Do I Need a CMC to Make a Car Finance Claim?
Scheme status (updated 5 August 2026): parts of the FCA motor finance redress scheme are temporarily suspended while the Upper Tribunal considers legal challenges. Lenders do not currently have to calculate or pay compensation under the scheme, the original decision and payment dates no longer apply, and no payment under the scheme is guaranteed. If the scheme proceeds, first payments are expected in 2027 at the earliest. Any dates mentioned below were set before the suspension.
No. You can make a car finance complaint directly to your lender completely free of charge. A claims management company (CMC) or solicitor is entirely optional. This guide gives you an honest comparison of both routes — including exactly what Claims Bible charges if you choose to use us.
The Direct Route — Free and Straightforward
- Step 1: Identify your lender — check your credit report or use our lender contact details guide
- Step 2: Write a complaint stating you believe your agreement included an undisclosed discretionary commission arrangement and requesting redress under PS26/3
- Step 3: Wait — the lender must process your complaint within the scheme timelines
- Step 4: Accept or challenge — you have one month to accept the offer or refer to the FOS if you disagree
Cost: Free. You keep 100% of your compensation.
When Using a CMC Makes Sense
- Multiple agreements across different lenders: Managing complaints to several lenders simultaneously — tracking responses, chasing deadlines, challenging calculations — is time-consuming. A CMC handles all of this.
- Tracing old agreements: If you do not know which lenders you used or cannot find old paperwork, specialist CMCs have agreement tracing tools going back to 2007.
- Previously rejected complaints: Resubmitting under the expanded PS26/3 three-part criteria is more complex than a first complaint. A specialist increases the chance of a successful challenge.
- Checking the calculation: If your redress determination arrives and you want an independent check that the hybrid remedy was applied correctly, a specialist can review it and escalate to the FOS.
What Claims Bible Charges
Claims Bible is a trading style of Forces Compare Ltd, a claims management company authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 785329), and our introducing service costs you nothing. Car finance claims are temporarily paused while we appoint a new claim partner. When claims reopen, the partner's no win, no fee terms — capped by law for car finance claims — will be published on our fees page before any claim starts, and you will have a 14-day cooling-off period after signing in which you can cancel at no cost.
What the FCA Says
The FCA has been explicit that the PS26/3 scheme is free to use directly and that consumers using CMCs may receive significantly less of their compensation than those who go direct. Claims Bible is required by FCA rules to make this clear — which is why this page exists. We would rather you make an informed decision than sign up without understanding the alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start a claim myself and then use Claims Bible if it gets complicated?
Yes. You can submit a direct complaint yourself and engage Claims Bible later if you want help challenging a determination or escalating to the FOS. Note that if you engage a CMC after receiving an offer, their fee will still apply to the final compensation.
I already signed up with a CMC. Can I cancel?
Within 14 days of signing you have an absolute right to cancel at no cost. After 14 days, check your agreement for cancellation terms. See: Already Signed Up With a Claims Company?
Will the lender treat my complaint differently if I use a CMC?
No. Lenders must process all PS26/3 complaints using the same methodology regardless of whether they come directly from the consumer or via a CMC.
Is Claims Bible regulated?
Yes. Claims Bible is a trading style of Forces Compare Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for regulated claims management activities (FRN 785329).
Related Guides
Car Finance Lender Contact Details
Already Signed Up With a Claims Company?
FCA Car Finance Redress Scheme Explained
Back to Car Finance Claims Hub
You will be redirected to our partner’s website to complete your claim.
Think You May Have a Motor Finance Claim?
The FCA estimates average compensation of around £830 per eligible agreement, but eligibility and payment amounts vary. Some customers may receive nothing. Complaints about agreements started from 1 April 2014 should be submitted by 30 June 2026 to be considered under the earlier timetable. Different dates apply to older agreements. The scheme is currently subject to legal challenge, so dates and payment timings may change.
