Do I Need Motor Legal Protection?
It's one of those optional extras you're offered when taking out car insurance. Sounds formal. Slightly mysterious. Easy to dismiss with a quick "nah, not for me." But motor legal protection can quietly save you a small fortune when things get messy, especially when blame is up for debate or costs start to mount.
So what is it, and is it really worth paying for? Let's unpack it properly, without the legal jargon or scare tactics.
What Does Motor Legal Protection Actually Cover?
Motor legal protection (also known as legal expenses insurance) covers the cost of legal action you might need to take after a road accident that wasn't your fault. It's designed to help you claim back any uninsured losses.
That means things your main insurance policy doesn't cover, such as:
- Loss of earnings if you can't work owing to injury
- Compensation for personal injury
- Excess fees you've paid out
- Travel expenses or vehicle hire whilst your car's being repaired
- Legal costs if you're taken to court; or need to take someone else
Imagine this: someone pulls out of a junction and hits your car. It's not your fault. But your insurer won't chase the other driver for your lost income whilst you're off work, or the extra travel costs to get your kids to school without a car. That's where motor legal protection steps in.
When Does It Actually Get Used?
You won't need it for every bump or scratch. But it comes into its own when:
- The accident wasn't your fault and you want to claim for personal injury
- You're stuck in a dispute over who was to blame
- Your insurer doesn't recover all your financial losses
- The other party is uninsured; or uncooperative
One driver was rear-ended on the motorway and ended up needing physio for six months. Their main policy paid to fix the car. But it was motor legal protection that helped them recover lost wages, physiotherapy bills, and fuel costs from attending hospital appointments.
How Much Legal Cover Do You Get?
Most motor legal protection policies offer up to around 50,000 to 100,000 in legal costs. You don't see that number unless you actually need it - but if a claim escalates to court, those figures can rack up faster than you'd think. And without legal cover, you're left funding it on your own - or backing down entirely.
Is It Mandatory?
No. Motor legal protection is optional. But whilst you don't have to take it, it's one of those add-ons that quietly proves its worth when things go sideways.
And it's not just about suing people. It works both ways, if someone tries to pin blame on you and you're not at fault, it helps cover the legal defence, too.
Do You Already Have It?
Worth checking. Some insurers bundle it in with their premium packages or fully comp deals. Others leave it out by default. Also, a few bank accounts or union memberships include legal cover as part of wider benefits. Dig around, you might already be covered without knowing.
So, Do You Need It?
If you drive regularly, especially in busier or unfamiliar areas, it's certainly worth thinking about. Not because you expect to crash, but because if someone else does, and you're dragged into a claim or legal mess, this kind of cover can be a financial (and emotional) lifesaver.
Click here to compare car insurance quotes with and without motor legal protection - see the difference it makes and decide whether the peace of mind is worth it for your driving life.