Your outgoings don't stop just because your income does. If you were sick or accidentally injured tomorrow, and couldn't work, how would you cope with the bills that arrive next week? With savings? Borrowing money from friends, perhaps? Income Protection helps you protect your financial commitments, and the monthly payments are tax-free under current tax rules.

It's important to plan for the unexpected. Imagine being involved in an accident, or suffering a long period of illness that prevents you going to work. According to the Department of Work and Pensions, over 2.6 million people were claiming incapacity benefits as at February 20101 - your need for income protection may be greater than you think. With a mortgage or rent to pay, monthly outgoings (such as loans or credit cards), and family responsibilities like childcare ... income protection can help give you the peace of mind that you still have money to help pay for these things, even if you can't work through illness or accidental injury.

To replace, at least in part, an individual’s loss of earnings when incapacitated and unable to work as a result of illness or accidental injury. It is a non-cancellable contract and cannot be cancelled by the insurer because of deteriorating health. Unemployment or retirement can mean amended terms or withdrawal of cover. The plan can be in an individual’s name or on the life of another.

The policy is only available to those currently employed or self-employed or working full-time as a houseperson. The plan is available to residents of the United Kingdom, Channel Islands or Isle of Man. Travel or residing in any part of the world is covered but payment of benefit will be restricted to a maximum period of six months whilst outside the European Union, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and such other countries as we shall agree. Benefit will be restricted to a maximum period of three years whilst within the European Union, USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, but outside the United Kingdom, Channel Islands or Isle of Man.

Aviva's Income Protection plan covers you for illness and accidental injury. Right now, this may seem like a remote possibility, particularly if you're young and relatively healthy. But consider a simple fact, related to 'common' problems: * 27% of Aviva's claims are for psychiatric conditions * 23% of Aviva's claims are for orthopaedic conditions.(2) Aviva may also apply medical exclusions to your policy which will not be covered. Terms and conditions apply and are available on request.

A dedicated Claims Adviser for your entire claim providing specialist individual support to you. All claim forms completed over the phone with the assistance of your personal Claims Adviser. The claims team incorporates trained counsellors and medical professionals giving you access to the best help and advice.

Aviva paid over £28,500,000 in benefit payments in 2009. Aviva received an average of 95 new claims every month in 2009. Average length of a claim in payment is 106 months – that’s over 8 years.(3)

Debbie Hollingworth’s story: “It was the first time I have had to use my insurance and the whole process was made so much easier with the kind and friendly staff at Aviva. When it really counted Aviva were there to support me through the whole process and ensure I could carry on paying my mortgage.”