Meritz Fire & Marine Insurance Launches Industry's First "Civil Litigation Attendance Cost Coverage" Rider

Meritz Fire & Marine Insurance announced on the 17th that it has launched a special rider called "Civil Litigation Attendance Cost Coverage (excluding appeals)" that guarantees attendance costs incurred during civil litigation procedures.

This rider was granted a three-month exclusive use right after being recognized for its originality, usefulness, innovativeness, and level of effort by the General Insurance Association of Korea's New Product Review Committee in October, two months prior to its release.

The Civil Litigation Attendance Cost Coverage (excluding appeals) is the first in the industry to pay attendance costs based on the court's final decision on litigation expenses. Even if the policyholder loses the case, the rider covers attendance costs not only for the policyholder but also for up to 10 opposing parties.

Attendance costs refer to the expenses incurred when a plaintiff or defendant, as a party to the lawsuit, appears in court at the request or demand of the court. These costs are calculated by summing the daily allowance, domestic transportation, meal, and accommodation expenses in accordance with the Civil Litigation Cost Rules.

Previously, insurance products covered attorney fees, stamp duties, and service charges associated with lawsuits, but there were no products that paid attendance costs. According to related statistics, about 70% of civil lawsuits in 2024 were conducted directly by the parties without attorneys. Nevertheless, attendance costs incurred during the litigation process were not covered by existing products. This rider is expected to play an important role in minimizing this coverage gap and lowering the financial barriers to litigation.

The Civil Litigation Attendance Cost Coverage (excluding appeals) is available through a total of four products: Meritz Driver Accident Comprehensive Insurance, Meritz Our Home Insurance M-House, Meritz Property Insurance Success Mate, and Meritz Success Partner Comprehensive Insurance.

A representative from Meritz Fire & Marine Insurance stated, "We have expanded the coverage to address the gaps in existing products and to encompass the full range of litigation costs," adding, "Our focus is on supporting customers so they can exercise their legal rights without financial burden."