Brokers: Commercial Products

Small Business Protection

Why Commercial Legal Protection Insurance?

Even in the best run businesses legal disputes can arise, often without warning, and can have a substantial cost both in terms of time and money. Businesses are faced with an increasing amount of legislation and red tape leading to an increased potential for litigation. 

The costs of obtaining a solicitor to deal with a dispute or simply obtaining legal advice to help prevent any difficulties on a particular matter can prove very expensive and create unbudgeted costs.  Many businesses decide not to pursue their legal rights due to the potential costs involved. Our Small Business Commercial Legal Protection Policy allows businesses with an annual turnover of up to £250,000 to pursue their rights or defend their position in a range of business related scenarios.

This policy also allows access to our comprehensive web site for online support and documentation issue, along with help lines for further support and advice as required.

The Cover

The defence of any legal proceedings arising from a dispute with an employee, ex-employee, prospective employee or a person claiming employment rights, including reimbursement of a basic or compensatory award ordered to be paid by an Employment Tribunal or reimbursement of any out of Court settlement to which we have given our prior written consent.

The defence of a criminal prosecution relating to aspects of Health and Safety.

Entering a response to a full enquiry by HM Revenue & Customs into a self assessment return, including responding to any appeal or tribunal hearing which shall include a HM Revenue Commissioner’s hearing.

Entering a response to an examination by either HM Revenue & Customs or the Department of Social Security following an Employer Compliance visit which arose from and related to an expression of dissatisfaction with the insured’s PAYE or National Insurance Contribution affairs.

An appeal against a written VAT decision or assessment issued by HM Revenue & Customs.  This includes the local review procedure and any VAT tribunal.

The defence of any legal proceedings in a Court of criminal jurisdiction in respect of any act or omission or alleged act or omission alleged to have been carried out during the period of insurance.

The cover provides for legal costs and expenses of up to £50,000 for every claim with no limit on the number of claims in any year.

Help Lines and Additional Services

As part of the policy you are able to access our comprehensive web site for online support and documentation issue, along with help lines for legal advice and tax advice for matters affecting your business in relation to the policy at no charge.

We can also provide access to employment specialists who can assist you with employment matters at discounted rates in areas such as drafting contracts of employment and reviewing compliance with legislation.

At a Glance

• Legal costs and expenses incurred in disputes with workers
• Awards of compensation incurred in disputes with workers
• Health and Safety Prosecution
• Tax enquiries and disputes
• Costs in relation to defence for criminal prosecution and Data Protection Act
• Up to £50,000 of cover