Commercial Legal Access Insurance: The ace up your sleeve in the event of a dispute 

What is Legal Access Insurance, exactly?

Complementary to property and liability insurance, it’s coverage that provides you with the resources you need to defend your rights, whether the dispute is settled amicably or in court.

Depending on your contract, it allows you to: 

• choose a lawyer to present your case before the courts or other tribunal.
• receive support for dispute resolution: mediation, conciliation or arbitration.
• have access to over-the-phone consultations with actual lawyers to get answers to your questions.
• have your case reviewed by a team of lawyers and obtain sample documents to guide your efforts.
• cover part of the fees for lawyers or external experts in the event of legal proceedings.
• receive financial assistance when going to small claims court.

Legal Access Insurance is also a good idea because: 

• The premium is reasonable. 
• The number of consultations will not increase your premium.
• All procedures are handled in total confidentiality. 

In short, it is a safety net that allows you to act quickly and effectively without affecting your budget.

What types of businesses can benefit from this coverage?

Legal Access Insurance is relevant for:

• retailers
• professional services and non-profit organizations
• real-estate owners
• service companies and businesses specializing in healthcare
• condo (homeowner) associations
• beauty salons and other small businesses

Solid protection for every situation

Some conflicts are simply out of your control. Legal Access Insurance can save you time and money, and save you a lot of headaches. Here are a few concrete examples:

Real-estate disputes
No business is immune to disputes over commercial leases or hidden defects on premises. This covers part of the legal costs of preparing your case or sending a legal notice. It helps you take swift, decisive action. 

Labour relations
A termination or disciplinary measure can quickly turn sour. Legal Access Insurance allows you to obtain legal advice to assert your rights and determine your options. If the case goes before a judge, you will receive the necessary assistance to prepare it and cover part of the legal fees.

Occupational health and safety
Are you unsure as to the legitimacy of an occupational health and safety claim? Legal Access Insurance allows you to contest the claim, assert your rights and protect your employer record.

Condo (homeowner) association management
When tensions rise between co-owners (for example, because of a noisy neighbour who fails to follow the rules), it’s not always easy to find a settlement. Legal Access Insurance allows you to get the right advice to restore order and enforce the rules effectively, while complying with the law.

Consumption, contracts and commercial transactions
A supplier who falls short of their commitments, a poorly executed contract, a legal notice that goes unanswered… these are situations whose costs tend to get out of control when they drag on. This insurance gives you access to strategic advice to negotiate a favourable outcome or, if necessary, initiate legal proceedings with the assistance of a lawyer. It protects your rights while preserving your business relationships.

Any business can find itself at the centre of a dispute that could undermine its reputation and lead to significant losses. The best way to get the right protection is to talk to your L'Unique broker.