Key Takeaways
- Legal battles often come with hidden costs you don’t expect, including correspondence fees, travel expenses, and court-related charges.
- The high cost of legal services in South Africa stems from unregulated tariffs and additional fees for specialised services.
- Legal Insurance offers affordable access to legal expertise, covering everything from litigation to mediation and even bail assistance.
Legal battles are often more than just emotionally taxing – they are also financially draining. For many South Africans, the hidden costs of legal disputes can come as a shock, making it clear why Legal Insurance is not just a luxury, but a necessity. In this article, we’ll explore the hidden costs of legal battles, and how Legal Insurance can help.
Understanding the Hidden Costs of Legal Battles
Legal battles involve far more than just lawyer fees. Here’s a breakdown of some common hidden costs that can significantly inflate your expenses:
1. Correspondence Costs
Attorneys charge for every phone call, email, or letter sent on your behalf. Even routine updates or inquiries can add up quickly. For example, rates for a phone call range from R13 to R53 per call, depending on the attorney and the court level.
2. Administrative Fees
From photocopies to filing documents, administrative tasks are often billed separately. These “minor charges” can accumulate into a hefty sum.
3. Travel Expenses
If your lawyer needs to travel for court appearances or meetings, you may be charged per kilometre at rates regulated by the Automobile Association (AA). Travel time can also be billed at an hourly rate, which varies based on the attorney’s fee structure.
4. Court Fees
Court-related expenses include filing fees, sheriff’s fees for serving documents, and costs associated with obtaining court orders or judgments.
Why Legal Services Are Expensive in South Africa
The high cost of legal services in South Africa is driven by several factors:
- Unregulated tariffs: While some tariffs are regulated by the Rules Board for Courts of Law, many legal practitioners set their own fees for non-litigious matters.
- Specialised expertise: Lawyers often need to consult specialists like advocates or forensic experts, whose services come at a premium.
- Access barriers: For many South Africans, accessing legal assistance is financially not possible. Bidvest Insurance’s Legal Insurance bridges this gap, providing affordable legal support to those who might otherwise not be able to get legal help.
How Legal Insurance Can Help
Legal Insurance offers an affordable solution to the financial strain of legal battles. Here’s how it works:
1. Comprehensive Coverage
Bidvest Insurance’s Legal Cover provides protection across a wide range of issues, including civil disputes, family matters, and criminal cases.
2. Unlimited Legal Advice
With 24/7 access to a dedicated advice line, you can get expert guidance without worrying about consultation fees.
3. Cost Savings
Legal Insurance covers expenses like litigation fees, mediation services, and even bail assistance – saving you thousands in unforeseen costs.
4. Family Protection
Policies from Bidvest Insurance extend coverage to your spouse and up to five children under 21 years old, ensuring your whole family is protected.
By investing in Legal Insurance, you gain peace of mind knowing that you have expert support without the financial burden.
FAQs
What does Bidvest Insurance’s Legal Cover include?
It includes unlimited legal advice, bail assistance, mediation services, drafting of Wills, and more.
How much does legal Insurance cost?
Premiums are affordable and tailored to suit your needs. Visit Bidvest Insurance’s Legal Cover page for more details.
Can I use legal Insurance for family matters like divorce?
Yes! Bidvest Insurance covers family-related issues such as divorce proceedings and child custody disputes.
Don’t let the hidden costs of legal battles catch you off guard. Protect yourself and your loved ones with Bidvest Insurance’s Legal Cover today. Visit Bidvest Insurance to learn more and get a quote!
