Claim-Smart Limited
We are a PCP claims management company that can help you you with your compensation claim if you were mis-sold a car finance agreement between 2007 and 2024 against providers including Barclays Partner Finance (BPF).
We currently focus on the mis-selling of PCP claims against a number of lenders including Barclays Partner Finance, and so far we have streamlined the process for thousands of UK consumers. If you cannot find your documents, do not worry, we can run a check and find everything for you to see if you are eligible today.
How To Reclaim PCP Finance
STEP 1
Use our online check tool to see if you’re eligible to make a claim against your lender.
STEP 2
If it looks like you may have a valid PCP claim, we will submit one on your behalf.
STEP 3
Wait for the outcome with payments due to start in 2026
STEP 4
If your claim or complaint is accepted, you’ll get the compensation you deserve.
Could Barclays Partner Finance owe me PCP compensation?
Between 2007 and 2024, the way motor dealers and brokers dealt with consumers who were purchasing car finance was open to widespread abuse.
When a consumer purchased either a new or used car from a motor dealer and chose a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) finance option, the broker or car dealer would introduce the consumer to a lender.
In this case, the lender was Barclays Partner Finance, operating as the consumer-facing brand of Clydesdale Finance Services. It’s important to note that agreements may be listed under either company name.
After the consumer was introduced to the lender, the interest rate they would then be offered would be determined by the broker or car dealer, often at a significantly higher rate than what Barclays Partner Finance would offer if the consumer had gone to them directly.
Crucially, the consumer would not be informed of this financing structure, and the dealer would end up earning commission on the difference between the two interest rates.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has classified this as a Discretionary Commission Arrangement (DCA).
How Was PCP Car Finance Mis-Sold?
Through Discretionary Commission Arrangements (DCAs)
A DCA is a type of car finance commission where the car dealerships would increase the interest rate to earn a higher commission, whilst typically not telling the customer. This practice was finally banned by the FCA in 2021 for being unfair to customers and this currently makes up 70% of valid claims.
Through Fixed Commission Arrangements (Non-DCAs)
A fixed commission arrangement involves the customer paying set payments, regardless of the interest rate. The higher the rate the car dealer charged, the higher the commission they received.
How did Barclays Partner Finance mis-sell car finance?
Clydsdale Financial Services Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Barclays Bank plc. As they are a high street bank, not a specialist lender, they were lending to consumers across many different dealerships and many different brands.
The outcome of the FCA investigation has revealed that 61% of consumers who complained to BPF found that their agreement contained a DCA. This is the highest percentage of confirmed DCAs from any named lender.
As of 2019, BPF stopped operating in the motor finance market, but still faces liability for all mis-sold car finance agreements it was involved in before this date.
Crucially, consumers can still make a claim against them even though they are no longer operating.
Principal reason for making a claim from a lender
One of the main reasons you may be entitled to redress is that the lender did not fully disclose to you the details of the commission they were paying the person who sold you the car, or the dealer/broker who introduced you to the lender.
You were not informed that you could have saved a lot of money by taking out the loan if you simply went directly to the lender
Other reasons you may have a claim against a lender:
You felt pressured at the time into buying a product or committing to a service
The bank, broker or lender failed to advise you of the financial risks
You were promised something that was not delivered
The bank, broker or lender did not fully disclose details of all applicable charges
What can you do if you were a buyer and potentially affected:
Claim-Smart will act on your behalf to determine if you are owed any compensation.
If we represent your claim for you and you receive compensation, we will charge you
a fee in accordance with our Terms & Conditions. This will never exceed 36%
(inclusive of VAT). If you cancel your agreement with us after the 14 day cooling off
period, we will charge you our reasonable costs for any work carried out on your
behalf. Please see our T&Cs for more information.
However, it is important to note that you do not need to use us or anyone else, to make your
claim or complaint to your lender. You can do this yourself for free. If your claim or complaint is
not successful on the first instance you can refer it to the Finance Ombudsman Service
yourself, again for free.
*We work on a 'No Win, No Fee' basis which means you pay nothing unless your claim succeeds. A fee of 18–36% (including VAT) applies only on successful claims, and a cancellation fee may apply after the 14 day cooling off period.
However, if you choose to make a claim you should be aware that the FCA is currently consulting on a redress scheme, so lenders do not have to make any payment until after the FCA has completed this process. This is currently scheduled to be completed in early 2026 and the complaint handling pause ends 31 May 2026 so we believe payments, if any, from lenders will not start until several weeks after that date.
The FCA periodically issue important statements on vehicle finance mis-selling and discretionary commission arrangements.
For the most current information on regulations and timelines please refer to this link.
How can Claim Smart help you with your PCP claim against Barclays Partner Finance?
Why Use Us?
No-Win
No-Fee*
We provide unwavering commitment to each and every one of our clients, operating on a no-win no-fee basis. Also, you have up to 14 days to withdraw your claim without paying a penny of our cancellation fees.
Expert
Guidance
Our experienced team specialises in navigating complex mis-sold PCP finance agreements, providing all the expertise you’ll need to secure the compensation you deserve.
Personalised Support
We prioritise clear communication and personalised support around every claim, from tracking down paperwork to handling disputes.
Cutting-Edge
Technology
We stay ahead of the latest technological advancements to ensure our claims process is as streamlined and as seamless an experience as possible.
Efficient
Resolution:
Our ultimate goal is to achieve a fast and favourable outcome for your claim, allowing you to move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
At Smart-Claim Limited we combine innovation with experience to deliver results that matter. Please click on the “Make Your Claim” link below and let us guide you towards a successful resolution for your mis-sold PCP finance agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Barclays Partner Finance is a trading name of Clydesdale Financial Services Limited, owned by Barclays Bank PLC. If your agreement has either of these names listed as your lender, you’re in the right place.
Barclays Partner Finance stopped all motor finance agreements in 2019, but they are still liable for all claims. In fact, as Barclays Group is still a fully functioning company, it has set aside £325 million to cover the redress scheme.
This doesn’t mean you don’t have a claim. There are other commission structures that are eligible for compensation.
Yes. You don’t need all the original paperwork to make a claim. Knowing the lender’s name and date it was taken out, as well as the vehicle details is enough. Plus, a Credit Reference Agency should have details of the agreement on your credit file.
Compensation entirely depends on your agreement. The final figure will be based on how high your interest rate was and how long you paid it for. The average claim estimate is £829 per agreement.
No, not at all, as your claim is about a product that was sold to you.
The FCA has currently put all processing on pause until 31st May 2026, with payouts beginning later in the year. Submitting now means you’ll be higher in the queue when the payouts begin.
Yes, absolutely. If you had more than one agreement, they could all have been mis-sold and they’re all assessed individually.
No, you don’t. You can submit a claim directly through the scheme for free. Consumers often use CMC’s for their professional support and expertise to help them through the process.
*Please see our terms and conditions for our fee structure and cancellation terms.
You to make your claim or complaint for free without using a Claims Management Company. If your claim or complaint is not successful on the first instance you can refer it to the Finance Ombudsman Service yourself, again for free.
Claim-Smart Limited, Company Registered in England Number: 12824729
Registered Office: Claim-Smart Limited 91, Wimpole Street, London, W1G 0EF
We are a claims management company authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) that registration is recorded on the Financial Services Register under FRN: 935960
Registered with the Information Commissioners Office under reference number: ZB696380
Our VAT number and insurance details are available upon request.
We aim to be inclusive and offer an accessible service Please contact us if you require this information in another format. If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email info@claim-smart.co.uk Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.
Phone: 020 3307 5218
Opening Hours: Mon-Friday 9AM-6PM (applications can be made anytime)