Motor legal protection is usually an optional add-on, also known as legal expenses cover or legal cover, that helps pay the legal costs of claiming back losses after an accident that aren’t covered by your main car insurance policy.
Key takeaways
- It covers the legal costs of pursuing a claim for uninsured losses after a non-fault accident that costs your car insurance policy itself, which doesn't pay back, such as lost earnings, medical expenses, and vehicle hire
- Cover for criminal legal costs varies between insurers
- Many insurers let you add it at any point during the year, not just at renewal
- Standalone motor legal protection policies are available separately from insurers and specialist providers, if they're not included in your current policy
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, and cover limits vary by insurer, so check the exact amount in your own policy documents.
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, the out-of-pocket costs after an accident that your standard car insurance policy doesn’t reimburse. Without this cover, you may need to pursue these costs yourself or pay for legal help. This is especially relevant after a non-fault accident, since you may still be left covering costs your own insurer won’t pay back, even when someone else was responsible.
Motor legal protection is mainly for recovering losses after an accident, and this is different from criminal legal costs, which some policies cover and others don’t.
Some insurers also include access to a legal advice helpline if 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 car insurance 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.
Do I need motor legal protection cover?
If you’re asking “do I need legal cover for my car insurance?”, the honest answer is: It depends on your circumstances. You might already have legal cover elsewhere, through home insurance or a union, for instance, and it’s worth knowing that this cover pays legal costs but doesn’t guarantee you’ll recover your losses.
It can help with costs like medical bills or lost income. Most policies only cover claims with a reasonable chance of success, which the Financial Ombudsman Service interprets as a 51% or more chance of winning, and cover may only apply to non-fault claims.
Can I buy standalone motor legal protection?
You can. Standalone motor legal protection is available, and prices vary depending on the level of cover.
Adding it to your main policy is often simpler, with one policy and one renewal date. A standalone policy may offer different limits or prices, so it’s worth comparing what’s covered as well as the cost.
Can I get motor legal protection part way through my policy?
Can I get motor legal protection part way through my policy?Many insurers let you add it partway through your policy rather than waiting for renewal.
Contact your insurer directly to check. Fees and price changes vary between insurers, and cover may only apply to accidents that happen after the cover starts.
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