Hello I have been with HSBC for twenty years or more, long before the corruption was exposed. I had total faith in my bank to give me advice that was in my own interests when I took out a mortgage and at the same time bought Life insurance and House Insurance. (I have an unfurnished rental property and I bought Home and Contents insurance, i have since been told Contents was unvalid, but that's another story). Seeing the various adverts on the telly I checked my life insurance cost and it was £85 a month, twice as expensive as anywhere else. I then checked my Home insurance, three times as expensive. Over eighteen years this is a tidy profit and a huge expense to myself. I have cancelled them all, and bought new ones, a third of the price. I complained to the bank but of course they said it clearly stated they were only selling bank products. But in my defense ten years ago it was not naive to believe banks were working with you and for you, giving advice in the customers' interest and not solely in their own. It should have been explained fully that I was fully entitled to take insurance from any company, which I didn't know at the time. I have heard that Utility companies are or will be made to make clear to customers there are other deals available.??? Shouldn't this apply to banks?

Sorry, in all honesty they probably wrote 'charge'. I haven't kept the letter. Just glad to see the back of them.

I took out mortgage protection with HSBC on a decreasing term model 7 years ago, for 18 years at £85 a month to cover a mortgage of £80,000 for my wife who smoked (49) and myself then 51 non-smoker. I think the charge excessive. I paid it because I thought it was compulsory. I want to make a complaint about the cost (no critical injury involved). Any views?

I wrote to both Wokingham Council and my MP Mr Phillip Lee to complain about my treatment and to ask why such disreputable companies could get these lucrative countracts. Both contacted Euro Car Parks and they waived the fine, but warned me in no uncertain terms if I did it again I would get the full charge! Thanks to you all for your support.

I understand I am in for some threatening letters and I will try not to break. I have heard of companies selling on their debt to debt collectors, which is what I suppose Euro Car Parks means when it writes that my details may be passed on 'to a Third Party .. for the collection of ..fees'. Is this a real threat? If yes, what I do about it. Sorry to be so wimpy. I wonder why Councils don't check out these companies first before giving them contracts?

Thank you for your advice, its exactly the sort of thing I wanted to hear.

I am being charged £60 because by mistake I left my car park ticket upside down. I was back in the car park well before the ticket ran out. I asked the attendant why he was giving me the ticket, he explained and said I should complain to Euro Car Parks. I did and they told me 14days to pay or the fine goes up to £80. What if I don't pay????? I wouldn't mind going to court about this, I feel I am being robbed. Do I have a leg to stand on? best to anyone who can help Y