As one of life's basic financial needs, insurance can cover a range of different aspects. And while some methods of insurance, including home insurance and life insurance, are now fairly common aspects of a consumer's financial education, it's important for modern consumers to be aware of the range of insurance options available to them. Payment Protection Insurance (PPI), for example, can be an excellent way to cover your debt repayments in the event of an accident or sickness that may prevent you from working, or in the case of sudden unemployment.

For instance, many consumers opt for building and contents insurance as a form of home insurance. After all, your home is one of your most important assets and knowing that your home will be taken care of in the event of an accident or a crime can often be paramount to your mental well-being. Many financial providers will allow you to take out building and contents insurance as separate or combined cover, offering you protection against things such as fire, theft or flood damage.

However, in addition to building and contents insurance, taking out payment protection insurance can also protect your home and remortgage payments. For example, if you have a car accident, or are struck suddenly by an illness that leaves you unable to work for several months, payment protection insurance can help you keep paying your building and contents insurance during the period of your absence from employment.

Moreover, payment protection insurance can leave you able to pay your mortgage or remortgage during any period of work absence that you may incur. Remortgage payment protection, for example, will often cover disability and unemployment for a designated number of days - which can be especially important if you've taken out a bad credit remortgage and are keen to rectify your credit rating.

PPI can be found in a range of forms; for example, accident, sickness and unemployment cover can cover specific types of accidents and illnesses. Some consumers may also find it useful to take into account income protection, as this will help you maintain a monthly income in the event of an accident or illness, rather than simply help you cover your existing personal debt repayments.

If you're looking for more information on payment protection insurance, a variety of consumer financial institutions will be able to help, including the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and the Association of British Insurers. What is certain, however, is that investing in additional payment protection costs when you take out a mortgage, remortgage or contents insurance plan, can make a crucial difference to your long-term financial life.