What outcome under FCA’s fair treatment of customers relates to delays in claim finalization?

The focus here is on the principle established by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regarding the fair treatment of customers, specifically relating to delays in finalizing claims. The relevant outcome indicates that consumers should not experience unreasonable post-sale barriers. Delays in the claims process can be seen as a significant barrier since they can hinder a claimant’s ability to receive their entitled compensation in a timely manner. When claims are delayed without a valid reason or adequate communication, it creates an added burden on the claimant who is already in a vulnerable position due to the incident that triggered the claim.

In contrast, the other outcomes pertain to different aspects of customer treatment. Timeliness of responses refers more specifically to how promptly claims are acknowledged or initial responses are provided, rather than the broader issue of barriers post-sale. Transparency focuses on the clarity of communication around policy terms and claims processes, which, although important, does not directly address the consequences of delays in claims finalization. Proper handling of complaints is also essential, but it centers on the aftermath of a claim experience rather than the factors causing delays themselves. Therefore, the emphasis on unreasonable post-sale barriers aligns most closely with the impact of delays in claim finalization.