At a glance

  • ATE insurance is not compulsory for a personal injury claim
  • It provides extra protection against certain legal costs and expenses
  • It works alongside no win, no fee agreements and QOCS, not instead of them
  • QOCS reduces risk, but does not remove all financial exposure
  • ATE insurance can cover disbursements, court fees and some legal costs
  • You usually do not pay upfront, the premium is often payable only if you win
  • The cost is typically taken from your compensation if your claim succeeds
  • You might not need ATE insurance if you already have BTE (before the event) cover
  • Not all policies are the same. Coverage and limits can vary
  • The right choice depends on your claim, risk level and existing protection

If you’re thinking about making a personal injury claim, you might be wondering whether after the event (ATE) insurance is something you actually need.

The short answer? Not always. But in some cases, it can still offer peace of mind, especially where there is a risk of legal costs.

In this guide, we explain after the event insurance in simple terms, how it works with no win, no fee claims, and when it might be worth considering.

What is after the event insurance?

After the event insurance, or ATE insurance, is a policy taken out after an accident. It helps protect you against certain costs linked to making a legal claim. This can include:

  • Some legal costs in specific situations
  • Disbursements, such as medical report fees
  • Court and expert fees

A disbursement is simply a cost linked to your case, like paying for medical evidence to support your claim.

ATE insurance is usually arranged by your solicitor as part of the claims process.

Do I need after the event insurance?

ATE insurance isn’t a legal requirement for a personal injury claim. However, whether you need it depends on your individual situation. It may be worth considering if there’s any financial risk attached to your claim. This can vary depending on:

  • How complex your case is
  • Whether there are upfront or ongoing expenses
  • Whether you already have other cover

So, if you’re asking if you need ATE insurance for a personal injury claim, the answer is: not always, but  it can be a sensible safeguard in the right circumstances.

How no win, no fee and QOCS affect your risk

Most personal injury claims are handled under a no win, no fee agreement (also called a Conditional Fee Agreement). This means you typically won’t pay your solicitor’s fees if your claim is unsuccessful.

You might also be protected by QOCS (Qualified One-Way Costs Shifting). This limits when you may have to pay the other side’s legal costs. However, this protection is not absolute.

There can still be situations where costs matter, or where expenses affect how much compensation you keep. This is why ATE insurance and no win, no fee claims are often considered together.

What risks can still remain without ATE insurance?

Even with these protections, there might still be:

  • Disbursement costs to consider
  • Situations where costs reduce your compensation
  • Risks linked to settlement decisions

For example, if a reasonable settlement offer is rejected and the outcome is less favourable, there could be financial consequences.

What does ATE insurance cover?

What ATE insurance covers will depend on the policy, but it often includes:

  • Certain legal costs
  • Disbursements
  • Court and expert fees

Because policies can vary, it’s important to understand exactly what is and isn’t included before agreeing to it.

When do you pay for ATE insurance?

In many cases, the cost of ATE insurance is deferred. This means:

  • You don’t pay anything upfront
  • The premium is usually only payable if your claim succeeds
  • The cost may be deducted from your compensation

This structure helps reduce financial pressure while your claim is ongoing.

When might you not need ATE insurance?

There are situations where ATE insurance may not be necessary. For example:

  • You already have BTE insurance (before the event cover) through home or motor insurance
  • You have support through a trade union
  • Your claim is considered low risk

If you already have cover in place, your solicitor can check whether it applies before recommending anything further.

What is the difference between BTE and ATE insurance?

BTE insurance is cover you already had before the accident, while ATE insurance is taken out after the accident. If you already have BTE cover, your solicitor can check whether it applies to your claim.

What should you check before agreeing to ATE insurance?

Before agreeing to any policy, it’s important to understand what you’re signing up for.

You may want to ask:

  • What exactly does the policy cover?
  • Are there any limits or exclusions?
  • How much is the premium?
  • When will it need to be paid?

Not all policies offer the same level of protection, so clarity is important.

Is after the event insurance worth it?

For many people, ATE insurance offers reassurance. It’s not always essential, but it can help protect you from financial uncertainty in certain types of claims.

Whether it’s worth it really comes down to your individual circumstances, the level of risk involved, and what other protection you already have in place.

How we can help

ATE insurance isn’t compulsory, but it can still be a useful layer of protection in some personal injury claims.

The best way to decide is to seek clear advice based on your situation. We can explain your options and help you understand what’s right for you.

Speak to our team today for clear, no-obligation advice on your claim and whether ATE insurance is right for you.

ATE FAQs

Is ATE insurance compulsory for a personal injury claim?

No, ATE insurance is not compulsory. It’s an optional extra that can provide additional protection against certain costs, depending on your situation.

Do I pay ATE insurance if I lose my claim?

In many cases, no. The premium is usually only payable if your claim succeeds. However, this can vary depending on the policy, so it’s important to check the terms carefully.

Can I refuse ATE insurance?

Yes, you can choose not to take out ATE insurance. However, it’s important to understand any potential financial risks before making that decision.

Does ATE insurance cover all legal costs?

Not always. What’s covered depends on the specific policy, and there may be limits or exclusions. Your solicitor should explain this clearly before you agree.

Can I use existing insurance instead of ATE?

Possibly. If you already have BTE insurance through a home or motor policy, it may cover your claim. Your solicitor can check this for you.