TORONTO – A European trend is taking off in Canada called “legal protection insurance,” which gives consumers access to legal advice and legal counsel for a flat, yearly fee.
“If they do run into an issue somewhere to get help, they can call and get advice or get redress through the Justice system,” said Barbara Haynes CEO of DAS Legal Protection Insurance.
Popular in Europe, where it’s been sold for years, “legal protection insurance” gives consumers access to legal information, without paying a lawyer directly at an expensive rate, a rate some people cannot afford
“We see those issues in the press every day. Unfortunately where something has happened to people and either they haven’t been able to pursue an issue or they do and end up spending a lot of money,” said Haynes.
Janine Harris, a Toronto resident bought legal protection insurance and said the value was well worth the price of a $90 policy.
Harris received a speeding ticket, and fought the ticket in court using her legal defence insurance.
“They had a lawyer call me. They talked through the whole situation,” said Harris. “I won! Ticket was thrown away, there was nothing on my records and didn’t affect my (auto) insurance at all.”
Haynes also says policy holders can use legal defence insurance for disputes with building contractors, failing to read the small print on contracts, and tax disputes.
With files from Global News’ Sean O’ Shea
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