Check if you're owed money for mis-sold car finance (PCP/HP)
If commission, lender ties, or a dealer incentive were not clearly explained when you took out car finance, you may be owed compensation. Start with a free 60-second check.
PCP Finance Claims - explained clearly
What a PCP claim is, how undisclosed Discretionary Commission Arrangements (DCAs) pushed up APRs, and how car finance claims challenge unfair costs.
What is a PCP Claim?
A PCP claim asks a lender to put right a car finance deal where the cost was pushed up by undisclosed, interest-linked commission. It's about getting compensation for deals where hidden fees made you pay more than you should have.
Discretionary Commission Arrangements
Before January 2021, many lenders let dealers/brokers set your APR higher and earn more for doing so. This was called a Discretionary Commission Arrangement (DCA), and the FCA banned it in 2021 because it was unfair to customers.
Supreme Court Decision
On 1 August 2025, the UK Supreme Court confirmed customers can still win where the overall deal was unfair under section 140A of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. The Court looks at what you were told, how your rate was set, and the effect on what you paid.
FCA Response & Scale
The FCA introduced final industry-wide redress scheme rules in March 2026. It says 12.1 million agreements are eligible under those final rules, with around £7.5 billion expected to be paid in redress.
In short: A PCP claim is about whether an undisclosed commission influenced your interest rate and made you pay more than you should have. If the relationship was unfair, you could be entitled to refunds of extra interest/charges. No outcome is guaranteed.
Am I Eligible for a PCP Claim?
The FCA introduced final motor finance redress scheme rules in March 2026 for customers who were treated unfairly by undisclosed commission or lender-tie arrangements. The scheme is now under legal challenge, but the FCA says consumers with concerns should still complain.
You Could Be Eligible If:
You bought a vehicle on motor finance during the FCA scheme window
The FCA final scheme covers eligible motor finance agreements taken out between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024 where commission or lender-tie arrangements were not clearly disclosed. DCA-specific claims usually relate to agreements before the January 2021 DCA ban.
The lender did not tell you about sales commissions
Your finance provider had a legal obligation to disclose if they were paying commission to the dealer or broker. If this information was hidden from you, it creates an unfair relationship under Section 140A of the Consumer Credit Act 1974.
The lender mentioned commissions but didn't explain how much or how they worked
Even if commission was mentioned, you may still have a claim if you weren't told the amount or that the dealer could set your interest rate higher to earn more commission (known as a Discretionary Commission Arrangement).
Your rate or commission may have been affected
The FCA scheme looks at whether undisclosed arrangements affected what you paid, including DCAs, high commission arrangements, and certain lender or broker ties.
The lender wasn't thorough with affordability checks
Lenders are required by FCA guidelines to ensure you can afford the loan payments. If proper affordability checks weren't conducted and you struggled to meet payments, you may have a valid claim.
The dealer/broker didn't disclose their relationship with the lender
Dealers should have informed you about any commercial relationships with lenders, including potential conflicts of interest.
What Types of Agreements Are Covered?
Claims can be made for:
- Both new and used vehicles purchased through finance
- Active agreements where you're still making payments
- Agreements that have ended and been fully paid off
- Multiple vehicles (you can claim for each eligible agreement)
- Vehicles that were repossessed
- All types of vehicles: cars, vans, trucks, and motorcycles
The FCA says 12.1 million agreements are eligible under its final scheme rules, with average redress of around £830 per eligible agreement. Actual outcomes vary and no result is guaranteed.
What is my PCP Claim worth?
The FCA's final scheme rules estimate average redress at around £830 per eligible agreement. This is an FCA average, not a Total Claim average or a guaranteed amount — actual redress depends on the scheme rules and the specifics of your agreement.
Factors Affecting Your Claim Value
Important: Multiple Finance Agreements = Higher Compensation
If you had multiple eligible finance agreements, each one can have its own redress calculation. The FCA's average of around £830 per eligible agreement is a guide only; actual outcomes can be higher, lower, or nil.
Why Choose Total Claim?
When choosing a claims management company for your PCP claim, you need a partner you can trust. Here's why over 50,000 customers have chosen Total Claim for their car finance claims:
Our Simple 3-Step Claim Process
From initial check to final compensation - we handle everything so you don't have to. No upfront costs, no hassle, just results.
Step 1: Quick 60-Second Check
Complete our simple form with your basic details and answer just 3 questions about your claim. After accepting our terms, we'll run a soft credit search that won't affect your credit score.
- Takes just 60 seconds to complete
- No paperwork needed at this stage
- We run a soft credit search to locate all your past agreements
Step 2: We Handle Everything
Once you submit the claims we find, our expert team takes over completely. We'll handle all communication with lenders on your behalf.
- We identify all your finance agreements from the past 12 years
- Our specialists communicate directly with each lender
- No need for you to gather paperwork or contact lenders yourself
Step 3: We Manage the Claim
We submit the complaint, manage lender communications, and keep your case ready as the FCA redress scheme moves through implementation and legal challenge.
- FCA final rules estimate average redress of around £830 per eligible agreement
- You receive updates throughout the process
- No upfront fees - we only get paid when you win
Who Can I Claim Against?
Claim against 50+ UK car finance lenders. Select from the list or browse the full directory. Two-minute check, no impact on your credit score.
Latest insights
Background on PCP, DCA, the August 2025 Supreme Court ruling, and the FCA redress timeline.
How long does a PCP claim take in 2026?
The FCA introduced final motor finance redress scheme rules in March 2026, but legal challenges are likely to delay payouts. Here's the realistic 2026 timeline.
Read article →Will a PCP claim hurt my credit score? Soft search vs hard search
No. A PCP or DCA claim eligibility check uses a soft credit search — a record-only enquiry that doesn't affect your credit score and isn't visible to other lenders. Here's exactly how soft and hard credit searches differ.
Read article →FCA motor finance redress scheme 2026 — what's actually decided
The FCA introduced final motor finance redress scheme rules on 30 March 2026. The scheme is now under legal challenge, but consumers with concerns can still complain for free.
Read article →Ready to Check Your Claim?
The FCA says 12.1 million agreements are eligible under its final scheme rules. Free 60-second eligibility check — soft credit search only.
Check Claim NowNo outcome is guaranteed. You can also complain directly to your lender or use the Financial Ombudsman Service for free.
How long does the PCP claim process take?
The FCA introduced final motor finance redress scheme rules on March 30, 2026, but the scheme is now under legal challenge. The FCA says legal action will delay payouts that were due to begin this year, while firms should keep preparing. We can still register and prepare your claim now and keep you updated as the scheme timeline moves.
Can I still make a claim if I no longer have the vehicle or paperwork?
Yes, you can still make a claim even if you no longer own the vehicle or have the original paperwork. Our system can help identify historical agreements through our partnerships with credit reference agencies, even if you've changed address or name.
Will making a claim affect my credit score?
No, making a PCP claim will not negatively impact your credit score. The claim relates to how the agreement was sold to you, not your payment history. Our initial eligibility check uses a "soft search" that doesn't leave a footprint on your credit file.
Can I claim for multiple vehicles?
Yes, you can claim for each eligible finance agreement you've had. If you've purchased multiple vehicles on finance, each agreement is assessed separately under the relevant FCA scheme rules and complaint criteria.
Do I need to use a claims company or can I claim myself?
You have the right to make a claim directly to your lender for free or use the Financial Ombudsman Service. However, many people choose to use our services because we handle all the complexities, documentation, and negotiations on your behalf, maximizing your chances of success.
What if my lender has gone out of business?
If your lender is no longer trading, you may still be able to make a claim against the dealer or broker who arranged your agreement. Our team can advise on the best approach based on your specific circumstances.
How much compensation could I receive?
The FCA's final scheme rules estimate average redress at around £830 per eligible agreement. Some people may receive more and some less; the amount depends on the commission or tie arrangement, interest paid, agreement dates, caps in the FCA methodology, and whether the case is eligible at all.
What happens after I check my eligibility?
If our initial check indicates you're likely eligible, we'll contact you to gather additional information and formally start your claim. We'll handle all communication with the lenders and keep you updated throughout the process.