The diesel emissions scandal, often called “Dieselgate,” exposed major car manufacturers to using software to cheat emissions tests. As a result, millions of diesel vehicle owners may now be entitled to compensation. If you’ve owned or leased a diesel vehicle in recent years, you could be eligible to file an emissions claim. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to check your eligibility and take action.
What Is an Emissions Claim?
An emissions claim is a legal action against car manufacturers accused of manipulating diesel emissions data. Vehicles affected were found to produce far more pollution in real-world driving conditions than during regulatory testing. The scandal has led to lawsuits across the UK and Europe, with car owners seeking compensation for being misled about their vehicles’ environmental impact and performance.
Which Brands Are Involved?
Several well-known automotive brands have been named in emissions-related legal actions, including:
- Volkswagen
- Audi
- Mercedes-Benz
- BMW
- Ford
- Vauxhall
- Nissan
- Renault
If you purchased or leased a diesel vehicle from one of these brands between 2009 and 2020, there’s a strong chance your car could be part of the emissions claim.
Step 1: Check If Your Vehicle Is Affected
The first step in determining eligibility is checking whether your vehicle is an affected model. You can do this by:
- Looking up your make and model on official emissions claim websites.
- Entering your vehicle registration number to verify eligibility.
- Checking any past recall notices or manufacturer correspondence about emissions updates.
Step 2: Gather Ownership or Lease Documentation
To proceed with a claim, you must prove that you owned or leased the vehicle during the period. Acceptable documentation may include:
- Purchase receipts or finance agreements
- Lease or hire agreements
- Vehicle registration documents (V5C)
- Proof of ownership for fleet or company cars
Even if you’ve sold the vehicle, you may still be eligible if you owned or leased it during the relevant timeframe.
Step 3: Identify the Period
Eligibility often depends on when you owned or leased the vehicle. Most claims focus on diesel cars registered between 2009 and 2020. Some manufacturers altered software or recalled affected vehicles after the scandal broke, which may influence your eligibility.
Step 4: Understand the Legal Basis for Compensation
The basis of most emissions claims is that consumers were misled into purchasing vehicles under false pretences. You may be eligible for compensation if:
- You paid more for a vehicle believing it was environmentally friendly
- Your vehicle’s performance or fuel efficiency changed after a recall
- You suffered a financial loss in resale value
- You were misled by advertising or emissions figures
The claim does not require proof that the software was installed—legal teams will handle the technical aspects.
Step 5: Choose a Legal Representative
Many law firms are currently managing group litigation claims related to emissions. Most offer to handle claims on a no-win, no-fee basis. When choosing a representative:
- Ensure the firm specializes in group consumer claims
- Confirm that your claim will be included in ongoing litigation
- Ask about expected timelines and what information is needed from you
Step 6: Submit Your Claim
Once you’ve selected a legal representative, they will typically ask you to:
- Fill out an eligibility form
- Submit ownership documents
- Confirm contact details and agreement to proceed
After submission, the legal team will manage the rest, including court filings and updates.
What Compensation Could You Receive?
If the claim is successful, compensation may vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, how long you owned it, and the court’s ruling. Some estimates suggest claimants could receive £1,000 to £10,000 per vehicle, depending on the case.
Compensation could cover:
- Overpayment for the vehicle
- Reduced resale value
- Loss of fuel efficiency
- General damages for being misled
Final Thoughts
You may have a valid emissions claim if you owned or leased a diesel vehicle from a major manufacturer in the past decade. With legal action already underway and thousands of drivers joining group claims, now is the time to act.
Check your eligibility, gather your documents, and speak with a legal expert to ensure you don’t miss out on potential compensation. Filing a claim is straightforward, and for many, it’s a chance to hold manufacturers accountable and recover lost value.
