Accidents are an inevitable part of driving, and dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming, especially when legal and financial matters are involved. This is where the Attorney Special Contract (弁護士特約) in Japanese car insurance comes in handy. It provides critical support for resolving legal issues and reducing the financial burden associated with accidents.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of this feature, when it is essential, and important points to keep in mind.
What Is the Attorney Special Contract?
The Attorney Special Contract is an add-on option in Japanese car insurance that covers attorney fees when you need legal assistance following an accident. With this feature, you can receive legal advice, have a professional negotiate on your behalf, or even take legal action to claim compensation—all without worrying about the associated costs.
Key Benefits of the Attorney Special Contract
1. Coverage for Legal Fees
Most Attorney Special Contracts offer coverage for:
- Legal consultation fees: Up to ¥100,000
- Attorney representation costs: Up to ¥3,000,000
This ensures that you can seek professional legal help without financial strain.
2. Expert Negotiation Support
In Japan, the majority of accidents are resolved through settlement negotiations (示談). Having a lawyer handle the negotiation on your behalf ensures you can achieve a fair settlement, especially when legal complexities are involved.
3. Higher Compensation Potential
Lawyers typically use the “attorney standard” (裁判基準) when calculating compensation amounts, which often leads to higher payouts compared to negotiating without legal representation.
4. Saves Time and Effort
Legal proceedings and negotiations can be time-consuming and stressful. With an attorney managing the process, you can focus on recovery and other priorities.
5. Family Coverage
Most Attorney Special Contracts also cover family members, such as spouses and children, providing broader protection.
6. Applicable Beyond Traffic Accidents
Some insurance plans extend the benefits of this contract to legal disputes in daily life, such as neighbor disputes or consumer protection cases.
Situations Where the Attorney Special Contract Is Essential
The Attorney Special Contract can be particularly useful in the following situations:
- Zero-Fault Accidents (もらい事故)
When you are not at fault (e.g., rear-end collisions), insurance companies cannot negotiate on your behalf. An attorney can step in to handle these negotiations for you. - When the Other Party Is Uninsured
If the other driver doesn’t have car insurance, claiming compensation can be challenging. With this contract, an attorney can help you navigate the legal process. - Language Barriers
If you’re not fluent in Japanese, handling accident-related legal matters can be daunting. An attorney ensures your case is handled effectively, even with language barriers. - Frequent Driving
If you drive regularly, your chances of encountering an accident are higher, making the Attorney Special Contract a wise choice for added security.
Things to Consider When Using the Attorney Special Contract
1. Must Be Purchased Before the Accident
You cannot add the Attorney Special Contract to your policy after an accident has occurred. Ensure you have this coverage in place beforehand.
2. Coverage Limits
Legal fees are typically capped at ¥100,000 for consultations and ¥3,000,000 for representation. If costs exceed these amounts, you may need to cover the difference.
3. Exclusions
The Attorney Special Contract may not apply in the following cases:
- Accidents caused by drunk driving or driving without a license
- Accidents resulting from natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes or typhoons)
- Minor vehicle damage accidents, depending on the insurance policy
4. Pre-Approval Required
Before hiring an attorney, you must notify your insurance company and confirm whether the Attorney Special Contract can be used for your case.
5. Avoid Duplicate Coverage
If multiple family members have separate car insurance policies with this feature, check for duplicate coverage to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Conclusion: Why the Attorney Special Contract Is Worth Considering
The Attorney Special Contract is a valuable addition to car insurance, providing legal support and financial relief during challenging situations. It ensures that legal matters are handled professionally and allows you to focus on recovery. Given that accidents can happen to anyone, having this coverage is a smart way to be prepared.
When selecting a car insurance plan, carefully review the terms of the Attorney Special Contract to ensure it meets your needs and provides the level of protection you want.
