Abstract
This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the Legal Expenses Insurance (LEI) in Japan, including its historical background, development, and current prospects and tasks. The LEI market in Japan has grown significantly due to its incorporation as an add-on to voluntary automobile insurance and automobile mutual aid policies, which have high enrollment rates. One of the notable features of LEI in Japan is the establishment of a scheme by non-life insurance companies and mutual aid associations in collaboration with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA) to refer attorneys to insureds. In addition to the cost risk-bearing function, LEI in Japan has a legal service access function, enabling insureds to access legal services through the JFBA Legal Access Center (JFBA LAC). This scheme was launched in October 2000 and is sometimes referred to as Right Protection Insurance System. From a victim relief perspective, it is crucial to broaden the scope of legal fields covered by LEI and diversify the forms and sales channels of LEI products. Additionally, it is important to increase awareness of LEI among the general consumer and to actively provide comprehensive information regarding LEI coverage to those who are already insured.