There’s no single “best” for everyone. Match provider strengths to your needs: audited outcomes and clear hardship policies, fast set-up and reduced contact, and correct homeowner treatment under the 2025 Protocol. Use our checklist to compare.
Compare leading IVA providers, see pros & cons, and find out why Fresh Start offers faster, more personal IVA support to help write off unaffordable debt.
✅ Start Free IVA CheckQuick answer: Choosing the right IVA company matters. Compare how fast they respond, who supports you day-to-day, and how clearly they explain fees and risks. We’ll help you check eligibility, compare options, and get protection from creditors — free and confidential.
Popular searches we cover on this page: best IVA company UK, IVA companies to avoid, IVA completion rates UK, fastest IVA approval, switch IVA provider, IVA fees explained, IVA for homeowners 2025.
Start IVA CheckAn Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is a legally binding agreement to repay debt affordably, usually over 5–6 years. An IVA company (Insolvency Practitioner firm) prepares your proposal, liaises with creditors, manages payments, and supports you through any changes.
Well-known providers include:
Source for StepChange completion rate & national provider stats: see References.
Large firms handle high volumes, but that can mean slower replies and less personal service. Many people prefer smaller caseloads and a single point of contact.
Why Fresh Start? Faster replies, smaller caseloads, and straight-talk guidance — so you’re not “just another file”.
Shortlist MeFrom 1 July 2025, the revised Consumer IVA Protocol took effect to improve protections and service standards. Two key points for homeowners:
See official updates in the References section below.
Ask About RulesWe never publish fake testimonials. For real experiences, see Client Testimonials.
Get Help NowThere isn’t a single “best IVA company” for everyone — the right choice depends on your income stability, whether you’re a homeowner, and how quickly you need creditor contact to ease. Here’s how to match the provider to your situation:
We don’t rank providers for payment. We’ll compare options objectively and help you choose what’s safest for your goals.
Match MeThere’s no single “best” for everyone. Match provider strengths to your needs: audited outcomes and clear hardship policies, fast set-up and reduced contact, and correct homeowner treatment under the 2025 Protocol. Use our checklist to compare.
Some charities publish outcomes — for example, StepChange has stated ~85% completion in recent years (see References). Ask any provider to share their latest audited figures and how they support clients through income shocks.
Speed of response, a named case manager, transparent fees, and homeowner safeguards. Also check how quickly they reduce creditor contact and how they handle payment breaks or variations.
Yes. Before approval, switching is usually straightforward. After approval, it can be more complex but still possible. We’ll explain the pros and cons so you don’t lose protection or momentum.
Ask About SwitchingUsually excluded: student loans, child maintenance, most criminal fines. We’ll show how to manage these alongside your IVA safely.
Check My DebtsAn IVA is legally binding and can write off remaining debt on completion; a Debt Management Plan is informal and has no guaranteed write-off.
A Debt Relief Order suits low income and debts under ~£30,000. IVAs can suit higher debts with steady income.
Bankruptcy can be faster but may impact assets more. An IVA can be less disruptive and more flexible, depending on your situation.
Compare NowPages titled “Best IVA Companies 2025” can look like rankings — but the best firm depends on your budget, stability of income, and whether you’re a homeowner. Use this quick matrix to shortlist:
We don’t do “pay-to-rank”. We’ll compare options and tell you when a different solution (like DRO or DMP) may be safer.
Build My ListWe don’t sell rankings. Instead, we assess providers against transparent criteria you can verify:
Where a provider publishes data (e.g., completion %), we link to it in References. If not, we ask them to provide it before making any claim.
Assess MeTo help you (and searchers) faster, these are the common questions we cover:
Estimate how long repayments might take without help, versus using an IVA:
See My ResultWe summarise external sources for convenience — follow the links above to read the full official guidance.
Speak To UsLook out for pressure to sign the same day, upfront fees, or marketing that doesn’t clearly explain risks and alternatives like a DRO or DMP. Favour providers that put advice first, publish outcomes, and give you a named case manager. Independent guides also flag common red flags such as poor reviews and lack of contact during the process.
Tip: check complaints routes (IPA/ICAEW for IPs) and verify who will be your Insolvency Practitioner.
Check My ProviderCompletion rates vary by firm and client circumstances. Some charities have stated completion rates around the mid-80% range in recent years. National statistics are published annually by the Insolvency Service, including outcomes and the largest firms by IVA registrations. Ask any potential provider to share their latest audited completion figures and hardship policies in writing before you proceed.
Why it matters: strong completion support means clear variation processes, payment breaks, and regular affordability reviews.
Review My Odds“Fast approval” pages can overpromise. Realistically, timing depends on gathering documents, drafting your proposal, and setting the creditor decision date. Ask any provider for their typical time to creditor vote and how they reduce contact pressure during drafting (e.g., holding letters, responding to collectors). If speed is crucial, we’ll prioritise firms with responsive case management and clear timelines.
Speed It UpFees are agreed with creditors and come out of your monthly payment — no separate upfront charge. Typical fee types include nominee (setup), supervisor (ongoing), and disbursements. Good firms provide a clear written breakdown before you sign, and explain how fees adjust if your income changes or a variation is needed later.
Explain My FeesUnder the 2025 Protocol, where there’s over £10,000 beneficial interest (85% of value minus secured debt), a 72-month term can apply instead of remortgaging. Ask for a written equity calculation and a plain-English explanation of outcomes (term extension vs any equity contribution) before you proceed.
Already have mortgage arrears? We’ll factor that into affordability so the plan is sustainable.
Check My EquityYes — arrears for council tax and household bills can usually be included in an IVA, helping to stabilise your monthly budget. We’ll also help you prioritise current year council tax and essentials, and consider Breathing Space if you need short-term protection while your proposal is prepared.
Include These DebtsYes, but fees are agreed with creditors and built into your IVA payments — no upfront charges.
Typically 5–6 years. If you complete the plan, remaining eligible debt is written off.
The revised Protocol (from 1 July 2025) clarifies that where equity release isn’t suitable, a term extension is used instead of remortgaging, with Protocol IVAs set at 60 months or 72 months if there’s over £10,000 beneficial interest in a family home.
Once approved, an IVA is legally binding and usually stops enforcement and freezes interest/charges.
Yes. Your IVA firm will provide your IVA reference — keep it for creditor communications.
The “best” firm is the one that responds quickly, explains trade-offs clearly, and supports you personally — not just the biggest brand.
Insolvency Practitioners (IPs) are authorised by professional bodies (e.g., IPA/ICAEW). Marketing and advice rules also exist — see the FCA and ASA resources linked above.
Avoid upfront fees, pressure to sign quickly, and providers who won’t explain the 2025 homeowner rules in writing.
It varies. Ask each provider for their typical time to creditor vote and how quickly they reduce creditor contact during the proposal stage.
Responsible providers have hardship policies (payment holidays, variations, affordability reviews). Ask for these in writing before you choose.
Yes. The 2025 Protocol reduces pressure to remortgage. If you have over £10,000 beneficial interest, a 72-month term may be used instead.
Before approval, switching is simpler. After approval, it may require a formal variation or transfer — take advice first to protect your position.
Advice can be free, and IVA fees are paid from your plan payments once approved — you shouldn’t be asked to pay fees upfront.
Ask A QuestionWhen an informal DMP beats an IVA — and when it doesn’t.
Compare DMP vs IVAWe provide references so you can fact-check every claim. Always review official guidance before committing.
Get Personal HelpTake 60–90 seconds to check if you qualify. It’s free, confidential, and helps you see which IVA company might be right for your situation in 2025.
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