WMS Group, a provider of GAP insurance and warranty products through dealer networks, has been implicated in the widespread mis-selling of GAP insurance. Consumers who purchased GAP policies from WMS Group may have paid inflated prices for coverage that could be obtained more cheaply elsewhere. Understanding how this mis-selling occurred and what to do if you suspect it happened to you is crucial.
What is WMS Group?
WMS Group Ltd offers Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) insurance and warranty products through a network of automotive dealerships. Their GAP insurance policies are designed to cover the difference between the market value of your car, as determined by your insurer in case of total loss, and what you still owe on your finance agreement. This coverage can be particularly important for new or nearly-new vehicles where depreciation is high.
How GAP Insurance Mis-selling Works
GAP insurance mis-selling often occurs when consumers are pressured into buying policies at the point of sale without being aware of cheaper alternatives available online. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) found that dealer-sold GAP policies can cost £300-£500, while similar coverage is available for as little as £50-£150 from independent providers. This discrepancy is due to the high commissions paid by insurance companies under a
discretionary commission arrangement (DCA), which incentivises dealers to push customers towards these expensive policies.
consumers are frequently not given adequate cooling-off information or alternatives at the time of purchase. The FCA ruling has now banned dealerships from selling GAP insurance at the point of sale starting September 2024. This means that anyone who purchased a policy before this date may have been misled about the true cost and availability of cheaper options.
If you believe you were mis-sold a GAP policy by WMS Group, it is important to file a complaint directly with them. You can do so through their official complaints page at https://www.wmsgroup.co.uk/complaints. This process is free and does not require the involvement of any
claims management company. Providing detailed information about your purchase and any issues you faced will help WMS Group understand and address your concerns effectively.
Your Cooling-off Rights
Consumers have a 14-day cooling-off period during which they can cancel their GAP insurance policy and receive a full refund. To exercise this right, you should contact WMS Group as soon as possible to inform them of your decision. Make sure to keep all documentation related to the purchase and cancellation process for reference.
What to Do Next
If you suspect that you were mis-sold GAP insurance by WMS Group or any other provider, gather all relevant documents such as sales receipts, policy agreements, and any correspondence with the company. Review what you paid for your GAP policy compared to independent quotes available online. Once you have this information, proceed directly to filing a complaint using the provided contact details.
Sources and references
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Ruling on GAP insurance mis-selling practices
- WMS Group Ltd: Complaints page https://www.wmsgroup.co.uk/complaints