Question from a reader:
I am considering enrolling in legal insurance, but I am unsure which insurance company or plan would be best. The points I prioritize are having extensive support, whether consultations are free with no time or frequency limits, support for both victims and perpetrators, the ability for my cohabiting family (daughter and husband) to use it, and a
compensation amount of over 3 million yen. Can you share your recommendations or any insurance you have heard good things about?

How to Choose Legal Insurance and Recommended Plans

I would like to share my perspective in response to questions from readers interested in legal insurance. In particular, I want to convey how important support is when facing legal issues, both as a legal professional and as a university student studying psychology. The world of law is incredibly complex, and especially when caught up in trouble, it is common to feel anxious about what to do. That’s why choosing legal insurance should be done carefully.

What is Legal Insurance? Its Necessity

First, let’s review what legal insurance is. This is insurance that covers consultation fees and litigation costs when legal issues arise. It provides support to deal with sudden troubles, allowing for peace of mind in daily life. For example, it can be useful in various situations such as traffic accidents, contract disputes, and neighborhood troubles. In our everyday lives, legal troubles can happen to anyone, and considering the costs associated with hiring a lawyer, enrolling in insurance is a very wise decision. In fact, I have a friend who was involved in a traffic accident and faced significant costs for hiring a lawyer, which caused a lot of stress. Considering such experiences, having insurance can indeed be a source of reassurance.

Points to Consider When Choosing

Now, let’s take a closer look at the points you prioritize.

Extensive Support

When choosing legal insurance, it is essential to first check whether there is “extensive support.” Generally, legal troubles arise unexpectedly, so it is ideal to have insurance that can address various legal issues, not just one area. Specifically, choose a company that offers support for a wide range of issues, including general contract problems, traffic accidents, criminal issues, and even family or inheritance-related legal matters.

Free Consultations with No Limits

Next, it is also important to check whether consultations are free and if there are no limits on time or frequency. Legal consultations can sometimes involve sensitive issues, so having a system in place that allows for unlimited consultations can provide peace of mind. For example, when I worked part-time at a judicial scrivener’s office, I noticed that many clients were anxious during their initial consultations, and having a plan that allowed for free consultations multiple times eased their mental burden. I feel this is a very significant point.

Support for Both Victims and Perpetrators

Additionally, you should consider plans that support both victims and perpetrators. In the event that you become involved in a legal issue, you may not know which side you will be on. Therefore, a plan that offers support from both perspectives can be very beneficial. I personally feel that, from a psychological standpoint, it is important to consider the viewpoints of all parties involved in a dispute.

Coverage for Cohabiting Family Members

Furthermore, choosing a plan that allows cohabiting family members to utilize it is also a key point. When someone in the family gets caught up in trouble, it affects everyone. I have heard stories where a friend faced a family member’s traffic accident, and thanks to the lawyer covering the entire family, they were able to address the issues with peace of mind. This aspect should not be overlooked in order to protect the whole family.

Compensation Amount of Over 3 Million Yen

Lastly, it is important that the compensation amount is over 3 million yen. Especially in cases where litigation may drag on or unexpected costs may arise, a certain level of coverage is necessary. In fact, some insurance companies offer compensation of 5 million or even 10 million yen, so it is wise to choose insurance that provides as much coverage as possible.

Recommended Insurance Companies and Plans

Now, based on my research, I would like to introduce a few recommended insurance companies and plans.

Aflac’s Legal Insurance

Aflac’s legal insurance is characterized by its extensive support. It covers traffic accidents, contract disputes, and even family-related issues, and the fact that consultations are free with no limit on the number of times is also appealing. Additionally, there is a plan that allows all family members to utilize it, and the compensation amount is sufficiently provided, making it a reassuring choice.

Rakuten General Insurance’s Legal Expense Insurance

Rakuten General Insurance is also recommended. This insurance covers a wide range of legal issues and has a particularly well-established support system. The fact that consultations are free and it supports both victims and perpetrators is reassuring. There are also plans that cover families, making it popular among many people.

Tokio Marine & Nichido’s Legal Insurance

Tokio Marine & Nichido’s legal insurance also offers stability. It has a particularly high compensation amount, allowing for peace of mind in preparation for significant troubles. Moreover, consultations are free, and it addresses a wide range of legal issues, catering to diverse needs.

In Conclusion

Choosing legal insurance is an important step in protecting your own life and that of your family. To find a plan that suits your needs, thorough information gathering is essential. I personally feel that considering the possibility of being involved in legal troubles in the future, it is wise to prepare now. To lighten the mental burden when faced with trouble, it is definitely worth considering enrolling in legal insurance. Legal insurance is a tool to protect you and your loved ones. I hope you take the time to carefully consider your options, trusting that the insurance you choose will be helpful when the time comes.