In general, is the legal protection add-on to a motor policy worth the usual £25 or so? I own a car and a motorcycle and am paying for legal protection on both policies. Could I manage with just one policy to cover me for both vehicles? My wife also owns a car and a motorcycle. Could we access a freestanding legal protection policy that would cover both of us in all eventualities? AM, by email
It’s a question many people grapple with each time their car insurance renewal comes through. Legal expenses cover is designed to step in if you are hit by another driver and need to bring an action against them.
Generally, a legal helpline is offered and the insurance is to pay for lawyers if required. The problem is that the insurer will only fund a legal action if there is a better than 50:50 prospect of success, and there is money to pay a successful claim – a huge get-out for the insurer. I don’t buy this cover as I think I’m unlikely to ever bring a successful claim. I’ve always wondered how many claims are paid out each year, but insurers like to keep this information to themselves.
If you do value it, you should almost certainly buy it separately from your car or motorcycle policy. For £20 a year, Driverguardian.com will sell an annual motor legal protection policy to cover both you and your wife (and any other vehicles you insure), saving you £80 a year. In your case, I’d do this.
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