With millions behind on their household bills, PG Mutual is warning UK bill payers to consider how they would cope if they were to lose their income due to illness or injury.
Research released this month by price comparison site, uSwitch, found that 4 million households in the UK are in debt to their energy supplier, while a further 2.6 million are struggling to pay monthly bills.
Mike Perry chief executive officer at PG Mutual said: "We're hearing more and more about how people are living beyond their means, and spending more than they have each month - but what if you didn't even have your current salary?"
PG Mutual has said for many people in the UK, their monthly salary is already not enough to cover the amount that they need to pay out each month.
Despite this, by organising repayment plans and juggling debts, most people are able to manage their money and stay above water.
However, PG Mutual warned that even careful financial planning cannot take into account unexpected income loss from having to take long-term sick leave.
Perry, added: ""No one likes to think about having an accident, but these latest statistics should be a stark warning to everyone who has bills to pay and debt repayments to make each month to think about protecting their income.
"After all, if you're already stretching what you have to the limit each month, how are you going to meet your financial obligations if what you have coming in is severely reduced?"
