Startline Motor Finance Car Finance Claim — PCP & HP Compensation 2026
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.
If you financed a vehicle through Startline Motor Finance between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024, you may be entitled to compensation under the FCA confirmed motor finance redress scheme (PS26/3, 30 March 2026). Startline Motor Finance is a near-prime specialist lender focused on used car finance through franchised and independent dealer networks. Average payout: £829.
Who Is Startline Motor Finance?
Startline Motor Finance Limited is a UK near-prime motor finance lender that provides PCP and HP agreements primarily for used vehicles through a broad dealer panel. It positions itself between mainstream and non-prime lenders, serving customers who may have been declined by high street banks but are not at the sub-prime end of the market. Startline operates through third-party dealer networks without manufacturer brand association, meaning all three PS26/3 grounds apply without the captive lender exclusion.
Is Startline Motor Finance Covered by PS26/3?
Yes. Startline Motor Finance Limited is FCA-regulated and all regulated PCP and HP agreements it arranged through UK dealer networks between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024 are within scope of PS26/3. The complaint deadline is 31 August 2027.
Three Grounds for a Startline Motor Finance Claim
1. Discretionary Commission Arrangements (DCAs)
Prior to 28 January 2021, dealers arranging finance through Startline Motor Finance could set your interest rate within a lender-defined range. Near-prime lenders operating through third-party dealer networks had high DCA rates because customers often had limited mainstream alternatives.
2. Unfairly High Fixed Commission
Post-January 2021 agreements may qualify where the fixed commission met the FCA threshold of 39% of the total cost of credit and 10% of the loan amount.
3. Contractual Ties
Where Startline Motor Finance had exclusive or preferential arrangements with specific dealer networks that were not disclosed, this is compensable under PS26/3.
How Much Could You Receive?
The FCA confirmed average payout is £829. Use our car finance claims calculator to estimate your specific payout.
Scheme Timetable (Original Dates, Now Suspended)
Post-April 2014 agreements: Complain before 30 June 2026 → determination by 30 September 2026 → payment by November 2026
Pre-April 2014 agreements: Complain before 31 August 2026 → determination by 30 November 2026 → payment by January 2027
Final complaint deadline: 31 August 2027
How to Complain
Submit your complaint to Startline Motor Finance Limited using the contact details on your original agreement or via the FCA’s official lender list at fca.org.uk/consumers/car-finance-complaints/list-lenders. Include:
- Your full name and date of birth
- Your address at the time of the agreement
- The vehicle make, model and registration number if known
- The approximate start date of the finance agreement
- A statement that you are complaining about undisclosed commission arrangements under the FCA motor finance redress scheme (PS26/3)
No paperwork? See: Claiming Without Paperwork
Related Pages
Multiple Car Finance Agreements
Frequently Asked Questions
Startline focuses on used cars. Are used car agreements covered?
Yes. PS26/3 covers both new and used vehicles. See: Used Car Finance Claim
I financed after January 2021 through Startline. Am I eligible?
Yes. PS26/3 covers agreements up to November 2024 under the unfairly high fixed commission ground.
I have no paperwork from Startline. Can I still claim?
Yes. A soft credit check will identify your agreement. See: Claiming Without Paperwork
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.
