Car insurance is a necessity for UK drivers, but one optional add-on that often causes confusion is legal cover. Is it worth the extra cost? Do you really need it? In this article, we’ll explore what legal cover on car insurance is, what it includes, and whether it’s essential for your policy.
What Is Legal Cover on Car Insurance?
Legal cover (also called Motor Legal Protection) is an optional add-on that provides financial assistance for legal expenses related to motoring incidents. It helps cover the costs of legal proceedings if you need to claim compensation for an accident that wasn’t your fault or defend yourself against claims made against you.
What Does Legal Cover Include?
Legal cover on car insurance typically includes:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Uninsured Loss Recovery | Covers expenses not included in your standard policy, such as loss of earnings, excess recovery, or alternative transport costs. |
| Personal Injury Claims | Provides legal assistance if you or your passengers are injured in an accident and seek compensation. |
| Legal Defence | Covers legal costs if you are accused of a motoring offence. |
| Contract Disputes | Helps if you have a dispute with a car dealer, finance company, or repair service. |
| Pursuing Compensation | Supports claims against third parties if their negligence caused you financial loss. |
Do You Really Need Legal Cover?
The necessity of legal cover depends on your individual circumstances and risk tolerance. Here are some key factors to consider:
When Legal Cover is Worth It
- If you regularly drive – The more you drive, the higher the chances of being involved in an accident where legal help is needed.
- If you have significant uninsured losses – If an accident leaves you with high costs (e.g., excess fees, medical expenses, or loss of earnings), legal cover can help recover these.
- If you want peace of mind – Having legal cover means you won’t have to pay high legal fees out of pocket if you need to pursue or defend a case.
When Legal Cover May Not Be Necessary
- If you have alternative legal assistance – Some people have legal cover through their home insurance, trade union membership, or legal expenses insurance.
- If you rarely drive – If you drive occasionally and have a low risk of being involved in legal disputes, you may not need it.
- If you can afford legal costs – If you have savings or other means to cover legal expenses, you might not need this add-on.
How Much Does Legal Cover Cost?
The cost of adding legal cover to your car insurance policy varies between providers but typically ranges from £20 to £40 per year. Some insurers offer it as part of a more comprehensive package, while others sell it as a standalone add-on.
What Happens If You Don’t Have Legal Cover?
Without legal cover, you may have to fund legal expenses yourself. This means:
- Paying for legal representation if you need to claim compensation.
- Covering your own losses in an accident where the third party is uninsured or disputes liability.
- Paying to defend yourself in motoring-related legal cases.
Is Legal Cover Worth It? A Summary
| Factor | Consideration |
| Cost | Affordable at £20-£40 per year, but is it necessary for you? |
| Risk Level | If you drive frequently, the risk of legal disputes is higher. |
| Alternative Cover | Check if you already have legal assistance elsewhere. |
| Financial Protection | Helps recover uninsured losses and defend against legal claims. |
Final Verdict
Legal cover on car insurance is not a legal requirement, but it can be a valuable addition. If you frequently drive or want the reassurance that legal expenses will be covered in the event of an accident or dispute, it’s worth considering. However, if you already have legal protection from another source or rarely drive, you may choose to skip this add-on.
Before deciding, always check what your existing insurance policies cover and weigh the cost against the potential benefits.
