As the name suggests, legal expenses provides the car insurance policyholder with the reassurance that should legal action be required to recover a claims excess, loss of earnings, and damage to personal belongings following a non fault claim, for example, the policy can be invoked. Similarly, if you are at fault following a road traffic accident a legal expenses insurance policy could provide cover to defend an action brought about by a third party.

The legal expenses policy itself usually covers solicitor’s charges and court costs up to the monetary limit specified on the car insurance policy. Some policies provide 24 hour legal advice on a variety of issues some of which maybe non motoring related, cover for the cost of making personal injury claims and representation costs for an appearance in court for a motoring prosecution depending on the circumstances. The scope of cover in both the UK and Europe and the limits applied will vary according to the provider.

Most car insurance companies, brokers or intermediaries offer legal expenses protection as an optional extra for an additional premium or as part of their comprehensive or third party insurance package. If you are unsure regarding whether your car policy incorporates legal expenses or have not been offered this type of insurance, consider contacting them.