DAS legal expenses cover - any experiences to share?

Doc_N

I've been singularly unimpressed by DAS in their handling of a pretty large claim (£25K+).

They've been unhelpful, and unresponsive to a complaint about the standards of service provided by their nominated firm of solicitors.

I see other negative comments about them scattered around various forums. Anybody else have a view on them, good or bad?

brummiedevil

Doc_N wrote: »

I've been singularly unimpressed by DAS in their handling of a pretty large claim (£25K+).

They've been unhelpful, and unresponsive to a complaint about the standards of service provided by their nominated firm of solicitors.

I see other negative comments about them scattered around various forums. Anybody else have a view on them, good or bad?

My partner and I had an accident last year and had DAS as the people responsible for the Legal Protection.

They where useless, although in fairness to them we hit a lorry tyre tread on the motorway so because they thought that they would't make any money from us they refused to do anything.

In fact they would of made money as I was a passenger in the car and therefore a third party.

They didn't ask if we were ok even though we had been in a pretty bad crash and were lucky to walk away from it.

I spoke to a manager and then wrote in to complain. When I heard nothing regarding that I wrote and rang again.

If you are not happy with the service ring them and find out what the complaints proceedure is, put the complaint in writing and then follow that proceedure.

In the end I got an apology, RAC transferred us to Irwin Mitchell to deal with the claim, and we got full costs back.

Good Luck:)

Doc_N

brummiedevil wrote: »

My partner and I had an accident last year and had DAS as the people responsible for the Legal Protection.

They where useless, although in fairness to them we hit a lorry tyre tread on the motorway so because they thought that they would't make any money from us they refused to do anything.

In fact they would of made money as I was a passenger in the car and therefore a third party.

They didn't ask if we were ok even though we had been in a pretty bad crash and were lucky to walk away from it.

I spoke to a manager and then wrote in to complain. When I heard nothing regarding that I wrote and rang again.

If you are not happy with the service ring them and find out what the complaints proceedure is, put the complaint in writing and then follow that proceedure.

In the end I got an apology, RAC transferred us to Irwin Mitchell to deal with the claim, and we got full costs back.

Good Luck:)

Thanks -that's very interesting. It rather backs up what I've found with them - do you remember which person you were dealing with?

For what it's worth, the complaint handling so far has been little short of a joke. The next step will be a formal complaint to the Halifax, to whom the annual premium is paid, and the Financial Ombudsman Service.

The more I read online about DAS, the less I like the way they behave. £20 pa may not be a lot for legal expenses, but given that most people never make a claim it still stacks up to a lot of money, but DAS seem very reluctant to spend much of it!

AndySpamer

Echo the comments above. They are a truly shocking company.

DAS have a habit of not paying on valid claims, they even believe themselves to be above the rulings of the financial services ombudsman. How do i know this? Because they owe me almost £8,000 in legal expenses i've had to pay out despite having cover with DAS.

They initially ruled against my case despite my solicitor ranking the chances above the 51% threshold. I complained, so they said, well if a barrister ranks above 51% then we'll payout. I paid for my own barrister to get this second opinion and sure enough, the chance of success is more than the 51%. I approached DAS again for funding, and they are still refusing to fund. I complained to the FSA who gave a direction against DAS, and they STILL refuse to pay. My only option now is to issue litigation against DAS for full recovery. This is hardly something i do lightly as obviously i'm already fighting another legal battle that DAS SHOULD be funding.

Shocking company who everyone should stay well away from.

Andy

Doc_N

AndySpamer wrote: »

Echo the comments above. They are a truly shocking company.

DAS have a habit of not paying on valid claims, they even believe themselves to be above the rulings of the financial services ombudsman. How do i know this? Because they owe me almost £8,000 in legal expenses i've had to pay out despite having cover with DAS.

They initially ruled against my case despite my solicitor ranking the chances above the 51% threshold. I complained, so they said, well if a barrister ranks above 51% then we'll payout. I paid for my own barrister to get this second opinion and sure enough, the chance of success is more than the 51%. I approached DAS again for funding, and they are still refusing to fund. I complained to the FSA who gave a direction against DAS, and they STILL refuse to pay. My only option now is to issue litigation against DAS for full recovery. This is hardly something i do lightly as obviously i'm already fighting another legal battle that DAS SHOULD be funding.

Shocking company who everyone should stay well away from.

Andy

Thanks - that's also very interesting.

How are they getting round this extract from the Financial Ombudsman's website:


If a consumer accepts an ombudsman’s final decision – within the timescale set by the ombudsman – the decision is binding on both the business and the consumer.

This means that the business is required by law to do whatever the ombudsman says is necessary – to put things right for the consumer.

A decision by an ombudsman that finds in favour of the consumer – and tells the business what it must do to put things right – is sometimes called an ombudsman “award”.

brummiedevil

Doc_N wrote: »

Thanks -that's very interesting. It rather backs up what I've found with them - do you remember which person you were dealing with?

For what it's worth, the complaint handling so far has been little short of a joke. The next step will be a formal complaint to the Halifax, to whom the annual premium is paid, and the Financial Ombudsman Service.

The more I read online about DAS, the less I like the way they behave. £20 pa may not be a lot for legal expenses, but given that most people never make a claim it still stacks up to a lot of money, but DAS seem very reluctant to spend much of it!

I can't remember who I spoke to but to be honest if I ever have them as the mlp company and am unlucky enough to be involved in a non fault accident will put it in the hands of Irwin Mitchell who where fabulous.

hethmar

Shoosmiths (AA) are also worse than useless. Hopeless - case handlers changed like underwear, at one point we were apparently sueing ourselves - or so their documentation sent to the defendants claimed Letters unanswered for 6 weeks or sent to the wrong address. When you complain a team leader sends you the quickest most literate letter you will ever receive from them saying they have reviewed the case and found no cause for complaint - LOL.


One thing Ive learnt from all this is NEVER be scared of a solicitors letter.

hethmar

Doc_N wrote: »

The more I read online about DAS, the less I like the way they behave. £20 pa may not be a lot for legal expenses, but given that most people never make a claim it still stacks up to a lot of money, but DAS seem very reluctant to spend much of it!

Point is, they still bill the insurers as far as I can make out. They have to ask the insurer if they can go to court, so I assume the insurer is still paying out.

Doc_N

hethmar wrote: »

Point is, they still bill the insurers as far as I can make out. They have to ask the insurer if they can go to court, so I assume the insurer is still paying out.

I don't think it works this way.

You (the customer) pay the insurer around £20 pa for legal expenses insurance. The insurer (Halifax, say) pass on some of that £20 to DAS, who then provide you with the cover.

Your dealings are entirely with DAS, and they, in return for the £20 (or whatever part of it they get) assume full responsibility for all the expenses.

It is DAS, as I understand it, who have to approve the case going to court (based on a 51% success 'prediction' by the lawyers acting) and not the insurer. DAS, in fact, are the insurer.

StephenMarsh

Doc_N wrote: »

I don't think it works this way.

You (the customer) pay the insurer around £20 pa for legal expenses insurance. The insurer (Halifax, say) pass on some of that £20 to DAS, who then provide you with the cover.

Your dealings are entirely with DAS, and they, in return for the £20 (or whatever part of it they get) assume full responsibility for all the expenses.

It is DAS, as I understand it, who have to approve the case going to court (based on a 51% success 'prediction' by the lawyers acting) and not the insurer. DAS, in fact, are the insurer.

Actually Halifax will probably only pay the tax on the policy DAS as with most legal expences carriers wont charge for the policy they will make there money on claims referrals to Solicitors.

Some things worth noting for some of those who have posted that ive seen in there policy Info

What you are not covered for

- Any legal costs incured before we agree to pay them
- any legal action that an insured person takes which we or the appointed lawyer have not agreed to.

on another note they are regulated by the FSA so answerable to them

hethmar

I really cant think of any other industry where such incompetence could be allowed. Trouble is, joe public is frightened of the expense/worry of any sort of legal action - even that against incompetent solicitors as they all cover themselves. Its dreadful, a scandal that should be looked into.

Doc_N

StephenMarsh wrote: »

Actually Halifax will probably only pay the tax on the policy DAS as with most legal expences carriers wont charge for the policy they will make there money on claims referrals to Solicitors.

I'm not sure how that would work. How would DAS get paid for referrals to solicitors, when DAS themselves are paying the solicitors? Wouldn't they just be getting back a % of the money they pay out?

StephenMarsh

Doc_N wrote: »

I'm not sure how that would work. How would DAS get paid for referrals to solicitors, when DAS themselves are paying the solicitors? Wouldn't they just be getting back a % of the money they pay out?

DAS arent paying solicitors unless its an in house solicitor on the payroll. DAS will likely source out there claims to solicitors earning referral fees, the solicitor will then work for the own costs. This is why they only will work on cases with a 51% success rate.

DAS by the way then forward a proportion of the referal fee to Halifax and these are not small sums of money we are talking about.

missile

I not had good experience nor have I heard of anyone with a good word to say about DAS, but I guess that is no surprise.

If you think you have a case you can still take it to a no win no fee solicitor.

typerek9owner

My experience with DAS is not a good one...

I had an accident in June and my case was passed on with them at the start they seemed very active... however this soon changed, and things have slowed right down with me having to ring them to find out what is happening as I am receiving no updates. They want my car to be inspected by engineers and what not however this takes time and i have not had my car for around three months!!!! which is hugely annoying as I work shift hours and there are no buses that run at six in the morning...

This has been very stressful for me and the accident wasn't even my fault!!! hugely unimpressed with das...

InsideInsurance

Doc_N wrote: »

I'm not sure how that would work. How would DAS get paid for referrals to solicitors, when DAS themselves are paying the solicitors? Wouldn't they just be getting back a % of the money they pay out?

DAS only pay the solicitors if you lose the case or if it is only a small track claim (aka small claims court).

In the majority of cases the solicitors fees are added to the costs that the third party have to pay. With my current claim I am claiming circa £14,000 and the DAS appointed solicitor are estimating their costs will be £6,500 so the defendant would have to pay £20,500 if they lose the case.

For motor legal expenses protection it is certainly possible for insurers to actually be PAID to sell you legal expenses insurance by the LE provider (not saying DAS necessarily but certainly other providers do) such is the level of fees they generate. So the insurer gets your £20 plus £2 from the LE insurer.

For Home legal expenses things are different because there is the legal advice line and much more small track cases and so the LE insurers do actually charge the insurers for the product.



As to DAS's standards, have to say that I've received a single letter from them and thats it, the rest was dealt with via the panel solicitors and they've to date been fairly standard for the large farm

Doc_N

The final outcome of my claim was successful - no thanks to DAS. The first firm of solicitors they appointed were absolutely hopeless, did very little, and achieved virtually nothing in months. It was a large firm with offices in Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Liverpool and Preston, but my case (despite being for several thousand pounds) was handled by a junior solicitor who seemed, frankly, out of her depth.

Eventually, after a great deal of difficulty, and a lot of unhelpfulness from DAS, they were persuaded to move the case to another firm. They settled it quickly and efficiently, but they were on a different 'panel' of solicitors, and the arrangements they had with DAS were probably different from the arrangements they had with the first firm.

There seems to be a two tier system in operation. Pay your own fees and get good service from your solicitors - but if DAS are involved your claim becomes second rate.

Buddy5

This may not sound very positive but I am relieved to hear that I am not the only one who is furious with DAS. I only just attended court yesterday to 'HELP' them recover their costs for a hire car they gave me - even though the accident wasnt my fault, and a week prior to the court hearing the other guy finally admitted liability.
There has been no communication, only the odd letter which do not appear to be send for a few days after they have been written. I have also had to contact them to find out any information - I have even been sent incorrect letters - which was admitted a Natasha Jones who works for them. Another person who works there - Ian Thomas is an extremely rude man! I was in tears after a conversation with him! No apology!
Back to the court hearing - it was a complete mess - DAS hadnt even submitted my statement, no relevant documentation etc. It was embarrasing enough when they hadnt even told the barrister who was representing me that the other man had actually admitted liability. Its only that i am organised and keep every letter and ask for copies of letters that i was able to show the barrister the admission of liability!
The Judge didnt award them their costs thankfully - as they did not deserve them! But my evidence did satisfy the court that i did need a hire car. It would have taught them a lesson not to recover the costs - as we would not have lost a penny. In fourty years of Insurance with the NFU - not once has there been an issue in having a hire car/vehicle - I could not believe that we were called to court to prove that we needed one when it is part of our policy. I think this should be made more clear to people. It was a terrible experience and I dont feel anyone should have to go through it especially when liability had been admitted by the other side. Even the Judge kept saying this could have been sorted out of court! At the end he detailed what an 'appaling' state this case was. Following the court case i phoned DAS and they asked how it went, when i told them how the barrister didnt even know that the other side had admitted liability they informed me they had told her!!!! That was that Ian Thomas again!!! Natasha Jones wasnt even available for me to talk to the morning of the case - as i was very nervous and they were well aware of this.
I am so angry as to why a company like the NFU should use these people who are quite clearly unable to their jobs, lie and waste the precious courts time.
I now have no confidence in them or the solicitor i have been allocated. I wish i had not been available to help them to recover their costs as it was so embarrasing having representation who did quite clearly not have a clue what was going on! Not the barristers fault - but the failings of that company - DAS Legal.

I would appreciate any feedback if you have had similar dealings with this company. I am not quite sure how to take this matter further - all suggestions appreciated!

Thank you in advance!

Quentin

They had to go to court over the hire car (not the liability issue, so that is a red herring)

The third party insurers must have refused to pay the hire charges, and the only way to force them to was by proceeding to a hearing.

Talk to NFU about why you want a different solicitor, and take things from their response.

go_jo

:mad: DAS helpline was disregarded by both Judge and Company lawyer. Finally advised by counsel they had given bad advice.

Seems DAS helpline give out arbitrary legal advice where we have no particular recourse to them. Consequently this has cost my wife a job and substantial private solicitor fees to take her employer to tribunal.

Seems like you pay £20 plus per annum for legal cover and that sums up what you get about £20 worth of advice.

My advice keep your money in an ISA for a rainy day and don't bother with insurance legal cover all seems a big questionable legal white elephant.

Nearly forgot! when I asked DAS loss adjusters what their legal knowledge and qualifications were the answer was! you guessed it "None"

tasticz

thanks for the thread