Cirencester Friendly paid 94% of new income protection (IP) claims made in 2025, down slightly from 95.8% in 2024.
According to the mutual’s claims report for 2025, the total number of IP claims it received fell to 1,255 with 1,176 claims paid.
However the total amount paid to members increased to £10.7m which was a similar sum to the previous year.
A total of 79 claims were declined during the year. The top two reasons claims were declined were non-disclosure which accounted for more than 40% of claims rejected and continuing income with more than 20% of these claims turned down.
MSK dominates
Musculoskeletal (MSK) dominated the most common reasons to claim, with 46.7% of men’s claims and 34.8% of women’s claims for these conditions.
However, there were gender differences in most common reasons to claim, with 11.2% of men’s claims for hip or knee, compared with 7.7% of women’s, and 8.1% of men’s claims for accidents and 12.1% of women claims for mental health.
The average age of male claimants was 41 and it was 42 for women.
More than half (53.9%) of claims were from millennials, those born between 1981 and 1996, while 31.3% were from Generation X born between 1965 and 1980.
In terms of occupation of claimant, builders were the most likely profession to claim, followed by HGV drivers and joiners.
The longest claim in payment was 35 years and the highest annual payment was £54,195.
Ambitious growth plans
Ben Howe, chief operating officer at Cirencester Friendly (pictured), said: “I am proud that our latest claims figures underline our commitment to be there for members when they need support the most.
“Maintaining a payment rate of 94% and above over a decade and a half shows people really are at the heart of our business.
“Through our ambitious growth plans, we aim to help even more people to protect their everyday lives.
“Our claims figures reflect the wider health issues facing the UK. We recognise we have a role to play in supporting better levels of health and exploring how our added value services can make more of a difference.
“For example, everyone making a claim related to mental health is now referred to our Friendly Voice service automatically, ensuring they have additional resources available to facilitate quicker and more effective recovery.”
