Motor Legal Expenses
Get access to the help you need following a car accident that wasn’t your fault with motor legal protection.
Why choose Howden for Motor Legal Expenses Insurance?
Howden is the new name for A-Plan. Here at Howden, when it comes to getting you your motor-related cover, we pride ourselves on doing the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to. Thanks to the great relationships we have with our selected panel of standard and specialist insurers, we make the process of comparing multiple policies, on your behalf, simple and easy. What’s not to like?
We also know that each motor policy needs to be as individual as its owner, and that’s why we provide a personalised service, focused on getting to know you and finding out exactly what you want from your insurance.
All in all, whether you need to make a claim, purchase a new motor insurance policy, or renew an existing one, we’re here to help.
Benefits of working with Howden:
- You can trust us – we’re rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
- We’re driven to save you time, money, and hassle.
- Benefit from a tailored service that comparison sites can’t provide.
- Speak with your local branch, within your community.
- We’re right by your side in the event of a claim.
What is Motor Legal Expenses Insurance?
Motor legal protection, commonly known as legal cover, is a policy designed to support you if you are involved in an incident that wasn’t your fault. It will cover the costs of taking legal action against the party responsible for the loss, commonly known as Uninsured Loss Recovery. This essentially means things that aren’t typically covered under a motor insurance policy, such as:
- Loss of earnings
- Policy excesses
- Costs associated with claiming for personal injury
- Travel costs and hire car charges – if you’re no longer able to use your car
- Legal defence fees
Further benefits of having motor legal protection could also include:
- Damages to your vehicle
- Personal possessions cover
- Damage to personal effects
- Loss of use
- Replacement vehicle costs
- Motor insurance database disputes
- Pothole damage cover
- Free helpline for post-traumatic stress
Pros and cons of motor legal protection
While you don't need it to legally drive in the UK, as with standard car insurance, it may be worth considering motor legal cover. Before making a decision, it's important to weigh up the pros and cons:
Advantages of motor legal protection:
- You could save a substantial amount of money in legal fees
- Access to expert legal advice to assist you with motor legal claims
- It could cover the cost of both pursuing or defending a car insurance claim
- It covers you, your named drivers, and passengers, though this may vary depending on the insurer
Disadvantages of motor legal protection:
- You will not be covered if you're at fault
- If your solicitor thinks your case is likely to fail, even after it has started, your claim may be stopped and your insurer will stop covering your legal fees
- If the costs are too high in relation to the amount you’re claiming, you may not be able to claim
- Your claim might be rejected if too much time has passed since the accident
If you would like further information or would like to add motor legal expenses insurance to your policy, get in touch with us, and a member of our dedicated team would be more than happy to help.
You can also read:
Motor Legal Expenses FAQs
Is motor legal protection worth it?
While motor legal protection is not compulsory, it can help you avoid potentially hefty legal expenses if your case goes to court. For more complex legal cases, the costs could be even higher, making motor legal protection a valuable addition.
Does motor legal protection cover passengers?
Yes, legal motor protection covers passengers and named drivers on your policy. It can help you claim compensation for any injuries incurred, so long as there’s a reasonable chance of success.
Does motor legal protection cover uninsured drivers?
Motor legal protection can indeed cover incidents involving uninsured drivers. It can assist with legal fees and help you recover costs if you need to pursue legal action against the uninsured driver.
Is this the same as the legal expenses cover that I may have as part of my car insurance?
You should always check whether you already have motor legal expenses cover elsewhere and exactly what you are covered for, as it may already be included in an existing policy.
Is motor legal expenses cover the same as liability cover?
No, motor legal expenses cover and liability cover are two different types of insurance.
Motor legal expenses insurance: covers the legal costs associated with making a car insurance claim, including defending against claims after a non-fault accident. It can cover legal advice, court fees, and solicitors’ fees up to the policy’s stated amount. Additionally, it can help recover damages and expenses not covered by your car insurance.
Legal liability insurance: covers compensation costs if you injure or cause the death of another person, or damage someone else's property. Third-party liability insurance is required by law to drive in the UK.
Can I add motor legal protection to my car insurance part-way through my policy?
Yes, you should be able to add motor legal protection at any time during the length of your policy. It’s worth noting that it won’t protect you from events that have already happened, and there may be a fee incurred with the update.
Named Young Driver Insurance
Tailored insurance for young drivers
Find out more about how named young driver insurance can work as an affordable alternative to being added as a named driver on someone else’s car insurance.
Excess Protection
Save your money by protecting your excess
Get excess protection insurance to avoid being left exposed when you have to pay the full excess for a claim.
Car Insurance
Save money on your Car Insurance
Helping to save you money, without compromising on cover. As a car insurance broker, we listen to your needs and help you find a policy that’s right for you — at our best possible price.
Modified Car Insurance
Cover for modified cars doesn’t need to be complicated.
We have a great understanding of how technical car modifications work, and that helps us determine what modified car insurance policy would suit you best.