Happy as we are for Hugh Price to cite DAS as his successful before-the-event (BTE) model (Legal Report, 17 August) he should know that personal legal protection isn't quite as profitable as his article suggests.
He must be aware that very little of our exceptional pre-tax profit last year derived from personal BTE policies, but why let the facts get in the way of a good story?
It is also perhaps a little disingenuous of Mr Price to find a thousand, somewhat predictable, words to say about the sources of BTE profitability without mentioning the costs.
Protracted property disputes; employment tribunals from which costs are not recoverable; Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) and foreign motor claims that his 'accident farmer' wouldn't touch with a bargepole. There are too many to list here, but all would be greatly inflated were insurers to allow the complete freedom of choice he proposes.
Hugh, if you're looking at BTE underwriting as an easy way to make money, I'd suggest you take a closer look at the figures.
Ray Kneeshaw
Sales and marketing manager
DAS Legal Expenses Insurance Company
