WHAT TO DO IF THEY REFUSE TO GIVE YOUR MONEY BACK
IF YOU’RE being fobbed off, Sarah Coles from Hargreaves Lansdown offers these tips: IF you paid by credit card, you can contact your card company for a refund under the Consumer Credit Act, Section 75, which makes the card firm equally liable for delivering the service. If you paid by debit card, you can request a chargeback. This isn’t guaranteed to work but it is worth trying. IF you think you’re being treated unfairly, make a complaint. Check if your supplier is a member of a trade body with a complaints procedure – like ABTA for holidays – or if they use an Alternative Dispute Resolution service. Otherwise you may be able to use the Financial Ombudsman Service.
IF you hit a brick wall reclaiming for a holiday, you may need to turn to your travel insurance. Unfortunately coronavirus isn’t covered by all policies – especially if you bought after the middle of March – but it’s worth checking.
IF you have wedding insurance, check the terms and conditions.
In some cases, it should pick up the tab, but there can be many exclusions on these policies.
The Financial Ombudsman is currently dealing with complaints about travel and wedding insurers who have refused to pay out. If you think a refusal to pay is wrong or the terms of the policy unfair, you can ask it to look at your particular circumstances.
IF all else fails, take legal action. Think carefully before starting this as it will cost you money you may never get back and will take time. It’s only worth it for large sums where you’re certain you are in the right.
TRY sending the supplier a Letter Before Action, informing them you’re about to launch a legal claim. This may persuade them to pay out.