Frequently Asked Questions

What is the claim about?

Our panel of legal experts are acting for owners of diesel vehicles over an alleged software or a ‘cheat’ / ‘defeat’ device installed/fitted on some of their diesel vehicles in order to artificially reduce emissions to pass EU Emissions tests. Since 2008, these opponent(s) have manufactured and used a ‘defeat device’ in their engines that falsely reported on the vehicle’s emission levels. When cars are driven in the real world, emissions are often many times higher than the regulated limits.

What did the automotive manufacturers do?

We are fighting for compensation on behalf of owners of diesel vehicles who we believe were deliberately misled over the environmental performance of their vehicles.

We believe that owners of the affected vehicles should be compensated because they were mis-sold these vehicles, which were advertised as being more environmentally friendly with lower NOx emissions.

Increased levels of nitrogen dioxide emissions are harmful to the environment and to the health of children and adults.

What is the current position ?

At present, we are referring vehicle owners who may have an affected diesel vehicle to our panel of legal experts who will then provide updates on the potential group legal claim.

Can all diesel vehicle owners for all automotive manufacturers bring a claim?

Only people who bought (including were gifted, hire-purchased, or loaned) or leased an affected vehicle are able to bring to a claim. Not every diesel vehicle is affected. If you think your vehicle is affected, click HERE to check your eligibility.

Which vehicles are affected?

If you bought (new or used) or leased a diesel vehicle between January 2008 and December 2019, you can apply to join the claim by clicking HERE.

1.2, 1.6 or 2.0 Litre Diesel.

Does this apply to petrol or diesel vehicles?

This claim only relates to diesel vehicles.

How can I check if my vehicle is affected?

You may have already received a recall letter confirming that your vehicle is affected. However, you can also check if your vehicle is affected by clicking HERE.

How much compensation can I expect ?

The level of compensation is dependent on a number of factors such as when you first purchased or leased your vehicle, the make, the model, how much you paid for the car and, if you have sold it, how much you received for it.

However, based on similar claims brought in the United States, the estimated average compensation is £5,000. However, this amount may be significantly lower or higher depending on the final assessment of damages.

Is there a deadline to join the claim?

No, but certain types of claim have ‘limitation’ deadlines, which will mean that if you wait to join the claim you may be unable to claim some or all of the compensation which might otherwise be available to you.

Will I have to pay the opponent(s) costs if I lose?

No. We will, if necessary, take out what is known as ATE (After The Event) insurance cover to protect you against having to pay the opponent(s)’ costs in the unlikely event that the claim is unsuccessful.

Who are the solicitors or law firm handling this claim?

We will refer your details to a panel of specialist litigation firms with expertise in large consumer claims and collective actions. All firms we work with are incorporated and registered in England and Wales and regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority.

I live in Scotland/Northern Ireland. Can I claim?

Our panel of legal experts currently comprises English law firms and solicitors and the claims we are proposing to bring in the first instance will be in the English courts on behalf of claimants in England and Wales. However, we are working with Scottish and Northern Irish lawyers with the intention of bringing claims in those jurisdictions also in due course. You should still submit your details by clicking HERE and we will be in touch

What do I need to do?

Click HERE to see if you’re eligible to claim. We will need you to provide us with your number plate/vehicle registration number (VRN) so that we confirm if your vehicle is affected.

What will it cost me?

There is no up-front cost to join the claim. Since our legal experts are acting on a no-win, no-fee basis, you will only have to pay a fee if your claim is successful. If you are successful you will pay us 40% of your damages, plus VAT. We will also cover the costs involved in bringing your claim to trial, but you will only have to pay us for those to the extent that we can recover them from the defendant.

It is very important that you read our full terms and conditions and other documents provided when you sign up.

How will my case proceed?

When you sign up to claim, you will be asked to read a Litigation Management Agreement which is the contract by which you will appoint a Committee of Claimants to give our panel of legal experts instructions to bring the claim on your behalf. This allows our panel to act for tens of thousands of people like you all at the same time. We will keep in touch with you and update you at frequent intervals as your case progresses.

When will I receive my compensation? How long will the claim take?

Since the legal case can take a long time to resolve, it isn’t possible to provide guarantees of success or precise timescales. However, if your claim is successful, you will be notified. In the case of a quick settlement, you are likely to receive compensation within the next six months. On the other hand, if the legal process is protracted and the opponent(s) choose to fight the claim, the process could take 2 or 3 years.

What documents do I need to provide?

The documents we ask you for will depend on whether you owned the car (where we ask for proof of the purchase), leased it, or if you bought the vehicle on finance (in which case we would need your finance paperwork). If you have sold the car we will also ask you for some documents showing the details of the sale.

Can I bring a claim if I bought my vehicle on finance?

Yes, provided you bought an affected vehicle, you are able to bring a claim.

Can I bring a claim if I have a company car?

Yes, if the contract is in your name and the vehicle is affected, you are able to bring a claim.

Can I bring a claim if my vehicle is leased?

Yes, if the contract is in your name and the vehicle is affected, you are able to bring a claim.

I have sold my vehicle, can I claim?

Provided you are able to confirm that your vehicle is affected, yes. You will need to check your VRN and we will ask you to provide us with your vehicle purchase documents.

Can I claim for more than one vehicle?

Provided all the vehicles you want to claim for are affected, yes. We need you to complete a separate questionnaire for each of your vehicles.

Does it matter where I bought my vehicle?

No, it does not matter where you bought your vehicle. You are eligible to claim whether you bought your vehicle from a showroom, or from a third party dealer.

Am I able to claim if my vehicle is second hand?

Yes, you will still be able to claim whether your vehicle was bought new or second hand.

If I join the claim, can I sell my vehicle?

Yes. You should do what you would normally do if you were not part of the claim. You can stay part of the claim if you sell your vehicle, but it might have an impact on how much you can claim. If you sell your vehicle you should retain copies of documents which prove that you once owned the vehicle and which record details of the sale.

Am I still eligible to claim if my vehicle has had the ‘fix’ installed?

Yes – it makes no difference whether your car has had the ‘fix’.

Will I have to give evidence in court?

This is highly unlikely. From several thousand claimants, only a very small number might be asked to give evidence.

Can I change my mind after I join the claim?

Yes. You can cancel within 14 days of joining the claim without incurring any costs. If you decide to cancel you will need to notify the law firm in writing. When you sign up you will be provided with a cancellation form that you can use.

Can I join the claim if I purchased or leased my vehicle under the Motability Scheme?

Yes, you can join the claim.

I have a question that is not covered on your website.

You can email us at [email protected] or complete the Contact Us form. Someone will get back to you asap.

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