11/06/12…Think you may have been mis-sold payment protection insurance?

IF the company who sold you payment protection knew it was wrong for you, or didn’t check on your circumstances properly before selling it to you, (for example, the policy doesn’t cover self-employed people and you’re self-employed), you may be able to make a claim for mis-selling.

This means that the company has sold you a policy when they shouldn’t have done, and you may be able to cancel the policy and get a refund. If you think you’ve been mis-sold PPI for any reason, you can make a complaint to the company that sold you the policy.

You may want to get help from an experienced adviser to do this. You may also want to use our sample PPI complaints letter to help you complain about mis-selling. Go to the Citizens Advice website: www.adviceguide.org.uk for a downloadable copy.

If you don’t get anywhere with the company which sold you the policy, you may need to refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service. You should use the complaint form on their website at: www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk

The major banks have written to customers they believe may have been mis-sold PPI. If you have received a letter, it will explain the steps you need to take next.

Finally, beware of companies offering to help you with a claim ? many such offers are a front for a scam designed to get you to hand over bank card details or shell out money you will never see again. Others do offer a service but this can be very expensive and can eat up all the compensation you get, or even leave you in debt. Some cold call or send text messages out of the blue ? these are best ignored and deleted.

Adviceline 08444 111 444 – 03 00 33 00 650 (Mobile)
Your nearest CAB is in the Market Square, Thame