while browsing through the policy, you come across something called legal cover. And you’re probably thinking, “Do I need this? Is this another add-on I can skip to save a few quid?”
Well, you’re not alone. It’s one of those optional extras that often gets overlooked, but once you know what it’s all about, you might just find it’s one of the smartest decisions you can make.
Let’s take a deep dive into car insurance legal cover, what it is, and whether or not it’s something you should add to your policy. Trust us, by the end of this, you’ll know exactly whether this cover is worth it or not.
What Is Car Insurance Legal Cover?
In simple terms, legal cover is an add-on to your car insurance policy that helps protect you legally in the event of an accident, or if you end up in a legal dispute related to driving.
Now, before your eyes glaze over at the thought of more legal jargon, let’s break it down into what you really need to know:
- Legal cover provides legal assistance if you’re involved in an accident and need to defend yourself or pursue a claim against another driver.
- It covers the cost of legal representation, such as solicitors, if you’re involved in legal proceedings due to an accident, particularly when it comes to liability or compensation claims.
- If someone else is at fault and you need to take them to court for damages, legal cover helps you cover those court fees as well.
Think of it like having a personal lawyer on call, but without the hefty bill.
What Does Legal Cover Include?
Legal cover can be pretty comprehensive, depending on the policy you choose, but here are the main benefits:
- Pursuing a Claim for Damages: If you’ve been in an accident that wasn’t your fault, legal cover can help you claim back damages for personal injury or car repairs. Without it, you’d be left to fend for yourself, possibly incurring expensive legal costs.
- Legal Advice & Representation: If you need advice on any legal matter related to your car or an accident, legal cover ensures you have access to professional legal advice. Plus, if you end up needing to go to court, your cover will help with the legal fees.
- Accident Recovery Costs: If your vehicle is written off or damaged in an accident, legal cover can help you claim back the costs of hiring a replacement vehicle while yours is being repaired or replaced.
- Uninsured Driver Claims: If you’re hit by an uninsured driver or one without enough coverage, legal cover can help you pursue compensation, so you’re not left in the lurch.
- Personal Injury Compensation: If you’ve been injured in an accident and the other driver is at fault, legal cover can help you pursue compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Why Should You Consider Car Insurance Legal Cover?
Alright, so here’s the real question: Is it worth adding legal cover to your car insurance?
It depends on your situation, but here are some good reasons why it might be a no-brainer for many drivers:
- Peace of Mind: Accidents happen, and not all drivers are insured or play fair. Legal cover ensures you’re not left high and dry if you find yourself in a tricky legal situation. You’ll have access to advice, and your legal expenses will be covered, giving you peace of mind knowing you’re protected.
- Rising Legal Costs: If you’ve ever had to deal with legal action, you know how quickly costs can spiral. Even a simple case can cost hundreds or thousands of pounds if you don’t have legal support. Legal cover is a small price to pay compared to the potential costs of a legal battle.
- Accidents Aren’t Always Cut and Dry: In a perfect world, every accident would be straightforward—one driver’s at fault, and everything is settled. But in the real world? That’s not always the case. If you’re dealing with disputes over who was responsible or what damage occurred, legal cover ensures you’re not left trying to figure it out alone.
- Driving Without Insurance: Sadly, not all drivers on the road are insured, and if you’re unlucky enough to be involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, it could be a nightmare to get compensation. Legal cover can help you take action against the other driver, without having to worry about footing the entire bill.
How Much Does Legal Cover Cost?
The good news is that legal cover is often relatively inexpensive when added to your car insurance policy. Depending on the insurer and the level of cover, it can cost anywhere from £20 to £50 a year.
Now, considering how much a single court case or legal issue could cost without it, this is a small price to pay for the protection and peace of mind you get in return. Plus, if you end up needing to use the legal cover, you could save yourself from significant legal fees.
Is It Worth the Cost?
Let’s be honest: we all love a good bargain. But this isn’t about saving a few pounds—it’s about making sure you’re properly covered when things go wrong. Think about the potential cost of court fees, legal representation, or claims for damages. Without legal cover, you could be on the hook for thousands of pounds.
By adding legal cover to your policy, you’re securing your financial future and protecting yourself from those “what if” situations that we’d rather not think about.
When Should You Skip Legal Cover?
Of course, legal cover isn’t for everyone. There are some situations where it might not be necessary:
- You’re Not Concerned About Legal Issues: If you don’t drive very often or you rarely find yourself in situations where you might need legal help, you might feel like it’s not worth the extra cost.
- Your Insurance Already Includes Legal Cover: Some car insurance policies include basic legal cover as part of the package, so it might not be necessary to buy it separately. Always check your policy first.
- You’re Comfortable Handling Legal Matters on Your Own: If you have a solid understanding of legal processes or feel comfortable handling disputes without professional help, then you might feel like legal cover is an unnecessary expense.
Final Thoughts: Do You Need Car Insurance Legal Cover?
In the grand scheme of things, legal cover is a small but significant addition to your car insurance. While it’s not something that everyone will need, it can be a lifesaver if you find yourself in a sticky situation. Whether it’s dealing with an uninsured driver, pursuing compensation for damages, or simply needing legal advice, having this extra layer of protection can make all the difference.
So, should you get it? If you value peace of mind, want to protect yourself from rising legal costs, and drive on busy roads where accidents are always a possibility, legal cover could be a wise investment.
At the end of the day, you’re not just insuring your car; you’re insuring your legal and financial security.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Car Insurance Legal Cover
1. What exactly does car insurance legal cover include?
Legal cover helps you cover legal costs, including solicitor’s fees, court costs, and claims for personal injury or damage if you’re involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault.
2. Is legal cover expensive to add to my policy?
No, legal cover is generally affordable and can cost between £20 to £50 a year, depending on your insurer.
3. Do I need legal cover if I already have comprehensive car insurance?
While comprehensive insurance covers your vehicle and third-party damage, legal cover is an additional protection for dealing with legal disputes or compensation claims. If you’re unsure, check your policy—some insurers include basic legal cover as part of the standard package.
4. Can I get legal cover if I already have an existing claim?
Legal cover is generally for future claims. However, if your current insurer offers an upgrade to include legal cover, it may still help in handling future legal costs associated with your accident.
5. How do I know if I need legal cover for my car insurance?
If you’re frequently on the road, dealing with other drivers, or concerned about the costs of legal representation, legal cover could be a good investment. It’s especially useful if you’re worried about being involved in an accident with an uninsured driver.
