How to Start Your Car Finance Claim in the UK (Step-by-Step Guide)

How to Start Your Car Finance Claim in the UK (Step-by-Step Guide)

 

Thousands of people across the UK are now discovering they were victims of mis sold car finance. Whether it was a PCP or HP agreement, many finance deals between 2007 and 2021 were arranged unfairly — with hidden commissions, high-interest rates, and no transparency.

If this happened to you, you may be eligible to submit a car finance claim and recover thousands in compensation. In this clear and direct guide, we’ll walk you through how to start your car finance claim — even if you no longer have your paperwork.

What Is a Car Finance Claim?

A car finance claim is a legal request for compensation made by someone who was mis-sold a vehicle finance agreement. This includes deals where key information was hidden, such as:

  • Undisclosed commission payments to dealers
  • Inflated interest rates not properly explained
  • Pressure selling or misleading advice
  • Poor affordability checks

If your agreement fits any of these, you may have been a victim of mis sold car finance, and you're legally entitled to file a claim.

Step 1: Check If You’re Eligible for a Car Finance Claim

Before you begin, make sure your situation fits the criteria for car finance claims. You may be eligible if:

  • You signed a PCP or HP agreement between 2007 and 2021
  • You were not told the dealer received commission
  • You were not fully informed about interest rates or fees
  • You were pressured into signing or not offered other options
  • The finance agreement wasn’t clearly explained to you

Many drivers don’t realise they’ve been mis-sold. Even if you no longer have the vehicle, you can still proceed.

Step 2: Gather Basic Information

To file a car finance claim, you'll need to collect some basic details. You don’t need every document, but this helps speed up the process:

  • Your full name and contact information
  • Name of the dealership or finance company
  • Approximate date of purchase
  • Type of finance: PCP or HP
  • Any remaining paperwork (if available)

Don’t worry if you've lost the agreement — many claim companies can retrieve the details directly from the lender.

Step 3: Understand the Value of Your Claim

Knowing how much your mis sold car finance claim might be worth helps you set realistic expectations. Compensation can include:

  • A refund of overpaid interest
  • Reimbursement of hidden commissions
  • Adjustments to your current finance plan
  • In some cases, £1,000 to £10,000+ depending on the agreement

Each case is different. The best way to understand potential value is to speak with a car finance claim specialist.

Step 4: Choose How to File Your Claim

You have two options when starting your car finance claim:

1. File it yourself

You can contact your lender directly and explain your complaint. If they reject or ignore your claim within 8 weeks, you can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

2. Use a claim management company

If you’re unsure or don’t have time, claim firms can do the hard work for you. Most offer no-win-no-fee services. They’ll investigate your agreement, handle the paperwork, and deal with the lender.

Step 5: Submit Your Mis Sold Car Finance Complaint

If you're going through a claim firm, they'll handle this for you. If you're filing yourself:

  • Write to the lender or dealership
  • Clearly state your concern about mis sold car finance
  • Request full disclosure of commissions and interest rates
  • Ask for compensation if mis-selling is confirmed

Once the claim is submitted, the finance provider has up to 8 weeks to respond.

Step 6: Escalate If Necessary

If the finance company:

  • Rejects your car finance claim
  • Fails to respond within 8 weeks
  • Or doesn’t offer a fair resolution

…you can escalate your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

They'll investigate independently and often side with consumers — especially in mis sold car finance cases with hidden commissions.

Step 7: Receive Your Compensation

Once your claim is successful, you may receive:

  • A lump-sum refund
  • Adjusted future payments
  • Interest reimbursements
  • Or even full write-offs in rare cases

Payout times vary — usually from a few weeks to a few months depending on claim complexity.

Why You Should Act Now

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has taken serious action against unfair car finance practices, but many affected consumers haven’t yet filed a claim. If you delay, you may:

  • Miss claim deadlines (usually within 6 years of agreement or 3 years from becoming aware of the issue)
  • Lose documents that support your case
  • Miss out on thousands in possible compensation

Car finance claims are time-sensitive — don’t wait.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make a car finance claim with no documents?

Yes. Most lenders can trace your agreement using your name, address, and vehicle details. Claim firms can also help retrieve missing info.

2. Do I need a lawyer to claim?

No. A solicitor isn’t required. You can claim directly or use a specialist firm. Claim firms offer convenience but may charge a success fee.

3. What if my agreement is older than 6 years?

You might still qualify if you only recently learned of the mis-selling. Speak to a claims expert for help assessing your eligibility.

4. How long do car finance claims take?

The average claim takes 2–4 months, depending on lender response. If the case goes to the Ombudsman, it may take longer.

5. Can I claim if the car is sold or the loan is paid off?

Yes. Compensation is based on how the finance was sold — not the current status of your car or loan.

6. How much money can I claim?

Some drivers have claimed between £1,000 and £10,000+, depending on how much they overpaid due to commission or high interest.

 

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Note: Your personal information will be handled with the utmost care in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Our legal team, operating under the trading name of PCP Recovery, may contact you regarding potential claim opportunities using the contact information you have provided. You may opt out of receiving further communications from us at any time by emailing info@pcprecovery.co.uk.

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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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