Laws related to the year 2024

Stop getting junk mail

There are some actions you can take to stop getting junk mail. There’s no single organisation that you can register with – it’s best to do all the actions listed here. Put a sign on your door or letterbox Put a ‘no junk mail’ sign on your door to help stop junk mail. You can make a sign yourself – write “No commercial leaflets”. You can also write “No free newspapers” or “Yes free newspapers” depending on whether you still want to get free newspapers. It isn’t a good idea to rely on signs alone as some delivery people might ignore them. Contact Royal Mail You can tell Royal Mail to stop…

If you’re struggling to pay your phone, internet or TV bill

If you’re struggling to pay your bills or you owe money, there are things you can do. You might be able to get a cheaper deal or get help and support from your provider.  Check if you can get a cheaper deal You might be able to switch providers or move to a different contract to get a better deal.  If your provider has told you they’re increasing the price of your contract, you might be able to cancel – check how to cancel your contract. If you’re employed, check if your employer has a benefit package – you might be able to get cheap internet, mobile and TV deals. If you’re getting benefits You…

Check how to switch your internet, phone or TV provider

You might be able to save money by switching to: a new provider for your internet, mobile phone, landline or TV a bundle deal that’s made up of 2 or more of these services There are different processes for switching your internet, phone or TV provider. Before you switch If you’re struggling to pay for your phone or internet, talk to your provider. Ask if they can offer you a cheaper deal. You can find their contact details on their website or on a letter from them. You could tell your provider you’re thinking of switching to a cheaper deal with a different provider. Your provider…

Moving home and water bills

You need to let your water company know when you’re planning to move – and where to. Check your water company’s website to find out how to do this. If you have a water meter, give your water company at least 5 working days notice so they can arrange a final meter reading. If you don’t give them enough notice you could be charged for water that’s used after you move out. When you’ve moved If you’ve moved to an area with a different water company, let them know – check their website to find out how to do this. You can check which water company supplies your area on the Consumer Council for…

Changing to a water meter

You either pay your water bill based on a fixed rate or on the actual amount of water you use, measured with a water meter. This page explains your right to have a meter installed and the pros and cons of switching to a meter. Your right to have a meter installed You have a right to be charged for your water on the basis of what you use. This means you have a right to have a meter installed free of charge, unless it’s not practical or is unreasonably expensive to do this. Tenants also have the right to ask for a meter if their tenancy agreement is for six months or longer. If you’re considering…

Paying for water without a meter

You either pay your water bill based on a fixed rate or on the basis of the amount of water you actually use, measured with a water meter. This page explains how you are charged if you don’t have a water meter and what you can do if you have a query about how much you’re charged. Paying your water bill If you pay for water without a meter, the water company expects payment in advance. If you think your bill is wrong, you should contact  your water company. Before you do this, check: it’s in your name, especially if you’ve just moved  and may be billed for water the last resident used it’s…

An insurer approaches you to settle a claim

If you’re injured or your vehicle is damaged in a road accident and it’s not your fault you may be approached directly by the other person’s insurer to try and settle the claim with them directly. This is called third party capture or third party assistance. Insurers are legally allowed to do this. However, it’s important to know that you don’t have to settle the claim in this way, and that the other person’s insurer won’t be acting in your best interests. This page tells you what you should think about before taking up an offer to settle a claim directly from another insurer. If you need…

Making a claim on your insurance policy

If you’ve taken out insurance and something happens, you might need to make a claim. This page tells you what you need to think about before you contact your insurer and also what to do if someone tries to make a claim against you. Making a claim If you need to make a claim contact your insurer as soon as possible and ask them to send you a claim form. They may be able to email this to you to speed things up. Complete the claim form carefully and keep a copy for yourself. The Association of British Insurers have more information on flooding and insurance, including what you can expect after…

Problem with a car repair

If you’ve had a problem with a car repair or service, the best thing to do is negotiate with the garage to work out the best solution. If your negotiations don’t work, you can take further action to get your problem resolved. Always ask your garage what they can do to help before you spend any extra money on hire cars or travel. For example, they might be able to offer you a courtesy car. A court isn’t likely to award you money if the garage offers services that you didn’t take advantage of. It’s a good idea to keep a record and receipts of any extra money you have to pay for travel while…

Problem with a used car

If there’s something wrong with your used car, you might have a legal right to a repair, the cost of a repair, or some or all of your money back. This includes if it’s damaged, doesn’t work, or doesn’t match the advert or description you were given. You won’t be entitled to anything if: you were told about the fault when you bought the car – and someone fully explained what the problem meant you inspected the car and should’ve spotted the problem, for example a dent you caused the fault the fault is normal for how much the car’s been used (known as ‘fair wear and tear’) – for example…

Buying a used car

There are steps you can take to help you avoid buying a car that’s been badly damaged, stolen or illegally altered. They’ll also simply help you get a car that doesn’t break down. Doing the proper checks can help save you distress and money down the line. Make sure a trader is trustworthy If you’re buying from a trader (a business that sells cars) you should: look for an established firm with a good reputation look for a trade association sign (for example, the Retail Motor Industry Federation or the Scottish Motor Trade Association) or a sign that says they follow The Motor Ombudsman’s…

Claim compensation if your flight's delayed or cancelled

You might be able to get compensation if your flight was: leaving from the UK – it doesn’t matter which airline it was with leaving from the EU, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland – it doesn’t matter which airline it was with arriving in the UK and was with a UK or EU airline arriving in the EU and was with a UK airline When to contact the airline Contact the airline if these don’t apply to you – for example, because you flew from New York to Los Angeles, or to Europe on a Qantas plane. What you’ll be entitled to will depend on the airline, and the countries you left…

Travelling in Europe

If you’re planning to travel in the EU, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland or Liechtenstein you should: check the latest travel advice on GOV.UK – there might be extra rules because of coronavirus check your passport is valid for the dates you’re travelling get travel insurance find out if you’ll be charged more to use your mobile phone check you’ve got everything you have to take if you’ll be driving, for example a UK sticker for your car check you’ve got the right documents if you’re taking your pet Check your passport is valid for the dates you’re travelling You’ll…

Make your home more energy efficient

You can save money on your energy bills by finding ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. There are quick and simple things you can do – for example: change your heating controls so you stay warm but use less energy check the cost of running your electrical appliances so you can decide how best to use them You might also be able to make energy saving home improvements to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Check your central heating You might be able to save money by changing your heating controls – for example, by using thermostats and timers. You can also find…

Switching from prepayment to a credit meter

If you have an old-style prepayment meter, you can ask your energy supplier to replace it with: an old-style credit meter – this type of meter doesn’t let you prepay for your energy a smart meter – this type of meter has a prepayment setting your supplier can turn on or off Your supplier usually won’t replace your meter or change your smart meter setting if you’re in debt to them. You can find out who your gas or electricity supplier is if you don’t already know. You won’t have to pay to have an old-style credit meter or a smart meter installed. If your supplier wants to charge…

Move your gas or electricity meter

You might be able to have your gas or electricity meter moved if you’re: finding it difficult to read or access your meter doing building work Who can move your meter depends on the work that’s involved. You can’t move the meter yourself – it’s illegal. Check if your energy supplier can move your meter Contact your supplier and tell them you want to have your meter moved. They’ll tell you if they can do the work. This depends on: where your meter is now how far you want to move it the type of connector if it’s a gas meter why you want to move it They…

Stop getting junk mail

There are some actions you can take to stop getting junk mail. There’s no single organisation that you can register with – it’s best to do all the actions listed here. Put a sign on your door or letterbox Put a ‘no junk mail’ sign on your door to help stop junk mail. You can make a sign yourself – write “No commercial leaflets”. You can also write “No free newspapers” or “Yes free newspapers” depending on whether you still want to get free newspapers. It isn’t a good idea to rely on signs alone as some delivery people might ignore them. Contact Royal Mail You can tell Royal Mail to stop…

If you’re struggling to pay your phone, internet or TV bill

If you’re struggling to pay your bills or you owe money, there are things you can do. You might be able to get a cheaper deal or get help and support from your provider.  Check if you can get a cheaper deal You might be able to switch providers or move to a different contract to get a better deal.  If your provider has told you they’re increasing the price of your contract, you might be able to cancel – check how to cancel your contract. If you’re employed, check if your employer has a benefit package – you might be able to get cheap internet, mobile and TV deals. If you’re getting benefits You…

Check how to switch your internet, phone or TV provider

You might be able to save money by switching to: a new provider for your internet, mobile phone, landline or TV a bundle deal that’s made up of 2 or more of these services There are different processes for switching your internet, phone or TV provider. Before you switch If you’re struggling to pay for your phone or internet, talk to your provider. Ask if they can offer you a cheaper deal. You can find their contact details on their website or on a letter from them. You could tell your provider you’re thinking of switching to a cheaper deal with a different provider. Your provider…

Moving home and water bills

You need to let your water company know when you’re planning to move – and where to. Check your water company’s website to find out how to do this. If you have a water meter, give your water company at least 5 working days notice so they can arrange a final meter reading. If you don’t give them enough notice you could be charged for water that’s used after you move out. When you’ve moved If you’ve moved to an area with a different water company, let them know – check their website to find out how to do this. You can check which water company supplies your area on the Consumer Council for…

Changing to a water meter

You either pay your water bill based on a fixed rate or on the actual amount of water you use, measured with a water meter. This page explains your right to have a meter installed and the pros and cons of switching to a meter. Your right to have a meter installed You have a right to be charged for your water on the basis of what you use. This means you have a right to have a meter installed free of charge, unless it’s not practical or is unreasonably expensive to do this. Tenants also have the right to ask for a meter if their tenancy agreement is for six months or longer. If you’re considering…

Paying for water without a meter

You either pay your water bill based on a fixed rate or on the basis of the amount of water you actually use, measured with a water meter. This page explains how you are charged if you don’t have a water meter and what you can do if you have a query about how much you’re charged. Paying your water bill If you pay for water without a meter, the water company expects payment in advance. If you think your bill is wrong, you should contact  your water company. Before you do this, check: it’s in your name, especially if you’ve just moved  and may be billed for water the last resident used it’s…

An insurer approaches you to settle a claim

If you’re injured or your vehicle is damaged in a road accident and it’s not your fault you may be approached directly by the other person’s insurer to try and settle the claim with them directly. This is called third party capture or third party assistance. Insurers are legally allowed to do this. However, it’s important to know that you don’t have to settle the claim in this way, and that the other person’s insurer won’t be acting in your best interests. This page tells you what you should think about before taking up an offer to settle a claim directly from another insurer. If you need…

Making a claim on your insurance policy

If you’ve taken out insurance and something happens, you might need to make a claim. This page tells you what you need to think about before you contact your insurer and also what to do if someone tries to make a claim against you. Making a claim If you need to make a claim contact your insurer as soon as possible and ask them to send you a claim form. They may be able to email this to you to speed things up. Complete the claim form carefully and keep a copy for yourself. The Association of British Insurers have more information on flooding and insurance, including what you can expect after…

Problem with a car repair

If you’ve had a problem with a car repair or service, the best thing to do is negotiate with the garage to work out the best solution. If your negotiations don’t work, you can take further action to get your problem resolved. Always ask your garage what they can do to help before you spend any extra money on hire cars or travel. For example, they might be able to offer you a courtesy car. A court isn’t likely to award you money if the garage offers services that you didn’t take advantage of. It’s a good idea to keep a record and receipts of any extra money you have to pay for travel while…

Problem with a used car

If there’s something wrong with your used car, you might have a legal right to a repair, the cost of a repair, or some or all of your money back. This includes if it’s damaged, doesn’t work, or doesn’t match the advert or description you were given. You won’t be entitled to anything if: you were told about the fault when you bought the car – and someone fully explained what the problem meant you inspected the car and should’ve spotted the problem, for example a dent you caused the fault the fault is normal for how much the car’s been used (known as ‘fair wear and tear’) – for example…

Buying a used car

There are steps you can take to help you avoid buying a car that’s been badly damaged, stolen or illegally altered. They’ll also simply help you get a car that doesn’t break down. Doing the proper checks can help save you distress and money down the line. Make sure a trader is trustworthy If you’re buying from a trader (a business that sells cars) you should: look for an established firm with a good reputation look for a trade association sign (for example, the Retail Motor Industry Federation or the Scottish Motor Trade Association) or a sign that says they follow The Motor Ombudsman’s…

Claim compensation if your flight's delayed or cancelled

You might be able to get compensation if your flight was: leaving from the UK – it doesn’t matter which airline it was with leaving from the EU, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland – it doesn’t matter which airline it was with arriving in the UK and was with a UK or EU airline arriving in the EU and was with a UK airline When to contact the airline Contact the airline if these don’t apply to you – for example, because you flew from New York to Los Angeles, or to Europe on a Qantas plane. What you’ll be entitled to will depend on the airline, and the countries you left…

Travelling in Europe

If you’re planning to travel in the EU, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland or Liechtenstein you should: check the latest travel advice on GOV.UK – there might be extra rules because of coronavirus check your passport is valid for the dates you’re travelling get travel insurance find out if you’ll be charged more to use your mobile phone check you’ve got everything you have to take if you’ll be driving, for example a UK sticker for your car check you’ve got the right documents if you’re taking your pet Check your passport is valid for the dates you’re travelling You’ll…

Make your home more energy efficient

You can save money on your energy bills by finding ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. There are quick and simple things you can do – for example: change your heating controls so you stay warm but use less energy check the cost of running your electrical appliances so you can decide how best to use them You might also be able to make energy saving home improvements to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Check your central heating You might be able to save money by changing your heating controls – for example, by using thermostats and timers. You can also find…

Switching from prepayment to a credit meter

If you have an old-style prepayment meter, you can ask your energy supplier to replace it with: an old-style credit meter – this type of meter doesn’t let you prepay for your energy a smart meter – this type of meter has a prepayment setting your supplier can turn on or off Your supplier usually won’t replace your meter or change your smart meter setting if you’re in debt to them. You can find out who your gas or electricity supplier is if you don’t already know. You won’t have to pay to have an old-style credit meter or a smart meter installed. If your supplier wants to charge…

Move your gas or electricity meter

You might be able to have your gas or electricity meter moved if you’re: finding it difficult to read or access your meter doing building work Who can move your meter depends on the work that’s involved. You can’t move the meter yourself – it’s illegal. Check if your energy supplier can move your meter Contact your supplier and tell them you want to have your meter moved. They’ll tell you if they can do the work. This depends on: where your meter is now how far you want to move it the type of connector if it’s a gas meter why you want to move it They…