The physical impact of accidents
National Friendly’s ‘Bruised Britain’ research also revealed the types of injuries suffered:
- Bruising: 35%
- Grazes: 21%
- Sprained muscles: 21%
- Broken bones: 13%
- Loss of hearing or sight (under-35s): 12%
- Whiplash or concussion: 9%
Additionally, 20% of injured individuals had to change or adapt their daily routines, and over half (57%) of workers had to take unplanned time off work, climbing to 71% among under-35s. Injured individuals took an average of 11.5 days off (rising to 13.3 days for women).
Graham Singleton, CEO of National Friendly, commented: “Our ‘Bruised Britain’ research highlights how common accidents are but also how life-changing they can be, both physically and financially. Too many people are left struggling without a safety net and are either pressured to return to work before they are necessarily ready to or are forced to dip into savings or take on debt.
“At National Friendly, we’re committed to helping individuals and families safeguard their financial futures, no matter what challenges life throws at them. The latest member of our income protection product family, Friendly Shield is designed with this in mind and is a simple, affordable and quick option. Offering families short-term benefits such as up to 3 months guaranteed income at the chosen level, fracture cover, hospital cash should an accident occur, and without underwriting.
Friendly Shield, and our other income protection products offer financial peace of mind and ensure members can focus on recovery rather than worrying about lost income and the associated consequences.”
Financial strain following an accident
The financial impact of accidents has been significant:
- 24% felt pressure to return to work early as they needed the income and 16% felt pressured to go back earlier than planned as they didn’t want to risk losing their job
- 21% dipped into savings (32% of men vs 12% women), and 12% borrowed money.
- 7% had to change how they worked, with some moving to remote or flexible arrangements.
- 3% had to give up work entirely, and 3% lost their jobs.
Despite these challenges, only 17% of people claimed on insurance products such as Income Protection (IP), rising to 22% among under-35s.
Furthermore, 7% had to stay in hospital / have an operation and 14% couldn’t drive their car or ride their bike as a result of their accident, highlighting the impact of how an accident can impact daily routines.
National Friendly’s latest non-underwritten Friendly Shield cover can bridge this essential protection gap highlighted in the Bruised Britain report on everyday accidents. All National Friendly protections policies come with the free added benefit of a confidential, unlimited 24/7 virtual GP service for the whole family.
The research was conducted by Opinium Research between 1-5 November 2024 among 2,000 UK adults.
