Debt Collection Query

[Aquestion]

Hello there,

I have a question;

My cat underwent treatment at a veterinary practice in January and February this year, for which I assumed my insurance would cover me for.

Long story put short the insurance company have declined the claim, which I accept I am now responsible to pay.

The vets practice whilst I was appealing the claim with the insurer have transferred the debt for collection to an agency who have added a 30% fee on top, which I am very reluctant to pay as I don't think such an exorbitant fee would be legal.

Are flat fees legal for consumer debts? Am I legally obliged to pay this fee? I want to offer to clear the balance over several months, but I certainly want to make clear that I won't be paying their fees.

Anyone with some expertise in this?

[Aquestion]

Hi all,

Is anyone able to help with this at all?

Thank you!

[echat11]

Hi AQUESTION

Welcome to LB

Fees should be reasonable and proportionate.

The best thing to do is write a complaint to the vet and the debt collector, make sure you get Proof of Postage.

https://www.handbook.fca.org.uk/handbook/CONC/7/7.html

[Aquestion]

Thank you very much for your response.

I can't find any reference to FCA regulation on this particular debt collector; are they required to be regulated and/or registered with the FCA in order to conduct debt collection activity?

Cheers,

[echat11]

Thank you very much for your response.

I can't find any reference to FCA regulation on this particular debt collector; are they required to be regulated and/or registered with the FCA in order to conduct debt collection activity?

Cheers,

Are they members of any trade bodies or associations?

[Aquestion]

Not as far as I am aware.

I'm quite happy to discharge the debt I have as I feel morally (as well as legally) obliged to, but I just don't feel that circa £1400 in fees is justifiable, for just sending a couple of emails

But I'm not an expert.

Do you think these fees are enforceable?

[echat11]

Not as far as I am aware.

I'm quite happy to discharge the debt I have as I feel morally (as well as legally) obliged to, but I just don't feel that circa £1400 in fees is justifiable, for just sending a couple of emails

But I'm not an expert.

Do you think these fees are enforceable?

They need to 'justify' them. Have you asked the vet to call the debt back, so you can settle the matter.

You could call CAB, ask if they can get Trading Standards to look into the debt collection company, it sounds dubious because it's not regulated, make sure you tell CAB that. I think TS will be well aware of them.