BBC - X-Ray - X-Guides Directory

Cars
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
The website includes a guide to buying cars, and a vehicle registration hotline.

HPI
HPI will check if your used car has a dodgy past.

Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB)
The MIB can give compensation to people involved in a motor accident caused by an uninsured driver.

RAC
Provides vehicle inspections

Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF)
The RMIF offer a conciliation service to resolve disputes between their members and customers

Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)
This organisation will settle disputes on cars that are still under warranty.

The Automobile Association (AA)
The AA offer a wide range of motoring services

Consumer Law
Citizens Advice Bureau (NACAB)
Citizens Advice Bureau provide free advice on a wide range of subjects.

Consumer Direct
A nationwide consumer service offering advice both online and over the phone.

Consumer Focus
The statutory organisation campaigning for a fair deal for consumers.

Court Service
Advice and information about the judiciary process

Money Claim Online
An easy to use court service website that help you start your claim procedure.

National Mediation Helpline
Resolving complaints through mediation.

Office of Fair Trading
The Office of Fair Trading offers advice on all consumer matters

Trading Standards
Every local council has a Trading Standards department responsible for enforcing consumer law in their area.

Which?
Which? conduct in-depth investigations and produce reports that compare goods and services.

Credit
Association of British Insurers (ABI)
Advice on everything to do with insurance.

Cardwatch
The banking industry's plastic card watchdog

Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)
Settles disputes between individuals and financial companies.

Financial Services Authority (FSA)
Regulator for the financial services industry.

Pensions Ombudsman
The Pensions Ombudsman can help investigate your case

The Pensions Advisory Service
Can give you free and confidential advice about pensions.

Electricity and gas supply
Consumer Focus
The statutory organisation campaigning for a fair deal for consumers.

Energy Ombudsman
Service to sort out disagreements between companies and their customers.

Energy Saving Trust
Non profit organisation which provides information on energy efficiency.

Gas Safe Register
Anyone who works on gas fittings or appliances is legally required to be registered.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
The HSE can take action against anyone who does unsafe gas work.

National Grid
Smell gas? Shut off the gas supply and call the free Emergency Helpline.

National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation (NICEIC)
NICEIC has a procedure in place for complaints against electricians registered with them.

Holidays
Air Transport Users Council (AUC)
The Air Transport Users Council is the consumer watchdog for the airline industry.

Air Travel Organisers Licence (ATOL)
ATOL is the largest travel protection scheme in Britain.

Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA)
ABTA offer an independent arbitration service if you've had a problem with one of their members.

Association of Independent Travel Operators (AITO)
AITO represent about 160 speciality tour operators, and provide a dispute settlement service.

Home improvements
Institute of Plumbing (IoP)
IoP runs a complaints procedure for consumers unhappy with a member's service.

National House Building Council (NHBC)
NHBC offers info including member builders and conveyancing on a new home.

Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
RIBA keeps a directory of architects and also runs a conciliation service.

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
RICS offers info on its chartered and technical surveyors and the complaints procedure.

Renting
Shelter Cymru
Shelter Cymru works for the the improvement of housing conditions, and the right of everyone to a safe, suitable and affordable home.

Returning goods
Shopping online
E-consumer.gov
Website which offers a cross-border complaints procedure

Telecoms
Office of Communications (OFCOM)
Regulator for all telecoms, radio and television.

Phone Pay Plus
The organisation which regulates products or services that are charged to users' phone bills or pre-pay accounts.

Warranties
Water Supply
Consumer Council for Water Wales
Represents consumers of Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water and Dee Valley Water.

Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI)
If you think your supply isn't up to scratch, let the DWI know.

Office of Water Services (OFWAT)
OFWAT regulates the water industry, and provides a consumer complaints service called Water Voice.

A to Z

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	Cars Consumer law Credit Electricity and gas supply Holidays Home improvements Telecoms Water supply

The information on this page is a guide based on the law at 1 June 2009. It does not constitute legal advice. Please consult your own lawyer for further information regarding your rights. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites.