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Hi, hoping to get some advice. I terminated my Alphera FS PCP contract back in March using VT. I was c 14,000 miles over my 10k per year allowance. Alphera sent me out a template letter to sign and return to exercise the VT. when I looked at the small print this had some wording to say that excess mileage charges would apply. I ignored this template and instead used the one on this site which was very helpful.
About a a month after the VT I received an invoice for excess mileage of c £700 and damage above fair wear and tear of £260. I used the template letter to respond to this disputing the charges. They have sent me a copy of my contract stating that it is very clear that excess mileage would be payable even on early termination. I checked the contract and the exact wording is
“If you terminate this agreement early the Maximum Total Mileage will apply pro rata to the reduced period of hire and your obligation to pay the Excess Mileage Charge will accrue accordingly immediately prior to termination. If the mileage exceeds the Maximum Total Mileage calculated pro rata you will therefore be have to pay the Excess Mileage Charge”.
This is clear but based on some of the threads on the forum I still think I should dispute the charges. I have escalated my case to the FOS but suspect they will rule in favour of Alphera based on the above.
I suppose my question is whether the clause above in the contract means I should just pay up or if I should stick to my guns and let it go legal?
Another issue relates to my credit rating. The finance is showing as settled on the credit file but both march and April show the symbol VT. this appears to have had an impact on my credit score taking it from good to fair which I am annoyed about because I have just exercised a legitimate legal right. Is there anything I can
do about this?
Any help would be much appreciated.
thanks in advance
About a a month after the VT I received an invoice for excess mileage of c £700 and damage above fair wear and tear of £260. I used the template letter to respond to this disputing the charges. They have sent me a copy of my contract stating that it is very clear that excess mileage would be payable even on early termination. I checked the contract and the exact wording is
“If you terminate this agreement early the Maximum Total Mileage will apply pro rata to the reduced period of hire and your obligation to pay the Excess Mileage Charge will accrue accordingly immediately prior to termination. If the mileage exceeds the Maximum Total Mileage calculated pro rata you will therefore be have to pay the Excess Mileage Charge”.
This is clear but based on some of the threads on the forum I still think I should dispute the charges. I have escalated my case to the FOS but suspect they will rule in favour of Alphera based on the above.
I suppose my question is whether the clause above in the contract means I should just pay up or if I should stick to my guns and let it go legal?
Another issue relates to my credit rating. The finance is showing as settled on the credit file but both march and April show the symbol VT. this appears to have had an impact on my credit score taking it from good to fair which I am annoyed about because I have just exercised a legitimate legal right. Is there anything I can
do about this?
Any help would be much appreciated.
thanks in advance
