Diesel Emissions Claims
Have you been affected by the diesel emission scandal? If you owned a diesel vehicle between 2008-2018 your car may have had an emissions-altering defeat device installed in it. Find out if you are eligible to file a diesel emission claim today by using our free checker eligibility tool.
Each claim could be worth between 25-75% of the vehicle’s value, with millions already being paid out to UK residents. Don’t miss out on the potential emissions compensation you could be deserved.
Do you believe that you are a victim of the Dieselgate Scandal? If so, our panel of emissions solicitors can assist. Find out today if your vehicle was affected by dieselgate and, if so, how you can claim compensation.
Read more below about the dieselgate scandal, which manufacturers are involved in diesel claims, and how to get started if you believe you have been affected.
What Are Diesel Emission Claims?
Diesel Emission Claims are brought by owners of diesel cars against their manufacturer after the potential discovery of “defeat devices” installed within their vehicles.
These emissions cheat devices were designed to detect when the vehicle was undergoing regulatory emissions testing and adjust its performance accordingly to produce fewer emissions than it would under regular driving conditions.
This deceptive practice meant that many UK diesel vehicles were emitting significantly more harmful pollutants, including nitrogen oxides (NOx), than advertised or than legal limits permitted.
The claim itself focusses on the financial impact that owners of these cars could have suffered, including potential reduced fuel efficiency and a depreciation in value.
A key question to ask is, would the owner of this car bought this vehicle had they known it had an emissions cheat device installed?
Our expert legal panel of diesel emissions solicitors believe that claimants can look to receive anywhere between 25%-75% of the value of the car back from manufacturers as emissions compensation.
How Much Compensation Can I Receive For My Diesel Emissions Claim?
While the exact figures can vary depending on numerous factors, here’s a breakdown of what you might expect:
Factors Influencing Compensation
Manufacturer and Model: Different brands and models may have different levels of infringement and, therefore, different compensation amounts.
Purchase Price: Diesel emissions compensation may be calculated as a percentage of the vehicle’s purchase price.
Financial Impact: The loss of value of the vehicle, additional fuel consumption post-fix, and any other financial losses incurred as a direct result of the emissions scandal can influence the compensation amount.
Our legal panel of diesel claim solicitors believe you could receive between 25%-75% of the vehicle’s value.
In addition to this, over £100m has already been claimed by diesel emission claimants in England and Wales.
Which Manufacturers Are Eligible For A Diesel Claim?
Multiple car manufacturers have been accused of installing defeat devices into their vehicles between the years of 2008-2018. However, some investigations are more complex than others, with our panel needing more time to determine the right plan of action for the claim.
Having said this, we do currently have eight of the largest manufacturers open to claim against. These include:
Currently Accepting Claims Against:
What Was The Dieselgate Scandal?
The “Dieselgate” scandal is one of the most significant controversies in the automotive world, shaking trust in some of the most respected vehicle manufacturers and sparking numerous global investigations. Here’s an overview of the event:
Origins of the Scandal: In September 2015, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) accused the Volkswagen Group of installing illegal software in their diesel engines. This software, termed a ‘defeat device’, could detect when a vehicle was being tested for emissions and alter its performance to meet regulatory standards.
Scale of the Issue: It was eventually revealed that around 11 million vehicles worldwide, across several of VW’s brands (like Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, and Skoda), were equipped with this software. These vehicles emitted nitrogen oxide pollutants potentially up to 40 times above the U.S. allowable limit in real-world driving conditions.
Global Impact: Following the revelations in the U.S., it emerged that similar practices might have been adopted in other parts of the world. This led to wide-scale investigations across Europe and other regions, with several countries retesting vehicles from various manufacturers.
Financial and Legal Consequences: The fallout for Volkswagen was massive. The company faced billions of dollars in fines, vehicle buybacks, repairs, and legal fees. Executives resigned, and several employees faced criminal charges. Additionally, class-action lawsuits were initiated by affected vehicle owners worldwide.
Beyond Volkswagen: As investigations deepened, other vehicle manufacturers came under scrutiny for potentially similar practices or other discrepancies in their emissions data. Brands like Audi, Mercedes, BMW, and more faced investigations and allegations, expanding the scope of the scandal beyond just VW.
Impact on the Auto Industry: “Dieselgate” led to a broader re-evaluation of diesel technology in passenger vehicles, with several cities and countries considering or implementing bans on older diesel vehicles. Many manufacturers accelerated their investments in electric and hybrid technologies, foreseeing a diminished future for diesel in passenger cars.
Consumer Trust and Awareness: One of the lasting impacts of the scandal has been on consumer trust in vehicle manufacturers and a heightened awareness of environmental concerns related to transportation. It served as a reminder of the role of regulatory agencies and the importance of transparency in corporate conduct.
In essence, the “Dieselgate” scandal was a watershed moment, highlighting the lengths to which some corporations might go to circumvent regulations and the importance of vigilance and accountability in protecting public health and the environment.
You can read more about the dieselgate scandal here
The Environmental Impact
Human Health
NOx contributes to various respiratory diseases, cancer, acid rain and smog. Pollution from cars is the biggest contributor to NOx in our air.
Premature Deaths
Air pollution is estimated to cause up to 36,000 premature deaths in the UK each year.
Child Deaths
The WHO estimated that in 2016, 600,000 children died from acute lower respiratory infections caused by polluted air.
Affect on Crops
High levels of nitrogen dioxide are harmful to vegetation – damaging foliage, decreasing growth or reducing crop yields.
What Are Defeat Devices?
Defeat devices are mechanisms or software in vehicles designed to manipulate emissions tests, making vehicles seem eco-friendly during official tests but not in regular use. Here’s a quick overview:
Definition: Devices or software that detect emissions testing and alter the vehicle’s performance to temporarily reduce emissions.
Origins: Popularised by the “Dieselgate” scandal, where Volkswagen diesel vehicles had software that detected emissions testing conditions.
Types: Ranging from software to physical mechanisms that adjust a vehicle’s engine management system.
Regulations: Illegal in many countries, as they bypass crucial environmental and health standards.
Environmental Impact: These vehicles can emit harmful pollutants, like nitrogen oxides (NOx), well above legal limits, impacting air quality and health.
Penalties: Discovery can lead to heavy fines, recalls, and damage to the manufacturer’s reputation.
What Is The Legal Part Of Emission Claims?
Our legal panel would look to potentially bring forward a claim on your behalf through a number of ways. These include:
- Misrepresentation
- Consumer Rights
- Regulatory Violations
- Financial Damages
They will do this via a Group Litigation Order (GLO). Due to the vast number of affected consumers, many claims are brought forward as group litigations, consolidating numerous individual claims into a collective lawsuit.
Our expert legal panel of emissions solicitors can provide more information on the claim.
How Do I Check If My Vehicle Is Affected By The Emissions Scandal?
You can discover whether your vehicle was affected by the emissions scandal by using our free-to-use diesel emissions claim checker. You can do this here:
Is The Diesel Emission Claim No Win, No Fee?
Yes, our diesel emissions legal panel bring forward their diesel claims on a No Win, No Fee basis.
This No Win, No Fee arrangement will be formalised through a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This is an agreement between you and your solicitor which stipulates that you won’t have to pay unless your claim succeeds.
You will have to chance to review this agreement before you sign up to a claim.
How Can A Solicitor Help With My Diesel Claim?
We have created a panel of solicitors who have vast experience with diesel emission claims. Their mission is to ensure that the car industry is greener, fairer and safer for all. They want to make sure that car manufacturers who have lied about their diesel emissions are held accountable.
In addition to this, our legal panel:
- Are fully SRA-regulated
- Work on a No Win, No Fee basis
- No upfront payments
- Provide updates throughout the case
- Talk to you in clear, simple English
If you believe you have an eligible diesel compensation claim get in touch with our panel by completing our eligibility checker on our specific emissions-related partner site of Emissions.co.uk.