Mis-Sold Car Finance Explained: What You Need to Know

Mis-Sold Car Finance Explained: What You Need to Know

If you financed a car in the UK between 2007 and 2021, there's a chance you were a victim of mis sold car finance. Unfair practices by lenders and dealerships have led to thousands of drivers unknowingly entering into agreements that cost them far more than they should have paid.

In this blog, we’ll explain what mis sold car finance really means, how it happened, and how you can file car finance claims to recover compensation. Whether you had a PCP or HP agreement, this guide will help you understand your rights and what to do next.

What Is Mis Sold Car Finance?

Mis sold car finance refers to a situation where a consumer enters into a car finance agreement without being given all the necessary information, or where key details are hidden or misrepresented.

Most cases of mis sold car finance involve:

  • Failure to disclose commission: Many dealerships earned commission from finance companies based on how high the interest rate was—but didn’t tell the customer.
  • Unfair interest rates: You may have paid more than necessary due to profit-driven lending.
  • Lack of transparency: Balloon payments, mileage limits, and early settlement fees may not have been properly explained.

These deceptive practices have triggered a wave of car finance claims across the UK, and many people still don’t realize they were affected.

How Did Mis-Selling Happen?

Between 2007 and 2021, car finance became a common way for consumers to purchase vehicles, especially through PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) and HP (Hire Purchase) agreements. However, lenders and dealers often:

  • Structured deals to maximise profit rather than fairness.
  • Misled customers with confusing terms or vague language.
  • Hid commission-based incentives, which directly affected the interest rate customers received.

As a result, millions of consumers unknowingly paid more for their vehicles than they should have — and now they’re entitled to submit car finance claims to seek justice and refunds.

Signs You Were Mis Sold Car Finance

Wondering if your finance agreement was unfair? Here are the most common signs of mis sold car finance:

  1. You were unaware of any commission paid to the dealership.
  2. You weren’t told about final balloon payments in your PCP contract.
  3. Interest rates weren’t clearly explained.
  4. You didn’t receive a proper affordability check.
  5. You were pressured into signing quickly.
  6. You felt confused or misinformed about contract terms.

If any of these apply, there’s a strong chance you could file a car finance claim for compensation.

Who Can File a Car Finance Claim?

You may be eligible to file a car finance claim if:

  • You financed a vehicle through PCP or HP between 2007–2021
  • Your agreement was with a UK-based lender or dealership
  • You were not properly informed about the full cost or commission
  • You still have a copy of your finance agreement (or can recover it)

Even if your loan has already been paid off or the vehicle has been sold, you can still pursue a car finance claim.

How Much Compensation Can You Get?

The average payout for mis sold car finance varies depending on the agreement and how the mis-selling occurred. However, UK consumers have recovered:

  • Between £1,000 and £5,000 on average
  • In some cases, over £10,000 if high-interest rates and hidden commissions were involved
  • Refunds of unfair interest payments or adjustments to ongoing finance contracts

This is why understanding your case and making a proper car finance claim is essential.

How to Start Your Mis Sold Car Finance Claim

Filing a car finance claim is simpler than many think. Here’s how you can begin:

  1. Collect your agreement documents (PCP or HP).
  2. Check your terms: Look for signs of mis-selling—especially commission non-disclosure.
  3. Use a claims specialist: Many UK firms offer free eligibility checks and no-win-no-fee services.
  4. Submit your claim: You can complain directly to the lender, or escalate it to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) if needed.

Don’t delay—there may be time limits depending on your agreement and the finance provider.

Mis Sold Car Finance and the FCA Investigation

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) began an in-depth investigation into car finance claims after discovering widespread issues with commission-based lending. In early 2021, the FCA banned discretionary commission arrangements, making finance more transparent going forward.

If your agreement was signed before the 2021 ban, there’s a significant chance you were impacted by mis sold car finance — and can seek compensation today.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make a car finance claim without any paperwork?

Yes. Many claim specialists can retrieve your finance agreement details from the lender using your personal info (name, address, date of purchase, etc.).

2. What if I’ve already paid off the loan or sold the car?

You can still claim. The key factor is how the finance was sold, not whether you still own the vehicle.

3. How long does a mis sold car finance claim take?

Claims can take a few weeks to several months, depending on how cooperative the finance provider is and if the case is escalated to the Financial Ombudsman.

4. Do I need a solicitor or can I file myself?

You can file directly with the lender or FOS, but using a specialist can increase your chances of success—especially if the paperwork is complex.

5. What if I was told the finance was the only option?

If you weren’t presented with alternative payment methods or pressured into one specific finance option, that could also count as mis sold car finance.

6. Is there a deadline to make a claim?

Typically, claims must be made within 6 years of the agreement or 3 years from when you became aware of the mis-selling. The sooner you act, the better.

 

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