What is motor legal protection for car insurance?
Motor legal protection can offer useful cover that isn’t included in standard car insurance - see if it’s worth the cost with our comprehensive guide to legal expenses cover.
Key Takeaways
Motor legal protection can cover a range of costs related to a car insurance claim that won’t be covered by your standard policy
Also known as legal expenses cover, it can help you recoup losses for things like your excess fee, loss of earnings and legal defence fees
You might not be able to claim if you have a weak case, if too much time has passed, or if costs are too high
What is motor legal protection?
Motor legal protection is an insurance policy you can take out that offers cover in case you’re involved in a claim that ends up in court. It’s usually available as an add-on you can take out alongside your car insurance policy or as a separate product, although some fully comprehensive policies might include it.

How does motor legal protection work?
If the accident wasn’t your fault, you can use the courts to recoup losses that you suffered as a result. Motor legal protection will cover the cost of any legal expenses you might face when recouping these losses so you don’t end up out of pocket, such as:
Your excess payment, the amount you pay towards the claim
Medical costs that occur in case you or your passengers are injured in the accident
The cost of travel or car hire if you can’t use your car anymore
Loss of earnings if you have to stop working as a result of the accident
Replacing or repairing personal possessions if they get damaged
What does motor legal protection cover?
You can use your motor legal protection policy to cover the cost of legal expenses related to a car insurance claim, such as solicitor’s fees or legal advice. It can also offer access to legal assistance for other situations such as defending yourself from a motoring conviction or disputes related to car purchases and sales.
Does motor legal protection cover passengers?
Motor legal protection will extend to your passengers and any named drivers on your policy, as long as your insurer thinks there is a reasonable chance that you will win your claim.
Does motor legal protection cover uninsured drivers?
Yes, motor legal protection will also cover you if you’re involved in an incident with an uninsured motorist, helping cover legal fees and losses if the claim goes to court.
How much does motor legal protection cost?
Motor legal protection typically costs around £25 to £30 a year - according to MoneySuperMarket data the average cost of adding legal cover to a car insurance policy was £29.* Some insurers might offer legal expenses cover for no extra charge – but these policies are likely to be more expensive overall.
When you’re choosing car insurance, you’re likely to see a box you can tick to include legal expenses cover as part of your deal. If you don’t want to pay extra for motor legal protection, make sure the box isn’t ticked before you buy.
*Based on car insurance policies sold through MoneySuperMarket between September 2024 and November 2024 where the user requested Legal Cover and it wasn't included as standard cover.
Is motor legal protection worth the cost?
It’s possible that you’ll never need to use your motor legal protection, so many might feel that the extra expense isn’t worth it. However, legal costs can be extremely high, and legal expenses cover can protect you against as much as £100,000 in costs.
Can I buy standalone motor legal protection?
You can buy standalone motor legal protection policies, and it’s always a good idea to shop around. However you might find it cheaper to add legal protection on to your existing policy.
What are the pros and cons of motor legal protection?
Like all car insurance extras, the advantages of motor legal protection should be weighed against the drawbacks and the cost before you decide whether or not to buy. Some advantages include:
Motor legal protection allows you to recoup your losses if you’re involved in an accident without having to spend even more on hiring a solicitor
If someone makes a claim against you, legal expenses cover will cover the costs of defending yourself, which can be surprisingly high
The cost of motor legal protection is relatively low compared to the fees it covers
Motor legal protection often also comes with free access to a 24/7 legal helpline, which can be a useful source of advice
However, there are some disadvantages to legal expenses cover that you should also keep in mind:
You may end up not ever needing it, so it may not be worth the overall cost - but you should always consider the risk involved
Coverage isn’t guaranteed, as if your insurer thinks you’re unlikely to win your case they might refuse to cover your legal expenses
Even if your insurer thinks you’re likely to win your case, they may refuse to pay out for other reasons. For example, they may not cover you if too much time has passed since the accident. You could also be denied cover if the legal costs are too high relative to the amount you’re trying to claim
Motor legal protection vs liability cover
Motor legal protection is not the same as liability cover. While motor legal protection will cover legal services and costs associated with your car insurance policy, legal liability insurance covers compensation costs you might have to pay if you cause property damage, injury or death.
You’re required to have at least third-party car insurance in the UK, which includes third-party liability cover.
Alternatives to motor legal protection
If you decide not to opt for legal expenses cover, there are alternative arrangements that can protect you from high legal fees. Some of these include:
‘No win, no fee’ solicitors: Some solicitors will promise not to charge you unless your claim is successful. However, if you win, your solicitor’s fee will usually be taken as a percentage of your damages, meaning you won’t be able to recoup all your costs. ‘No win, no fee’ solicitors are also unlikely to take on your case unless they think you’re likely to win. If you do choose this route, make sure you read the fine print of any agreement you sign with your lawyers – some may include provisions that leave you out of pocket, even if you don’t win
Legal aid: You may be able to get a solicitor for your case through legal aid. However, keep in mind that legal aid is no longer available for personal injury claims, and you may need to cover some costs yourself, especially if your claim is successful
After-the-event (ATE) insurance: Another option is after-the-event (ATE) insurance, which is an insurance policy you can take out after you’ve had a car accident to cover legal costs. ATE insurance means you won’t be paying for a service you never use – but it’s also significantly more expensive than car insurance legal expenses cover
Compare car insurance quotes
The easiest way to buy car insurance with motor legal expenses included is to compare deals on MoneySuperMarket.
It’s simple: just give us a few details about you, your car and your driving history, and we will find a range of deals from a wide range of suppliers.