What does the Legal Expenses section cover?
The Legal Expenses section can help with legal costs to pursue a civil claim for compensation against someone else who causes you injury due to an accident, illness or death.
If two or more insured people are covered by the policy, the maximum Legal Expenses limit applies to all of their claims combined.
What conditions must my case meet?
It must be more likely than not to succeed
Your claim, or any action you are pursuing or defending, must be more likely than not to be successful.
If you are seeking damages or compensation, it must also be more likely than not that any judgment obtained can be enforced.
Legal costs must be proportionate
There is no cover where the likely legal costs and expenses are greater than the anticipated compensation.
The case must be accepted first
Legal costs incurred before we have accepted the case in writing are not covered.
What if my case is considered unlikely to succeed?
Either you or we can request a second opinion from an independent lawyer.
If you obtain independent legal advice, the cost of doing so is not covered by the policy.
If the independent lawyer agrees that the case is unlikely to succeed or that a judgment would be unenforceable, you cannot claim under this section.
Can I choose my own lawyer?
You have the right to choose your lawyer:
Where court proceedings need to be started.
If a conflict of interest arises.
If there is a dispute over settlement.
Otherwise, we can appoint agents with the appropriate expertise to manage the case.
What must I do during the case?
You must:
Follow the appointed agent's advice.
Provide requested information and assistance.
Tell us about any settlement offer.
Not accept a settlement offer without our permission.
What is not covered?
The section does not cover:
Claims against us, our appointed agents, someone you were travelling with, someone related to you or another insured person.
Costs incurred before we accept the case in writing.
Cases where legal costs are likely to exceed the compensation.
Legal fees that vary according to the outcome of the case.
Legal action brought in more than one country.
Travel, accommodation or incidental costs incurred while pursuing the claim.
The costs of any appeal.
Claims made other than in your private capacity.
Important: All cover is subject to the policy terms, conditions, exclusions, cover limits and any applicable excess.