If you or a co-owner passed away or became critically ill, who’d take over? Shareholder Protection ensures control stays where it belongs - with the people who built it.
Share buyback insurance.
A Life or Critical Illness Policy that funds the buyback of shares - so ownership stays with the business, not with family or outsiders.
Owners & shareholders.
Ideal for limited companies with multiple owners - from co-founders to investor-directors. Keeps things clean and conflict-free.
Protecting control.
If a shareholder dies or becomes critically ill, their shares may pass on - without a plan, you risk losing control of your own company.
The business or owners.
Premiums can be paid by the company or the shareholders themselves, depending on setup. Often arranged via cross-option agreements.
Death or serious illness.
Pays out a lump sum if a shareholder dies or becomes critically ill - giving the company or co-owners funds to buy back their shares.
It can be.
When structured right, policies may qualify for tax relief - and avoid IHT on the payout. (Get proper advice on setup!)
You’ve worked hard to build your business - but what happens to it if a co-owner dies or becomes critically ill? Without Shareholder Protection, shares could pass to someone who doesn’t know the business, want the shares, or get on with the team. This cover protects your people, your profits, and your plans.
Without Shareholder Protection, your co-owner’s shares could pass to their spouse, kids - or even be sold outside if they die or fall seriously ill.
(FT Adviser, 2024)
Written correctly, it helps avoid Inheritance Tax on the payout and ensures money goes to the right people at the right time.
(HMRC, 2024)
The average cost of buying out a co-owner’s shares exceeds £300,000 for UK SMEs.
(British Business Bank, 2023)
Only 25% of SMEs have a plan if a shareholder dies.
(Legal & General, 2023)
Shareholder Protection isn’t just a policy - it’s a plan. It ensures your business can survive the loss of an owner without losing control, funding, or direction. It gives grieving families financial security, and surviving partners the ability to carry on.
(MoneyWeek, 2024)
70% of owners haven’t discussed succession or share transfer planning.
(Unbiased, 2024)
Shareholder Protection lets surviving owners buy shares quickly and cleanly, avoiding disruption and keeping business decisions in trusted hands.
(L&G Business Research, 2024)
Fewer than 1 in 3 directors have a valid cross-option agreement in place.
(Legal & General, 2023)
Without protection, businesses risk falling into deadlock - or being sold to an external buyer to settle the estate.
(Chartered Insurance Institute, 2023)
Without Shareholder Protection, your co-owner’s shares could pass to their spouse, kids - or even be sold outside if they die or fall seriously ill.
(FT Adviser, 2024)
Written correctly, it helps avoid Inheritance Tax on the payout and ensures money goes to the right people at the right time.
(HMRC, 2024)
The average cost of buying out a co-owner’s shares exceeds £300,000 for UK SMEs.
(British Business Bank, 2023)
Only 25% of SMEs have a plan if a shareholder dies.
(Legal & General, 2023)
Shareholder Protection isn’t just a policy - it’s a plan. It ensures your business can survive the loss of an owner without losing control, funding, or direction. It gives grieving families financial security, and surviving partners the ability to carry on.
(MoneyWeek, 2024)
70% of owners haven’t discussed succession or share transfer planning.
(Unbiased, 2024)
Shareholder Protection lets surviving owners buy shares quickly and cleanly, avoiding disruption and keeping business decisions in trusted hands.
(L&G Business Research, 2024)
Fewer than 1 in 3 directors have a valid cross-option agreement in place.
(Legal & General, 2023)
Without protection, businesses risk falling into deadlock - or being sold to an external buyer to settle the estate.
(Chartered Insurance Institute, 2023)
As a director, I didn’t know executive income protection was a thing. Now I’m covered and saving tax. Win-win.
If I’d known how important critical illness cover was, I’d have done this years ago. So glad I spoke to Waddle.
Super clear, easy to talk to, and no pushy sales tactics. Loved the experience.
Already have protection in place? We believe your cover should grow with you. Our friendly Policy Check reviews what you have, highlights strengths and gaps, and gives honest, expert advice to keep your cover working its best for you.
