Legal matters can be expensive – and legal disputes are stressful, so the last thing you want is the added worry of how you’re going to pay for one. Even something that seems straightforward, like drafting a legal contract, can leave a dent in your pocket. But whether you’re facing a disciplinary hearing or a claim for damages, you need professional legal representation.

Legal expenses insurance prevents the need for you to dip into savings or investments, or take on debt, when you need legal help. You can focus on resolving the issue instead of stressing about legal fees, and approach legal challenges confidently, knowing that the costs are taken care of.

It’s tempting to ignore insurance for events that seem unlikely, and you might think your chances of experiencing legal trouble are too low to worry about. It’s just another premium to pay every month, right? But you must never judge insurance by the number of times you don’t need it – on the day that you do, it’s worth every cent. Even if you lead a blameless life, factors outside your control like a contractual dispute or a false allegation could still land you in court. In those circumstances, you want to be able to afford the best legal advice.

What should a legal expenses policy cover?

• Labour disputes
  If you’re facing unfair dismissal, discrimination, or disciplinary action at work, the policy helps cover the costs of legal representation and advice.
  
  
• Home and vehicle matters
  Disputes over property damage, issues with contractors, or disagreements over buying or selling a vehicle can be costly, so the policy helps cover legal fees.
  
  
• Family feuds
  Your policy will help pay for legal advice to draft antenuptial contracts, maintenance orders, child custody, and other family-related legal issues.
  
  
• Civil and criminal cases
  It ensures that you have access to legal support when facing civil or criminal matters, from bail applications to general legal advice and representation in court.
  
  
• Consumer disputes
  Issues with faulty products, poor service delivery, or disputes with service providers can be frustrating – your policy will make it easier to take legal action.

Nedbank offers Legal Expenses cover for all these issues, plus some extra benefits:

• Up to 20% off on your premiums.
• Unlimited access to our 24/7 call centre for free telephonic legal advice.
• Accidental death cover. In the event of accidental death, we will pay the amount shown in the schedule towards the legal expenses associated with your death.
• Up to R5,000 cover for medical expenses and an additional R5,000 to cover trauma counselling after a traumatic event.
• No waiting periods for access to telephonic legal consultations.
• Advice and support services.

What isn’t covered?

Most legal expenses policies cover a broad range of legal issues, but the following are common exclusions:

• Appeals or reviews
  The policy doesn’t cover the costs of an appeal or review of a legal case.
  
  
• Pre-existing matters
  It will not cover costs of any legal issues that began before your policy started.
  
  
• Conflicts with legislation
  Cover excludes compensation that conflicts with legislation.
  
  
• Business-related legal issues
  The policy is limited to personal legal matters, so it won’t cover issues related to renting property, letting property as a landlord, professional sports, copyrights, patents, intellectual property rights, or other similar rights.

Read the full terms and conditions for a comprehensive list of exclusions to Nedbank Legal Expenses cover.

How to claim on your Nedbank Legal Expenses policy

1. Log your claim before you act
   Call us on 0800 111 333 before you hire a lawyer or take legal action, to make sure that your legal expenses will be covered.
   
   
2. Complete your claim form
   We’ll send you a claim form via email. Fill it in and return it with any supporting documents to insurance@nedbank.co.za.
   
   
3. We assess your claim
   Our team will review your claim and let you know if we need more information. Once your claim has been approved, if legal action is required and covered under your policy, we will appoint a service provider to take the matter forward.

If you prefer to claim online, you can do so easily on the Money app or Online Banking.

Tips to claim successfully

• Act early
  The faster you submit a claim, the faster we can help. Contact us first before you seek legal advice or representation.
  
  
• Keep records
  Document everything. You never know which piece of information could work in your favour. Keep clear documentation of your legal issue, including emails, contracts, or other relevant paperwork.
  
  
• Understand your cover
  Read the fine print and the terms and conditions, and make sure you understand any exclusions. This will help you avoid any invalid claims.

Get the legal support you need

Legal issues are stressful enough without worrying about the costs. A legal expenses policy helps you avoid financial strain while getting the support you need. Speak to a Nedbank adviser today.

This blog provides general information about Nedbank’s Legal Expenses policy. For detailed terms and conditions, please refer to your policy documents or contact Nedbank Insurance directly.