Legal expenses insurance explainedChecklist

It’s worth having LEI, but there are things you need to consider before you buy:

Are you already covered? Before buying LEI, check whether your car and house insurance policies include it. You may also get free legal advice if you are a member of some professional bodies or motoring organisations, or a trade union
Will you win? Be aware that insurers usually insist that there is a reasonable chance of your claim being successful before they will take it on
Size of claim: Some insurers won't take on a case if the amount you are claiming is likely to be less than your case costs. So if you are claiming £500 but your insurer thinks it would cost £1,000 to settle the case, it may turn you down
Time limit: There is often a time limit on making a claim - 180 days after the incident took place isn't unusual
Choice of solicitor: Most policies allow you to choose your own solicitor, but you cannot usually do this until a decision's been made to take the case on. However, by this point it may not be practical to change solicitors
Offers to settle: Usually you must accept any reasonable offer to settle. If you choose to continue with the case against advice, you may have to bear any subsequent costs
Complaints: If you're not happy with how your case is being handled, complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service (0845 080 1800)

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