MARTIN Lewis’ MSE has warned thousands of Brits that their “last chance” to claim Dieselgate compensation is rapidly approaching.
Owners of cars from three of the world’s largest manufacturers have just days to get their applications in or risk missing out on huge payouts.
The diesel emissions scandal, colloquially known as Dieselgate, burst into the public eye in 2015 when VW Group, the world’s biggest car company, admitted it had manipulated testing data.
The investigation centred on whether “defeat devices” had been used to conceal how environmentally harmful some of the firm’s diesel models were, with up to 11 million cars affected globally.
Since then, brands including Audi, BMW and Ford have all had claims lodged against them.
Following a number of court cases, claims are now being grouped together into class action suits.
The law firms handling these cases have each set their own cut-off dates to apply to be part of them.
And now, MSE has alerted thousands of potential claimants to the fact that their deadline is coming this month.
Drivers who have owned diesel models from Renault, Nissan or Vauxhall all have limited time remaining to get involved.
Motors purchased between 2009 and 2020 could potentially be affected.
All of the manufacturers look set to fight the cases, but a number of law firms offer no win no fee deals.
And even if costs are incurred, they are likely to be dwarfed by the potential compensation package.
You can make a claim as long as your meet the eligibility criteria, even if you have since sold the affected car.
However, it could take several years for the cases to move through the courts, especially if the manufacturers oppose them at every stage.
Brits can check if their cars were potentially affected for free using online services Check My Vehicle Reg or directly through the relevant law firms.
Experts from the former suggest that the average compensation payout could top £10,000 per driver.
If you own a Nissan, Renault or Vauxhall you think may be affected there are two major law firms recommended by MSE – Bingham Long and Pogust Goodhead.
For Nissans and Renaults, the first has a deadline of September 5 and the latter September 11.
And for Vauxhalls, these are extended to September 20 and 22 respectively.
Additionally, Nissan and Renault drivers can also go to Johnson Law Group, again by September 5
It comes after a further five carmakers were added to the investigation back in March.
