Reclaim Car Finance PPI
Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) was widely mis-sold alongside car finance agreements for many years. If you purchased a car on finance and also took out PPI, you might be entitled to reclaim the premiums you paid.
What is PPI and Why Was it Mis-Sold?
PPI was designed to cover your loan repayments if you became ill, unemployed, or had an accident. The idea was to protect you from defaulting on your payments during difficult times. However, it was often mis-sold in several ways:
- Lack of Information: Customers weren’t always clearly told they were buying PPI, or what it covered.
- Pressure Sales: Salespeople often pressured customers into taking out PPI, implying their loan application would be rejected without it.
- Unsuitability: PPI was often sold to people who were ineligible to claim, such as the self-employed, those with pre-existing medical conditions, or those already covered by their employer.
- Excessive Commissions: High commissions incentivized salespeople to push PPI, regardless of whether it was suitable for the customer.
Who Can Reclaim?
You may be able to reclaim PPI on your car finance agreement if:
- You weren’t aware you had PPI.
- You were pressured into taking out PPI.
- You were told the loan wouldn’t be approved without PPI.
- The PPI policy wasn’t suitable for your needs.
- You weren’t informed about the cost of PPI.
How to Reclaim
While the official deadline for PPI claims passed in August 2019, there might still be avenues for pursuing a claim in certain circumstances. The Plevin rule, which focuses on unfair relationships due to undisclosed commissions, might be relevant. If a significant portion of your PPI premium went towards commission, you could potentially have grounds for a claim, even if you were aware you had PPI.
Here’s how you can investigate a potential Plevin claim:
- Gather Your Documents: Collect your car finance agreement, PPI policy documents, and any correspondence related to the loan.
- Contact the Finance Provider: Write to the finance provider explaining why you believe the PPI was mis-sold and requesting information about the commission they earned.
- Review Their Response: The finance provider should investigate your complaint and provide a response. If they reject your claim, or you’re unhappy with their offer, you can escalate it to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).
- Contact the Financial Ombudsman Service: The FOS is an independent body that resolves disputes between consumers and financial businesses. They can review your case and make a binding decision.
Important Considerations
Keep in mind that pursuing a claim can take time and effort. It’s crucial to gather all relevant documentation and present your case clearly and concisely. Even though the original PPI deadline has passed, the Plevin ruling offers a potential avenue for redress. You can represent yourself in this process, but you might also consider seeking assistance from a claims management company, understanding their fees beforehand. Always exercise caution and ensure the company is reputable.