Anyone who owned certain diesel cars or vans could be due thousands of pounds in compensation, say lawyers.
‘No win no fee’ group legal claims are going ahead over certain vehicles’ emissions, which lawyers claim were more polluting than the manufacturers’ official published figures.
It follows the ‘dieselgate’ scandal back in 2015, when Volkswagen admitted that 11 million cars worldwide may have been fitted with software designed to trick emissions-testers.
Because of this, they argue that some customers were mis-sold their cars or vans.
To join a claim, you don’t need to have bought the car from the manufacturer – the compensation is said to be due even if you bought it from a third party.
Lawyers say that even those with cars which underwent a manufacturers’ ‘fix’ to reduce emissions could still claim as the fix itself may have affected performance – which increased costs.
So which cars or vans are included – and how do you claim?
Here’s what you need to know.
Who is eligible to claim?
The manufacturers have different cut-offs, but in general, you can claim if you were the registered keeper of a diesel car or van at any time made between 2009 and 2020, and bought in the UK, according to Money Saving Expert.
You can have bought it outright or on finance, from a manufacturer or a third party, and you don’t need to still own it.
Lawyers say company cars can also be included, so long as the contract was in your name.
Which brands are involved?
These are the manufacturers involved so far – more may be added. All these have confirmed they have cover to protect claimants from any legal costs.
- Audi
- BMW
- Chrysler
- Citroen
- Fiat
- Ford
- Hyundai
- Jaguar
- Kia
- Land Rover
- Mini
- Mercedes-Benz
- Nissan
- Peugeot
- Porsche
- Renault
- Seat
- Skoda
- Vauxhall
- Volkswagen
- Volvo
How much could I get?
Some lawyers say the payout could be up to £10,000 for Mercedes, but others say that it’s likely to be much smaller, especially if settled out of court.
Obviously the lawyers take their cut – which can be up to 50% – and it’s important to be aware that the claim could take up to five years.
In May 2022, VW Group (Audi, Wolkswagen, Skoda and Seat with a particular engine, EA189) settled out of court for £193 million, but the amount each claimant got after costs was confidential.
However, if you have one of these brands with a different type of diesel engine you may still be able to sign up.
In February 2023, the High Court gave lawyers permission to combine the 300,000 claims against Mercedes – so this is expected to be resolved over the next two or three years.
How do I claim?
Your starting point is to choose one of the law firms bringing the action and accepting new clients. Any manufacturers on here which are not on the main list above are not in bold as they – as far as we are aware – have yet to confirm they have cover which would protect claimants from costs.
Binghams Solicitors – covers Audi, BMW, Citroen, Fiat, Ford, Hyundai, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Seat, Skoda, Volvo, Vauxhall, VW and takes a 40%+ cut
Johnson Law Group – covers BMW, Chrysler, Citroen, Fiat, Ford, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Mercedes, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Vauxhall, Volvo and takes a 50%+ cut
Leigh Day – covers Audi, Citroen, Nissan, Peugeot, Porsche, Renault, Seat, Skoda, Vauxhall, VW and takes a cut of 35% and BMW, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mini, Volvo for a 30%+ cut.
Milberg London – covers BMW, Mercedes, Vauxhall and takes a 50% cut and Jaguar, Land Rover for a 35%+ cut.
Pogust Goodhead – covers Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Citroen, Cupra, DS, Fiat, Ford, Hyundai, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Maserati, Mercedes, Mini, Nissan, Peugeot, Porsche, Renault, Seat, Skoda, Suzuki, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, Volvo for a 50% cut.
Venus Legal – covers BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes, Nissan, Renault, Vauxhall for a 40%+ cut.
You can use any of the legal firm links above to find out if you are eligible and to join a claim. Be aware that if you join and then back out, you could technically be liable for costs.
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