Hire Purchase Dispute Resolution

Summary

If coerced into a hire purchase agreement, you may still be liable for payments if your name is on the contract. In Wales, consider contacting the hire purchase company to discuss your situation and seek advice from a local Citizens Advice Bureau or legal professional. The Financial Ombudsman Service can investigate complaints, mediate, and potentially order corrections to your credit record if unfair treatment is found. They can make a decision even if the financial company is uncooperative. Resolution times vary, with straightforward cases taking up to 90 days and complex ones several months.

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I was coerced into taking Vehicle on hire purchase by ex partner. I never made any financial contributions to it. My ex took the vehicle with him and now he’s not making payments and given the vehicle back to the car garage. I cannot afford at all. What can I do?
****, it sounds like you are dealing with a complex financial and legal situation. To provide accurate guidance, I need to know your location. This will help me give you the specific legal information relevant to your area.
Wales
It sounds like a challenging situation, ****. Generally, in Wales, you might consider the following steps:
- Check if your name is on the hire purchase agreement.
- Contact the hire purchase company to explain the situation.
- Seek advice from a local Citizens Advice Bureau or legal professional.
Would you like more information?
I have and it does have my name on it
****, since your name is on the hire purchase agreement, you are legally responsible for the payments. Here are some steps you can consider:
- Contact the hire purchase company to discuss your situation and explore possible solutions.
- Seek advice from a local Citizens Advice Bureau.
- Consider consulting a legal professional for detailed guidance.
Would you like to know more about contacting a local Citizens Advice Bureau?
What can the ombudsman do as at that time it was taken I was not working
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) can:
- Investigate complaints about financial products and services.
- Mediate between you and the hire purchase company.
- Potentially order the company to make changes or provide compensation if they find unfair treatment.
Would you like to know how to contact the Financial Ombudsman Service?
Can my credit score be corrected and put back to what it was before arrears
If the Financial Ombudsman Service finds that you were unfairly treated, they may order the hire purchase company to correct your credit record. Here’s what you can do:
- File a complaint with the Financial Ombudsman Service.
- Gather evidence of your lack of involvement and coercion.
- Consider consulting a legal professional for further advice.
Would you like to know more about contacting the Financial Ombudsman Service?
What if the financial company are not liasing with the financial ombudsman? Can the ombudsman still make a decision?
Yes, the Financial Ombudsman Service can still make a decision even if the financial company is not cooperating. They can proceed with their investigation based on the information you provide and make a ruling accordingly.
Do you need assistance on how to file a complaint with the Financial Ombudsman Service?
How long can this take?
The time it takes for the Financial Ombudsman Service to resolve a complaint can vary. Typically, it can take:
- Up to 90 days for straightforward cases.
- Several months for more complex cases.
Would you like to know how to file a complaint with the Financial Ombudsman Service?