Q. I have been approached by a claims handler, suggesting I use his firm to complain about the sale of an endowment policy that has not repaid my mortgage. Is this a good idea? JR.
A. There is nothing that a claims handler can do that you cannot do yourself, providing you take a bit of time and effort to prepare your case properly. Claims handlers earn their fees from the compensation you obtain – so you pay for the service. According to the Financial Ombudsman’s Service, claims handlers have no better record of winning compensation than do individuals who represent themselves. All claims handlers have to be legally registered. Before you even think about using this firm check on the dedicated government website – www.claimsregulation.gov.uk/search.aspx – to see if it is registered. If any firm approaches you that is not registered, let us know and we will investigate them.