How to Start Your PCP or Car Finance Claim
If you are considering claiming compensation for a PCP or hire purchase car finance agreement, knowing how to start your claim is essential. Many drivers in the UK were sold finance agreements without fully understanding the terms. Investigations have shown that mis-selling and undisclosed dealer commissions are more common than most people realise.
Starting a claim can feel complicated, especially if you no longer have your finance paperwork. Claims Bible works with legal partners who can locate all your car finance agreements, allowing you to begin your claim even without the original documents. You can find detailed instructions for this process in our guide on making a car finance claim without paperwork.
This article explains:
- how to start a PCP claim
- how to start a car finance claim
- what documents are needed
- how Claims Bible’s legal partners assist with claims
- next steps to present your claim fully
Why You Might Want to Start a Car Finance or PCP Claim
Car finance claims, including PCP claims, are becoming increasingly common. Many consumers were sold agreements where:
- finance terms were not fully explained
- dealerships received undisclosed commissions
- affordability checks were insufficient
- interest rates were higher than expected
If any of these situations apply, starting a claim could allow you to recover compensation for mis-sold agreements.
Claims can often be made even if the agreement has ended or if the car has been returned. The key factor is whether the finance agreement was arranged fairly and transparently.
For a comprehensive explanation of the car finance claims process, including the types of agreements you can claim for, see the full car finance claims guide on Claims Bible.
Start Your PCP Claim – Step by Step
If your agreement was a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), follow these steps to start your claim:
Step 1 – Review Your Agreement
Check your original PCP agreement if possible. Look for:
- monthly payment amounts
- interest rates
- deposit and final balloon payment
- any clauses about dealer commission
If you no longer have the paperwork, Claims Bible’s legal partners can locate your PCP and other car finance agreements, making it easier to start your claim. For detailed instructions, see the guide on making a car finance claim without paperwork.
Step 2 – Identify Grounds for Your Claim
Common reasons to submit a claim include:
- undisclosed dealer commission
- unaffordable monthly payments
- mis-selling or insufficient explanation of terms
- unexpectedly high interest rates
Step 3 – Contact Your Lender
Raise a complaint directly with the lender or finance provider. Clearly outline why you believe the agreement was mis-sold or included unfair terms. Include evidence such as statements, contracts, or correspondence.
Step 4 – Escalate if Needed
If the lender does not respond satisfactorily, you can escalate the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Step 5 – Work With Legal Partners
Claims Bible works with legal partners who specialise in PCP and car finance claims. They can:
- locate your finance agreements
- assess the validity of your claim
- help submit complaints to lenders
- escalate unresolved cases to the Financial Ombudsman Service
You can start this process by having your agreements located and reviewed through the guide on making a car finance claim without paperwork
Start Your Car Finance Claim (Non-PCP)
Even if your agreement was not PCP, you may still be eligible to start a claim for:
- hire purchase agreements
- other dealer-arranged car finance agreements
The steps are similar to a PCP claim:
- Gather any documentation available
- Identify mis-selling, hidden commissions, or unaffordable terms
- Raise a complaint with the lender
- Escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service if necessary
- Use Claims Bible’s legal partners to locate agreements and manage the claim
For a full explanation of the claims process for all car finance agreements, including PCP and hire purchase, see the full car finance claims guide.
What Documents Are Needed to Start a Claim
Ideally, you should have:
- the finance agreement
- payment statements
- correspondence with the dealer or lender
If you do not have these documents, Claims Bible’s legal partners can retrieve your agreements to allow your claim to proceed. Step-by-step guidance is available in the guide on making a car finance claim without paperwork.
How Long Does It Take to Start a Claim
Starting your claim can happen immediately once you review your agreements or have your legal partner locate them. Submitting your initial complaint to the lender usually takes a few weeks. Full resolution, including compensation, may take several months depending on the lender and complexity of your claim.
How Much Compensation Could You Receive
Compensation varies depending on the agreement and the issues identified. Possible outcomes include:
- refund of unfair interest charges
- adjustments to finance agreements
- additional compensation for mis-selling or poor treatment
Claims Bible’s legal partners review your agreements to estimate potential compensation before submission.
Starting Your Claim Safely With Claims Bible
It is important to start your claim correctly to maximise success. Working with Claims Bible provides:
- expert partners familiar with PCP and hire purchase claims
- access to agreements even without paperwork, explained in the guide on making a car finance claim without paperwork
- guidance on complaint submission and escalation
- links to the full car finance claims guide for a broader overview of claims
Next Steps – Start Your Claim Today
To start your PCP or car finance claim:
- Review your finance agreements
- Identify mis-selling, hidden commissions, or unaffordable payments
- Raise a complaint with your lender
- Work with Claims Bible’s legal partners to locate agreements and submit your claim
For comprehensive guidance on all types of car finance claims, including PCP and hire purchase agreements, consult the full car finance claims guide. Starting your claim promptly can help you recover compensation efficiently for mis-sold finance agreements.
