Legal expenses insurance should not be treated as a bolt-on or afterthought

Why legal protection could be your smartest business decision of 2026 - Business Live
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Why legal protection could be your smartest business decision of 2026
For brokers and business owners alike, legal expenses insurance could prove to be one of the most valuable forms of protection on the market
birminghampost
Advertising feature from
ARAG
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Advertising feature from
ARAG
By
Paul Atkins Commercial Content Writer
06:00, 2 APR 2026
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In a year shaped by legislative change, legal expenses insurance should not be treated as a bolt-on or afterthought (Image: Getty Images)
Running a business has never been straightforward, but recent years have piled pressure onto SMEs, sole traders and landlords alike.
From inflation and rising costs to labour shortages, AI disruption and growing compliance demands, business owners have been forced to adapt quickly.
In 2026, another challenge is moving up the agenda: a wave of legal and regulatory change that could leave many exposed if they are not properly protected.
For insurance brokers, that creates a clear opportunity to help clients understand the risks ahead and the practical value of legal expenses insurance.
For business owners and decision-makers, it is a timely reminder that legal risk is no longer an occasional issue - it is part of everyday trading.
A year of legal change for UK businesses
Several key legislative changes are set to affect employers, landlords and the self-employed this year.
The Employment Rights Act has been described as one of the biggest shifts in workers’ rights in a generation, with reforms coming into force from April.
For SMEs with employees, that means new responsibilities and a greater risk of disputes if processes are not up to date.
The Renters’ Rights Act is also expected to bring major changes for landlords and property businesses, while Making Tax Digital for Income Tax will introduce new quarterly reporting requirements for many self-employed professionals and landlords.
David Haynes, CEO of ARAG UK, said: “For brokers advising commercial clients, the challenge is clear: many customers do not fully understand which rules apply to them until a problem lands on their desk.”
Legal protection is often there - but underused
More than a million UK businesses already have access to legal expenses insurance - often as part of a wider commercial insurance package - but many may not realise just how useful it could be in the year ahead.
Legal protection can give businesses access to expert legal and tax advice via a helpline, cover the legal costs of common disputes, and provide practical tools to help them stay compliant.
For SMEs, microbusinesses and sole traders without in-house HR or legal teams, that support can be invaluable.
Mr Haynes said: “For brokers, it is also a powerful way to add value: not just by arranging cover, but by helping clients understand how to use it before a legal or tax issue escalates.”
Now is the time to review existing cover and make sure legal protection is in place before problems arise
(Image: Getty Images)
The specialist behind the cover
Many end customers may not recognise the name ARAG - and that is exactly why this conversation matters.
ARAG’s policies are often sold through brokers or included within broader commercial insurance arrangements, meaning the legal protection is there, but the provider behind it may be less visible.
Yet ARAG is the UK’s biggest legal insurer and part of a global group operating in 19 countries.
More than a million small businesses and 10 million families have ARAG-backed cover, and its legal advisers handle more than 100,000 calls every year.
Mr Haynes said: “That scale gives brokers confidence that the legal protection they recommend is backed by a specialist with real-world expertise, while offering clients reassurance that help is available when they need it.”
A smart conversation to have now
In a year shaped by legislative change, legal expenses insurance should not be treated as a bolt-on or afterthought.
For brokers, 2026 is a strong opportunity to revisit clients’ cover, highlight the day-to-day benefits of legal protection and ensure policyholders understand what support they already have or where gaps may exist.
For business owners, landlords and sole traders, the question is simple: if a legal, employment or tax issue arose tomorrow, who would they call?
Mr Haynes added: “Now is the time to review existing cover and make sure legal protection is in place before problems arise.”
Legal expenses insurance policies vary between providers, and some exclusions may apply.
Find out more
To learn more about ARAG’s legal protection solutions for businesses, or to explore how legal expenses insurance can support commercial clients in 2026, visit arag.co.uk .
ARAG plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN452369). ARAG Legal Expenses Insurance Company Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN202106) and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
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