LEGAL EXPENSES INSURANCE

As a tradesperson, you know all too well the effort and commitment it takes to deliver top-notch services. But when conflicts pop up, whether with clients, suppliers, or employees, it can put a strain on your finances to cover the cost of certain legal actions.

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What is legal expenses insurance?

Legal expenses insurance is designed to keep tradespeople from bearing the brunt of legal disputes. Whether you're a plumber, electrician, carpenter, builder, or any other tradesperson, this coverage can save you from financial stress when it comes to resolving conflicts.

In simple terms, it helps cover the costs of legal fees, court costs, and other associated expenses, such as the costs of hiring solicitors or experts, so you can focus on running your business.

Why tradesmen need legal expenses insurance

At TradesmanInsure, our legal expenses insurance covers:

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Disputes with clients

  • From not getting paid on time to breach of contract claims
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Tax investigations

  • When HMRC investigate your business tax affairs
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Employment issues

  • Claims of unfair dismissal, discrimination, or other employment-related matters
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Contract disputes

  • Misunderstandings or disagreements with suppliers or customers can lead to expensive lawsuits

Without legal expenses insurance, you might end up paying for legal fees and court costs out of your pocket, which can put stress on your finances. That’s where legal expenses insurance steps in, offering financial peace of mind when legal disputes pop up.

Legal expenses insurance is not legally required for tradespeople, however, if you wouldn’t be able to cover the legal cost associated with a dispute, it’s worth looking for cover.

Legal expenses insurance for tradesmen covers a wide array of legal challenges that can arise in day-to-day operations. Typical coverage includes:

  • Contractual Disputes: Legal expenses coverage can help if you find yourself in a dispute over contracts with clients, suppliers, or subcontractors. This could include non-payment for services, breach of contract, or any issues arising from poorly written agreements.

  • Debt Recovery: If a client refuses to pay for your work or services, legal expenses insurance can help with the costs of recovering those debts, including court fees and solicitor costs.

  • Employment Disputes: Should an employee or subcontractor file a grievance or make a claim against you, such as wrongful dismissal or discrimination, legal expenses insurance can help cover legal costs.

  • Tax Enquiries: Legal cover can also help you in the event of a tax investigation, providing access to specialist legal advice and representation.

  • Jury service attendance: Legal expenses insurance can cover your expenses if you are required to attend jury service.

  • Investigations by Health and Safety Executive: Legal cover allows you to have representation if the HSE conduct an investigation, for example if there was an accident at your business premises and they needed to check the working conditions of your employees.

  • Criminal cases
  • Fines or penalties
  • Certain pre-existing legal issues

What trades need legal expenses insurance?

Any trade can find themselves in a legal battle, whether it be contract disputes or tax investigations. Here at TradesmanInsure we offer legal expenses insurance to a wide range of trades such as:

Builders Insurance

As a builder, you’re no stranger to the risks of working in a trade. There’s a lot that can go wrong when you’re building an extension or laying foundations. That’s where builders’ insurance from TradesmanInsure comes in.

Carpet Cleaning Insurance

As a carpet cleaner, you're working in clients' homes and businesses every day. From removing stubborn stains to deep cleaning expensive carpets, there's always a risk of something going wrong. That's where carpet cleaning insurance from TradesmanInsure comes in.

Electricians' Insurance

Protect your electrical business with comprehensive insurance from £10/month*. Get instant cover for public liability, professional indemnity, and tools insurance in just 90 seconds.

Handyman Insurance

Handyman insurance is there to protect your trades business from a range of risks. It’s designed to cover against unexpected situations such as damaging a client’s property, having your tools stolen and more

Painters and Decorators Insurance

As a painter or decorator, you’re primed to have attention to detail whilst on the job. However, what happens when something goes wrong?

Plumbers Insurance

Whether you’re fixing a leaking tap or unblocking a drain for a customer, things can quickly go wrong – so when something unexpected happens, plumbers’ insurance can help protect your business.

The cost depends on factors such as the type of trade, the level of coverage you need, and your claims history. Typically, it’s an affordable policy compared to the potential costs of legal disputes. Your policy price will depend on a variety of factors that are specific to your business. These are commonly:

Trade – What trade you work in could affect your insurance premium

Size of business – If you have a high business turnover or have employees, this would increase your premium price as there are more people you are needing to cover.

At TradesmanInsure, our legal expenses insurance policies start from £6* a month and offer a cover limit of £100,000 to suit your specific trade’s needs. To find out how much you would pay, get an online quote now.

*Price based on a handyman requiring £100,000 of legal expenses insurance

What level of cover should I choose?

It’s worthwhile to think about the worst-case scenarios that could happen, and the potential legal costs involved. Consider not only the expense of defending against a claim but also the compensation you might need to pay to fix any mistakes. This way, you can pick a cover level that makes you feel secure, knowing you’re well-protected against any mishaps that might come your way.

How to get legal expenses insurance

To get a quote, fill out our quick and easy online form. Just answer a few questions about your trade business and get a custom quote in no time.

You can spread the cost of your insurance over 10 interest free monthly payments, or you can just pay it all at once.

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Why choose tradesmanInsure?

  • 4.8/5 customer rating on Feefo. With over 4500 reviews, you don’t have to take our word for it.

  • 25+ years’ experience of insuring tradesmen. So you can rely on us to provide the insurance you need.

  • Easy online cover. Receive a tailored quote for your trades business in 90 seconds by filling in our quick and easy quote form.

  • 24/7 legal advice. You can access expert information and guidance with our legal advice helpline, whenever you need it.

Ready to protect your business?

Get specialist trade legal expenses insurance from £8.00/month*. Instant quote, immediate cover.

  • Based on a handyman requiring £100,000 legal expenses cover and meeting all underwriting criteria
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