HSBC rejected my PPI claim

A question about : HSBC rejected my PPI claim

Hi
I recently moved house and was shredding old bank statements from 10+ years ago.
Anyway, I came across a statement from 1996, and on it was a transaction I wanted to show my wife (for the nosey ones amongst you it was the transaction of the first time I took her out for a meal a couple of weeks after we met - she was a hell of a lot cheaper back then!!).
So I saved that one, and carried on shredding.
When I showed it to her later I noticed there was a charge for 'Cardholder Repayment Protector'. I'm assuming this was PPI. I had totally forgotten I'd had it.
By now, I'd shredded everything else (paperwork) relating to that card.
After thinking hard I remembered taking it with the card back in 1993 (I was told I would be rejected if I didn't, and back then it was not an easy thing getting a credit card), and cancelling it when I got a bit more confident with my accounts around 1999.
So I approached HSBC, filled in their standard PPI claim paperwork, and sent in a copy of the statement I still had. I heard nothing for several months so I chased them, and they say there is no proof or evidence of this account as it's so old, so they aren't interested.
I think this is may be a ploy/tactic.
So, what do I do. Do I pursue it with HSBC as I have documented evidence (albeit the one statement) or involve a PPI claims scumpany (forgive me for that, but they do get on my nerves)?
Many thanks in advance for your advice.
Craig

Best answers:

• You will need to re-assemble your records from the shredded paper and show them you paid it (may be worth it if it is a large sum). Do note that with credit card PPI you were only charged if you had a balance on the card so if you paid it off in full most months it would only be a small amount.
  Banks destroy data typically 6 years after an account is closed in line with DPA rules, it is not a ploy or tactic, they are required to do it by law when the data is no longer useful.
  That said, your complaint reason is very weak, a typical he said she said thing which you cannot prove so you may not get anywhere anyway.
• Thanks for the replies.
  I have already sent the statement to HSBC - oddly they say that a printed statement from them (or Midland as it was then) proves nothing.
  And all the shredded paper was recycled some time back now.
  Looks like it's a non starter then.
  Thanks for your help anyway.