Do You Qualify for a PCP Claim?
Millions of UK consumers qualify — but not everyone. This guide helps you understand exactly who is eligible and why.
The Key Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for a PCP or HP car finance claim is based on a set of straightforward criteria. You don't need to prove wrongdoing yourself — that's your claims partner's job. You simply need to have had a qualifying finance agreement during the relevant period.
Agreement Date
What this means: Your PCP or HP agreement must have been taken out between approximately April 2007 and January 2021.
Why it matters: The regulator banned DCAs in January 2021. Agreements after this date were subject to the new rules. The April 2007 date aligns with the introduction of consumer credit regulation of consumer credit.
Finance Type
What this means: The agreement must be a PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) or HP (Hire Purchase) car finance agreement.
Why it matters: These are the agreement types where discretionary commission arrangements were most commonly used. Personal loans from banks arranged independently of the dealership are not covered.
Arranged Through a Dealership
What this means: The finance must have been arranged through a car dealership (acting as a credit broker), not directly with a bank or lender.
Why it matters: It was the dealership's role as credit broker that created the opportunity for the DCA. Agreements arranged directly with lenders didn't involve dealer commission.
UK Residency
What this means: You must have been a UK resident at the time the agreement was taken out.
Why it matters: UK consumer credit law applies to agreements entered into by UK residents. The regulator's regulatory oversight applies only to UK financial services.
Regulated Credit Agreement
What this means: The agreement must be a regulated consumer credit agreement (as opposed to a business credit agreement over certain thresholds).
Why it matters: Consumer credit regulation covers personal credit agreements. Some very high-value or purely business-use agreements fall outside this regulation.
Think You Might Qualify?
The fastest way to find out is to submit your details. Our regulated partners will assess your specific situation for free, with no obligation.
Start My Free Eligibility CheckEligibility Questions Answered
Specific eligibility scenarios explained.
Do I need to have the original finance agreement?
No. You don't need to find old paperwork. Our regulated partners have the tools and legal authority to trace your finance agreements using your personal details. Even if you've moved house, changed your name, or have no records whatsoever, they can usually locate your historic agreements.
Can I still claim if the car was on a joint agreement?
Yes. Joint finance agreements are equally eligible. Each person named on the agreement could potentially make a claim. It's worth both parties submitting their details, as claims can sometimes be made individually even on joint agreements, depending on the circumstances.
What if I voluntarily terminated my PCP agreement?
You can still make a claim. Voluntary termination (VT) is your legal right under the Consumer Credit Act, and it doesn't affect your eligibility to claim for the mis-selling of the original commission arrangement. The claim relates to what happened at the point of sale, not what happened at the end of the agreement.
I had a business car on PCP — can I still claim?
Business-use vehicles are more complex. PCP claims primarily relate to consumer credit regulated agreements, which typically apply to personal vehicles. However, if the car was also used for personal purposes and the agreement was a regulated credit agreement, you may still be eligible. It's worth checking with our regulated partners.
I'm not sure if my finance was PCP or HP — does it matter?
Not significantly for eligibility purposes. Both PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) and HP (Hire Purchase) agreements arranged through dealerships during the qualifying period may be covered. The key factor is whether a discretionary commission arrangement was in place — and most dealership-arranged finance during that period was affected.
What if my lender has gone out of business?
If your lender has ceased trading, your claim may still be possible through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) in some circumstances. Our regulated partners can advise on whether this route is available for your specific situation.
Can I claim if I was in arrears or had a poor credit history at the time?
Yes. The PCP mis-selling claim is about what happened at the point of sale — specifically, whether a hidden commission was paid that wasn't disclosed to you. Your credit history or whether you kept up with repayments doesn't affect your eligibility to claim for the undisclosed commission.
What if I already made a PCP complaint directly to my lender and they rejected it?
Even if your lender rejected a previous complaint, it may be worth re-submitting or escalating to the Financial Ombudsman Service given the new Court of Appeal rulings and the regulator's ongoing review. The legal landscape has changed significantly since most initial complaints were rejected. A regulated claims partner can advise you on this.
Ready to Check Your Specific Situation?
Our regulated partners assess every case individually. Submit your details for a free, no-obligation assessment.