🕵️‍♂️ PPI: Can I Still Reclaim in the UK?

You’ve probably heard of PPI – Payment Protection Insurance – through relentless adverts or scandal headlines. It was one of the biggest financial mis-selling scandals in UK history, with over £38 billion paid out in compensation.

But what if you never got around to claiming? Or you’ve just discovered you might have been mis-sold? Is it too late? This guide breaks down everything you need to know in 2025 about whether you can still reclaim PPI.

💡 What Was PPI and Why Was It Mis-Sold?

Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) was sold alongside credit cards, loans, mortgages, and car finance. It was meant to cover repayments if you became ill, lost your job, or passed away.

However, between the 1990s and 2010s, banks and lenders routinely mis-sold PPI to millions of people who:

• Didn’t know it was added

• Were self-employed or unemployed (and ineligible)

• Had existing cover elsewhere

• Were told it was mandatory

This led to a massive public scandal, and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched a campaign urging people to claim before the official deadline of 29 August 2019.

⏳ Is It Still Possible to Reclaim PPI in 2025?

✅ Short Answer: Yes – But Only in Exceptional Circumstances

While the 2019 deadline for most claims has passed, you can still claim in very specific cases, including:

1. If you were denied the right to claim before

2. If your lender didn’t respond properly before the deadline

3. If you’re making a claim under the ‘Plevin ruling’ (explained below)

4. If there are exceptional reasons you couldn’t claim earlier

So while traditional PPI claims are largely closed, there are still loopholes and legal avenues available.

⚖️ The Plevin Rule: A New Route for PPI Claims

The Plevin ruling stems from a 2014 Supreme Court case, where it was decided that:

If your lender received a high commission (over 50%) for selling you PPI and didn’t disclose it, you may be owed money — even if the policy was not mis-sold.

This type of claim is not bound by the 2019 deadline, and it’s becoming increasingly common in recent years.

Example:

You had a loan with PPI, and the lender received 67% commission but failed to tell you. Under Plevin, this is considered unfair, and you could be entitled to a partial refund.

📝 How to Make a Plevin-Based PPI Claim

You can claim directly with the lender. Here’s how:

1. Request PPI details from your lender

2. Ask if the commission was over 50% and undisclosed

3. Submit a complaint about unfair relationship under the Consumer Credit Act 1974

4. Wait up to 8 weeks for a decision

If you’re unhappy with the result, you can escalate the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

🔎 Which UK Banks Are Still Involved in PPI Refunds?

Some of the major UK banks previously involved in PPI mis-selling include:

Contact them directly or use their website complaint portal to start the process.

💷 How Much Could You Reclaim?

While standard PPI claims often refunded 100% of the premium, Plevin claims typically refund:

• The commission above 50%

• Plus statutory interest (currently 8%)

Example:

• PPI premium: £1,000

• Commission paid to lender: 70% (£700)

• Refund due: £200 (commission above 50%) + interest

In many cases, the average Plevin payout ranges from £300–£1,000.

🧠 Can I Check If I Had PPI Without Documents?

Yes. Even if you don’t have your loan or card paperwork, you can still check by:

• Contacting your bank or lender directly

• Using a free service like Resolver (opens in a new tab)

• Searching for old emails, statements, or phone records

Lenders are required to keep records for at least 6 years — and many still hold older data.

📨 Sample Letter for a Plevin PPI Claim

You can use this free template when contacting your lender:

Dear [Bank Name],

I am writing to complain about a Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) policy that was added to my [loan/credit card/mortgage] account. I believe I may be eligible for a refund under the Plevin rule, as I was not informed of the high level of commission paid to the lender.

Please investigate my case and provide full details of any commission taken, and whether it exceeded 50%. I would also like a refund of the commission over this threshold, plus statutory interest.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]

🤔 Should I Use a Claims Management Company?

You don’t need to — and in most cases, you shouldn’t.

Many claims firms charge 25%–30% of your payout + VAT. Since the process is free and simple, it’s usually better to:

• Claim yourself using the bank’s online form

• Get help from Citizens Advice or MoneyHelper if needed

Make sure any company you do use is FCA-authorised. Check via the FCA Register.

🛑 Time Limits: How Long Do You Have?

There’s no specific deadline for Plevin-based claims, but:

• You should act within 6 years of discovering the issue

• Or 3 years from when you first became aware of it

Delays could risk rejection — so it’s best to act sooner rather than later.

📉 Will a PPI Claim Affect My Credit Score?

No — claiming PPI, including via Plevin, has no impact on your credit file or your ability to borrow in the future. It’s simply a complaint and refund process.

🔗 Useful External Resources

• FOS PPI Guidance (including Plevin)

• MoneyHelper PPI Guide

• FCA Authorised Firms Register

✅ Final Summary: Can You Still Claim PPI?

🧠 Final Thoughts

While the 2019 deadline has shut the door on most PPI mis-selling claims, the door remains open under the Plevin ruling and special circumstances. If you suspect a bank earned unfair commission from your PPI and never told you, you still have rights — and could be owed hundreds of pounds.

Take 15 minutes today to find out — the potential reward is well worth it.