While the cost of taking legal action can be perceived by many as being prohibitive you may already have the solution to hand. LEI is often found as an “add-on” to car or household polices with the result that you may not even know you have it.
If you have suffered an injury, been unfairly dismissed from work or had a dispute with a tradesman, we will review your insurance policies to advise whether you have LEI available and if you are covered to bring a claim. LEI usually covers the costs of solicitors, expert witnesses, court fees and perhaps more importantly legal costs awarded to the other side.
LEI attached to car insurance usually only covers injury claims that were not your fault.
However, there are certain types of claim that are routinely excluded such as divorce and custody matters, defamation and small claims i.e. those less than £5,000.
Don’t be put off if your insurance company wants you to use their choice of solicitor who may not be local or known to you. Under the Insurance Companies (Legal Expense Insurance) Regulation 1990 the freedom to choose your own solicitor arises as of right once proceedings are issued. In certain circumstances that freedom exists even before the commencement of proceedings.
For further guidance on LEI and how it might apply contact Alistair Rustemeyer
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