Online Money Claims — County Court Small Claims Track
Small Claims Court for Faulty Goods UK — How to File an Online Money Claim
The UK county court's small claims track handles consumer faulty goods disputes under £10,000 — and you file online, without a solicitor, in under 30 minutes. It is the last-resort escalation route when chargeback and ADR have failed or are unavailable. Court fees are scaled, recoverable if you win, and the process is designed for consumers without legal training.
When Should You Use the Small Claims Court for a Faulty Goods Dispute?
The county court is the final escalation route — use it when all other paths have been exhausted or are not available. In order, the typical sequence before court is:
How Do You File a Small Claims Court Claim for Faulty Goods?
Send a Letter Before Action
Courts expect you to have attempted resolution before filing. Send a formal Letter Before Action giving the retailer 14 days. Keep a copy and proof of sending. The Fight-Back System includes a ready-to-use Letter Before Action template.
Gather your evidence pack
You will need: proof of purchase, dated fault documentation, all retailer communications, repair records, and receipts for any consequential losses. Organise these before filing — you will reference them in your claim statement.
File at civilmoneyclaims.service.gov.uk
Create a free account. You will need the retailer's full legal name and registered address (find this on Companies House if unsure), the amount claimed, and a brief statement of the claim in plain English. The online form guides you through each section.
Pay the court fee
Fee is scaled by amount (see table below). Pay by debit/credit card online. The fee is recoverable from the retailer if you win.
Wait for the retailer's response
The retailer has 14 days to respond once served. They can: pay in full (claim resolved), file a defence (case proceeds to small claims hearing), or ignore the claim (you apply for judgment in default).
Attend the hearing if required
Small claims hearings are typically informal, often by phone or video for smaller amounts. The judge hears both sides and makes a binding decision. You present your evidence — no legal formality required.
What Are the Court Fees for a Faulty Goods Small Claims Case?
Fees correct as of 2026. If you win, the court fee is recoverable from the retailer. Under the small claims track, solicitor costs are generally not recoverable by either side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a retailer to small claims court for faulty goods?
Yes. Claims under £10,000 go to the county court small claims track. File online at civilmoneyclaims.service.gov.uk. No solicitor is needed, costs are capped, and the process is designed for consumers without legal training.
How much does it cost to take a retailer to small claims court?
Court fees are scaled from £35 (under £300) to £455 (£5,000–£10,000). If you win, the court fee is recoverable from the retailer. Under the small claims track, solicitor costs are generally not recoverable by either side.
Do I need a solicitor for a small claims court case?
No. The small claims track is designed for self-represented consumers. Even if the retailer uses a solicitor, they generally cannot recover those costs if you lose — making the process relatively low-risk.
What is the time limit for filing?
Under the Limitation Act 1980, 6 years from purchase date (5 years in Scotland). Act as soon as other routes have failed — evidence becomes harder to produce over time.
What if the retailer doesn't respond to my claim?
If the retailer fails to respond within 14 days, apply for judgment in default. The court enters judgment in your favour without a hearing, giving you a county court judgment (CCJ) you can enforce via warrant of control or attachment of earnings.
Related guides in this network:
Faulty Goods Fight-Back System
Letter Before Action + Complete Court Guide
The Fight-Back System includes the Letter Before Action template, the complete court filing guide, and a claim statement framework — everything you need to file and win without a solicitor.
Get the Fight-Back System — £27One-time payment. Instant PDF download.