Legal Protection Insurance Austria 2025: The Complete Guide

Why Legal Protection Insurance Makes Sense in Austria

Legal disputes can affect anyone - and they can be expensive. A lawyer in Austria charges between €150 and €300 per hour, a simple consultation can quickly cost €500 or more. If you lose a case, you often have to cover the opposing party's legal fees as well.

Legal protection insurance covers these costs and allows you to assert your rights - without financial risk.

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What Does Legal Protection Insurance Cost?

Costs depend on the scope of coverage:

As of December 2025. Prices may vary depending on provider and personal factors.

What Areas Does Legal Protection Insurance Cover?

1. Damages and Criminal Defence

This component protects you with:

• Defence in criminal proceedings
• Enforcement of damage claims
• Protection against unjustified claims

Example: Someone falsely accuses you of a crime. Legal protection covers your defence costs.

2. Contract Disputes

Protection for disputes arising from everyday contracts:

• Purchase contracts (car, furniture, electronics)
• Tradesperson contracts
• Travel contracts
• Insurance contracts

Example: A tradesperson delivers defective work and refuses to fix it.

3. Employment Law

One of the most important components for employees:

• Unfair dismissal claims
• Salary disputes
• Workplace harassment
• Severance negotiations
• Employment reference disputes

Example: Your employer terminates you unlawfully. Without legal protection, the costs of a lawsuit can quickly exceed €5,000.

4. Tenancy and Property Law

Particularly important for tenants in Austria:

• Deposit disputes
• Rent reduction for defects
• Eviction protection
• Neighbour disputes
• Property disputes

Example: Your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit.

5. Vehicle Legal Protection

Special protection in traffic matters:

• Traffic accident disputes
• Vehicle purchase/sale disputes
• Driving licence issues
• Fine proceedings
• Disputes with garages

Example: After an accident, the opposing insurance refuses to pay in full.

6. Family and Inheritance Law

Protection for family legal disputes:

• Divorce proceedings
• Custody disputes
• Inheritance conflicts
• Maintenance disputes

Important: Family and inheritance law often have longer waiting periods (up to 12 months).

Waiting Periods: What You Need to Know

After signing up, there are waiting periods before coverage begins:

Providers Compared

durchblicker.at compares over 16 legal protection insurers in Austria:

• Allianz - Austria's largest insurer
• ARAG - Legal protection specialist
• Donau Versicherung - Traditional Austrian insurer
• Grawe - Styrian insurance company
• HDI - International corporation
• Helvetia - Swiss quality
• Merkur Versicherung - Graz-based insurer
• Roland Rechtsschutz - Pure legal protection specialist
• UNIQA - One of the largest insurers
• Wiener Städtische - Vienna Insurance Group
• and more...

Compare All 16+ Providers

Private Legal Protection vs. Vehicle Legal Protection

Private Legal Protection includes:

• Contract disputes
• Employment law
• Tenancy and property law
• Tax and social law
• Criminal defence
• Family and inheritance law (optional)

Vehicle Legal Protection includes:

• Traffic accident disputes
• Vehicle purchase/sale disputes
• Driving licence matters
• Fine proceedings
• Disputes with garages
• Insurance disputes

Recommendation: If you own a car, a combined plan covering both areas is often worthwhile.

What is NOT covered?

The following cases are typically excluded:

• Disputes known before signing the contract
• Intentional criminal offences
• Construction disputes (depending on plan)
• Investment disputes
• Disputes below the insured value

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I choose my own lawyer?

Yes, you generally have free choice of lawyer. Some insurers recommend certain firms, but you are not obligated to use them.

Is there a deductible?

Depending on the plan, deductibles range from €150 to €500. A higher deductible lowers monthly costs.

When does coverage begin?

After the waiting period ends (usually 3 months). The triggering legal case must occur after this period.

Are out-of-court settlements covered?

Yes, legal protection insurance also covers costs for out-of-court settlements and mediation.

Does coverage apply abroad?

Most plans offer EU-wide coverage. Worldwide coverage is often available for an additional premium.

Who Should Get Legal Protection Insurance?

Legal protection insurance is particularly worthwhile for:

1. Employees - Employment law disputes are common
2. Tenants - Conflicts with landlords occur frequently
3. Car owners - Traffic accidents and disputes with insurers
4. Families - More people = more potential conflicts
5. Self-employed - Contract disputes with clients
6. Landlords - Disputes with tenants

Conclusion: Legal Protection as Smart Coverage

Legal protection insurance is not a luxury insurance, but an important protection against unforeseen legal costs. From just €6/month, you get basic coverage that can save thousands of euros in an emergency.

Our recommendation: Compare different providers and choose a plan that fits your life situation.