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What is legal cover and is it necessary for my car insurance policy?
Legal cover on a car insurance policy is a type of optional cover that can provide protection for legal expenses in the event of an accident or incident involving your vehicle. While not all car insurance policies include legal cover as standard, it can be an important consideration for many drivers.
One of the main reasons why legal cover may be necessary is in the event of an accident or incident where you are found to be at fault. In such cases, you may be liable for damages and injuries to third parties, which can be significant. Legal cover can help to cover the costs of defending yourself in court, as well as any compensation that may be awarded to the other party. This can be particularly important if you are facing a lawsuit, as legal fees can be costly and can add to the financial burden of an accident.
Another reason why legal cover may be necessary is in the event of an incident where you are not at fault, but you need to take legal action to recover damages from the other party. For example, if you are involved in an accident caused by a hit-and-run driver and you are unable to identify the other party, legal cover can help to cover the costs of pursuing a claim for damages.
Legal cover can also provide protection for legal expenses related to motoring offences, such as speeding or parking fines. This can include costs associated with contesting the charges, as well as any fines or penalties that may be imposed.
It’s important to note that legal cover is not the same as personal injury cover. Legal cover is intended to cover the legal expenses associated with an accident or incident, while personal injury cover is intended to provide financial compensation for any injuries or losses you may suffer as a result of the accident.
When purchasing a car insurance policy, it’s important to check whether the legal cover is included as standard or if it’s an optional extra. If the legal cover is not included in your policy, you may be able to add it as additional cover for an additional cost. It’s also important to check the level of cover provided, as some policies may have limits on the amount of legal expenses that can be covered.
In conclusion, legal cover on a car insurance policy can provide important protection for legal expenses in the event of an accident or incident involving your vehicle. It can help to cover the costs of defending yourself in court, as well as any compensation that may be awarded to third parties. It can also provide protection for legal expenses related to motoring offences such as speeding or parking fines.
While the legal cover is not mandatory cover, it can be a valuable addition to your insurance policy, particularly if you are at risk of facing legal action or have a higher chance of being involved in an accident. However, it’s important to read the terms and conditions of the policy carefully, to understand the level of cover provided and any exclusions that may apply. It’s also a good idea to compare the cost of legal cover with other providers, to find the best deal. Ultimately, whether or not you need legal cover on your car insurance policy will depend on your individual circumstances and risk profile.
Pros
- Provides protection for legal expenses in the event of an accident or incident involving your vehicle, such as court costs and compensation awarded to third parties.
- Can help to cover the costs of defending yourself in court, if you are found to be at fault in an accident.
- Can provide protection for legal expenses related to motoring offences, such as speeding or parking fines.
- Can help to cover the costs of pursuing a claim for damages.
Cons
- It is not a mandatory cover, not all policies include it as standard
- It may be an additional cost to add to your insurance policy
- The level of cover provided may have limits on the amount of legal expenses that can be covered.
- It may not cover personal injury.
- Some policies may have exclusions that may apply.
- It may be worth comparing the cost of legal cover with other providers, to find the best deal.
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