Legal Protection - do I need it on my car policy?

threbbit

Every year I puzzle about this, and have never had a clear explanation from the insurers. If I have comprehensive insurance, I am covered for 3rd party claims - why is "Legal Protection" sold separately? Do I need it?

Quentin

The "legal protection" is usually "uninsured items claims recovery"

If you have an incident that is not your fault, your comprehensive policy won't cover all your potential costs (excess/loss of earnings/personal injury/long term disability etc etc).

So paying for this extra is just like before the event insurance. Not absolutely necessary, as you could always engage a claim handler in such circumstances, or sort it yourself by contacting the third party if the claim was uncomplicated.

ariba10

As with all insurance.

We all tend to look for the cheapest untill we make a claim and then we want the best.

It is up to you.

Northern_Scum

I'd say yes you probably do need it but you don't need to pay for it. You can get the same cover free of charge from a company called Key who make their money from commissions on any required services they arrange in the event of a claim. Unfortunately this forum wont' let me post the direct link but it's at yourkey(dot)info, I have no affiliation to them, I'm just passing on the info as it annoys me how much insurance companies are ripping everyone off by selling through fear tactics.
You may also be already covered on your home insurance policy, check it out!

Cheers!

camngnp223

Yes, I always wondered if I was doing something redundant when I paid for legal cover for both home policy and car policy. Do I need legal cover for my car insurance policy when I've already taken it out with my home insurance policy?

What do you think?

Cam

BruceyBonus

camngnp223 wrote: »

Yes, I always wondered if I was doing something redundant when I paid for legal cover for both home policy and car policy. Do I need legal cover for my car insurance policy when I've already taken it out with my home insurance policy?

What do you think?

Cam

They both cover different things. Why not read the policy book and see what they cover?

lisyloo

Do I need legal cover for my car insurance policy when I've already taken it out with my home insurance policy?

I can't tell you what your policy says, so you need to read YOUR policy.
But in general home insurance policies do not cover motor vehicle accidents if you are driver or pedestrian.
My understanding is that if you are a pedestrian, cyclist or horse rider then you are covered but not for being ON or IN the motor vehicle.

But again check YOUR policy as I can only speak generally.

camngnp223

lisyloo wrote: »

... But in general home insurance policies do not cover motor vehicle accidents if you are driver or pedestrian. ...

Do you mean "driver or passenger"? I have read both of my policies and this would make some sense in the light of what you've said.

When it comes time for renewal (which is very soon), I'm thinking about paying for legal cover with the home and contents insurance but taking out the free yourkey.info policy recommended above for the motor insurance. That said, I am a little concerned that the YourKey policy document explicitly says that "Your own Counsel's fees;" are not a legal expense that is covered. The solicitor who runs YourKey, Mark Thompson, is very efficient in responding to queries. He clarified that this clause means that the costs of paying a barrister up front are not covered, although solicitor's costs are covered. He further explained that while solicitor's costs are covered, the costs of paying up front for a barrister are not. He further explained that, if a barrister is needed, he/she would be employed on a conditional fee basis whereby he/she would only be paid (by the other side) if the case succeeds.

OK, all this brings me to my question. Is is usual for these auto legal expenses policies to exclude the costs of paying for a barrister? (My current policy, which I paid £25.00 for) is quite opaque on this. If you've been looking at your policies, could you please share where they stand on this matter?

Do you think that it's ultimately a deal-breaker (and that the free policy should be avoided) if "your own Counsel's fees" are not covered? (I suspect that this stipulation might occur in many paid policies too.)

Huge thanks,

Cam :beer:

lisyloo

Do you mean "driver or passenger"?

Yes, sorry. That's exactly it.
I take an interest in it because I'm a cyclist.

Sorry don't know about the other question, but you might like to consider a combined home & motor policy.
I recently took at a combined policy which covers home, car and 2 motorbikes for a fraction of the cost of buying 4 policies seperately.

camngnp223

Lisyloo, I haven't seen the combined car and home policies. Perhaps you could get me started on the right path. (PM me if you think that a public post might break the forum's rules on advertising.)

Has anyone else had the chance to compare their auto legal policies with the YourInfo policy document?

Huge thanks,

Cam

lisyloo

I have pmed you.
There are efforts underway to get something offered to MSE members through the proper channels i.e. Martin.

No connection (except satisfied customer).