Motor legal protection helps cover the cost of legal action after an accident - usually when you're trying to claim back losses that aren't covered by your main insurance policy.
Let's say the accident wasn't your fault, but you've got medical bills or lost earnings. This cover could help pay the legal fees if you need to take the other driver to court.
Sounds useful, but is it worth the extra cost? Let's take a look.
What does motor legal protection cover?
If you're out of pocket after an accident and your standard insurance doesn't cover it - motor legal protection could help you claim that money back.
It's usually an optional extra on your car insurance and covers up to £100,000 in legal costs. That's often enough to cover most claims, whether you're chasing expenses or lost income.
You might be covered for things like:
- Medical bills - if you need treatment for any personal injuries after an accident
- Out-of-pocket costs - like hiring a car while yours is off the road
- Lost earnings - if you can't work
- Damaged personal items - like your laptop or luggage
These are often called uninsured losses, and without this cover, they're usually down to you.
Some insurers also include access to a legal advice helpline, just in case you need a bit of guidance before taking things further.
How much does legal expenses cover cost?
There's no one-size-fits-all price - it depends on your insurer and the level of cover you choose. When you compare quotes with us, we'll ask if you want to add legal cover before showing you your results.
Say yes, and we'll show you exactly how much it adds to your total. No surprises, no guesswork.
Do I need motor legal protection cover?
If the thought of covering legal fees after an accident makes you wince, motor legal protection could be worth adding.
It can help take the pressure off if you ever need to recover costs like medical bills or lost income. But it's not a guaranteed safety net for every situation - most policies only cover claims with a 'reasonable chance of success' - usually 51% or more.
So, do you need it? That depends on whether you'd rather pay a bit more now to avoid a potentially much bigger bill later.
Can I buy standalone motor legal protection?
You can - but it might take a bit more admin than just adding to your main policy.
Standalone motor legal protection is available, and prices vary depending on the level of cover. So if you're going down this route, it's worth shopping around to find a deal that actually makes sense for you.
That said, the easier option? Just add it on when you're sorting your car insurance. It means you'll have one policy, one renewal date and a lot less faff.
Can I get motor legal protection part way through my policy?
Yes! You don't have to wait for renewal to add it. Most insurers will let you update your policy midway through the year.
Just give them a call (or check your online account), and they'll talk you through it. You might need to pay a small fee to make the change - but that's pretty standard when you update a live policy.
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