What Does Legal Expenses Cover Include?
Legal protection on your car insurance policy is designed to cover the legal costs you might face following an accident. These costs can quickly add up, so having the right cover in place ensures that you don’t have to pay for solicitors or court fees out of pocket.
Here’s what legal expenses cover typically includes:
- Legal representation: Covers the costs of hiring a solicitor to represent you in a legal dispute, whether you’re making a claim or defending yourself against one.
- Uninsured loss recovery: This includes recovering costs that your main insurance policy doesn’t cover, such as loss of earnings, policy excess, and damage to personal belongings.
- Personal injury claims: If you’re injured in an accident and need to make a claim for compensation, legal expenses insurance can cover the costs of pursuing the claim.
- Disputes over liability: If there’s disagreement about who was at fault for an accident, legal expenses cover can help you defend yourself or pursue the other party.
- Defending driving offences: In some cases, it can also provide legal representation if you’re facing prosecution for a driving-related offence, such as speeding or careless driving.
Whilst legal expenses cover doesn’t directly affect the cost of repairing your car, it provides invaluable support when dealing with the aftermath of an accident, ensuring that your legal rights are protected without leaving you out of pocket.
Do You Need Legal Expenses Cover If You Have Comprehensive Insurance?
Many drivers assume that if they have fully comprehensive car insurance, they’re automatically covered for any legal costs that arise after an accident. However, this isn’t always the case. Comprehensive cover is designed to pay for damage to your car and third-party claims, but it doesn’t usually include legal fees.
If you’re involved in a dispute over liability or need to recover uninsured losses, you could still face legal bills. This is where adding legal protection to your policy can be useful, providing cover for situations that aren’t included in a standard comprehensive policy.
Legal expenses cover is often available as an optional extra, and for a relatively small additional cost, it can save you thousands in legal fees should a dispute arise. It’s worth considering if you want full peace of mind after an accident, even if your main insurance policy is comprehensive.
What Are Uninsured Losses, And How Can Legal Cover Help Recover Them?
After an accident, you might face costs that aren’t covered by your standard insurance policy. These are known as uninsured losses, and they can include a wide range of expenses that add up quickly, even if you’re not at fault for the accident.
Here are some examples of uninsured losses:
- Policy excess: The amount you’re required to pay towards a claim before your insurance kicks in. If the accident wasn’t your fault, you may be able to recover this amount from the other party.
- Loss of earnings: If you’re unable to work because of injuries sustained in the accident, legal expenses cover can help recover lost income.
- Damage to personal belongings: Items like mobile phones, laptops, or other personal effects that were in your car during the accident might not be covered under a standard policy.
- Medical costs: If you require treatment following an accident, legal expenses insurance can help you claim compensation for any out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Legal expenses cover can help you recover these uninsured losses by pursuing a claim against the other party’s insurer. Without this cover, you’d be left to cover these costs on your own, even if you weren’t at fault for the accident.
When Might You Need Legal Representation After An Accident?
Legal disputes following a car accident can arise for several reasons, and it’s not always clear-cut who was at fault or how damages should be paid. Here are some common scenarios where legal expenses cover can be invaluable:
- Disputed liability: If the other driver denies responsibility for the accident, you may need legal representation to prove that you weren’t at fault and to claim compensation for damage or injuries.
- Personal injury claims: If you’ve been injured in an accident, legal fees can help cover the costs of pursuing compensation from the other party’s insurer.
- Uninsured drivers: If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, legal expenses cover can help you recover costs that aren’t covered by your standard insurance policy.
- Accident abroad: If you’re involved in an accident whilst driving abroad, legal cover can provide access to legal advice and representation in the country where the accident occurred.
Having legal expenses insurance can provide reassurance that, should any of these situations occur, you’ll have access to professional representation without facing the financial burden of hiring a solicitor.
Is Legal Expenses Cover Worth It?
Legal expenses cover typically costs only a small amount compared to the potential benefits, but whether it’s worth adding to your policy depends on your personal circumstances and driving habits.
If you drive frequently or in areas with a high risk of accidents, having legal protection could save you thousands in legal fees if a dispute arises. Even if you’re a cautious driver, accidents can happen, and having the right protection in place ensures that you’re not left covering legal costs yourself.
It’s also worth considering how much uninsured losses you could face if you were involved in an accident, especially if your policy has a high excess or you regularly carry expensive items in your car. Legal cover can provide peace of mind, knowing that these losses could be recovered through a claim.
How Much Does Legal Expenses Cover Cost?
Legal expenses insurance is generally an affordable add-on to your car insurance policy. The exact cost may vary depending on your insurer, but it’s usually priced at a modest rate, often between £20 and £40 per year.
Considering the potential cost of legal fees, which can run into thousands of pounds if a claim goes to court, the relatively low cost of adding legal protection makes it a worthwhilst investment for many drivers.
Before purchasing legal expenses cover, check whether it’s already included in your policy. Some insurers include it as standard, whilst others offer it as an optional extra.
What Should You Do If You Need To Make A Legal Expenses Claim?
If you’re involved in an accident and need to make a claim under your legal expenses cover, the process is straightforward. Acting quickly and following the correct procedures can help ensure that your claim is handled efficiently.
- Report the incident: Contact your insurer as soon as possible after the accident, providing all relevant details, such as the time, location, and any witnesses.
- Provide evidence: Gather any evidence that supports your case, including photographs, witness statements, and police reports. Your solicitor could use this to build your case.
- Follow your insurer’s advice: Your insurer may appoint a solicitor to represent you and guide you through the legal process. Make sure to follow their advice to improve your chances of a successful claim.
Having legal expenses insurance ensures that you have professional support throughout the claim process, helping you inspect the complexities of legal disputes with confidence.
Want to make sure you’re fully covered for legal expenses after an accident? Compare car insurance policies today to look for the best protection for your needs and drive with confidence.
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