The findings, from Scottish Widows, show the vast majority of tenants are putting their homes and lifestyles in jeopardy by not taking out income protection.
Of those who boasted having savings to fall back on, some 31% admitted these would last a maximum of just three months.
As the number of people renting in the UK continues to rise, Richard Jones, protection director at Scottish Widows, said attitudes must change.
He explained: “Those renting have the most to lose as they have the least savings and therefore the least resilience, and any lump sum saving could be lost to living costs if the unforeseen were to happen.”
He added: “Those in private rented accommodation, more than any other group, have a real protection need and insurers must work hard to demonstrate that financial protection is about protecting their family life and home whether they own it or not.”
