Compare ClaimsPilot vs Garfield AI for UK small claims. See differences in claims, defence, enforcement, pricing, and features before choosing the right platform.
ClaimsPilot vs Garfield AI (2026): Which Is Better for Small Claims UK?
If you’re considering using an AI legal tool to help with a UK small claims case, you’ve likely come across both ClaimsPilot and Garfield AI. Both platforms aim to make the small claims process more accessible, but they take very different approaches. This article compares the two in detail — covering features, pricing, supported case types, and who each platform is best suited to — so you can make an informed decision before you start.
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ClaimsPilot vs Garfield AI: key differences at a glance
Before diving into the detail, here’s a quick summary of how the two platforms differ:
- ClaimsPilot supports claims, defence, and enforcement
- Garfield AI focuses primarily on claimants
- ClaimsPilot is self-service and lower cost
- Garfield AI includes solicitor oversight
- ClaimsPilot offers court form auto-fill and case tracking
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Feature comparison: ClaimsPilot vs Garfield AI
| Feature | ClaimsPilot | Garfield AI |
|---|---|---|
| Claims | ✓ | ✓ |
| Defence | ✓ | ✗ |
| Enforcement | ✓ | ~ |
| Court forms | Auto-fill | Guided |
| Solicitor involvement | ✗ | ✓ |
| Pricing | Fixed | Variable |
| Letter Before Action | ✓ | ~ |
| Interest calculator | ✓ | ✗ |
| Case tracking | ✓ | ~ |
| Defendant support | ✓ | ✗ |
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What is ClaimsPilot?
ClaimsPilot is a UK-based AI platform built specifically for individuals and small businesses navigating the small claims court process. It covers the full lifecycle of a small claim — from sending a formal Letter Before Action, through to issuing a claim, responding to a defence, and enforcing a judgment if the other party fails to pay.
The platform is designed around the UK small claims track, which handles disputes worth up to £10,000 in England and Wales. It is self-service by design, meaning users retain full control of their case without needing to instruct a solicitor.
Key features include:
- Letter Before Action generator — create a legally structured pre-claim letter using ClaimsPilot’s Letter Before Action tool
- Interest calculator — calculate interest owed on unpaid debts using the ClaimsPilot interest calculator
- Court form auto-fill — the platform pre-populates the relevant court forms based on your case details
- Defence preparation — ClaimsPilot also supports defendants, helping them structure a response to a claim
- Enforcement tools — after winning a judgment, ClaimsPilot guides users through enforcement options including warrants of control, attachment of earnings, and charging orders
ClaimsPilot does not provide legal advice and is not a regulated law firm. It provides legal information and structured workflows to help individuals manage their own cases confidently.
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What is Garfield AI?
Garfield AI is an AI-assisted legal platform that positions itself as a tech-enabled alternative to traditional solicitors. Unlike ClaimsPilot, Garfield AI incorporates solicitor oversight into its service model, meaning a qualified solicitor reviews or is involved in some capacity during the process.
Garfield AI is primarily focused on helping claimants — that is, people who are bringing a claim rather than defending one. Its workflows are largely geared towards starting a claim and moving it forward, rather than supporting defendants or post-judgment enforcement.
The platform charges a variable fee, which may depend on the complexity of the case or the level of solicitor involvement selected. This makes it harder to predict costs upfront compared to a fixed-price model.
Garfield AI may suit users who want a solicitor to be involved in their case, even in a limited capacity, and who are comfortable paying a higher or variable fee for that reassurance.
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Why many users choose ClaimsPilot
ClaimsPilot is designed for individuals who want full control of their case without relying on a solicitor. It provides structured workflows, court form automation, and tools to manage claims, defence, and enforcement in one place.
Unlike Garfield AI, ClaimsPilot also supports defendants and post-judgment enforcement — not just starting a claim. This makes it a more complete solution for anyone involved in a small claims dispute, regardless of which side of the case they are on.
For claimants, the process typically begins well before the court itself is involved. Under the Practice Direction on Pre-Action Conduct, parties are expected to attempt to resolve the dispute before issuing a claim. Sending a formal Letter Before Action is a critical part of this, and ClaimsPilot’s LBA tool makes it straightforward to produce a compliant, professional letter in minutes.
Similarly, calculating interest correctly is important when quantifying a claim. The ClaimsPilot interest calculator helps users work out statutory interest under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 or the standard 8% rate applicable in court proceedings.
For defendants, receiving a claim form can be daunting. ClaimsPilot walks defendants through how to respond, what the available options are (including admitting, disputing, or making a counterclaim), and how to complete the relevant court forms correctly.
After a judgment is awarded, enforcement is often where things become complicated. If the losing party does not pay voluntarily, ClaimsPilot provides guidance on the available enforcement methods, which are also outlined on GOV.UK’s enforcement guidance.
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Pricing and value for money
ClaimsPilot operates on a fixed pricing model, meaning users know what they will pay before they begin. This transparency is particularly important for individuals and small businesses managing tight budgets, where unexpected legal costs can quickly outweigh the value of the claim itself.
Garfield AI’s pricing is variable and may increase depending on the level of solicitor involvement or case complexity. While solicitor oversight may be appealing to some users, it comes at a cost — and for straightforward small claims cases worth a few hundred to a few thousand pounds, that cost may not be proportionate.
It is worth noting that small claims court fees are already a fixed expense set by HMCTS, and adding significant legal costs on top can reduce the net benefit of winning. ClaimsPilot’s fixed-fee model is designed to keep the overall cost of pursuing or defending a claim manageable.
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Which platform should you choose?
The right platform depends on your specific situation:
Choose ClaimsPilot if you:
- Are bringing a claim or defending one
- Want to manage your case yourself without solicitor involvement
- Need support at every stage — pre-claim, claim, defence, and enforcement
- Prefer fixed, transparent pricing
- Want court forms completed automatically
- Need to calculate interest or generate a formal Letter Before Action
Consider Garfield AI if you:
- Are specifically a claimant (not a defendant)
- Want a solicitor involved in your case
- Are comfortable with variable pricing
- Do not need enforcement support after judgment
For the vast majority of straightforward small claims disputes in England and Wales, ClaimsPilot provides a more complete, cost-effective, and flexible solution.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I defend a claim using Garfield AI?
Garfield AI is primarily focused on claimants, whereas ClaimsPilot supports both claimants and defendants, including defence preparation and counterclaim workflows.
Is ClaimsPilot a law firm?
No. ClaimsPilot provides legal information and tools for individuals managing their own cases. It is not a regulated law firm and doesn’t offer legal advice.
