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Car Finance Claim

A Comprehensive Guide To Car Finance Claims

Financing a car is a popular option, but it often involves complexities and potential pitfalls. Many consumers find themselves burdened with unaffordable car finance deals due to misleading information and hidden commissions.

The Consumer Credit Act of 1974 provides some protection, but navigating these issues can still be challenging. Could you be entitled to compensation for a mis-sold car finance agreement? This guide aims to help you understand your rights and potential claims. It provides an overview of mis-sold car finance claims, highlighting common issues, preventive measures, eligibility criteria, and potential compensation. It also explains the steps to initiate a claim and how we can assist you in securing the justice you deserve.

Car Finance Claim Guide

How to Determine if Your Car Finance Was Mis-Sold

People who have been mis-sold their car finance agreement can potentially claim thousands in compensation if they believe they have fallen victim to undisclosed or hidden commissions, lack of proper affordability checks or inflated prices and overcharges in interest. 

When you bring forward a claim, you can ensure that we will do our utmost to help you receive the compensation you deserve, if you have been mis-sold.

To assess if your car finance was mis-sold, consider the following questions. Answering “yes” to any of these could indicate a mis-selling issue:

Affordability Checks:

  • Were you not asked to provide proof of income?
  • Did the lender fail to assess your regular expenses and existing debts?
  • Were the affordability checks conducted superficially or inadequately?
 

Agreement Details:

  • Were the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and monthly payment amounts unclear or not properly explained?
  • Did you not receive a clear understanding of the total cost of the loan, including any additional fees?
  • Were the terms and conditions of the finance agreement vague or confusing?

Sales Tactics:

  • Did you feel pressured or rushed into signing the finance agreement?
  • Were you told the offer was only available for a limited time?
  • Were you discouraged from seeking independent advice?
 

Hidden Costs and Commission:

  • Were you not informed about any commissions the dealer might earn from your finance deal?
  • Did you encounter unexpected costs such as higher interest rates or undisclosed fees later?
  • Were costly add-ons included without your explicit consent?

Identifying these signs can help you determine if you need to take action regarding a potential mis-sold finance claim.

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Owed £1,000s

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FCA Regulated

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The FCA found that the average customer was overcharged by £1,100 on a £10,000 car loan over 4 years.

How to Avoid Mis-Sold Car Finance

To prevent falling victim to mis-sold car finance, it’s crucial to stay informed and proactive throughout the process. Here are some essential steps:

1. Conduct Thorough Research:

Before committing to a car finance deal, research the various types available, such as hire purchase (HP), personal contract purchase (PCP), and personal loans. Compare offers from multiple lenders to ensure you get the best deal.

2. Verify Affordability Checks:

Ensure the lender performs a comprehensive assessment of your financial situation, including income, regular expenses, and existing debts. Be ready to provide detailed information and proof of income.

3. Demand Clear Information:

Request a full explanation of the finance agreement, including the APR, monthly payments, total loan cost, and any additional fees. Ensure you understand all terms and conditions before signing, and seek clarification on any unclear aspects.

4. Avoid High-Pressure Sales Tactics:

Take your time to review the finance agreement and avoid making hasty decisions under pressure. Be wary of limited-time offers or aggressive sales tactics that rush you into signing.

5. Check for Hidden Costs and Commission:

Ask the dealer about any commissions they may receive and how this might affect the terms of your finance deal. Ensure that all costs, including interest rates, fees, and add-ons, are fully disclosed upfront.

6. Seek Independent Advice:

Consider consulting a financial advisor or using trusted comparison websites to evaluate your finance deal. Organizations like the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or Citizens Advice can provide valuable insights into your rights.

7. Document Everything:

Ensure all verbal agreements and promises are included in the written contract. Keep copies of all correspondence and documents related to the finance agreement for reference in case of disputes.

Following these steps can help you avoid mis-sold car finance and make an informed decision.

How to Avoid Mis-Sold Car Finance​

Understanding Mis-Sold Car Finance Claims

When purchasing a car, you might opt for a personal loan to cover the upfront cost, or you might enter into a finance agreement that could lead to full ownership of the vehicle. Alternatively, some agreements are structured as leases, where you return the car at the end of the term rather than owning it. Here’s a breakdown of common car finance options:

Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)

PCP agreements involve paying monthly for a set period without fully paying off the car's value. At the end of the term, you can either make a large final payment to own the car or return it.

hp car finance claim

Hire Purchase (HP)

This option allows you to pay off the total value of the car in monthly instalments including the interest rate outlined in the agreement. Once the loan is fully paid, you own the vehicle.

From a legal perspective, car dealerships and finance providers are required to provide all crucial information. However, not all dealers comply with these requirements, especially concerning PCP agreements and HP agreements.

Am I Eligible To Compensation For Mis-Sold Car Finance?

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) banned discretionary commission arrangements in January 2021. Previously, dealers could earn commission by charging customers higher interest rates, leading to inflated finance costs. This practice has been deemed unfair and has prompted numerous complaints.

The FCA is investigating the potential scale of these issues and whether compensation schemes will be necessary for affected consumers.

You might be eligible to claim if:

  • You took out a car finance agreement before the January 2021 ban.
  • Your agreement was a PCP or HP contract.
  • The dealership expected to earn commission based on the interest rate.

If any of these apply to you, pursuing a compensation claim for mis-sold car finance might be appropriate.

Common Reasons for Mis-Sold Car Finance

Interest Rates and Calculations Not Fully Disclosed: Misleading information about interest rates and how they are calculated can indicate mis-selling.

Lack of Transparency About Total Costs: You should be informed about the total cost of the agreement, including interest rates, monthly payments, and any additional charges.

Unclear Terms and Conditions: If the terms and conditions were not clearly explained, or if the dealership rushed the process, this could be a sign of mis-selling.

Unreported Commissions or Fees: Dealers or brokers who earn commissions by inflating interest rates may not disclose this information, affecting the cost of your finance deal.

Inappropriate Finance Options: If the finance option recommended was not suitable for your financial situation, this could be a sign of mis-selling.

Inadequate Affordability Checks: Proper affordability checks are essential. If the lender did not gather sufficient financial information, it might indicate mis-selling.

Pressure to Make a Quick Decision: High-pressure sales tactics can lead to rushed decisions without fully understanding the terms.

Misunderstanding of Vehicle Ownership: If you were misled about whether you would own the car at the end of the agreement, this could be a basis for a claim.

If you recognise any of these issues, you may have a valid claim for mis-sold car finance. Consulting a solicitor or a claims management company can help you review your case and guide you through the process.

Potential Compensation for Mis-Sold Car Finance

Compensation amounts typically reflect the difference between what you have paid and what you should have paid if the commissions had not been applied. You might also receive additional compensation for any financial stress caused. 

My Car Finance Claim

How to Claim for Mis-Sold Car Finance

Our team are dedicated to helping you obtain the compensation you deserve. We’ll assess whether you have been mis-sold car finance and guide you through the claims process. If you believe you might have a claim, contact us today to discuss your situation.

Car Finance Claim Check

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Fill out our online assessment form or give us a call on 0161 521 0007

Let Reclaim Car Finance be your trusted partner in reclaiming against mis-sold PCP and HP car finance contracts.