Why do I need commercial legal expenses insurance?
Commercial litigation is a reality in today’s business environment. Litigation manifests itself in a number of different ways, including employment disputes, criminal prosecution and corporate manslaughter, contract disputes, property owners, tax disputes and regulatory compliance – statutory licence.
Cover for employment disputes
The abolition of employment tribunal fees in 2017 has wide ranging implications for employers. According to Ministry of Justice statistics, there was a 90% increase in single claim employment tribunal claims between October and December 2017. In 2018/19, claims that received compensation for unfair dismissal was up 23% compared to 2017/18, with the maximum award being £948,000 and the average award £14,000.
With the cost of litigation and awards of compensation increasing, can you afford not to know about the availability of cover?
Cover for commercial criminal prosecution and Corporate Manslaughter
Breach of the red tape of business compliance through health and safety, environmental protection, food safety or trading standards can lead to a criminal offence and a prosecution. Corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter are a primary concern of directors. Legal expenses can assist not only with the cost of defending a prosecution, but also guilty pleas where the punishment can be mitigated.
Contract disputes insurance
Business revenue is supported by the contracts you have with your suppliers and customers. If revenue stops as a contract is disputed, and legal costs are incurred, the lack of any insurance protection can seriously damage a business’s cash flow.
Commercial property owners cover
Disputes over eviction, breach of the lease agreement or damage done to the property can result in complicated and expensive litigation.
Tax dispute insurance
The revenue is pursuing a strategy of “dash for cash”. With a gaping hole in public finances, they are aggressively targeting smaller firms with inspectors told to bring in as much additional revenue as possible. The tax section within the legal expenses policy will give you access to and support from qualified tax advisers.
Regulatory compliance - statutory licence
The licence that determines the business’ right to operate may be revoked, altered, or refused renewal. With no means to operate and bring in revenue, insurance to challenge a decision is vital in securing the right to continue to operate the business.
Benefits of commercial legal expenses insurance
Legal advice is a good call
Good advice isn’t cheap. With the hourly cost of a solicitor typically in the hundreds, it’s reassuring to know that telephone legal advice on UK law is available free within the policy from the first day to the last day of cover. Our professionally qualified lawyers and barristers handle around 500 calls a day, of which around 1% result in litigation thanks to our expert advice
Tailored commercial legal expenses cover
Our standard cover is a comprehensive commercial legal expenses product, however we recognise not all businesses are the same and may need specific types of cover. You can speak to your Towergate broker who can advise on the options available.
Claims handling expertise
Our claims handlers are legally educated and are therefore able to understand the nature of legal disputes covered by Markel and are also empowered to make decisions. They work to a published claims charter, aiming to make the experience for clients a clear and professional experience.
Legal advice from solicitors
All our clients have access to the highest standard of advice from our solicitors and barristers, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year serviced by Markel Law LLP. Advice is unlimited in the number and length of calls and provided on any UK business legal issue.
Legal information website
By including the Markel Law Hub, provided by Markel Law, you will have access to the premier legal information website, providing precedent documents, legal information and a comprehensive suite of template documents on employment, health and safety and business law.
Get a commercial legal expenses insurance quote
