How Business Energy Broker Claims Work

A plain-language guide to every stage of the claims process, from initial eligibility review through to resolution. What we do, what we need from you, and what to expect at each step.

Four Stages From Submission to Settlement

The claims process is straightforward in structure, even when individual cases have complexities. Here is exactly what happens at each stage, and what your involvement will be.

01
⏱ 48–72 hours Your time: ~15 minutes

Eligibility Assessment

You complete our short online form or speak with a member of our team. We gather basic information: approximate annual energy spend, contract period, whether you dealt with a broker, and the name of your energy supplier.

We review this against our eligibility criteria and typically provide an initial assessment within 48 to 72 hours. If we believe you have grounds for a claim, we explain why — with reference to your specific circumstances, not generic language.

  • We request no sensitive financial documents at this stage
  • If your eligibility is unclear, we may ask a small number of follow-up questions
  • You receive our assessment in writing — no obligation to proceed
  • Approximately 94% of cases we assess show indicators of undisclosed commissions
02
⏱ 2–4 weeks Your time: minimal

Contract & Commission Review

With your authority, we request your energy contracts and commission disclosure records — directly from the supplier and, where possible, from the broker. In many cases we can obtain the necessary documentation without you needing to locate anything yourself.

We then carry out a detailed analysis: comparing the rates you paid against available market benchmarks, quantifying the commission component embedded in your contract, and assessing the adequacy of any disclosure that was made.

  • We draft and send the information requests on your behalf
  • Suppliers are legally obligated to respond to subject access requests
  • We identify the commission rate and calculate the total overcharge across your contract period
  • We produce a written case summary confirming the estimated recovery range
03
⏱ 1–3 months Your time: review correspondence

Letter Before Action & Negotiation

We submit a formal Letter Before Action to the broker and, where relevant, the supplier. This sets out the legal basis for the claim, the evidence gathered, and the compensation sought. Most respondents engage at this stage.

We handle all correspondence throughout the negotiation phase. You will be kept informed of all material developments and consulted before any settlement is accepted or rejected. Nothing is agreed without your explicit instruction.

  • Many claims resolve at this stage through negotiated settlement
  • We advise on the reasonableness of any offer received
  • You retain full control over whether to accept a settlement
  • Where a broker or supplier refuses to engage, we proceed to formal dispute resolution
04
⏱ Variable Your time: sign-off only

Resolution & Payment

Where claims are settled by agreement, the compensation is typically paid directly to your business. Our fee — a pre-agreed percentage of the amount recovered — is invoiced at this point. Nothing is due before settlement is received.

For cases that cannot be resolved through negotiation, we pursue formal dispute resolution through the relevant ombudsman scheme or, where appropriate, county court proceedings. We will always advise you clearly on the merits and risks before escalating.

  • Average resolution time for negotiated settlements: 3–6 months
  • Formal dispute resolution may extend the timeline by a further 3–6 months
  • Our fee is a percentage of the recovered sum — agreed upfront, no hidden charges
  • You receive a full breakdown of the settlement and our deduction

From Submission to Settlement

Most cases resolve within 3 to 9 months. Complex multi-site or high-value cases may take longer, particularly where formal dispute resolution becomes necessary.

1

Submit

Day 1

2

Assessment

Days 2–5

3

Evidence Review

Weeks 1–4

4

Negotiation

Months 1–4

5

Settlement

Months 3–9

Documents — More Helpful, Not Mandatory

Please do not let a lack of paperwork deter you from getting in touch. We can often obtain what we need directly. That said, if you do have documents available, here is how they help.

Most Useful Documents

  • Ideal Original energy contract or renewal agreement
  • Ideal Energy bills or invoices from the contract period
  • Ideal Any written correspondence with your broker
  • Helpful Broker proposal or comparison document
  • Helpful Broker letter of authority or agency agreement
  • Optional Supplier welcome letters or account statements

If You Have Nothing

  • We do this Submit Subject Access Request to your supplier
  • We do this Request full contract records from broker via SAR
  • You provide Supplier name and approximate contract dates
  • You provide Broker name or contact details (if remembered)
  • Optional Any email addresses used to deal with the broker

Start With a Free, No-Obligation Review Today

Now that you understand the process, take the first step. Our team will assess your eligibility within 48 hours and provide a clear written view of your position — at no cost and with no obligation to proceed.

Check My Eligibility →
No win, no fee 48hr assessment No obligation UK specialists