well done spiceskull, that is exactly what people need, a brief explanation of a sample case to get their heads round it, and links to relevant detailed explanations i doth my cap sir sticky?

Thank you very much!

I work in Insurance, and not trying to put anyone off but when checking around always check the excess levels. I was informed by an advisor that NU Direct recently cancelled any link with InsureSupermarket motor quotes because they were obtaining quotes with 2 excess levels but under same quote reference. Its also worth checking what any 'scrape' site includes. Many don't include courtesy car, protected no claims, or legal cover. These 'scrape' sites (confused.com & insuresupermarket) obtain your info then just get basic prices for you but with varying excess. (Normally you find the cheaper price but high excess at the top, but most people see a price and dont look at the cover) Also, If a price is good, check what it will cost you during the policy term. Most brokers will add extra fee's for admin. This could be for duplicate certificates/paperwork, changing your details or missing a payment. It can vary from £10 to £25 a time! I wont go into blowing my trumpet but most direct companies will only charge you if there is a change to rating factors ie: Changing Car, or Address or Cover. Finally, see if the online price is the same if you called up to accept it. There are some that penalise you for paying over the phone for an online quote. Lets face it, this may be 2006 but not everyone likes transmitting card details online. At the end of the day, go for what you can afford but making sure you have the cover you need. Its when you claim that you find how good your insurance company is !

I always use recorded delivery, it's only a quid. The letter would have made it, you could include a copy to be safe. Take them to the cleaners!!!! Crusher

The only fees which cannot be claimed are monthly fees for providing a specific service e.g. 'Advantage Gold' account - these charges would only be a few pounds a month and would be detailed as such. Any other fees such as the ones you have mentioned can be claimed.

Seminole I have not yet had any set aside, that is why I stated I am just starting and it may not always work, however, I do know someone who has and the reason was because information that was not to hand when the judgement was made had since come to light, that is the basis I am using. You need to apply to the court using Form N244 stating your resons to have the CCJ set aside. Also there are other reasons, but it is Item 9 that I am using, here is more information for you:- So in my opinion, if a significant portion of the debt was in fact unlawful bank charges and penalties, surely this is good enough reason to ask to have a CCJ set aside. I am also trying with one that was paid in full, I see no reason why that cannot be set aside for the same reasons, even though it is marked as settled, I would much rather have it off my file then on it!! The defaults are a slightly different proposition, as it really depends on the creditor agreeing with what you propose, they must give consent!! but I would have thought even if you still owe them money and you can find some money to make them a settlement offer subject to them agreeing to remove the default, I think you could legally have it removed. It is a win win situation, but you would have to be very careful how you approached them. Just my opinions, but worth a try I think. Chris

PJ I have done quite a lot of research on this topic, and in some case you can get both defaults and CCJ's removed, but before you can, you need to get a copy of your credit file, then you write to the loan company or whoever placed the default - see sample letter below:- Once you get a letter back you can then start to take action to get said defaults removed. If you owe nothing and they agree for the default to be removed you write to all the credit reference agencies and send them a copy of the letter from the creditor stating they agree to allow the default to be removed. CCJ's are actually easier, I know someone who has done it very easily, and I am in the process now of having two set aside (not removed) set aside means in all likelyhood they will never be taken back to court especially if the set aside was due to unlawful bank charges etc. Once set aside you write the above letter to the CRA's and your file is then cleared. All this takes some time, but you should be able to do it in around 2 months, depending on how many you have, how quick they reply and if you can settle any default loans etc. I have just written to the courts on two counts, one for a CCJ from Barclays for which a significant portion of the debt was unlawful bank charges and penalties and one for a consumer credit CCJ that in fact has been paid in full and I have a Certificate of Satisfaction for, but which I want removing from the records. I will let you know how I get on, letters are going off tomorrow. There are ways, does not always work depends on your situation, but it can be done. Chris

In yout LBA ask for the correct amount, so yes you need to recalculate, send a copy of the spreadsheet to as this will serve 2 purposes ..1 at some point you need to show them how you came to the figure you are claiming so now we say to put it in with all your letters then the bank can't argue that they have never recieved it .2 It will show how your now asking for a different amount to your first request without the need for you to go in to explanations in your letter. If you need help with your spreadsheet just let Vamp know , as she said . EDIT of course people have different experiences and may give you different advice so you must use your own judgement on who's advice you take

Hi, Don't worry about it. You've probably asked for too much. If the amounts were larger I would say it will probably end up almost correct, but it's not. If the bank doesn't pay before you raise your claim in court, you can re-calculate at that point, then add the 8% also. Let me know if you need any help with the spreadsheet. Vamp.

Hi In June 2003, the Co-Op acquired Northern Rock's credit card balances. The acquisition resulted in Northern Rock transferring its existing credit card portfolio of 90k+ accounts to the bank. Since Northern Rock is still a 'going concern' I would suggest you claim against them. If, at a later date, the Co-Op make it clear they are responsible, then you can alter things accordingly.

Straight to LBA - no messing...!

Personally I would try to recover the whole amount.. The bank will tell you quickly enough that they have already reimbursed xxxx amount of charges, then plead ignorance. This shouldn't delay the claim Let them do the work for once.

They can close your account or call your overdraft in .That is why we recommend you open a parachute account.People are starting court action to stop the closure of their accounts so if you do a search of the site you can read more about it.