ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the potential contribution of claims management companies (CMCs) in providing access to justice for consumers on low income. Traditionally, consumer law has not been regarded to be a public task, and public authorities are barely involved in protecting consumers. Claims management has traditionally been a service used by traders against consumers alleged not to have paid their bills, hereby causing much grief to consumers. German academics suggest that CMCs are mainly directed towards ‘economically weak’ consumers that would otherwise refrain from enforcing their claims. The availability of legal tech has improved access to justice for all consumers, including low-income ones, where no other effective and affordable mechanisms exist. Leaving aside the reluctance of welfare authorities to honour claims and assuming their desire to make correct decisions, the digitalisation of public administration could provide a more efficient way to protect low-income consumers.
