Diesel emissions claims

If you decide you want to sign up, you can check if a law firm is likely to take on your claim by using the simple, free tools on law firms' websites, which we've linked to in our firm-by-firm table below.

Once you're on the firm's website you might need to click through to the specific page on your vehicle's manufacturer to type in your car or van's registration number. You'll then be told instantly if it's one of the models potentially affected.

Group legal action claims of this kind are largely untested in the English and Welsh courts and there's no guarantee any of the current claims will be successful.

Law firms say that, if the claims are successful, drivers could get several thousands of pounds each in compensation because they paid too much for vehicles that didn't meet emissions standards. And some firms may try to persuade you to sign up with the prospect of an even bigger payout – for example, law firm Pogust Goodhead suggests you might be able to claim up to £10,000 for a Mercedes.

But most lawyers we've spoken to told us any payouts aren't likely to be this high in reality. For one thing, it's possible that any case could be settled out of court for a fraction of the original claim value.

And of course the court will have to look at the actual financial loss each individual claimant has suffered as a result of the manufacturer's alleged wrongdoing (for example, did they actually pay more than they otherwise would have for the vehicle). This will be subject to thorough scrutiny and argument.

As a result, even if the case proceeds to trial and the claim is successful – and that's a big if – the amount awarded by a court may be much lower than the initial amount asked for. So don't assume that taking part means you're in line for a big payout. 

All the firms listed below give you 14 days to cancel the agreement without having to pay anything. You may want to use this time to review any paperwork sent after you signed up to the firm's services. Don't skip over this – make sure you understand the small print and you know what you've signed up for.

If you're unsure about any aspect of the agreement you've entered into, ask the law firm involved to clarify. And if you change your mind, just let the firm know you want to cancel in writing. As long as you do so within 14 days, you won't be charged a penny.

However, if you sign up to a claim and withdraw after the first 14 days, in some cases you may be liable for legal costs – depending on the firm's terms and conditions and how far your case has progressed. 

It's impossible to put a precise figure on this, but it could potentially run into the hundreds or even thousands of pounds – it's likely to depend on how long after signing up you withdraw, and the amount of work the law firm's carried out on your behalf. So, to be on the safe side, only sign up if you're committed to seeing the case through.

Note that the firm you sign up with is likely to ask for more information or paperwork as the case progresses. You're very unlikely to have to attend court or even provide a full witness statement but you will have to provide copies of proof of ownership documents, such as your purchase/lease invoice or any finance agreement you took out.