Can I make a PCP claim if I no longer own the car?
- Claim-Smart Contributor
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
Yes, you can still make a PCP claim even if you no longer own the car.
Your claim is based on the finance agreement and how it was sold, not whether you still have the vehicle.
If you took out a PCP or Hire Purchase agreement between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024, you could still be eligible for compensation. If you want to find out more, Claim-Smart can help.
Many people assume they can't make a PCP claim because they sold the car years ago or traded it in for another vehicle.
Fortunately, that's not how the FCA's motor finance redress scheme works.
Your eligibility depends on the finance agreement itself, not what happened to the car after. So whether you sold it, part-exchanged it or reached the end of the agreement, you could still be entitled to compensation.
If you'd like a bit of extra help understanding whether you may be eligible, Claim-Smart can help.
Can I still claim compensation if I no longer own the car?
Yes. Not owning the car anymore does not stop you from making a PCP claim.
The FCA's redress scheme focuses on whether the finance agreement was sold fairly when you first took it out, not whether you still have the car.
If your agreement included an undisclosed commission arrangement or another feature covered by the scheme, you may still be entitled to compensation, regardless of who owns the vehicle today.
If you'd like help understanding whether your agreement could qualify, get in touch with Claim-Smart today.
Can I still make a claim if I traded the car in?
You may still be able to claim. A lot of people replace their cars every few years by part-exchanging them for another vehicle.
Trading your car in does not affect your eligibility because the claim looks at the finance agreement that was used to buy it, not the car itself.
Even if that agreement has ended and you've got another vehicle, you could still qualify for compensation.
Can I still make a claim if I sold the car privately?
You may still be eligible. Selling the car yourself does not change the way the finance agreement was originally arranged.
If the agreement falls within the FCA's eligibility criteria, you can still make a complaint even though you no longer own the car.
Can I still make a claim if the finance agreement has ended?
Yes, you can still make a claim if the finance agreement has ended. Many of the agreements covered by the FCA's redress scheme finished years ago.
The important thing is when the agreement started, not whether it is still active today.
If your PCP or HP agreement was taken out between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024, it could still fall within the scope of the scheme.
Can I still make a claim if the car was repossessed?
In many cases, you may still be able to claim if the car was repossessed. Having your vehicle repossessed does not automatically mean you can’t claim compensation.
Your lender will still consider whether the finance agreement included one of the commission arrangements covered by the FCA's redress scheme.
Do I need the original paperwork to make a PCP claim?
No. Many people no longer have paperwork for agreements that ended years ago.
Luckily, you don't need your original finance paperwork or agreement number to get started.
Lenders can often find historic agreements using information like:
Your full name
Previous addresses
Your date of birth
The approximate date you took out the agreement
If you're struggling to remember who your lender was, checking old bank statements or your credit report can often help.
If you're not sure where to start, Claim-Smart can help you work out what information you may need.
Should I complain now or wait?
If you think you may be eligible for compensation, it is worth making your complaint now.
Although compensation payments have been delayed while legal challenges to the FCA's redress scheme are being heard in court, lenders are still being asked to review complaints and work out which agreements may be eligible for compensation.
If and when the scheme does continue, complaining early could mean your agreement is dealt with faster.
Submitting your complaint now also means your lender has your current contact details, which can help them get in touch sooner if needed.
How far back can I claim compensation for?
The FCA's current scheme covers eligible PCP and Hire Purchase agreements taken out between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024.
If your agreement falls within those dates, it may qualify, even if the finance ended many years ago and you no longer own the vehicle.
The current deadline for submitting a complaint is 31 August 2027.
So, can I make a PCP claim if I no longer own the car?
Yes, you can. Whether you sold the vehicle, traded it in, finished the finance agreement or no longer know where the car is, you may still be able to claim compensation.
The important thing is not where the car is, it’s whether your finance agreement was potentially mis-sold.
You can complain directly to your lender for free, or, if you'd like support understanding your options and managing the process, Claim-Smart can help.
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