paid a debt collector - can i get my money back?

[toffeenose]

Thanking you all in advance for reading,

I updated my log book with the DVLA ten months after we moved because I didn't realise I had to (I had updated my drivers license) and received a debt collector's letter threatening seizure, bailiffs, for a debt incurred and processed through the magistrates court for I not insuring my car the previous year. All correspondence had gone to my previous address so I knew nothing about it.

The car in question was written off by my insurer before the disputed period.
I explained this to the debt collection agency they said I should pay and I would definitely get my money back when I wrote to the DVLA with a letter from my insurance company stating the date of the crash when my car was written off.

That was just before xmas, I've now called the DVLA but they say it's nothing to do with them and I must contact the magistrates court. the court has no-one taking calls .

Does anyone have any advice on where I go from here?

Oh, dear. I think the debt collectors lied to you to get you to pay up. It may be very hard to get money back.

I’d keep trying the magistrates court. There must be someone there.

Have you got a letter from your insurers confirming the date the vehicle was written off and that they took possession of it ?

Blackcat, yes, I think so too!

Pumpkinpie, I have the letter from my insurer.

Still no luck calling but I have a reference number so I'm going to email them.

It was 660 pounds. You can get fined 1k for not updating your log book apparently - and you actually have to mail it in. Silly me thought updating with the DVLA was updating with all departments of the DVLA!

Just to clarify - you updated the log book with new address and then the car was written off ?

Hi Pumpkin, no, I wrote the car off in september 2018. They are saying I was uninsured from January 2019. I updated my logbook a few weeks ago in December and that's when it caught up with me.

Actually I managed to speak to someone at the court and they were extremely helpful. Because I paid as soon as I found out, they will reopen the case and i get my day in court with the proper evidence from the insurance company.. I work in courtrooms but haven't been in the dock before!

That's sounding hopeful now then , insurance companies normally want to see the reg doc when a car is written off thou , did they pay you out without asking for it ?

Pumpkin, no they didn't ask me for the log book.

I have to say, I'm pretty impressed with the service I've had from the courts, they've written this morning explaining the whole processing of appearing at the magistrates court. I have to explain that the debt collector's letter was the first I heard of the matter and because I settled it immediately the judge should set it aside. Of course he might not, because it's a court but I meet the criteria. I should get a date in two weeks.

Thanks for your posts

Hopefully it will all go in your favour , good luck 😀