Shepherds Friendly Income Protection UK
Explained by an independent adviser
Shepherds Friendly Income Protection UK
Shepherds Friendly is one of the UK’s oldest mutual insurers, founded in 1826 and based in Cheadle, Cheshire. With nearly 200 years of history, they offer income protection and other savings and protection products to UK individuals. As an independent adviser, we can tell you honestly whether Shepherds Friendly is the right fit for your circumstances.
Written by Ben Tomlin, Financial Adviser · FCA No. 1038034 · Last reviewed June 2026
▶ In plain English — who are Shepherds Friendly?
Shepherds Friendly have been around since 1826 — nearly 200 years — making them one of the oldest friendly societies in the UK. They’re based in Cheadle, Cheshire, and are a mutual insurer, owned by their members rather than shareholders. They offer income protection alongside other savings and protection products. They sit alongside The Exeter, Holloway Friendly, British Friendly and Cirencester Friendly as part of the specialist mutual income protection market.
As an independent firm, we’re not tied to Shepherds Friendly. If they’re the best option for your circumstances, we’ll tell you. If another provider offers better terms, we’ll tell you that too.
On this page
Shepherds Friendly protection products
Shepherds Friendly offer a range of protection and savings products, with income protection as a core offering. Available directly and through financial advisers.
Core product
Income Protection
Pays a monthly benefit if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. Designed to replace a proportion of your income during a period of incapacity, helping you meet your financial commitments while you recover.
Also available
Savings & ISA products
Shepherds Friendly also offer a range of savings products including Stocks & Shares ISAs and other savings plans. These are separate from their protection products and are not covered by our protection advice service.
Founded
1826
Structure
Mutual
Based in
Cheadle, Cheshire
History
Nearly 200 years
Income protection for the self-employed
If you’re self-employed, a contractor or a freelancer, income protection is arguably your most important financial protection — there’s no employer sick pay to fall back on. Shepherds Friendly offer income protection suited to the self-employed, and we compare them against all other specialist and mainstream providers to find the best fit for your circumstances.
Monthly benefit if you can’t work
Shepherds Friendly income protection pays a monthly benefit if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury, helping you meet your financial commitments while you recover.
Deferred period options
Choose a deferred period to suit your financial situation. A longer deferred period reduces the premium — useful if you have savings to cover a short-term absence from work.
Whole-of-market comparison
As independent advisers, we compare Shepherds Friendly against The Exeter, Holloway Friendly, British Friendly, Cirencester Friendly and all mainstream providers to find the best fit for your occupation and income structure.
Nearly 200 years of mutual heritage
Shepherds Friendly was founded in 1826, making it one of the oldest friendly societies in the United Kingdom. Based in Cheadle, Cheshire, they have been providing financial protection to UK individuals and families for nearly two centuries. As a mutual insurer, they are owned by their members rather than external shareholders — meaning profits are reinvested for the benefit of policyholders rather than paid out as dividends.
Shepherds Friendly Society Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
1826
Year founded
Mutual
Member-owned
Cheadle
Cheshire HQ
How Shepherds Friendly fits in the specialist IP market
Shepherds Friendly sits alongside The Exeter, Holloway Friendly, British Friendly and Cirencester Friendly as part of the specialist mutual income protection market. Each provider has different strengths — in terms of occupation acceptance, product features, pricing and added-value benefits. As independent advisers, we compare all of them to find the best fit for your specific circumstances.
Other specialist income protection providers
We compare Shepherds Friendly against all of these and more.
The Exeter Income Protection Explained
Specialist mutual with strong own-occupation income protection, particularly for the self-employed.
Holloway Friendly Income Protection Explained
Unique income protection with a built-in savings element — money back if you don’t claim.
British Friendly Income Protection Explained
Flexible income protection including the Breathing Space product with pause and reduce options.
Cirencester Friendly Income Protection Explained
Specialist mutual particularly well regarded for manual and specialist occupations.
Get Independent Income Protection Advice
Not sure which provider is right for you? Send us an enquiry for an honest, whole-of-market view.
Independent advice, available across the UK
That’s Family Finance provides independent protection advice to families and individuals across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Whether you’re in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Glasgow, Essex or anywhere in between, we work with you remotely or in person to find the right cover for your circumstances.
We advise on Shepherds Friendly alongside all other major protection providers including The Exeter, Holloway Friendly, British Friendly, Cirencester Friendly, Royal London and LV=.
We are not Shepherds Friendly. That’s Family Finance is an independent, FCA-regulated firm (No. 1038034).
Want to know if Shepherds Friendly is right for you?
We’re independent and whole-of-market. Send us an enquiry or reach us on WhatsApp for an honest, no-obligation view.
FCA regulated · No obligation · Not tied to Shepherds Friendly
Common questions
Questions we’re asked about Shepherds Friendly.
What is Shepherds Friendly income protection?
Shepherds Friendly offer income protection that pays a monthly benefit if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. They are one of the UK’s oldest mutual insurers, founded in 1826 and based in Cheadle, Cheshire.
Is Shepherds Friendly a mutual insurer?
Yes. Shepherds Friendly is a mutual insurer, meaning it is owned by its members rather than shareholders. Profits are reinvested for the benefit of members rather than paid out as shareholder dividends.
How old is Shepherds Friendly?
Shepherds Friendly was founded in 1826, making it one of the oldest friendly societies in the UK with nearly 200 years of history.
Is Shepherds Friendly good for the self-employed?
Shepherds Friendly offer income protection suited to the self-employed. As an independent adviser, we compare Shepherds Friendly against The Exeter, Holloway Friendly, British Friendly and Cirencester Friendly to find the best fit for your occupation and income structure.
How does Shepherds Friendly compare to other specialist IP mutuals?
Shepherds Friendly sits alongside The Exeter, Holloway Friendly, British Friendly and Cirencester Friendly as a specialist mutual income protection provider. The right choice depends on your occupation, income structure and personal circumstances. As independent advisers, we compare all options to find the best fit.
How do I access Shepherds Friendly income protection?
Shepherds Friendly products are available directly and through financial advisers. As a whole-of-market adviser, That’s Family Finance can advise on Shepherds Friendly alongside all other major UK income protection providers.
Always refer to Shepherds Friendly’s own policy documentation for the most current details, including full product terms and conditions, covered conditions, definitions and exclusions.
We are not Shepherds Friendly. That’s Family Finance is an independent, FCA-regulated firm (No. 1038034). This page contains information about Shepherds Friendly’s products based on their published materials at the time of writing. Shepherds Friendly Society Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.