FAQs
Commercial legal expenses insurance is usually sold alongside other commercial insurance products and can be included as part of a wider commercial package policy wording, or sold individually with its own separate policy wording.
Dependant on the policy you have, commercial legal expenses insurance may pay for:
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A dispute with an employee that cannot be resolved
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A notice of an enquiry into the tax or VAT returns of the business
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Where legal advice is needed quickly
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A Health & Safety inspection ends with a threat to prosecute the business
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A neighbouring business restricts access to the premises
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Help navigate and resolve contract disputes
Plus...
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An appointed lawyer’s legal fees;
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Court fees;
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Expert witness costs;
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The other side’s costs if you are unsuccessful;
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Certain compensation awards you are ordered to pay.
No, you can’t claim for legal disputes that started before the date your cover began. And in some cases – for example, employment, contract and debt claims – you may not be covered for disputes arising within the first 90 or 180 days of the policy.
No – it’s important that you speak to us as soon as possible after a dispute arises so we can discuss the best way to proceed. We will not cover any costs you incur before we have agreed to cover your claim – for example, the cost of consulting your own lawyer.
We’ll usually appoint a lawyer from one of our preferred law firms on the basis of their expertise to deal with your claim. However, there are instances where you have the right to choose your own lawyer – such as if court proceedings are issued or there’s a conflict of interest. It’s important to know that if you do choose your own lawyer, we will only pay them the same amount as we would pay our preferred lawyers.
For Legal defence and Contract & debt recovery we cover the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Norway, Switzerland and countries in the EU. For all other Insured event we only cover the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man.
Our legal helpline can give you confidential legal advice on a range of commercial legal issues.
As often as you need; there are no limits on how many times you can call.
Commercial legal expenses insurance could cover a number of legal costs that your general business insurance won’t cover. For example, commercial legal expenses insurance can help you pursue a claim over a contract dispute with a supplier.
Many commercial legal expenses insurance policies will offer assistance in recovering unpaid debt, however the amount in dispute must be over £200 (including VAT).
