Here’s the thing about legal cover: you never need it, until you need it – and then you need it really badly! No one expects to land in legal hot water, but there’s a good chance that it could happen at some point in life, with financially crippling consequences – and at the worst possible time. So why not prepare for it?
A divorce, for instance, could cost you anything from R7 000 to R10 000. If the divorce is contested, this could increase exponentially with attorney fees starting at R1 500 an hour for a consultation. An advocate can cost even more, and court hearings can get costly depending on how long a case takes to settle. You might be tempted to opt for a DIY divorce which seems cheaper and faster. However, without a legal expert, the divorce agreement you’ve drafted could be called into question when you file for a divorce court, which could be to your detriment in the long run.
Hollard Legal insurance covers you in situations where you need to be represented by a lawyer, easing the financial and emotional strain. So, how does legal insurance work? It offers you a safety net that protects you against the unforeseen costs of getting professional legal assistance. The levels of cover on offer are customisable according to your individual needs; for example, some levels only cover basic legal advice and mediation while others will cover litigation in any labour, civil, or criminal proceedings taking place in court.
To give you an idea of what legal advice and representation by a lawyer can cost, here are some estimated costs of basic legal functions offered by lawyers at private rates in South Africa*:
*Costs may vary depending on respective legal practitioners.
| Consultation with a lawyer (candidate attorney) | R 1 500 per hour |
| First day in court | R 8 000 |
| Each day thereafter | R 5 000 |
| Unopposed bail hearing | R 5 000 |
| The setting of legal contracts | R 5 000 |
Unfortunately, you can’t take out legal insurance when you actually need it. Most insurance policies have a 3-month waiting period, preventing you from making any claims. This is why you need to be prepared and make sure that you have an active legal insurance policy before you need it.
You might be young, but you still might need to use a lawyer for prenuptial contracts, car accident claims, labour relations problems, and the setting of legal documents and contracts. Hollard legal insurance gives you legal representation at a reasonable price, and can easily be budgeted for on a beginner’s paycheck.
At Hollard, we understand that you’re an individual with specific needs, and that is why we give you five different levels of legal cover to choose from ranging from R60 000 to R200 000. For more information, contact us today.
