If you have taken out a mortgage, loan or credit, it is likely that your lender sold you payment protection insurance. PPI is designed to help customers repay debt should they find themselves in difficult circumstances such as becoming unemployed or getting injured, however, the lenders found a loophole and have been selling PPI to customers who were not eligible for the cover or who did not fit the particulars of the PPI they were sold. If you have paid for PPI, whether you tried to use it or not, you may be entitled to claim this money back. What you may not be aware of is why you could be eligible to claim and why the banks could face a huge wave of payouts
The common misconception is that everyone is eligible for PPI but this is not the case. If you are older than 65, the age of retirement, you would never be entitled to claim PPI as you are likely not in full time employment. If you are self employed you are technically considered a financial risk and no PPI policy would offer to cover you ability to make repayments. If you have a historical medical condition you will be unlikely to be able to get PPI cover as you are more likely to be forced off work. Despite this, banks are more than happy to sell PPI to everyone knowing full well it will never cover them if needed.
This situation has continued with the full knowledge of the Banks and lenders, something which financial watchdogs have frowned upon very much. The government has forced many of the UKs high street lenders to offer refunds to their customers but some have adopted a ‘don’t ask – don’t get’ policy meaning the consumer has to go on the hunt for their money either alone or with legal assistance.
The first stage in attempting to reclaim your PPI payments is to send your bank a letter requesting a full refund. From this you will receive a long winded ‘no’ to which you will need to duplicate your first letter in addition to declaring your intent to pursue legal action and support from the financial ombudsman. Your requests will be met with a variety of answers ultimately dismissing your claim on the basis of your lack of authority. The key is perseverance and it will significantly help your chances if you do get the ombudsman involved. Ultimately if all else fails, enlist professional help.
It is often hassle free to use a legal agency to help you claim back your PPI as they are experienced and will do all of the legwork for you. This will be much more effective than pursuing the matter yourself and will most likely end in success. Many solicitors are no win no fee so you won’t lose out by claiming with them and it’s the best way of hitting back at the evil banking giants!
There are many companies that offer or specialise in PPI claims and they are fully capable of taking control of everything you need for your loan protection claim
