Debt recovery: the complete UK guide
How debt recovery actually works — and how to recover what you're owed yourself before paying a solicitor or debt collector. Practical, plain-English, and free.
Debt recovery is the process of collecting money owed to you by a person or business. It ranges from a simple reminder letter through to tracing a debtor, court judgments and enforcement. The important thing most people don't realise: you can do a lot of it yourself, for nothing, and a well-judged approach settles far more debts than a threatening one. This guide walks through the whole process in the right order.
The golden rule: exhaust the free options first. A firm, fair letter — plus a quick check of who you're really dealing with — resolves most debts long before anyone needs a solicitor. Court should be your last resort, not your first move.
The debt recovery process, step by step
1. Ask for payment in writing
Start with a polite 7-day reminder, then a firmer 7-day warning if it's ignored. Clear, dated and on the record. See our free debt recovery letter templates.
2. Find out who you're dealing with
Trace the debtor, check for CCJs and insolvency, and run an asset check so you're not chasing someone who can't — or won't — pay.
3. Decide whether to pay for help
Weigh up a solicitor, debt collector or no-win-no-fee — and read our honest take on whether "free" debt recovery is really free.
4. Consider legal action
If letters fail, County Court Judgments and enforcement are the next lever — but only once you know there's something worth recovering.
Recovering different kinds of debt
The right approach depends on who owes you and why. We cover the most common situations in detail:
- Construction & trade debts — getting paid for work done.
- Dodgy car dealer debts — your rights when a car fails after purchase.
- Landlords chasing tenants — unpaid rent and damage.
Whatever the debt, the underlying method is the same: be clear, be documented, and know your options before you spend money.
How much does debt recovery cost?
| Route | Upfront cost | Typical charge |
|---|---|---|
| Do it yourself | Free | Your time only |
| No-win-no-fee collector | None | Commission up to 50% |
| Fee-charging collector | Yes | Fee + commission |
| Solicitor | Yes | Hourly + disbursements |
Full breakdown, with real success rates, on our free debt recovery page.
Debt recovery questions, answered
Yes. Most debts can be recovered without a solicitor. A clear letter, a debtor trace and a CCJ check resolve more debts than people expect, and for many claims you can pursue a County Court Judgment yourself through the online money claim service. A solicitor is worth considering for complex or high-value disputes, but they're rarely the first step.
Doing it yourself costs nothing but your time. Fee-charging collectors add an upfront fee plus commission; no-win-no-fee collectors charge nothing upfront but commission can reach 50% of the debt; solicitors charge by the hour plus disbursements. Try the free route first, then choose a paid route based on the size and type of debt.
A polite, firm reminder in writing with a clear deadline — usually a 7-day reminder, followed by a firmer 7-day warning if there's no response. Court action should always be a last resort, not a first move. Grab our free letter templates to start.
Start with free sources: search engines and social media, Companies House for directors' addresses, the Insolvency Register, LinkedIn for employment and Land Registry for property. For a significant debt, a professional tracing service typically costs around £30–£50 plus VAT. See our guide to tracing a debtor.
It can be, but read the terms. Commission can reach 50% of the debt, and for non-business debts you often can't reclaim those costs without going to court. A collector with a fair, transparent fee is frequently better value than a purely commission-based deal — and only worth it after you've had a proper go yourself. More on our free debt recovery page.
Once letters, tracing and persistence haven't worked, and you've checked the debtor actually has the means to pay (an asset or pre-sue check). Winning a judgment is one thing; enforcing it is another, so weigh the cost and the likelihood of recovery before you file. See legal & insolvency action.
Not sure where to start with your debt?
Tell me what you're up against and I'll point you to the right step — or tell you honestly if it's not worth chasing. Free, no obligation.