Pre-paid Legal Shortfalls
Protection is a natural instinct. We throw our arms across our children when anticipating a car wreck; we double-check the stove, iron, and electric blanket to make sure they’re all off before leaving the house; we worry about giving credit card information out online.
One form of legal protection that has been increasing in popularity since the 1970s is pre-paid legal services, and it is the result of that same, natural inclination towards protecting ourselves, those around us, and the possessions and careers we have worked so hard to build.
There are, however, both pros and cons where pre-paid legal services are involved. First, let’s explain what a pre-paid legal service (PPL or PPLS) actually is.
A PPL is basically just legal insurance. For a fixed monthly expense, a PPL allows a person access to certain civil law or criminal law services before they are needed. These services can include general legal advice, general civil trial defense, small business defense, contract review, traffic ticket defense, and legal representation in court in the case of defending against criminal charges or wrongful termination lawsuits.
The pros of a PPL, as with most insurances, are obvious. But what are some of the cons that need to be considered before a person begins to pre-pay for legal services?
- You can’t necessarily request one attorney. They are usually randomly assigned. And if you get stuck with an attorney you don’t like or trust, tough. That may be it.
- You may get a different attorney every time, for each different service.
- If you don’t use the PPL, you still have to pay for it.
- There may be some services you think you’re already covered for, but surprise! You may have to pay more in addition to what you’re already paying per month.
Using a PPL is not always wrong, but there are definitely reasons to think about whether or not it’s the best option for you. If you have questions about whether or not a pre-paid legal service is right for your situation, call XINSURANCE at 877-585-2853 from Monday to Friday, or email one of our agents at info@XINSURANCE.com.
One of our agents may recommend a simple gap coverage or personal liability insurance instead of a pricey PPL. Call or email today, and we’ll help you target the areas in your life where you might be personally liable or at risk of a lawsuit.
Authored by Rick J. Lindsey, President, Chairman, and CEO of XINSURANCE
Rick J. Lindsey hails from Salt Lake City, Utah. He began working in the mailroom of his father’s Salt Lake City insurance firm, getting his introduction to the business that became his lifelong career. Rick J. Lindsey quickly rose through the ranks while working in nearly every imaginable insurance industry job. As an entrepreneur, specialty lines underwriter, claims specialist, risk manager, and a licensed surplus lines broker, Rick J. Lindsey is highly skilled in all levels of leadership and execution. As he progressed on his career path, Rick J. Lindsey discovered an urgent need for insurers willing to write policies for high-risk individuals and businesses. He was frequently frustrated that he could not provide the liability protection these entities desperately needed to safeguard their assets. He also formed the belief that insurance companies acted too quickly to settle frivolous claims. Rick J. Lindsey decided to try a different approach. He started an insurance company and became the newly formed entity’s CEO. This opportunity has enabled Rick J. Lindsey to fill a void in the market and provide a valuable service to businesses, individuals, and insurance agents who write high-risk business. XINSURANCE also specializes in helping individuals and businesses who live a lifestyle or participate in activities that make them difficult for traditional carriers to insure. If you’ve been denied, non-renewed, or canceled coverage, don’t give up quite yet. Chances are XINSURANCE can help.
