Santander Consumer Finance

[Htfc1]

Thought that I would Blog/Timeline my experience with VT'ing my Volvo. Hopefully it will go smoothly and this will be a good news thread #fingerscrossed

On 8th June I sent off my email to Santander, following the template letter provided here - thank you - I also sent the letter by recorded post on 9th June
Yesterday (9th June) I got a response back from Santander stating that they had received my email and had passed it onto the relevant department

Today (10th June) I tracked my letter and it has been delivered - yay

The 14 day countdown has started...

...More to follow in coming days

[TMOS79]

Htfc1 did you email the general email address or the Voluntary Termination email address? About to send my letter in. Thanks v much

[Htfc1]

Thanks Rob, et al, for your help and opinions - was a reasonably straightforward experience which was ultimately successful

[R0b]

I think that would be confirmation of nothing further. Suggest you keep hold of that for the next 6 years in case they come back.

[Htfc1]

I hadn't heard anything from Santander since the car was collected, so was starting to wonder what was happening

Today I received the letter below

There is no mention of the collection charge for the vehicle or the costed damage that the guy who collected the car detailed

I guess i am home and dry on this, or could they still chase?

[Htfc1]

Vehicle has been collected by Crystal Collections
The guy picked up a scratch on the front bumper which is approx 20mm in length - below the BVRLA limit of 25mm....
However Crystal have emailed a report to me stating that it is a £58 !!!

I did not sign anything, so will wait for Santander to come back to me....

[Htfc1]

I suggest you read the section in the VT Guide around vehicle damage and end of contract charges. Vehicle damage is subjective and there's no hard and fast rule about who is right and who is wrong. If Santander feel they have a strong case, then they can take you to court for the damage as is the usual case, but it almost never happens because the cost of taking you to court would normally far outweigh the cost of the damage and therefore it's not commercial viable for lenders.

To give you an example, if Santander try to claw back £200 worth of vehicle damage, instructing an external lawyer on an hourly rate would average £150-£300+ and I would expect at least 20-40 hours worth of work, for a fairly straightforward claim from start to finish.

That's not to say Santander or any lender wouldn't take you to court on principle, but you have to bear in mind that financial service companies are out to make profit, not losses.

Thank you again I have read you VT guide which does set my mind at ease and provides me with some solid material to rebuff any charges that they may look to present to me.

[R0b]

I suggest you read the section in the VT Guide around vehicle damage and end of contract charges. Vehicle damage is subjective and there's no hard and fast rule about who is right and who is wrong. If Santander feel they have a strong case, then they can take you to court for the damage as is the usual case, but it almost never happens because the cost of taking you to court would normally far outweigh the cost of the damage and therefore it's not commercial viable for lenders.

To give you an example, if Santander try to claw back £200 worth of vehicle damage, instructing an external lawyer on an hourly rate would average £150-£300+ and I would expect at least 20-40 hours worth of work, for a fairly straightforward claim from start to finish.

That's not to say Santander or any lender wouldn't take you to court on principle, but you have to bear in mind that financial service companies are out to make profit, not losses.

[Htfc1]

1. The VT Guide already addresses reasonable care. Brakes are reasonable wear and tear and onus is on Santander to prove otherwise. If the brakes are faulty, don't work or otherwise make the car in an unroadworthy condition, the obligation is on you to repair. I think you are panicking, it's just a statement from them so wait and see what they come back with. Never have I seen condition reports do a full mechanical check and they would only charge if they weren't working.

2. Yes they can do that. It is factually correct is it not?

Thank you R0b - yes maybe panicking a bit....i will take a breath and see what happens - car goes next Monday

[R0b]

1. The VT Guide already addresses reasonable care. Brakes are reasonable wear and tear and onus is on Santander to prove otherwise. If the brakes are faulty, don't work or otherwise make the car in an unroadworthy condition, the obligation is on you to repair. I think you are panicking, it's just a statement from them so wait and see what they come back with. Never have I seen condition reports do a full mechanical check and they would only charge if they weren't working.

2. Yes they can do that. It is factually correct is it not?

[Htfc1]

Today I got a letter from Santander confirming my voluntary termination - they also state that my liability is 0.00
All Good...

But...
there are two items that concern me
1) Under the heading of Your Liabilities its states
Under the terms of the agreement you are obliged to take reasonable care of the goods, this means that any repairs to damage such as dents or scratches must be paid for as well as any mechanical work required such as replacement of defective items such as tyres , exhausts, brakes and clutches.

2) Under the heading Credit Rating it states
The fact that you have chosen to terminate your agreement will also be recorded with the Credit Reference Agencies as a voluntary early termination of the agreement on your part, this information may be used by other finance companies when assessing you for credit in the future

Can anyone help me with the following questions please?....


1) what determines reasonable care when it comes to brakes for example? could they bill me for putting new brakes and discs on the car if they determine that they are too low? how would I push back on that?
2) Are they entitled to add a marker against me on my credit file for doing things within my consumer rights? again any guidance on how to respond would be very much appreciated

R0b I am hoping that someone can help

Thanks

[TINY TOTS]

Htfc1 I put a sorn on my car which they automatically stopped the direct debit payments anyway so long as you park the vehicle on youre driveway that's ok.

[Htfc1]

Got a call from Crystal Collections just now arranging a pick up of the car on 29th June - they originally offered 2nd week in July!! but i said that wasnt quick enough so they offered me the 29th.

so all good, but can anyone help with the following question

1) I currently pay car tax by DD so I want to transfer the vehicle ownership to Santander before my next DD tax payment is made. would it be ok to inform DVLA now that now using the date of my VT letter to Santander

[Htfc1]

Received a letter from Crystal Collections today stating that they would be in contact within three working days to arrange collection of the vehicle. The letter also contained a warning about damage that was not deemed wear and tear.
I will await the phone call and the collection of the car and will update this thread with any further information

[Htfc1]

Another text today from Santander thanking me for confirming my voluntary termination, and informing me that Crystal Collections would be in touch with date/time that they will collect the vehicle.