Car finance agreements are often arranged quickly, which means important details can sometimes be overlooked or misunderstood. Mis-sold Expert explains what car finance mis-selling is, the types of agreements it can affect, and why some drivers later raise concerns about how their finance was sold. The information here is designed to help you understand your agreement and your options, without making assumptions or promises about outcomes.
You can claim without using a claims management company, to your finance provider and then to Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), for free. The FCA has introduced a free consumer redress scheme.
Mis-sold Car Finance Claims: Clear, Trusted Guidance on Your Options
Buying a car should feel straightforward, yet many people later discover issues with the mis-sold car finance agreements they were given. Confusing terms, unexpected costs, or a lack of proper explanation can leave you unsure about what you actually signed up for. Find out everything you need to know about mis-sold car finance claims here, explained simply and without assumption, so that you can feel more informed about your situation.
You were not offered the most suitable deal for your circumstances
You only discovered hidden fees later
Reviewing your mis-sold car finance agreement doesn’t mean you’ve definitely been mis-sold; it simply helps you understand where you stand.
Many people only begin to question their agreement once they have had time to reflect, compare it with other finance options, or experience the long-term cost of the repayments.
Changes in personal circumstances, increased awareness of car finance practices, or simply revisiting the paperwork with fresh eyes can all prompt a review. Taking this step is about gaining clarity and reassurance, rather than assuming there is an issue, and can help you make more informed decisions going forward.
Agreement date
Scheme
Complaint deadline (if not yet contacted)
Decision by
Payout expected
Average payout
6 Apr 2007 – 31 Mar 2014
Scheme 1
31 Aug 2027
~Nov 2026
Jan 2027 onwards
~£829 (varies)
1 Apr 2014 – 1 Nov 2024
Scheme 2
31 Aug 2027
~Sept 2026
Nov 2026 onwards
~£829 (varies)
High-value loans (top 0.5% by size)
Not covered by scheme
N/A — complain via FOS instead
-
-
Case-by-case
Note: parts of the scheme were suspended by the Upper Tribunal on 2 July 2026 pending a legal challenge — lenders currently don't have to calculate or pay out until that's resolved. Update this line as the case progresses.
How It Works
Here's how it works
01
We'll find your finance agreements
Our system securely connects with trusted credit agencies and vehicle records to find your car finance agreements, even if you've moved house or changed your name. It's only a soft credit check, so your credit file won't be negatively affected.
02
We'll review your eligibility
After you enter a few basic details, our system searches for your past car finance agreements, including those dating back to 2007, where available.
03
Driving you safely to the next stop
Once your finance agreements are found, Mis-sold will review your agreements in detail, we'll either do this ourselves or send it to one of our partner law firms. You will be updated every step of the way while we collect evidence, negotiate directly with the lenders, and fight your case for you.
You can claim without using a claims management company, to your finance provider and then to Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), for free. The FCA has introduced a free consumer redress scheme.
What Mis-sold Car Finance Means
Mis-sold car finance happens when the information provided at the car dealership wasn’t clear, complete, or fair. Finance agreements may have been set up in ways customers didn’t fully understand, including:
Costs are not properly explained
Commission arrangements not disclosed
Finance recommended without proper affordability checks
Add-ons such as GAP insurance added without clear need or explanation
Many of these issues have come under regulatory review, especially discretionary commission arrangements, where car dealerships could increase interest rates to boost their own commission.
Types of Mis-sold Car Finance Claims Supported
Mis-Sold Expert helps consumers review potential mis-selling in key areas:
Mis-sold PCP Finance Claims
Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) agreements often involve complex terms, optional final payments, and mileage rules. Lack of a clear explanation may mean your agreement was mis-sold.
Mis-sold HP Finance Claims
Hire Purchase (HP) agreements should clearly outline interest, fees, and repayment responsibilities. If unclear or misrepresented, this could be mis-selling.
Pick what matters
Could your car finance have been mis-sold?
Some agreements included commission setups that weren't always made clear at the time. If you had a PCP or HP agreement between April 2007 and November 2024, you may have been affected by one of the following:
Discretionary Commission Arrangements (DCAs)
The interest rate could be increased, and that increase could boost dealer commissions.
Unfairly High Commission Charges
The commission paid may have been disproportionate to the finance agreement.
Contractually Tied Arrangements
The broker may have been tied to one lender, rather than comparing options fairly.
Signs You May Have Been Mis-sold Car Finance
You may choose to review your car finance agreement if, in hindsight, certain aspects were unclear or felt rushed at the time of sale. This might include not being told about dealer commission, feeling steered towards a particular finance product, struggling with payments that were not properly assessed for affordability, or not fully understanding how a final balloon payment worked.
Reviewing your documentation carefully can help clarify whether key information was clearly explained and whether the agreement suited your circumstances. While outcomes are never guaranteed, Mis-sold Expert focuses on transparency, regulated processes, and helping you better understand your rights and options.
A car finance claim is a complaint you raise if you believe your finance agreement was mis-sold. This can include PCP or HP agreements where key information was not explained clearly, commission was hidden, affordability checks were weak, or the risks were not made clear. You ask the lender to review your agreement and put things right if they did not follow the rules.
How do I know if my car finance was mis-sold?
You may have grounds to complain if:
You were not told that the dealer would receive commission
The interest rate was not properly explained
You were not given clear information about the total cost
The agreement was unaffordable
You felt pressured to sign
You do not need proof before raising a complaint. The lender must investigate and respond.
Can I claim for PCP and HP agreements?
Yes. You can complain about Personal Contract Purchase and Hire Purchase agreements. Both are regulated credit agreements. If the lender or broker failed to explain the terms clearly or did not treat you fairly, you can challenge the agreement.
Is there a time limit to make a claim?
In most cases, you have six years from the date you signed the agreement, or three years from when you became aware there may have been a problem. If you are unsure, you can still submit a complaint and the lender will assess whether it falls within the time limits.
What happens if my car finance claim is successful?
If your complaint is upheld, the lender may refund interest and charges, add compensatory interest, or adjust your balance. The outcome depends on what went wrong and how it affected you. If the lender rejects your complaint, you can refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service for an independent review.
Frequently asked questions
The answers you need about the claims process, fees, and more.
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