Advertising Authority warns over 'no-win, no-fee services'

The Advertising Standards Authority has warned law firms advertising no-win, no-fee services to accident victims to make clear that such services may still involve costs for taking legal action. If victims lose their cases, they may be liable for the other sides' costs and fees may have to be paid for additional services, such as specialist reports by doctors or the police. Victims are normally asked to buy insurance to cover these possibilities and the ASA recognises that law firms are required to explain potential liabilities to clients before a no-win, no-fee agreement is made. But the authority says that unless clients pay nothing if they lose, ads carrying no-win, no-fee claims should be explained.

Stressful, confusing and time-consuming - that's what one in two homebuyers says about arranging a mortgage, according to Legal & General. L&G has a free 24-page booklet called The Mortgage Maze. Phone 0800 663322 for a copy.

Classic car owners are being offered a free guide to insurance, which can be cheaper than expected because annual mileage is low. Phone Independent Insurance on 01732 865211.

Insurer Norwich Union has launched a policy, costing pounds 7.95 a month, which covers the breakdown of electrical appliances. Phone 0800 888 777.