Mis-Sold PCP Car Finance Claims

Discover how Courmacs Legal can help you claim compensation for mis-sold PCP and HP car finance agreements.
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What is a PCP Claim?

A PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) claim is a legal complaint against a finance provider or broker who mis-sold your car finance agreement.

This includes:

  • Not being told about commissions paid to the dealer or broker
  • Being offered inflated interest rates without explanation
  • Poor or no affordability checks

We also assist with Hire Purchase (HP) claims. If you entered into a car finance agreement before January 2021 and you believe the process was unclear, unfair, or not fully explained, you may be eligible to make a claim for compensation. 

Who is Eligible to Claim?

Why Were PCP & HP Finance Deals Mis-Sold?

According to the Financial Conduct Authority, almost 99% of the 31.7 million car finance agreements made since 2007 (including PCP and HP) came with a commission paid to a broker.

Hidden Commission

Many car finance agreements included hidden commissions paid to dealers or brokers, without the customer being informed. This often meant the deal offered was not the best available.

Inflated Interest Rates

Some dealers increased interest rates on finance agreements to boost their commission earnings, leading customers to pay more over the term of the agreement without their knowledge.

Poor Affordability Checks

Brokers sometimes failed to properly assess whether customers could realistically afford the finance, meaning agreements were granted to those who may not have been eligible.

How We Can Help

At Courmacs Legal, we’re here to help people who think they may have been mis-sold a PCP or HP car finance agreement. We’ll review your agreement with you, explain things in a way that’s easy to understand, and explore the options available. 

If it looks like you could have a case, we can guide you through the process from talking with lenders to looking at other possible routes to claim compensation so you feel supported every step of the way. 

It’s also worth noting that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has indicated that it intends to consult on the possibility of introducing a free redress scheme for certain motor finance customers, with consultation planned for October 2025 and payments expected from 2026. This scheme is still being developed, but consumers are expected to be able to access it directly at no cost. We will always make sure you are aware of this option before deciding whether to pursue a claim with us. 

Legal & Regulatory Latest Update

On 1 August 2025, the UK Supreme Court handed down its ruling on mis-sold car finance claims. The judgment confirmed that some undisclosed commission arrangements may have created an unfair relationship between lenders and customers. However, not every PCP or HP agreement will qualify, so claims are now more limited in scope. 

 

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has also announced that it will introduce a free redress scheme for affected motor finance customers. The consultation will begin in October 2025, with the first compensation payments expected in 2026.

 

The FCA has said that most individuals will probably receive less than £950 per agreement. 

Potential Claim Values

From our in-house records, we have found that many clients held more than one finance agreement. On average, this worked out at around 2.67 agreements per claimant.

This suggests an average potential recovery of up to £2,536.50.

It is important to note that this figure is based on historical averages and available data, and the actual amount you may recover will depend entirely on your individual circumstances. In some cases, pursuing a claim through other routes, such as court proceedings, may result in a higher recovery. We will provide tailored advice on the best course of action as your matter progresses.

Important: You do not need a solicitor or claims management company to use the FCA scheme, you will be able to submit a claim directly at no cost. We will always explain this option to you before you make any decision about using our services.

PCP & HP Claim FAQs

Need to know more? Here are the answers to our most frequently asked questions in relation to PCP or HP Claims.

Who can make a PCP/HP Claim?

If you entered into a PCP or HP finance agreement between April 2007 and January 2021, you may be eligible to claim compensation. You may have grounds for a claim if you were not informed about any commission payments to the dealer or broker, or if the agreement was unaffordable at the time it was taken out.

There are two main routes for claims:

  • Discretionary Commission Arrangement (DCA) Claims
    Where a dealer or broker was given discretion to adjust your interest rate to maximise their commission — without disclosing this to you.

  • Affordability Claims
    Where the lender failed to properly assess your financial circumstances and you were provided with a loan you couldn’t realistically afford.

Even if you have finished paying off your finance, or no longer have the vehicle, you could still be eligible to claim.

How much compensation could I receive?

We cannot guarantee a specific compensation figure, as every claim is assessed individually based on factors such as:

  • The vehicle’s value

  • Your monthly payments

  • The amount of interest paid

  • The commission arrangements linked to your agreement

Our team will work to maximise the compensation you’re entitled to based on the specific circumstances of your case.

What documents do I need to provide?

Once you sign our Damages Based Agreement (DBA), also known as a No Win, No Fee agreement, we can begin progressing your claim with minimal paperwork required from you.

We may request:

  • A copy of your ID (for Anti-Money Laundering checks and Data Subject Access Requests)

  • Completion of a Witness Questionnaire to gather key information about your agreement

All your personal information is handled with the highest standards of care and security.
If you’d like a member of our team to go through any paperwork with you for clarity, please contact us here:

👉 Contact Our Team

How long does the process take?

The time it takes to resolve a PCP or HP claim can vary. Typically, cases may take several months to complete. In some circumstances, it can take up to 12 months or more, depending on the lender’s cooperation and the complexity of the case.

Important update:
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has placed a pause on PCP claims while they complete a full review of the market. As a result, active claims cannot be fully settled until 4 December 2025.

In addition, we are awaiting the outcome of a Supreme Court judgment (expected in July 2025), which could further impact the legal process for PCP claims.

Rest assured, we continue to progress your claim behind the scenes, preparing all necessary documentation and evidence so we are ready to act as soon as regulatory restrictions are lifted.
We will keep you updated regularly throughout the process.

Will I have to go to court?

At present, we are able to pursue PCP and HP claims without the need for court proceedings.

However, depending on the outcome of the Supreme Court judgment expected in July 2025, it may become necessary to issue claims in court in order to recover compensation.
As a fully regulated law firm, we are able to represent you directly in court if needed, without passing your case to a third party.

You can feel confident knowing you’ll remain supported by our experienced legal team throughout the entire process.

Can I still claim if I've already paid off my car finance agreement?

Yes, you can still make a claim even if you have paid off your PCP agreement. The key factor is whether you were informed about any undisclosed commissions or whether the finance was unaffordable at the time of entering the agreement.

Will making a claim affect my credit score or future finance options?

No, making a PCP claim will not affect your credit score or future finance options. The claim is about reclaiming hidden or undisclosed commissions and unaffordable finance agreements, not disputing your creditworthiness.

What are Courmacs' fees?

At Courmacs Legal, we operate on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you won’t pay anything upfront or if your claim is unsuccessful*. If your claim is successful, our fees are deducted from the compensation awarded, and these are capped to ensure fairness. Below is a breakdown of our fee structure:

Band

Compensation Amount (£)

Maximum Fee Percentage (%)

Maximum Fee Amount (£)

1

1-1,499

30%

420

2

1,500 – 9,999

28%

2,500

3

10,000 – 24,999

25%

5,000

4

25,000 – 49,999

20%

7,500

5

50,000 or above

15%

10,000

Example Calculations:

  • If your compensation is £1,000, our maximum fee would be 30% (£300), plus VAT (£60), making the total fee £360.
  • If your compensation is £5,000, our maximum fee would be 28% (£1,400), plus VAT (£280), making the total fee £1,680.
  • If your compensation is £50,000, our maximum fee would be 15% (£7,500), plus VAT (£1,500), making the total fee £9,000.

We are committed to complete transparency about our fees, ensuring you’re always informed. If you have any questions about how fees are calculated, please don’t hesitate to contact our team.

*The only time you may be liable for costs is if you cancel your claim after the 14-day cooling-off period, without allowing us to continue the process. For more information please see our Cancellation Policy.

Are there any hidden fees or costs?

We work on a No Win, No Fee basis, which means you won’t pay our legal fees if your claim doesn’t succeed. Our work is backed by insurance, so if your claim is unsuccessful, you’re protected. 

If your claim is successful, our agreed fee (plus VAT) will be deducted from your compensation before it’s paid to you. 

The only time you may be liable for costs is if you cancel your claim after the 14-day cooling-off period, without allowing us to continue the process. 

➡️ View our cancellations policy

➡️ Contact our team

How do I start a PCP claim?

You can start your PCP claim by filling out our online claim form or contacting our team. We will assess your case and guide you through the process from start to finish. 

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