rättsskydds

Rättsskydd, eller legal protection, is a term used in Swedish insurance to refer to coverage that helps pay legal costs in civil disputes. It is commonly included in private insurance such as home, vehicle, or travel policies, or can be purchased as a separate rättsskyddsförsäkring. The purpose is to improve access to legal help by reducing the financial barriers to pursuing or defending a claim.

Coverage typically includes costs for legal advice, attorney fees, and court or appeal costs, up to the limits stated in the policy. Some plans also cover fees for necessary experts. The exact scope varies by policy, but most rättsskydd covers disputes of civil-law nature stemming from contracts, consumer issues, tenancy or property matters, and certain employment disputes. It usually does not cover criminal cases, disputes with the insurer, tax matters, or pre-existing disputes, and there may be restrictions related to who initiated the dispute or where it took place.

There are practical conditions to use rättsskydd. The insured often must notify the insurer before starting legal action or certain negotiations, and the insurer may appoint a legal representative. Payouts depend on the policy’s terms, the merits of the case, and any applicable deductible or waiting period. In some cases, the insurer may be selective about which disputes it funds.

In Sweden, rättsskydd is a common feature of many private insurances and is regulated by general insurance contract principles. Policyholders should review their agreement to understand coverage limits, included dispute types, geographic scope, and any exclusions.