Legal Expenses Insurance

Save thousands in legal bills

Commercial legal expenses can quickly soar if you’re facing issues like HMRC tax investigations or property disputes. There are no extra fees to pay or policies to take out – it's included with your membership.

Up to £100,000

Legal expenses insurance designed for small businesses and the self-employed. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an established company, safeguard your business against a range of legal issues.

Prepare for the unexpected

Business life can be unpredictable. If things don’t go to plan, we’re right behind you. Call us on our 24/7 legal advice line, before taking any action, and our lawyers will be able to advise you on your next steps.

Already an FSB member? Log in to your member dashboard to access this benefit.

Legal expenses insurance that doesn’t break the bank

From jury service payments to more complex employment tribunal representation, you can count on us to support you during your membership*, so you can get back to business.

I am amazed at the help and information that is available... insurance, legal advice, money saving offers.. it's a no brainer

✔ Intellectual property cover - This cover applies to copyrights and trademarks. You don’t register copyrights at The Intellectual Property Office, but it’s easy for businesses to infringe another’s Intellectual Property during the normal course of business.

✔ Property, landlord and tenant disputes - FSB members have insurance in place to cover legal representation when pursuing disputes or legal proceedings relating to nuisance or damage to the business premises, eviction or landlord/tenant disputes.

✔ Tax protection - Facing an investigation from HMRC? Our experts are on your side with your best interests in mind, thanks to our tax investigation cover.

Legal protection cover designed for small businesses

Whatever your sector, we're taking the stress out of legal compliance for your small business.

Court attendance costs

Being called away from your business to attend jury service can have many consequences. Access up to £250 per day (£2,500 maximum) to cover wages or salary you pay yourself or an employee each day they attend jury service at a Court.

Regulatory compliance

If you need to appeal against a decision, revocation, or alteration of any of your essential licences, we can cover your legal representation fees. We can also cover your costs for appeals against enforcement notices and to data protection defence cover.

Employment disputes

We’re here to help you with covering the costs for legal representation at an employment tribunal, including cover for awards of compensation you are ordered to pay, costs of paying a settlement dispute and tribunal fees that you are ordered to pay. Find out more.

Criminal defence

If you or your business are facing criminal proceedings, our insurance policy can help cover the legal costs. Read our article What happens in an interview under caution for more information.

Employee extra protection

Your costs are covered should you need to start legal proceedings for a business-related injury suffered carrying out your business activity provided that the injuries were not suffered on your property.

Crisis communication

Nobody likes negative publicity, and it can greatly damage your businesses reputation if not handled correctly. We have public relations experts on hand to help you with everything from advice on handling a bad review to writing a press release. Learn more here.

Start your membership now

Unlock big savings on business essentials when you join the Federation of Small Businesses. FSB Legal Protection Scheme is just one of many member benefits designed to help small business owners like you to succeed.

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Frequently asked questions

How does FSB’s Intellectual Property cover assist members with IP infringement?

This cover applies to copyrights, trademarks and passing off actions. You don’t register copyrights at The Intellectual Property Office, but it’s easy for businesses to infringe another’s Intellectual Property during the normal course of business.

The cover undertakes an assessment of prospects for the legal action and provides you advice as to whether commencing an action is wise. Intellectual Property disputes can be extremely expensive, and protection is not provided for a full legal action. Sometimes, commencing a legal action may not be in your interest and you will be advised if this is the case. The cover provides up to £1,000 of legal assistance and where appropriate to do so will extend to include a cease-and-desist letter.

Further information ➤

What are the legal requirements for my online business?

The legal requirements for your online business are much the same as a traditional brick-and-mortar retailer, but there are additional areas that you need to consider when trading online, including online payment security standards, policies for your website, accessibility and more.

Find out more ➤

What legal documents do I need for my start-up business?

It’s extremely important that you have the correct legal documents when setting up or running a business to avoid any fines or investigations where possible. They fall into the following categories:

Company registration documents
Data protection documents
Tenancy agreements
Financial agreements
Intellectual property documents
Health and safety documents
Employment contracts

FSB members can save time and money with an online legal library home to over 1,400 legal documents, templates, and factsheets that you can download and customise for your business.

Further information ➤

How can FSB help with a commercial property dispute?

Disputes over property can be challenging. That’s why FSB members have insurance in place to cover legal representation when pursuing any dispute or legal proceedings relating to:

nuisance or damage to the business premises
a breach of a repairing covenant in a lease

You’ll also have comprehensive cover for your business whether you own the property or land or are a tenant.

You are covered for obtaining damages or other legal remedy in respect of:

Trespass on your property
Right of way disputes on your property
Eviction of a tenant

Further information ➤

^*^{FSB Members should refer to the Commercial Legal Expenses Insurance Policy on your member dashboard for full details about what is covered and not covered under the Policy.}