Being involved in a motor accident is stressful enough without worrying about the legal costs of recovering your losses. That is where the Motor Legal policy comes into play. Underwritten by One Insurance Limited, this policy is designed to cover legal costs following a non-fault claim. Let’s break down exactly what this cover involves, how it protects you, and the important details you need to know.

How the Cover Works

• This policy protects the vehicle policyholder and any named drivers.
• The cover lasts for the exact same duration as your main motor insurance policy, provided you keep up with your premium payments.
• Its primary goal is to help you pursue uninsured losses from the at fault party, which are losses not covered by your standard motor insurance policy.

Highlights of the Policy

• Substantial Financial Cover: You are covered for up to £50,000 in legal costs for specific types of disputes stemming from a non-fault claim.
• Recovers Out-of-Pocket Expenses: The policy helps you reclaim vital costs such as your policy excess, the cost of hiring a replacement vehicle, lost or damaged belongings, and loss of earnings.
• Access to a Legal Advice Helpline: You gain access to a UK-based, 24-hour helpline by calling 0203 738 7300.
• Broad Legal Guidance: The helpline provides initial legal advice on personal injury claims, contract and property disputes, clinical negligence, and motor prosecutions (excluding parking offences).

Important Considerations to Keep in Mind

• The 51% Rule: The insurer will only cover your legal costs if they determine there is a 51% or better chance of winning the case and securing a positive outcome. An example of a positive outcome would be successfully recovering the money at stake, enforcing a judgement, or securing a higher amount than the opposing party initially offered.
• Personal Injury Exclusions: While the helpline offers initial advice on personal injury, the £50,000 legal costs cover specifically does not pay for pursuing compensation for death or bodily injury.
• Hidden Costs Are Not Covered: The policy will not cover legal costs exceeding the £50,000 limit, disbursements (such as expert report fees), or adverse costs ordered by a court.
• Strict Reporting Deadlines: You must report a claim as soon as possible and within a maximum of 180 days of becoming aware of the incident.
• Driving Rules Must Be Followed: You are not covered if you were driving without a valid driving licence, an MOT certificate, or road tax at the time of the incident.
• No Track Days or Racing: Claims are excluded if they arise from racing, rallies, off-road events, or track days, including driving on de-restricted toll roads like the Nürburgring.

The Policy in Action

Imagine you are safely stopped at a junction when another driver accidentally rear-ends your car. Fortunately, you are completely unhurt, but your vehicle requires significant time in the garage for repairs. While your standard motor insurance covers the repair itself, you are still left unexpectedly out of pocket: you have to pay your £350 policy excess, fund a hire car to get to work for a week, and you even lose a couple of days’ earnings dealing with the aftermath.

Chasing the at-fault driver’s insurance to reclaim these uninsured losses can be a long, complicated, and expensive legal process. However, with the Motor Legal policy in place, a legal representative is appointed to handle the dispute for you. The policy covers their legal costs (up to £50,000) to pursue the at-fault party, successfully recovering your excess, hire car costs, and lost wages without you having to navigate the legal system or pay solicitors’ fees out of your own pocket.

What to Do in the Event of a Claim

If you need to make a claim, you (or someone acting on your behalf, such as a family member or lodger) must call One Call Claims on 0203 738 7300 as soon as possible.

Key steps to remember:

• Provide as much detail about the incident as possible.
• Speak to the team before arranging any repairs or replacement parts.
• Do not admit fault at the scene; the insurer will independently investigate liability for you.

(Note: Claims are authorised and handled by One Call Claims Limited, and any formal complaints regarding their service should be submitted in writing to their Doncaster office.) If you are reviewing your motor insurance, it may be worth considering whether you have the legal cover you need. Feel free to speak with your insurance broker to discuss Motor Legal protection when you next update your policy.