When it comes to car insurance, most of us are familiar with the basics: third-party cover, fully comprehensive, optional extras like roadside assistance, and so on. But one add-on that often raises questions is legal cover car insurance. What exactly does it mean, why might you need it, and how does it differ from the insurance you already have? Here, I’ll break it all down in clear terms, so you can decide whether it’s worth adding to your policy.
Legal cover, sometimes referred to as motor legal protection or legal expenses cover, is an optional add-on to your car insurance policy. Its main purpose is to cover the legal costs you might face after an accident that wasn’t your fault. These costs could involve pursuing a claim against the other driver or defending yourself if someone takes legal action against you.
For example, imagine you’re in a collision caused by another driver. Your car is damaged, you need a hire car, and maybe you’ve even suffered personal injury. Your car insurance may cover repairs or write-off costs depending on your level of cover, but pursuing the other driver for additional expenses (such as loss of earnings, legal fees, or compensation) can be expensive. The possibility of having to come up with a significant amount of money to cover an action can dissuade you from even considering taking steps to recover these costs. This is where legal cover steps in.
While policies vary, legal cover usually includes:
In short, it gives you peace of mind that you won’t be left out of pocket if legal disputes arise after an accident.
It’s important to understand that legal cover car insurance is not the same as car insurance itself. Car insurance is a legal requirement in Spain (and across the EU). At a minimum, you must have third-party cover to drive legally. This will include compulsory civil liability cover, which protects other people, vehicles, and property if you cause an accident. It does not cover your own costs (your car repairs, your injuries) unless you have opted to have a more comprehensive policy, which extends that protection to your own vehicle as well.
Legal cover, on the other hand, is optional. It doesn’t insure your car in the traditional sense. This covers the legal costs of pursuing or defending claims after an accident. Without it, you’d need to fund your own legal action if a claim gets complicated or goes to court.
To simplify:
Car insurance (civil liability cover) = Pays out for damages, repairs, injuries, and liability after an accident. It protects others from your mistakes.
Legal cover = Pays out for legal fees and helps you recover costs that standard insurance won’t cover. It protects you when you need to fight for your rights or defend yourself legally.
This is the big question. Many drivers wonder if it’s worth paying extra for something they might never use. The answer depends on your circumstances and your appetite for risk.
When legal cover may be useful:
If you drive regularly and want protection against unexpected legal costs.
If you rely on your car for work and can’t afford long periods without it.
If you would struggle to pay for legal representation out of pocket.
When it may not be essential:
If you rarely drive and the chances of being involved in an accident are minimal.
If you already have a separate legal expenses policy (sometimes included with home insurance or through unions/memberships).
Think of it as insurance for your insurance - it adds another layer of financial protection that could save you thousands if you ever need it.
“It’s the same as car insurance.” - Not true. As explained above, it’s an add-on that covers legal costs, not the car itself.
“It guarantees I’ll win my case.” - No legal policy can promise that. What it does guarantee is that you won’t face hefty legal bills alone.
“It’s expensive.” - Actually, legal cover is often quite affordable, especially compared to the potential costs of hiring a solicitor privately.
The price of legal cover varies depending on your insurer, but it’s usually a relatively small addition to your premium - often between €20 and €40 a year. When you consider that a single solicitor’s letter could cost more than that, many people see it as a good value safeguard.
If you’d like to dive deeper into understanding your insurance options in Spain, check out these resources:
Caser Expat Insurance Car Insurance Options - Learn more about the types of car insurance available for expats in Spain.
DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) - The Spanish traffic authority, with official guidelines on driving requirements and insurance.
European Consumer Centre Spain - A helpful resource for cross-border disputes and consumer rights in the EU.
While car insurance is a legal requirement, legal cover car insurance is an optional extra that can provide significant peace of mind. It’s not about fixing your car after an accident - it’s about protecting you from the financial strain of legal costs. Whether you decide it’s right for you will depend on how often you drive, your personal circumstances, and your comfort level with risk. But for many drivers, it represents a small price to pay for potentially big savings down the road.
At the end of the day, insurance is about protecting yourself from the unexpected. Legal cover is just another tool in that kit! Happy driving!
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If you are searching for car insurance in Spain, Caser Expat Insurance has the right policy for you! |