Car Finance Refund: Find Out If You Qualify Today

Car Finance Refund: Find Out If You Qualify Today

Have you ever financed a car in the UK between 2007 and 2021? If yes, there’s a chance you were affected by mis sold car finance and could now be entitled to a car finance refund worth thousands of pounds.

In this guide, we’ll help you understand whether you qualify, what signs to look for, and how to begin the car finance claims process — even if your agreement is old or the car has been sold.

Why Are Car Finance Refunds Being Issued?

Over the past several years, investigations by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) revealed that many car finance agreements were mis sold. Lenders and dealerships often failed to disclose important details — particularly hidden commission payments and inflated interest rates.

As a result, millions of UK consumers ended up overpaying without even realising it. If this happened to you, you're now legally allowed to pursue a car finance claim and request a refund.

What Is Mis Sold Car Finance?

Mis sold car finance occurs when a dealership or finance provider fails to act in your best interest and does not explain the terms of the agreement clearly.

Common examples of mis-selling include:

  • You weren’t told that the dealer received a commission from the finance company.
  • Interest rates were not properly explained.
  • You were given no choice of finance options or felt pressured to sign.
  • There was no proper affordability check.
  • Important terms like balloon payments or mileage limits weren’t discussed.

If any of this sounds familiar, you might be eligible for a car finance refund under current car finance claims guidelines.

Do I Qualify for a Car Finance Refund?

You could qualify for a refund if:

  • You signed a PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) or HP (Hire Purchase) deal between 2007–2021
  • Your commission arrangement wasn’t disclosed
  • The interest rate was higher than necessary
  • You were not given all the information to make an informed decision
  • You’ve since paid off the loan, returned the car, or still have it

Even if your agreement ended years ago, you may still be entitled to file a car finance claim and get money back.

How Much Refund Can You Receive?

The amount you may recover depends on how the mis sold car finance affected your payments.

Typical refunds include:

  • Repayment of overcharged interest
  • Compensation for hidden commissions
  • Refunds ranging from £1,000 to £10,000 or more
  • Potential adjustments to ongoing finance agreements

Every case is unique, so a claims expert can give you an estimate based on your deal.

How to Start the Car Finance Claims Process

Starting your claim is simple. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Check your eligibility

Answer a few simple questions or use an online eligibility checker. Most firms offer this free of charge.

2. Collect basic details

Even if you don’t have full paperwork, gather whatever you can:

  • Dealership name
  • Finance provider
  • Purchase year
  • Vehicle type

3. Speak with a claims specialist

A professional claims handler can review your case, track down missing documents, and advise on next steps.

4. Submit your claim

Either file the claim yourself with the lender or use a claim management company. If rejected or ignored after 8 weeks, escalate it to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

5. Receive your refund

If approved, your refund is paid directly into your account or used to reduce your remaining balance if the loan is still active.

Documents You May Need

You don't need everything, but having the following helps:

  • Copy of the finance agreement (if available)
  • Proof of car purchase (invoice or receipt)
  • Communication with the dealership
  • Any email or written explanation of the deal

If you’ve lost your documents, don’t worry — most lenders can retrieve them, and claim specialists often help with this.

Time Limits for Car Finance Claims

Most car finance claims fall under a 6-year rule — meaning you should file the claim within six years of signing the agreement. However, if you only recently found out about the mis-selling, you may still have 3 years from the date of discovery to file.

Acting quickly ensures your claim is valid and avoids losing out due to time limitations.

How Long Does the Refund Process Take?

Typical refund claims take anywhere from 2 to 4 months, depending on:

  • How quickly the lender responds
  • Whether the case goes to the Financial Ombudsman
  • The complexity of the finance agreement

If you use a claims management firm, they often handle communication and speed things up.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Mis Sold Car Finance

If you don’t claim, you could be leaving money on the table. Many people have unknowingly lost thousands due to shady commission structures and poor advice from dealers. By making a car finance claim, you're not only getting a refund — you're holding lenders accountable.

Plus, the sooner you act, the faster you can receive your car finance refund.

FAQ’s

1. Can I still claim it if I don’t have paperwork?

Yes. Your name, address, and car details are often enough for a specialist to retrieve your agreement from the lender.

2. Do I need to still own the car?

No. It doesn't matter if the vehicle is sold or returned — you can still file for a refund.

3. Is there any cost involved in claiming?

Many claims firms operate on a no-win-no-fee basis. If you win, a small percentage may be deducted as a fee, but you pay nothing upfront.

4. How do I know if the dealer got a commission?

This is often hidden. A claims investigation can uncover whether your dealership received a commission and failed to disclose it — a key element of mis-selling.

5. Can I file a claim myself?

Yes. You can file directly with the finance company. If unsatisfied with the result, escalate to the Financial Ombudsman.

6. What if I signed the agreement more than 6 years ago?

You may still qualify under the "date of awareness" rule — 3 years from the time you became aware you were mis-sold. Seek advice from a claims expert.


 

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By pressing the “Submit and Verify My Claim” button, I confirm that I have had a vehicle on finance and that I was not aware of any commission payment being made to the dealer. I have read and agree to PCP Recovery’s terms and conditions and Privacy Policy.

I understand that in order to verify my eligibility a soft credit check will be performed through our provider, Valid8 Ltd or Valifi Ltd, which will not affect my credit score. I consent to PCP Recovery Solicitors sending a Letter of Complaint to the lenders to determine if my agreements were mis-sold and to present my claim. PCP Recovery has been provided with a copy of your electronic signature which will be applied to the Terms and Conditions and Letter of Authority. You also consent for your electronic signature being used on a Financial Ombudsman Service complaint form, if necessary.

Claim up to £5,318.25* per agreement .

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