i own a smart car. as fantastic as it is, one of the front suspension coil springs snapped. i have been a member of a number of smart car forums and have found out that this is a common fault in smart cars of the same age. (52 reg.) anyway i have been told that my smart car will not pass its MOT due to this spring breakage, and therefore i cannot get my tax, and therefore not legally drive it, pain in the a:!: . i had spoken to mercedes on the phone and told them that i know this is a common fault and wondering what they were willing to do about it. mercedes and smart (same thing) have a procedure for claims called 'esculab' (not quite sure on spelling) basically i have been told that i need to bring my car to a merc dealers where they can 'assess' the damage and claim on esculab to see if smart/merc are willing to pay for it as a 'goodwill' gesture. however i have been advised that these esculab claims do not always get the go ahead, and sometimes they only contribute a percentage. so two questions; - what should i do about not being able to get the car there (legally) and - is there anyway i am more likely to get them to pay the whole lot? sorry for the long post, and thanks in advance for replies..

i was wondering how long this method of claiming back charges will work for? i know that the reasons why the charges should be given back are fair, and thats why for now people are getting their money back, but how long will it take till banks maybe wise up to it, or find some loophole. (im only thinking this because im sure it pains them to have give money back, and they will have some high-paid legal teams on the case to save them giving more moeny back.)

no problem, either one. anyway as i did say though please wait for someone else to give you a more educated answer, as i have not done separate accounts myself. im sure someone will have a confirmed answer for you though.

no need to double post if your question isnt answered straight away. but anyway, i think you would need 3 seperate letters, or at least one each for each different account number. saying that its not something i have done, so wait for someone to confirm before you take my word for it.

thanks for the reply, however on the envelop i will put the whole thing, i dont want this getting 'lost' in the post. i mean on the letter itself where i am to put their address.

back with one question, feel like such a pain in the ass. anyway i have been looking around on the forums and have an address for alex lyons. anyway for my Data Protection Act letter, where i put 'their address' how much of it should i actually put in, as its a very long address. its 9 lines ; alex lyons data protection manager retail regulatory risk 2nd floor business house B gogaburen po box 1000 edinburgh eh12 1hq i know it must sound very picky and maybe pointless, but what bits of that should i put in the letter to them?

unfortunately i was in a bit of a rush so i didnt get any ref no from the page, but they said they will be in touch via written communication, so i guess i will wait. (i think it said within seven days)

i was just thinking about the NatWest credit card.... the other day i applied for a standard NatWest credit card, i like the fact of 9 months interest free purchases and balance transfers (i know there is a 2% fee but i can live with that). well anyway i met the criteria, over 18 and earn at least 10 grand a year, filled everything out, but was told something like "unfortunately we cannot give you a decision at the moment, we will be in contact in writing to further your application...." (something like that anyway) i know there could probably be alot of reasons, but anyone know of any? AND, if i was to get this and then go to NatWest and claim back my charges, would they threaten to close this credit card account aswell as my current one?

haha, well i didnt 'kill' yet, about to get my money back hopefully. i dont want to kill people.

ahhh, natwest staff member.....are you the enemy? no im only kidding, thanks for the reply. cheque payable to 'natwest' i guess...

right i know i have been away for a while, but been mega busy with work and all... anyway, i have a question (again) but feel stupid asking it, however i didnt see it in the FAQs, which i have read. when requesting the 6 years of statements/charges....saying i enclose 10 for the payment, what form should this payment take? i mean im not exactly gonna slip a tenner in the envelope am i? bank draft? cheque? i dont knwo and wanna be sure before i go ahead and start claiming. any info would be good. oh and while im posting, with the statements they send me, will that be ok to use for my new bank account as 'a previous statement' to open the accoutn up?

thats a point, i cant remember how long i have held my account...... i guess i'll soon find out.

ok i have a question already.......how lame am i? in the opening paragraph of the initial letter to the bank; "Please supply me with a complete list of transactions and charges relating to my bank account since [xxDate as far back as you wantxx]. Alternatively, a complete set of bank statements for that period will be acceptable." i am only 20 and therefore would not have had an overdraft facility for more than 2 and a bit years, which is obviously less than 6 years back, should i just date this (the red field above) from the date i turned 18? sorry if thats stupid, but i could really do with this working for me.. thanks.

Round 1, FIGHT.... well, i have been doing some reading on moneysavingexpert site and found my way here. would like to start by saying thanks to all of those who provide the information that helps the others (and hopefully soon to be myself) with our financial quests..... anyway im about to send off my DPA request for all of my charges to be listed, and i will keep all posted on my progress. (and i'm thinking of opening another bank account just incase....too paranoid?)