Claim-Smart Limited
We are a PCP claims company that can help you get compensation if you were mis-sold a car finance agreement between April 2007 and November 2024 against providers such as Audi Finance, Blackhorse or Close Brothers.
How To Reclaim PCP Finance
STEP 1
Use our online check to see if you're eligible to make a claim.
STEP 2
If it looks like you may have a PCP claim we will submit one on your behalf.
STEP 3
Wait for the outcome in just a couple of weeks.
STEP 4
If you have a claim or complaint, get the compensation you deserve.
PCP Motor Vehicle Finance
Secret Undisclosed Commissions Paid
Between April 2007 and November 2024 the way Motor Dealers and Brokers dealt with Consumers was relatively simple and open to widespread abuse:
When a consumer purchased either a new or used car from a Motor Dealer they would invariably be asked if they wanted financing using a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP). In the event the buyer said “yes” the broker or car dealer would introduce the consumer to a lender.
At the same time the Broker or Motor Dealer would inform the consumer of the interest rate that the lender would charge them.
Crucially both the Lender and Broker or Motor Dealer failed to disclose to the consumer:
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That the interest rate they were being charged was actually being determined by the broker or car dealer itself.
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That the interest rate they were being quoted was often times significantly higher than the interest rate they would pay if they were to contact the lender directly (without going through the Broker or Motor Dealer)
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That the difference between the rate the broker or car dealer was quoting and the rate that could be obtained if the consumer had gone directly to the lender was being paid as a commission to the Broker or Motor Dealer.
The Motor Dealer was effectively able to set an interest rate as high as they wanted to based on what they thought the consumer could afford and pocket the difference without telling the buyer.
How Was PCP Car Finance Mis-Sold?
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.
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.
The FCA found 70% of dealerships did not fully explain the terms and conditions, leaving customers unclear on the costs. The FCA concluded that this did not comply with their ‘regulatory requirements’.
Am I Eligible for a PCP Finance Reclaim?
You may be eligible for PCP finance compensation if you:
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You purchased a car, van or motorhome using PCP finance between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024.
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If there were hidden commissions, high interest or a lack of transparency in what you were charged
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If it was with one of (not excluding) the following car finance providers:
1st Stop Group, Advantage Finance, Aldermore Bank, ALD Automotive, Alfa Romeo Financial Services, Alphabet, Alphera Financial Services, Audi Financial Services, AutoMoney, Barclays Bank SAU, Barclays Partner Finance, Bentley Financial Services, Billing Finance, Black Horse, Blue Motor Finance, BMW Financial Services, CA Auto Finance, Car Finance 247, Chrysler Financial Services, Citroen Financial Services, Close Brothers, Close Brothers Premium Finance, Close Brothers Retail Finance, Clydesdale Financial Services, Conister, Creation Finance, DS Financial Services, FCA Automotive Services, FCE Bank (Ford Credit), FGA Capital, Fiat Financial Services, FirstRand Bank (MotoNovo Finance), Ford Credit, GMAC (Vauxhall Finance), Hitachi Capital, Honda Finance Europe, Hyundai Capital UK, Jaguar Finance, Jeep Financial Services, Kia Finance, Lamborghini Finance, Land Rover Finance, Lexus Financial Services, Maserati Financial Services, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, MG Financial Services, Mitsubishi HC Capital UK, Moneybarn, Moneyway, MotoNovo Finance, Northridge Finance (NIIB Group), Nissan Finance, Novuna Personal Finance, Oodle Finance, Paragon Car Finance, PCF Credit, Peugeot Financial Services, Porsche Finance, PSA Finance UK, RCI Financial Services, Santander Consumer (UK), SEAT Finance, Secure Trust Bank, Shawbrook Bank, Shogun Finance, Skoda Finance, Specialist Motor Finance, Startline Motor Finance, Stellantis Financial Services, Suzuki Financial Services, Toyota Financial Services, Vauxhall Finance, Volkswagen Financial Services, Volvo Financial Services
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 oƯ
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.
Why Use Claim Smart as Your PCP Claims Company?
Why Use Us?
No-Win
No-Fee
We believe in working on behalf of our clients with full commitment, which is why we operate a no-win no-fee basis. Unless you decide to cancel after the 14 days and pay our cancellation fee, you will on pay our fees if your complaint is successful.
Expert
Guidance
Our experienced team specialises in navigating the intricacies of mis-sold PCP finance agreements, providing you with the expertise needed to secure the compensation you are entitled to.
Personalised
Support
We prioritise clear communication and personalised support, and strive to keep you informed at every stage of the claims process.
Cutting-Edge
Technology
As a forward-thinking company, we are dedicated to embracing the latest advancements in technology to streamline and enhance our claims management process. By staying ahead of the curve, we offer you a seamless and efficient experience.
Efficient
Resolution:
Our goal is to achieve a swift 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
A recent FCA review has said that the average claim is around £829 per agreement (as of March 2026). However, depending on your purchase agreement, you could receive less than £829 or as much as £2,000–£3,000 depending on the value of the vehicle.
This will certainly help, but we can also use our PCP reclaim check to find all your documents for you and find out if you are eligible.
You can reclaim PCP finance compensation if you purchased a car between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024.
Yes, you can apply for compensation for multiple vehicles that were purchased using PCP finance from 2007 to 2024 and the FCA review shows that the average household has 2.5 vehicles that could be eligible.
Most claims take around 8–12 months to be paid out if successful. After making an application with Claim Smart, you will hear back from us initially after a few weeks. However, we may expect updates sooner due to a review expected by 31 May 2026.
No, in addition to cars, claims can be eligible for vans, motorbikes, and campervans (not caravans). All eligible vehicles must be for personal use only. Some small business users may also qualify.
You can claim against the following car finance providers if your car was purchased using PCP, including: Audi Solutions, Blackhorse, BMW Select, Close Brothers, Ford Options, Honda Aspirations, Jaguar Privilege, Kia Access, Land Rover Freedom, Mercedes-Benz Agility, Mini Select, Renault Selections, SEAT Solutions, Škoda Solutions, Vauxhall Flexible PCP, Volkswagen Solutions, Volvo Advantage.
Yes, you can submit a PCP claim for someone that has passed away and their vehicle was purchased during this time.
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)