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Motor legal protection can be a lifeline in the event of a road traffic accident that isn’t your fault. But what exactly is it, and do you need it? In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore these questions and delve into the differences between motor legal protection and personal injury cover.
Introduction
We all know that having car insurance is a legal requirement. But what about motor legal protection cover? While not a legal necessity, this type of cover can prove invaluable in certain situations.
In this guide, we’ll investigate what motor legal protection is, the coverage it offers, how it differs from personal injury cover, and whether or not you need it.
What is motor legal protection?
Motor legal protection is a type of additional cover that can be added to your standard car insurance policy. It’s designed to cover legal costs in the event of a road traffic accident that wasn’t your fault.
This can include:
- The cost of your policy excess
- Loss of earnings
- Damage to personal possessions
- Personal injury to you or your passengers
Why is motor legal protection necessary?
If you’re involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may need to claim back uninsured losses such as policy excesses or loss of earnings.
Without motor legal protection , you’ll have to cover the legal costs yourself, potentially leading to significant out-of-pocket expenses.
The coverage of motor legal protection
Motor legal protection typically includes:
- Uninsured loss recovery: Up to £100,000 legal expenses cover to help you recover uninsured losses resulting from a non-fault accident.
- Legal defence: Up to £20,000 legal expenses cover if you’re facing prosecution for a motoring offence.
- Legal advice: Access to a legal advice helpline offering advice on any personal legal matter.
Important considerations
- Uninsured loss claims must be reported within 180 days of the accident, and the third party must have valid motor insurance at the time of the accident.
- Motoring prosecution defence does not cover any fines or penalties, or any charges relating to drink or drugs.
- Personal injury claims must be as a result of a motor related accident.
- There must be a reasonable chance of case success.
Motor legal protection vs Personal injury: Understanding the differences
Motor legal protection should not be confused with personal injury cover. While both can provide support following an accident, they serve different purposes.
Personal injury cover specifically provides compensation for injuries sustained in an accident, whereas motor legal protection covers a broader range of costs, including legal fees and uninsured losses.
Additional features of motor legal protection
In addition to the standard cover, some motor legal protection policies offer additional features such as credit hire and repairs. This means that if you’re involved in a non-fault accident, the policy provider can arrange for a replacement vehicle and quality repairs, helping you get back on the road quickly.
They’ll also claim the hire and repair costs back from the at-fault party’s insurance company, saving you from having to claim on your car insurance.
The process of claiming motor legal protection
Claiming motor legal protection cover typically involves contacting your insurance provider to report the incident and beginning the claims process. A legal professional will then handle your claim and work to recover your uninsured losses. It’s important to note that for cover to be provided, there must be a 51% or greater chance that your case will be successful.
Conclusion
In conclusion, motor legal protection can provide valuable cover in the aftermath of a non-fault accident. While it’s not a legal requirement, it can offer peace of mind and financial protection.
However, as with any insurance product, it’s important to read the terms and conditions carefully and consider your own needs and circumstances before purchasing.
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The decision to take out a motor legal protection policy ultimately depends on your personal circumstances and risk tolerance. If you’re concerned about potential legal costs following a non-fault accident, this type of cover could provide peace of mind. However, it’s not a legal requirement, so it’s worth considering your needs and budget before making a decision.
So, do you need motor legal protection on more than one policy? Not necessarily. If you have multiple vehicles, you might think it’s necessary to have motor legal protection for each one.
However, many providers offer a form of ‘any vehicle’ motor legal protection, which means you’re covered no matter what car you’re driving. Thus, having this type of cover on more than one policy could be an unnecessary expense.
However, if you have policies with different providers or if the policies cover different risks (for example, one for a personal vehicle and another for a commercial vehicle), it might be necessary to have motor legal protection on both. It ensures that you are comprehensively protected across all scenarios.
The consequences can be quite challenging. Without motor legal protection, you will be solely responsible for all the legal costs involved if you are sued or need to bring a case against someone else involved in the accident. These costs can skyrocket quickly, especially if the case drags on.
In addition, without this coverage, you could face financial strain if you’re liable for damages or injuries suffered by others in an accident. It’s not just about financial burden either; dealing with legal proceedings can also be stressful and time-consuming.
Not having protection might also mean missing out on professional help when dealing with complex legal matters related to your accident. This could lead to settling for less compensation than you deserve or being unfairly held liable for an accident.