Legal insurance is an insurance policy that covers you for legal expenses you wouldn't normally have to pay.A variety of plans are available.Defense of civil lawsuits, drafting wills, reviewing contracts, personal injury and more are covered in some of the specialized plans.Follow the steps to buy legal insurance.
Step 1: Do you need civil law protection?
Civil law issues are covered in most policies.It may include drafting simple contracts, communicating with others on your behalf, or representing you in court.Civil law topics include insurance disputes and mortgage documents.
Step 2: Determine if you need protection from the law.
There are few policies that offer protection for criminal defense.Advice and defense of non-criminal traffic citations are offered by some.Minor speeding tickets and red light violations are examples of non-criminal citations.
Step 3: Do you need family law protection?
Family law issues are provided by some plans.Many are limited by agreement.Changes to wills and trusts are included in family law actions.
Step 4: Do you need business protection?
You may need legal protection for your business if you are a small business owner or self employed.Civil protections are designed with the needs of businesses in mind.Required filings with government agencies are usually included in these services.
Step 5: Determine the amount of coverage you need.
There are different levels of coverage available.Pick the level that is right for you.Small business coverage can vary based on the number of employees, the amount of anticipated use, and the type of policy you have.
Step 6: Ask about exclusions.
You should know what is covered and what isn't.There are many policies that exclude certain actions.
Step 7: Ask about the waiting periods.
You need to know when you can use the policy.Some plans allow you to use them immediately.Some people have a waiting period.You can't use the plan for a legal issue that you already have an attorney-client relationship with.
Step 8: Ask about the premiums.
You need to know the amount of the premium.Most plans have a monthly premium.You can get a discount if you pay for an entire year.
Step 9: Ask about the maximum benefits.
There are limits on the amount of use you can get from a plan.A maximum number of documents to be reviewed in a defined period is one of the common limits.
Step 10: You can compare prices.
Ask the local attorneys what they could charge for similar services when you compare prices of different insurance plans.The cost of the plan may be more than the legal services you need.
Step 11: Determine if your employer offers legal services.
Legal insurance is a benefit of full-time employment.Legal insurance is not an employee benefit.If your employer offers legal insurance, it will likely cost less than an individual policy.Ask your human resources department about the period of eligibility for legal insurance.You can enroll for the services after you become an employee of the company during a period of eligibility.If there is an open enroll time during the year.There is a short period of time during the year in which you can enroll for the insurance if you miss the eligibility period.Ask if your premiums will be paid by payroll deduction.You want to be certain that your benefits are paid through a deduction on your paycheck.If you don't have a paycheck enough to cover your premiums, ask how you will be paid when you take a leave of absence.The premium for the plan is paid by some employers.
Step 12: If there are group plans available, check them out.
If your employer does not offer a plan, you should check with other organizations to see if they have one.Group rates are offered for a variety of different organizations.You should shop around for the best deal.Organizations that sometimes offer legal service plans to their customers or members include: Unions Banks Credit unions Cooperatives, such as insurance, food, or homeschooling co-ops (in which you have to become a member in order to purchase or use the products) Specialty groups or clubs
Step 13: You can search on the internet.
If your employer or group doesn't offer discounted rates for plans that fit your needs, you can use the internet to find them.There is a directory of various plan offerings from the Group Legal Services Association.
Step 14: Pay your premiums.
You need to know how the premiums will be paid and that this payment method works for you.If you choose their preferred payment method, policy providers may give you a discount.Legal coverage is included in the membership fees of some groups.Monthly or annual payment by check is one of the common payment methods.