income

Accident, Sickness & Unemployment (ASU) cover pays you a monthly, tax-free benefit if you cannot work because of an accident, illness or being made redundant. It is there to help you keep up with the mortgage, rent and everyday bills while you recover or look for your next job.

  • Keep paying the mortgage, rent and essential bills while you are off work
  • Honest advice from independent, whole-of-market advisers
  • No fee for insurance or protection advice, and we only recommend cover if it genuinely makes sense for you

Book your free consultation

Short-term protection for the income you live on

Accident, Sickness & Unemployment cover is a type of short-term income protection. It pays you a monthly benefit if you are unable to work because of:

  • an accident
  • sickness
  • involuntary unemployment, meaning genuine redundancy

It is designed to cover the essential outgoings that still have to be paid when your income stops, such as:

  • rent or mortgage payments
  • utility bills
  • food and household costs
  • loan or credit commitments

Most policies pay out for 12 or 24 months per claim, depending on the insurer and the level of cover you choose. Think of it as a temporary safety net that buys you time, rather than a long-term replacement for your salary.

How ASU works

Simple to set up, designed to pay out when you need it

If you are signed off work because of illness or injury, or you are made redundant through no fault of your own, your policy pays a monthly benefit after a short waiting period (often 30 days). You choose how the cover is built:

  • the monthly benefit amount, usually up to a set percentage of your income
  • the waiting period before payments start (commonly 30, 60 or 90 days)
  • the maximum payout period for each claim, usually 12 or 24 months
  • whether you want Accident & Sickness only, or Accident, Sickness & Unemployment combined

We will talk you through each of these choices so the cover fits your budget and your circumstances, and we will explain exactly what is and is not covered before you apply.

Two ways to protect your income, side by side

Many people weigh up ASU against Income Protection. They sound similar, but they work differently, and the right choice depends on what you want the cover to do.

Not sure which is right for you? We will compare both options honestly and help you decide. If neither is right, we will tell you that too.

We do not charge a fee for insurance or protection advice, but we may receive a commission if you take out cover arranged through us

Get in touch to discuss your options 

Income Protection

  • Covers accident and sickness only
  • Can pay out long term, sometimes until retirement
  • Fully underwritten when you apply, so terms are clear upfront
  • Usually more comprehensive and reliable
  • Premiums are typically guaranteed for the life of the policy

ASU (short-term)

  • Covers accident, sickness and redundancy
  • Pays out short term, usually 12 to 24 months per claim
  • Often quicker and simpler to arrange – checks if you are eligible are usually done at claim time, not upfront
  • Unemployment cover can cost more and comes with more conditions
  • Annually reviewable, so the price can change at renewal

Do you need ASU cover?

It could be a sensible safety net if you:

  • want short-term protection for your essential bills
  • are concerned about redundancy in your industry
  • do not have enough savings to fall back on for long
  • are not eligible for full Income Protection
  • prefer a quick and simple application process

It is most commonly used by people in:

  • employed roles
  • industries with a higher risk of redundancy
  • fixed-term or contract positions

If you are self-employed, unemployment cover usually is not available, but Accident & Sickness cover may still be a valuable option. With no Statutory Sick Pay to fall back on, the sickness element can matter even more for the self-employed.

What ASU covers

Cover you can shape around your needs

Accident & Sickness

Pays a monthly benefit if you are unable to work because of illness or injury.

Unemployment

Pays out if you are made redundant through no fault of your own.

Combined cover

Most people choose combined cover for broader protection, but Accident & Sickness only is also available if redundancy is not a concern for you.

FAQs

We answer some of the most common questions people ask about Accident, Sickness & Unemployment cover. If yours is not here, just ask and we will help.

Still have questions?

Contact us and our team will help you get the answers you need

Get answers

No. ASU is short-term cover that can include unemployment, and it usually pays out for 12 to 24 months per claim. Income Protection is long-term, covers accident and sickness only, and can pay out for much longer, sometimes until retirement. We will help you compare the two.

Most policies pay out for 12 or 24 months per claim, depending on the insurer and the level of cover you choose. Payments stop sooner if you recover and return to work, or find new employment after redundancy.

After a short waiting period, often 30 days, your benefit begins. Some policies are ‘back to day one’, which means once you have been off work long enough to qualify, the payment is backdated to the very first day you could not work. A shorter waiting period costs a little more but pays you sooner.

They are two different clocks. The waiting period is how long you wait after a claim before benefit starts. The initial exclusion period applies at the very start of the policy, often 90 to 180 days for the unemployment element, during which a redundancy claim cannot be made. The exclusion period exists so the cover only protects against genuinely unexpected events.

It depends on your age, job, the benefit amount, your waiting period, the payout period and whether unemployment cover is included. Cover is usually priced per £100 of monthly benefit, and unemployment cover is the most expensive part. We will help you find a level of cover that does the job without paying for more than you need.

Yes. You select a monthly benefit amount, usually up to a set percentage of your income (often around two-thirds). The cap exists so there is always a financial reason to return to work. If your circumstances change, most policies let you adjust the benefit.

No. Because you pay the premiums from income that has already been taxed, the monthly benefit is paid to you tax-free. The position can differ if an employer pays your premiums, which is worth checking if your cover is arranged through work.

You can usually get Accident & Sickness cover, but unemployment cover is rarely available for the self-employed. With no Statutory Sick Pay to rely on, the sickness element is often especially valuable if you work for yourself.

No. Redundancy must be involuntary and not something you were aware of when you took out the policy. Voluntary redundancy, resignation and dismissal for misconduct are all excluded, as is the expected end of a fixed-term contract.

This is the most common reason a claim is declined. If you already knew your job was at risk when you took out the policy, or notice is served during the initial exclusion period, an unemployment claim will almost certainly be refused. ASU is there to protect against the unexpected, so it only works if you arrange it before there is any sign of trouble.

Accident and sickness claims linked to a condition you have had symptoms, treatment or advice for in the months before the policy started are usually excluded. Some policies operate a moratorium, so if you go a continuous period symptom-free, that condition may become coverable again. Full and honest disclosure when you apply is essential, and it protects you.

Often yes, with conditions. Most insurers ask that you work a minimum number of hours a week and have been with the same employer for a qualifying period. Contract workers can usually get accident and sickness cover, though the unemployment element typically only pays if a contract ends unexpectedly. We will check the detail for your situation.

Generally yes, but the total you can claim is still capped against your income, so stacking cover will not let you receive more off work than you earned in work. A common, sensible approach is to use ASU to bridge the first year before a longer-term income protection policy begins.

Yes. As long as you keep paying premiums and the policy stays in force, you can make separate claims for separate events, for example a sickness claim now and a redundancy claim later. Each claim is subject to its own waiting period and maximum payout length.

ASU is usually an annually reviewable contract. The premium is normally held for 12 months and can be reviewed at renewal, and in principle the insurer can choose not to renew. This is a genuine difference from guaranteed long-term income protection, and we will always be upfront about it.

It depends on your safety net. If you have several months of savings and few fixed commitments, you may not need it. If a few weeks without income would mean missing the mortgage or rent, it can be very valuable. It works best for people with high essential outgoings and limited savings, and as a bridge before longer-term cover.

Book a free consultation online or call us on 0117 403 9430. We will have a proper conversation about your situation and what would genuinely help. If ASU is the right move, we will arrange it. If it is not, we will say so.

Still have questions?

Contact us and our team will help you get the answers you need

Get answers

What customers say about us

We invite feedback from everyone we advise, so you can read genuine, unfiltered reviews

 
 
 
  
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 55.0
 
5.0Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
 
Top Rated Service 
 
 
 Verified by Trustindex  
Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Clare Andrews profile picture 
 
 
 Clare Andrews 
 
5 days ago
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I chose WR Ethical for their ethical and environmental stance, and have benefited from their mortgage advice twice now. On both occassions my interactions with mortgage advisor Paul have been friendly and he has taken time to understand my values and needs, and given detailed and clear information. Recommended service.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Owen o neill profile picture 
 
 
 Owen o neill 
 
6 days ago
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I found Paul to be super helpful in my mortgage process (1st time buyer). He was knowledgeable, straightforward, patient and realistic in what I needed and what I could get. It was a tricky nerve-racking 12 months beset with issues and the mortgage was approved with one day to go before the offer expired. Paul got an extension on the offer which saved the day and was professional and kind throughout the process. I wholly recommend Paul and WR Ethical. Many thanks.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Dave Tunstall profile picture 
 
 
 Dave Tunstall 
 
7 days ago
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
We had our first meeting with Mark to discuss life insurance, and he was fantastic, friendly, helpful, and highly professional throughout. He also flagged some important considerations we hadn’t thought about, which really added value to the conversation. Highly recommend!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Amy Hurst profile picture 
 
 
 Amy Hurst 
 
18 days ago
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Mark was super helpful in identifying the right protection for my circumstances. He was quick to respond to questions, kept me informed throughout and made the whole process incredibly easy. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to others.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Albion Dina profile picture 
 
 
 Albion Dina 
 
31 days ago
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I been using them from long time they are the best Very helpful and polite with everything I recommend to everyone one Connor make very easy and smooth all the process Thank you for everything
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Jacob Renouf profile picture 
 
 
 Jacob Renouf 
 
32 days ago
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Worked with Lorna to get a mortgage as a first time buyer - Lorna was very friendly and able to explain details and answer my queries clearly and promptly
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Theo W profile picture 
 
 
 Theo W 
 
36 days ago
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Great experience - great communication and Matt was clear and kept things simple.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Joanna MacAdie profile picture 
 
 
 Joanna MacAdie 
 
39 days ago
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
As first-time buyers, we knew very little about the mortgage process and wanted someone we could trust to guide us through it. From our very first conversation, Lorna has been amazing. She took the time to explain everything clearly, making what initially felt like a daunting process much easier to understand and far less stressful. Throughout our journey, Lorna has kept us updated with new mortgage deals to make sure we always had the best options available. She also put us in touch with trusted people to help us arrange our insurance and income protection, which made the whole process much more straightforward. She has always been on hand to answer our questions, offer advice, and even offered to help chase estate agents and solicitors to keep everything moving. Lorna is incredibly friendly, approachable, and genuinely cares about her clients. We've always felt supported and confident knowing she was looking out for our best interests. Thanks to her guidance, we've achieved the outcome we were hoping for and are now on our way to buying our first home. We can't thank her enough and wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, proactive, and genuinely caring mortgage adviser.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Maya Kirby profile picture 
 
 
 Maya Kirby 
 
43 days ago
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I'm in the process of buying my first home, and am very grateful to WR Ethical for their services in sorting out the mortgage offer. Conor was brilliant, and I cannot thank him enough. Although mortgage brokers/ advisors aren't strictly necessary when buying a place, it makes the whole process so much simpler, and Conor gave a lot of sound advice that you wouldn't get if you tried to do it yourself. It was also great to be able to look at ethical mortgage products, and the option to give a charity donation. WR Ethical were extremely transparent in terms of fees and funding, and I'd highly recommend them.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Dan Jones profile picture 
 
 
 Dan Jones 
 
43 days ago
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
My partner and I are first time buyers. Conor has gone above and beyond to get the best deals and explained the options we had very clearly. We managed to lock in a great rate before the war started shooting up the rates, and this was mainly due to his quick response and swift action. Conors work ethic has saved us a lot of money! Thanks mate 👍
We do not charge a fee for insurance or protection advice, but we may receive a commission if you take out cover arranged through us

Get personalised advice

If you would like to explore Accident, Sickness & Unemployment cover, or compare it with Income Protection, we are here to help. One conversation is all it takes to work out what makes sense for you. It is free, with no pressure and no obligation.

contact us icon

Book a call

Use our calendar app, find a time that suits and book a meeting now
Book online

WhatsApp

Message using WhatsApp
07708 218246
envelope icon

Email

Reach out anytime for support
hello@wrethical.com
phone icon

Phone

We're here to support your journey
0117 403 9430
Complete your details and one of our helpful team will be in touch right away - usually within 15 minutes during working hours.