Motor legal protection

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What is motor legal protection for car insurance?

In the event of an accident where you are not at fault and require legal assistance, motor legal protection can provide the necessary support.

What is motor legal protection?

Motor legal protection, also referred to as legal expenses coverage, is an optional addition to your car insurance that provides coverage in the event of legal disputes arising from an accident. Some insurers may include this cover in their comprehensive car insurance policies, while others may offer it as an optional add-on for an additional fee.

This type of protection assists with your legal expenses if you decide to pursue legal action against another driver involved in an accident that was not your fault. It allows you to recover losses that are not covered by your car insurance, which may include:

Your insurance excess, which is the amount you are responsible for paying when making a claim.
Medical expenses for you or your passengers resulting from the accident.
Lost wages due to being unable to work as a result of the accident.
Travel expenses incurred if your car is unusable.
Costs associated with processing your claim, such as phone calls to your insurer.

Motor legal protection typically covers up to £100,000 in legal fees, enabling you to pursue claims in court without worrying about the financial burden.

Additionally, motor legal protection covers your legal expenses if another driver initiates legal action against you following an accident.

What is included in motor legal protection?

Motor legal protection primarily covers the expenses associated with pursuing a legal case in court after a car accident. This typically includes the cost of hiring a solicitor and any court fees required to file a claim. However, it does not cover the losses you are claiming for in the case.

It is important to note that the responsibility for awarding the claimed losses, such as medical expenses not covered by car insurance, lies with the court and not the insurer.

There are certain circumstances in which your insurer may decline to provide motor legal protection coverage. These can include:

If the insurer believes you have a low probability of winning the case, they may not agree to cover your legal fees.
If a significant amount of time has passed since the accident, coverage may be denied.
If the legal fees are disproportionately high compared to the amount being claimed (e.g., £1,000 in legal fees to pursue £500 in damages), coverage is likely to be refused.

Additionally, motor legal protection coverage may be denied if you intentionally caused the damage or if you were driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident.

It is essential to understand the terms and conditions of your motor legal protection policy to know what is included and any potential exclusions.

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Do I need motor legal protection?

The decision to get motor legal protection is a personal choice, as it is not a legal requirement. However, it can offer financial security if you need to pursue or defend a legal case following a car accident.

Before buying motor legal protection, it is a good idea to check if you already have similar coverage through other means, as this can save you from unnecessary expenses. You could have existing legal expenses coverage including:

Your home insurance policy: Some home insurance policies include legal expenses insurance, which may extend to motor-related incidents.
Your bank account: Certain premium bank accounts offer legal protection as a perk for their account holders.
Being a named driver on someone else’s car insurance: If you are listed as a named driver on another person’s policy, check if their policy includes legal expenses coverage.
Your employer or trade union: Some employers or trade unions provide legal protection as a benefit to their employees or members.

Before deciding to purchase motor legal protection, check your existing coverage, and weigh the potential benefits against the cost of adding this optional coverage to your car insurance policy.

How much does motor legal protection cost?

Motor legal protection, or legal expenses cover, typically costs between £20 and £30 per year as an add-on to your car insurance policy. While you might never need to use this coverage, it can be beneficial in situations where legal costs are high, as it can protect you against up to £100,000 in legal expenses.

Some insurers may include legal expenses cover in their policies at no additional cost, but it’s essential to note that such policies might have a higher overall premium.

When comparing car insurance policies, you will often find an option to include legal expenses cover by selecting a checkbox. If you do not wish to pay extra for motor legal protection, ensure the box remains unchecked before finalising your purchase.

It is crucial to carefully assess your individual needs, existing coverage, and financial situation to determine if the added cost of motor legal protection is a worthwhile investment for you. Keep in mind that while the annual cost may seem minimal, the potential savings in case of a legal dispute can be substantial.

What are the pros and cons of motor legal protection?

When considering motor legal protection as an addition to your car insurance policy, it’s essential to evaluate the pros and cons before making a decision.

Pros of motor legal protection:

Recouping costs: Motor legal protection enables you to recover expenses incurred during an accident through legal means without the additional burden of paying for a solicitor.
Legal defence: In case someone files a claim against you, legal expenses cover can help manage the costs of defending yourself, which can be quite high.
Affordable coverage: The relatively low cost of motor legal protection can provide significant coverage for potentially high legal fees.
Legal helpline access: Many motor legal protection policies offer access to a 24/7 legal helpline, which can be a valuable source of advice and guidance.

Cons of motor legal protection:

Additional cost: Depending on your budget, the extra expense of motor legal protection may not be worthwhile.
Conditional coverage: If your insurer believes you have a low chance of winning your case, they may decline to cover your legal expenses.
Coverage limitations: Insurers may refuse to pay out in certain situations, such as if too much time has elapsed since the accident or if the legal costs are disproportionately high compared to the claim amount.

Before purchasing motor legal protection, carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages based on your individual needs, financial situation, and existing coverage.

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Compare car insurance with motor legal protection

The best way to get car insurance that includes motor legal expenses is by comparing quotes on platforms like Comparoo.

The process is hassle-free: just provide a few details about yourself, your vehicle, and your driving history. Comparoo will then compile an array of deals from over 110 trusted insurance providers for you to choose from.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of Motor Legal Protection?

The cost of motor legal protection, also known as legal expenses cover, generally ranges between £20 and £30 per year when added to your car insurance policy.

While this is an additional expense, it can offer financial security in the event you need to pursue or defend a legal case after a car accident, covering up to £100,000 in legal fees. Keep in mind that the actual cost may vary depending on the insurance provider and the specific policy you choose.

Is Motor Legal Protection worth it?

Whether motor legal protection is worth it depends on your individual needs, financial situation, and existing coverage. The advantages include potential coverage of up to £100,000 in legal fees, the ability to recoup costs after an accident, and access to a legal helpline.

However, the additional cost, conditional coverage, and potential limitations may not justify the expense for everyone. It is essential to carefully evaluate the pros and cons before deciding if motor legal protection is a worthwhile investment for you.

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How do I make a claim for Motor Legal Protection?

To make a claim for motor legal protection, follow these steps:

Contact your insurer: As soon as possible after the accident, get in touch with your car insurance provider to inform them about the incident and your intention to make a claim for motor legal protection.
Provide necessary details: Be prepared to give your insurer all the relevant information about the accident, including the date, time, location, and the parties involved. You may also need to submit evidence such as photographs, police reports, or witness statements.
Follow your insurer’s guidance: Your insurance provider will guide you through their specific claims process, which may involve working with a designated legal representative or providing additional documentation.
Stay updated: Keep track of your claim’s progress and communicate with your insurer or legal representative as needed.

Remember that each insurance company may have its own claims process, so it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with your policy’s terms and conditions and follow your insurer’s specific procedures.

What happens if I don’t have Motor Legal Protection?

If you don’t have motor legal protection and find yourself in a situation requiring legal assistance after a car accident, you will be responsible for covering the legal fees and associated costs. In this case, you can explore alternative options, such as:

‘No win, no fee’ solicitors: These lawyers only charge you if your claim is successful, but they typically take a percentage of your awarded damages as their fee.
Legal aid: Depending on your situation, you may qualify for legal aid to help cover your legal expenses. However, legal aid is not available for personal injury claims.
After-the-event (ATE) insurance: You can take out an ATE insurance policy after an accident to cover legal costs. While this can be more expensive than motor legal protection, it ensures you don’t pay for a service you never use.

It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of these alternatives based on your individual needs, financial situation, and the likelihood of requiring legal assistance after an accident.

Do I need motor legal protection on two cars?

Motor Legal Protection covers the policyholder across all their vehicles. To extend coverage to multiple drivers, each individual must get their own separate policy.

Can I claim on my legal expenses insurance if the accident is my fault?

You cannot claim on your legal expenses insurance if you are responsible for an accident.

Can I add motor legal insurance to my policy separately?

Adding legal protection to your policy may not always be included as standard, and you may need to add it as an optional extra. To determine the additional cost, speak with your insurance provider.

Can I remove legal cover from my policy?

You can remove legal expenses cover from your policy without charge from most insurance providers. However, it is crucial to consider the implications of removing legal cover as it is an inexpensive option that could save you significant amounts if you need to make a claim.