Legal protection

Lawyer or legal protection: which is better?

Our legal expert explains the key differences.

07.08.2023,
reading time 5 minutes

There are countless things in our daily lives that could quickly turn into a legal matter. When you need legal backup, you might want to draw on a lawyer or your legal protection insurance. Legal expert Pinar Eckert López explains how the two differ.

Which is better: legal protection or a lawyer?

As a general rule, both offer specialist knowledge that will help you with legal issues, such as when legal problems arise after a traffic accident, when shopping or with neighbours. Especially in the case of everyday disagreements, however, there is often no need for lawyers or expensive court proceedings, because mediation is enough. This discussion between the two parties is chaired by an independent expert with the aim of reaching clear agreements. Legal protection insurance covers the costs of such mediation proceedings.

What additional benefits does legal protection insurance offer me?

Our legal protection insurance is a reliable support that provides you with broad-based cover and helps you with legal expertise whenever you need it. Experts analyse your legal situation and represent your interests, if necessary in court. In such a case, we will provide you with an experienced lawyer and assume the legal fees and court costs. You can also call our telephone hotline for advice, including preventive advice, at any time. Such a discussion often clarifies the key questions and the next steps. You can also download the key sample templates free of charge in the knowledge hub on our website.

When should I consult a lawyer?

If you definitely want to go straight to court, do not yet have legal protection insurance and would like to choose your own lawyer, then you should contact a lawyer. In addition, certain branches of law may not be covered by your legal protection insurance (such as immigration law or active criminal law). In such cases, our lawyers can provide you with an initial assessment and also recommend whether a lawyer is advisable.

What makes more sense financially?

The hourly rate charged by lawyers is often very high (in Switzerland, usually between CHF 200 and CHF 500). You can get legal protection insurance for the whole family for as little as CHF 400 per year. This not only covers legal fees, but also other expenses that arise in connection with legal disputes. This includes internal costs incurred when assessing your case, costs for court proceedings and expert opinions and costs for the lawyer representing you in court.