england-and-wales insurance costs
Can I claim for time spent preparing for a court case?
<p>I was involved in a car crash almost 2 years ago.  I had to go to court and give evidence as to what happened and the other driver was found guilty.</p>

<p>My insurance company is now having to start legal proceedings again because the other person's insurance company is refusing to pay for the hire car I used whilst the damage was assessed on mine.</p>

<p>The whole thing is starting to drag out and I'm having to spend time looking through old insurance policies and work documents because I was covered by my company's business insurance at the time.</p>

<p>Can I submit claims for the time I'm having to spend trying to contact my old employer, looking through paperwork, etc.?</p>

<p>Can I only claim back the money if the case goes to court, or can I claim it even if it doesn't?</p>

<p>UK law applies</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Can I claim back money for the time Im having to spend trying to contact my old employer/looking through paperwork, etc</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Nope. Time spent in preparation for legal proceedings is never recoverable by way of a court order, however it is possible to recover some (but not all) costs incurred in employing legal counsel if you are successful in your claim or defence.</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Can i only claim back the money if the case goes to court or can i claim it back anyway even if it doesn't ?</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Although this question is essentially answered above, even if you were able to claim the money back, this would generally happen by means of a court order - again, you'd need to go to court.</p>

<p>Neither of the above precludes out-of-court settlement by the parties which may include compensation for time spent.</p>
