Legal protection insurance

I'm looking for legal insurance - "Rechtschutzversicherung" - and would be grateful if anyone could advise me what to look out for, what to be wary of and where to find independant (not necessarily free, I'm willing to pay) advice.

I have a so-called Single Package with Gerling: "Privat-, Berufs- und Verkehrs-Rechtsschutz mit selbstgenutzter Wohneinheit". It includes legal insurance for private, job, traffic and apartment affairs and costs something like €150,- a year. Never needed to use it yet, though.

Hi Oli,

unfortunately, it says "der Antragsteller muss Nichtselbständiger sein." (the aplicant must not be self-employed) at the Gerling webpage. I need it for self-employment.

Nonetheless, thankyou for the suggestion.
-k

Have you tried DAS?

no, but I will. Thanks for the tip

Try Allianz, or Versicherungs Kammer Bayern

Hiya Karambos:

My office manager has worked with the same (independent) insurance guy for years. I understand he basically acts as a broker based on your specific needs. Never met him, don't know how it really works esp cost wise but it might be useful to drop him an inquiry note. Contact details below. You can also check out his generic english website

S. Schuck
Versicherungsmakler
Antoniusstr. 23
45663 Recklinghausen
Tel.: 0 23 61 / 302 862
Fax: 0 23 61 / 302 863
Mobil: 0177 / 200 1896
E-Mail info@s-schuck.com
Internet http://www.s-schuck.com

The Versicherungskammer are VERY good, but not cheap. Their claims processing and flexibility when there is any doubt over a claim are second to none. I guess this is what you are paying for...

My only recommendation is to find an insurance company where you are not bound to use their (or their preferred) lawyers in the event of a claim. This usually makes the insurance more expensive, but gives you more flexibillity in the event of a problem.

For family cover on doemstic, employement, driver insurance I pay around €280 to HUK-Coberg. I've had 3 claims - 2 (an argument with a furniture store and an accident claim) were handled very well, the second (where I was accused of abuse of software copyright) was not accepted. I had to pay a lawyer myself (and won, thank heavens...)

I have A LOT of other insurance with the Versicherungskammer and am actually thinking of moving my Rechtschutz to them as a result of their generally positive attitude... They do a complete package (here) worth €320 for only €260 (less if you pay yearly and contract for at least 5 years) and they do accept freelancers/self-employed...

YL6

DAS did fine for me. I got to pick my lawyer and they paid for the translator on the day of the court case