Will complaining affect my credit score?

No. Making a complaint about a car finance agreement does not, by itself, affect your credit score.

Car Finance Mis-Selling – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is car finance mis-selling?

Car finance mis-selling occurs when a finance agreement is sold without full transparency or fairness. This can include undisclosed commission, discretionary interest rates, or a lack of clear explanation at the point of sale.

Q: Can I complain if my agreement is paid off?

Yes. An agreement does not need to be active to be reviewed. Closed or settled agreements may still be considered depending on time limits and when the issue became apparent.

Q: How long does a car finance complaint take?

Lenders typically have up to eight weeks to investigate and issue a final response, although complex cases can take longer.

Q: Does mis-selling only affect PCP agreements?

No. While PCP agreements are commonly involved, Hire Purchase and other car finance products can also be affected depending on how they were sold.

This page answers the most common questions about car finance mis-selling in the UK. It is designed to clarify misconceptions and help you understand how the issue works before deciding what to do.

Part of the complete guide: Car finance mis-selling explained →

What is car finance mis-selling?

Car finance mis-selling happens when a finance agreement is sold without clear, fair and transparent information. This may involve undisclosed commission, discretionary interest rates, or a lack of explanation about how the deal was structured.

Is every car finance agreement mis-sold?

No. Many agreements were sold fairly. Mis-selling depends on how the agreement was sold, what information was disclosed, and whether financial incentives influenced the deal.

Can I complain if my agreement is paid off or closed?

Yes. An agreement does not need to be active. Closed or settled agreements may still be reviewed depending on time limits and when the issue became apparent.

Will making a complaint affect my credit score?

No. Making a complaint alone does not affect your credit score.

How long does a car finance complaint take?

Lenders typically have up to eight weeks to issue a final response, although some cases take longer depending on complexity.

Do I need paperwork to complain?

Documents can help, but lenders usually hold copies of finance agreements and can often locate them using basic details such as name, address history and vehicle registration.

Does mis-selling only affect PCP agreements?

No. PCP agreements are commonly involved, but Hire Purchase and other car finance products can also be affected.

Is compensation guaranteed?

No. Compensation is not guaranteed. Outcomes depend on individual circumstances and how the agreement was sold.

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