I’ve booked a trip and want to make sure that I have a comprehensive travel insurance policy. 

Your Which? magazine article on travel insurance (Which?, July, p24) didn’t mention legal expenses cover and I’m wondering what the benefit of this is, and do you recommend it?

Siobhan from Oxfordshire

‘It’s not essential’

Samm Galloway, Which? Money expert, says…

Travel insurance legal expenses insurance could be used in case of a contractual dispute or third-party accident. 

However, your insurer must believe you have a reasonable or better-than-average chance of winning your case at any time, not just when the claim is first raised. 

Some insurers have clauses that limit the hourly rate they pay their panel solicitors (likely to be below the industry’s agreed rate).

Legal expenses insurance isn’t required for policies to be named a Which? Best Buy

Legal expenses insurance isn’t required for policies to be named a Which? Best Buy, as we don’t think it’s essential.

Given legal cases can be very different, it’s difficult to pin down a figure that’s generally sufficient. Limits vary from £5,000 to £100,000. The average is £25,000, and we wouldn’t recommend cover that isn’t in the tens of thousands.

Legal expenses insurance is different to personal liability insurance, which can pay out if someone successfully brings a claim against you. Our Best Buy policies must have at least £1m personal liability cover.

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4. Alan Boswell Insurance Brokers Ltd (FRN 301), for the introduction of non-investment landlord insurances, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to provide advice and arrange insurance contracts. Alan Boswell insurance brokers Ltd is registered in England at Prospect House, Rouen Rd, Norwich NR1 1RE, company number 02591252.

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