Mis-sold car finance

Could you be owed money for a mis-sold car finance agreement? If you were misled about costs, commissions or terms, you may be entitled to compensation. Our team of expert lawyers makes it simple to check your claim, guiding you with clarity, transparency and support every step of the way.

Check if you have a claim

SRA regulated    No fees if your claim isn’t successful

What is mis-sold car finance?

Mis-sold car finance is when a finance agreement – typically a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) agreement or Hire Purchase (HP) agreement – was sold unfairly, misleadingly or in breach of consumer protection laws.

You may be eligible to make a claim if:

  • You couldn’t afford the agreement or felt pressured into signing
  • You didn’t understand the repayment terms or the deal wasn’t explained clearly
  • You weren’t told about a commission paid to the broker or dealer, or how it could impact the cost of your agreement

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is consulting on a compensation scheme for motor finance commission arrangements, covering agreements made from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. They expect to publish final rules in February or March 2026. But don’t worry – we’ll keep you up to date with all FCA developments and handle your claim in line with its current position.


Could you have a claim?

Unsure if you’re eligible for compensation? Use our checklist as a guide and get in touch with our expert, friendly team if you have any questions:

  • Did you feel pressured into taking out your car finance agreement?
    You could have felt rushed into signing immediately without being given the chance to research other options, for example.
  • Was the agreement unaffordable or unsuitable for your circumstances?
    If your income and expenses weren’t considered, the agreement may have been mis-sold.
  • Did you not fully understand repayment terms?
    Any features like balloon payments should have been clearly explained before you signed.
  • Were you not informed about a broker or dealer commission, or how it might affect your deal?
    Agreements often included a payment from the lender to the broker or dealer – if you weren’t told about it, you might have been mis-sold.
  • Was any information about the agreement inaccurate or misleading?
    For example, some brokers increased the interest rate to generate higher commissions, but if you weren’t told about it, this might be considered misleading.

Answered yes to any of these questions? We can help you check your claim quickly and guide you through the process with clarity and support. Even if your agreement was taken out several years ago, you could still be eligible – particularly if it falls under the FCA’s proposed redress scheme for motor finance commission arrangements (covering agreements from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024).

Check if you have a claim

What happens next

  1. Let us have the basics

    You provide basic information, such as your lender, dates of the agreement, and a copy of your contract if available.

  2. Assessment

    We review your car finance agreement to check if you may have a valid claim. There’s no obligation to go ahead and nothing to pay upfront if you do. You’ll only pay our fixed fees if your claim is successful.

  3. We progress your case

    Once your claim is opened, we manage everything on your behalf. Every case is different, but we expect most to take around 6 months.

  4. You receive regular updates

    We keep you informed every step of the way, with updates every 30 days or whenever there’s significant progress.

  5. Negotiation & settlement

    We negotiate directly with the lender to secure a fair settlement. Court action is rarely needed, but we’ll explore all options to protect your interests.

  6. You receive compensation

    If your agreement was mis-sold, you may receive a refund of the mis-sold amount plus statutory interest, in line with FCA guidance.

  7. Check if you have a claim

Our no-win, no-fee approach means there’s no financial risk in pursuing your claim.

Why choose us

Everyone deserves fairness, yet navigating car finance claims can feel complex, costly and overwhelming. That’s why we exist. We’re a modern law firm with a mission to make justice accessible for everyone. When you partner with us, you benefit from:

  • Expert legal guidance – Our qualified, SRA-regulated lawyers specialise in mis-sold car finance claims. Every assessment, decision and negotiation is handled with care. And with clear guidance at every step, you always know what’s happening.
  • Fees that are transparent and fair – We operate on a no-win, no-fee basis, with fixed costs for successful claims. This means no hidden charges – and gives you the freedom to pursue your claim without financial risk. Read more about our fees.
  • Our focus on you – We prioritise your needs. From first enquiry to final resolution, we provide clear updates, straightforward guidance and support designed around you.
  • Regulated & trusted – We’re regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and are committed to delivering the highest standards of best practice. Our approach combines professional accountability with empathy and practical support.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still make a claim if I’ve already paid off the car?

Yes! You can still pursue a claim even if the car has been fully paid off. Your eligibility depends on whether the car finance agreement was mis-sold, not if you still own the vehicle.

What if I’ve sold or scrapped the car?

You can still make a claim. Even if the car is no longer in your possession, you may be entitled to compensation if the finance agreement was mis-sold.

Are interest and additional charges recoverable?

Yes. Any interest, fees or additional charges included in the mis-sold agreement may be recoverable as part of your compensation.

Will making a claim affect my credit rating?

No. Making a claim does not affect your credit rating. We use a soft credit search to gather information about the finance agreement, which has no impact on your score.

Do I need to use Harrington Sinclair Law or another legal firm to pursue my claim?

No, you don’t have to use legal services to make a mis-sold car finance claim. However, working with experienced lawyers can make the process simpler and less stressful. We guide you through every step – from checking eligibility and gathering the right documents to negotiating with lenders and maximising your potential compensation.

How long will it take to resolve my claim?

Timelines vary depending on the complexity of your case, but most claims are expected to be resolved within around 6 months after the FCA lifts any pauses. We’ll update you every 30 days or whenever there’s significant progress.

Do I need to go to court?

Most claims are resolved without going to court. We negotiate directly with lenders on your behalf to reach a fair settlement. If a court process becomes necessary, we guide you every step of the way.

How much compensation could I get?

If your finance agreement was mis-sold and commission wasn’t disclosed, you could be entitled to a refund of the mis-sold amount plus statutory interest. The exact compensation will be determined in line with FCA guidance.

Is there a time limit for making a claim?

Yes, typically you have up to 6 years from the date of the mis-sale. However, the FCA’s proposed redress scheme may cover agreements from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024, potentially extending eligibility for older cases.

Do I need to provide lots of paperwork?

You’ll need to provide basic details about your lender, the dates of your agreement and a copy of the contract if available. We’ll guide you through exactly what’s needed and help you gather it if necessary.

How much will it cost me?

Our service is no-win, no-fee, with fixed costs for successful claims. That means you only pay if your claim is successful, so there’s no financial risk in pursuing your case. Read more about our fees here.

Start your claim with confidence

Justice should never feel out of reach. With clear guidance, expert support and a transparent process, we make it simple to pursue your claim.

Check if you have a claim