Getting Ahead in Business

Legal protection cover is offered as an optional extra by many car insurance companies, and can be taken out when buying or renewing car insurance in ireland. It might be tempting to decline legal cover as a way of reducing the insurance premium, as the chances of needing these benefits are quite slim. Most people consider themselves to be careful drivers, and it would be extremely unusual to take out insurance expecting to have an accident. In reality, the true benefits of holding legal cover are only really felt under the unthinkable circumstances that no one expects will happen to them – these are the circumstances under which the policy holder would need to use their legal cover.

As well as the named policy holder, legal cover extends to anyone entitled to drive the car under the terms of the policy, and anyone lawfully using or getting in or out of the car.

The level of cover may vary, so it is always important to read all of the details, terms and exclusions. Benefits may include being fully covered for legal liability for death or injury to someone else that occurs as a result of an accident. It may also cover legal liability for costs and expenses arising from damage caused to the property of someone else as the result of an accident.

The cost of legal representation at a coroners’ inquest or district court may be covered if directly related to an incident covered by the car insurance policy. Cover may also extend to defending a criminal prosecution for manslaughter or causing death by dangerous driving, and other legal costs that arise in defending a claim for injury or damage to property for which the person insured faces liability.

Other benefits may include a legal advisor in the event of being prosecuted for a motoring offence, cover for professional costs if a civil claim for damages arises following accident and a legal advice helpline.

It is worth noting that having full legal protection in no way discharges the driver from the duty of care that is owed to anyone who might be affected by their actions, including everybody else on the road. Drivers must always take all reasonable steps to prevent accident, injury, loss or damage, and always ensure that the vehicle is in a roadworthy condition.

The circumstances under which legal protection is needed may seem like the extreme, worst case scenarios that no-one likes to think about. Although most of the benefits of legal cover are only felt in such scenarios, there is an important one that arises as soon as the insurance has been renewed:-  peace of mind. It should be noted there may be different rules for car insurance for women.