'Support but no legal advice': Firm’s £29.99 DIY claim package

A claims firm is marketing a fixed-fee service to support car finance customers in bids for compensation without extending its remit to offering legal advice.

Heirloom Fair Legal said its ‘DIY-Plus Support’ service, which will cost £29.99, will assess whether people are eligible to claim and give administrative support, without actually representing them.

Full representation, on a no win, no fee basis, is available with the firm deducting up to 25% from settlements obtained through the Financial Conduct Authority scheme. The firm is also offering a free DIY self-help toolkit, which includes templates and guidance for consumers to prepare and submit claims independently.

Firms which had heavily advertised for clients after the Supreme Court decision on motor finance in the summer have said they will continue to pursue this work even in light of the FCA scheme. The regulator has made it clear through a campaign of radio and online adverts that consumers should not engage with law firms if they want to keep all the compensation they are entitled to.

Beth Hirshfeld, co-founder of Heirloom Fair Legal, said there remains a market for firms who are transparent about pricing and offer proportional support. 'The FCA has recognised that while consumers don’t have to use a professional representative, many feel more confident doing so - particularly those who are vulnerable or unsure where to start,’ she said. ‘Our model gives people that choice, combining free tools with affordable, professional support to help level the playing field.’

She said that the firm’s tiered approach to pricing and service had addressed the concerns of the FCA about lawyers charging disporportionate amounts.

Heirloom Fair Legal was founded in 2023 specialising in small, fast-track and multi-track litigation claims under quasi-governmental consumer and small business protection programmes.

The regulator issued a consultation on an industry-wide compensation scheme last month insisting that it was the most efficient way to address the liabilities for motor finance customers treated unfairly between 2007 and 2024.

The consultation has been extended until 5pm on 12 December after a number of issues were raised during initial feedback. These have included the rate of compensatory interest and how to prevent fraud. Final rules will be published in either February or March next year.