After-the-event (ATE) legal insurance is a type of cover that protects against the risks associated with losing a legal case. It is a form of legal expense insurance designed to guard against the costs that arise after a legal dispute has begun.
At CEL Solicitors, we advise that ATE Insurance should be taken out for our no-win, no-fee clients. This is a policy that we take out on your behalf if you want it. If you take out such a policy, then you have nothing to pay upfront but if you are successful the cost of your policy will be deducted from any damages you receive. It means that you have nothing to pay if your case is unsuccessful and you complied with our terms and conditions throughout the case. Working this way means you have nothing to lose when bringing a claim.
Do I have to take ATE Insurance?
No. You can decide to accept the risk that if you lose you will have to pay your opponent’s costs. That is a decision for you based on how risky you believe the litigation will be. We would recommend that you take out such polices for your own piece of mind.
Why is ATE insurance important?
ATE insurance covers legal costs such as solicitor and barrister fees, court fees, and other associated expenses. It covers the costs of legal claims and provides legal support without worrying about expenses.
Protection Against an Unsuccessful Case
Legal expenses insurance is crucial for protecting you in the event of an unsuccessful case. If your case fails, this insurance will cover the opponents’ legal fees and associated costs, which may be substantial. This includes legal costs incurred by the opposing party.
ATE insurance helps to make legal justice more accessible by removing the fear of crippling legal expenses should the claim fail. It offers a safety net that minimises the financial risk associated with legal action.
No-Win, No-Fee Agreements
When used alongside a no-win, no-fee agreement, ATE insurance can remove nearly all risks associated with bringing a legal claim. You will have nothing to pay up-front, nothing to pay if your claim is unsuccessful, and you will only need to pay a fee once your claim is successful and you have received your compensation.
The ATE insurance covers the cost of your solicitor and the opposing solicitor’s fees, as well as other legal costs. For those without existing insurance or access to a large amount of disposable income, ATE insurance and no-win, no-fee agreements are the only access to legal justice.
After-The-Event Insurance Cost
In the UK, after-the-event insurance is often essential legal protection, especially in personal injury and commercial litigation cases.
The cost of after-the-event insurance can vary depending on the type of case and the amount of coverage required. Additionally, the complexity of the case and the amount of legal fees insurance needed will affect the cost, however, this will be explained to you before your case is accepted. You will have the option of asking any questions beforehand and if you decide not to proceed with your case, you are free to do so.
In most cases, the cost of the ATE insurance is collected from the cost of the damages and compensation recovered once the case has been successfully settled.
Is ATE insurance a con?
No, after-the-event insurance is essential for those without existing legal insurance. After-the-event insurance gives access to legal justice to everybody, regardless of their income. CEL Solicitors have established enduring partnerships with after-the-event insurance providers, ensuring you receive the coverage you need at a cost that is both affordable and fair.
If I already have legal expense insurance will that cover me?
In some circumstances, you may have pre-existing legal cover in a home or car insurance policy or trade union membership. If you have such cover, you should always advise us of this so we can check if your legal fees will be covered, if this is the case and you are covered, you will not need after-the-event insurance.
