Interactive Cost Estimator

What Could It Cost To Recover This Commercial Debt?

This tool helps UK SME owners and finance directors compare the likely cost, timeline and suitability of DIY chasing, no win no fee debt recovery, and solicitor-led litigation for a specific B2B debt.

Cost should not be viewed in isolation

The cheapest-looking route is not always the most commercial. DIY chasing can be low cost but ineffective. Litigation can be powerful but expensive. A debt recovery route should be chosen based on value, age, evidence, dispute risk and debtor viability.

HK Commercial Debt Recovery always carries out standard chasing and debtor contact on a genuine no win, no fee basis. For qualifying cases, we may also help with funded escalation.

This estimator compares

DIY letters and telephone chasing
No win no fee debt recovery
Solicitor or litigation route
County Court claim fee based on debt value
Recovery prospects and likely route
Where HK may be able to act without upfront chasing costs

Step-by-step estimator

Estimate the most sensible recovery route

Complete the three short sections below. The result will show a recovery likelihood score, route comparison and recommendation.

Step 1 of 3 — The debt

Debt amount (£) Use the principal balance, or total balance including interest if already calculated.

Age of debt Older debts usually become harder to recover.

Do you have a signed contract or purchase order? This affects evidence strength.

Has the debtor acknowledged the debt in writing? Written acknowledgement can improve recovery prospects.

Is the debtor a limited company or sole trader/partnership? Debtor type affects enforcement and insolvency options.

Is the debtor still actively trading as far as you know? Active debtors are usually more recoverable.

Has the debtor raised a formal dispute? Disputed debts often need a different route.

Have you already sent a formal Letter Before Action? An LBA is often required before court proceedings.

Have you already instructed solicitors on this debt? This affects likely sunk cost and next-step strategy.

What is your priority? The best route depends on your commercial objective.

Estimated result

Recovery route comparison

Your result will appear below.

Recovery prospects

This score is an indicative assessment based on age, acknowledgement, dispute status and debtor activity.

Recommended for your situation

DIY letters / calls

Direct chasing by your business.

Typical cost£0 direct cost, but internal time cost and lower pressure.

Typical timeline2–8 weeks.

Success indicatorDepends on debt age and acknowledgement.

Best forVery early-stage debts where the relationship matters and the debtor is still engaging.

Recommended for your situation

Debt recovery agency

No win no fee recovery activity.

Typical cost0% upfront. Contingency fee only on recovery.

Typical timeline4–12 weeks.

HK positionHK always carries out standard chasing and debtor contact free on a genuine no win no fee basis.

Best forUndisputed debts, active debtors, ignored invoices and broken payment promises.

Recommended for your situation

Solicitor / litigation

Formal legal proceedings where needed.

Court fee£0

Solicitor feesTypically £750–£3,000+ for early litigation stages; more if defended.

Timeline3–9 months, longer if defended.

Best forDisputed debts, larger amounts, dissolved companies, complex matters or cases needing formal legal action.

Recommendation

Want a free assessment of your specific case?

HK Commercial Debt Recovery can review the debt, evidence, debtor status and recovery route before you spend money on the wrong step. For qualifying cases, we may be able to support escalation while keeping standard chasing free on a no win no fee basis.

Submit your debt details here

Free chasing

We do not charge for standard contact

Many providers charge for letters, account handling or basic chasing. HK’s general collections are genuine no win no fee.

Funded escalation

Qualifying cases may be supported

Where the case is strong enough, funded escalation may be available for formal steps such as LBAs, claims or enforcement.

Route control

Litigation is not always the first answer

Some solicitor-led routes can become costly quickly. The recovery strategy should be commercially justified before legal spend begins.

Important

This tool provides a general estimate only and does not constitute legal advice or a fixed quote. Court fees, solicitor fees, enforcement costs and recovery prospects can vary depending on the facts, debtor status, dispute position and evidence. HK Commercial Debt Recovery can complete a free review and explain the most suitable route for your specific debt.