PCP Mis-Selling: A Scandal as Big as PPI? Understanding the Truth and Your Rights

PCP Mis-Selling: A Scandal as Big as PPI? Understanding the Truth and Your Rights

In recent years, the financial sector has faced major scandals—first it was PPI (Payment Protection Insurance), now it’s PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) mis-selling. With over 90% of UK car buyers financing their vehicles using PCP or HP (Hire Purchase) between 2007 and January 2021, millions may have unknowingly paid more due to secret commission structures and lack of transparency. What many consumers don’t realise is that they could be eligible to claim thousands in compensation for mis-sold car finance.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about PCP mis-selling. From understanding how it works, what made it unethical, to how to check if you’re eligible and how to claim—it’s all here. If you’re looking for answers and action, you’re in the right place.

What is PCP Mis-Selling?

PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) is a type of car finance that allows consumers to pay lower monthly instalments compared to traditional loans. However, the complexity and lack of clear communication made it a fertile ground for mis-selling.

At the heart of the issue is the Discretionary Commission Arrangement (DCA). This allowed car dealers to adjust the interest rate offered to consumers—often increasing it to earn more commission. The higher the APR, the more commission they pocketed, with no obligation to disclose this to the buyer.

Consumers were often unaware that:

  • The APR was negotiable
  • Dealers had financial incentive to increase interest rates
  • They were being charged hidden commissions
  • The full cost of the PCP deal was not transparently disclosed

Why PCP Mis-Selling is Compared to the PPI Scandal

Just like the PPI scandal, which saw £38 billion paid out in compensation, PCP mis-selling is rooted in non-disclosure and consumer exploitation. In both cases:

  • Products were sold without proper explanation
  • Consumers were misled or not told about key details
  • There was a massive financial gain for the sellers
  • Regulatory oversight was either absent or delayed

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) banned discretionary commission models in 2021, stating it was not aligned with fair customer treatment. The damage, however, had already been done. Millions had already signed PCP or HP agreements under questionable terms.

Are You Eligible to Make a PCP Mis-Selling Claim?

If you bought a car using PCP or HP finance between 2007 and January 2021, you may be eligible to claim compensation. The key indicators of mis-sold car finance include:

  • You were not told about the commission earned by the dealer
  • The interest rate was not explained or seemed unusually high
  • You felt pressured into signing the agreement
  • You were led to believe this was the best or only option
  • You were not given full breakdowns of monthly payments, total cost, or end-of-agreement conditions

Even if the deal seemed fair at the time, the presence of undisclosed commissions alone can make it a mis-sold product. Many customers didn’t know dealers had flexibility in setting interest rates, creating an unfair and imbalanced transaction.

The Impact of Mis-Sold Car Finance

The financial consequences of PCP mis-selling can be severe. A 1-2% increase in interest, over a three to five-year deal, could cost you hundreds—sometimes thousands—of pounds more.

Imagine a car worth £20,000 with a 4% interest rate raised to 7% without your knowledge. You might end up paying over £1,200 extra over the course of your agreement. Multiply that across millions of deals, and the scale becomes clear.

And it's not just the financial loss. Many consumers feel betrayed. The trust in financial institutions and car dealerships is deeply affected. Buyers who assumed they were getting fair and regulated deals now realise they were subject to manipulation.

How to Check If You Were Mis-Sold PCP Finance

Use the following checklist to determine if you may have been mis-sold car finance:

  1. Check your contract date – Was your PCP or HP agreement signed between 2007 and January 2021?
  2. Look at the interest rate – Was it explained? Did it seem high without justification?
  3. Ask yourself if you were told about commissions – If not, that’s a red flag.
  4. Review the sales process – Were you given time to review? Were alternatives explained?
  5. Did you understand the balloon payment? – Many consumers were confused about this at the end of the term.

You don’t need to have paperwork to make a claim—though it helps. Most claims management services can retrieve the required documentation using your details.

With the growing awareness around PCP mis-selling and increasing consumer empowerment, now is the time to take action. Don’t let a lack of information stop you from getting the justice you deserve. Start your claim today and join the movement for fair finance.

FAQs

Q: Is there a time limit to claim PCP mis-selling?
Generally, you have up to 6 years from the date you became aware of the mis-selling. However, different rules may apply depending on individual cases.

Q: What documents do I need to make a claim?
You only need basic personal and vehicle details. The claims team can request the finance agreement from the lender on your behalf.

Q: Can I claim if I’ve already paid off the car?
Yes, you can still claim even if the finance agreement has ended, as long as it falls within the eligible time frame.

Q: How long does the claim process take?
It varies—some cases are resolved in weeks, while others may take a few months depending on the lender’s response.

Q: Will claiming affect my credit score?
No, making a claim will not impact your credit score in any way.

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By pressing the “Submit and Verify My Claim” button, I confirm that I have had a vehicle on finance and that I was not aware of any commission payment being made to the dealer. I have read and agree to PCP Recovery’s terms and conditions and Privacy Policy.

I understand that in order to verify my eligibility a soft credit check will be performed through our provider, Valid8 Ltd or Valifi Ltd, which will not affect my credit score. I consent to PCP Recovery Solicitors sending a Letter of Complaint to the lenders to determine if my agreements were mis-sold and to present my claim. PCP Recovery has been provided with a copy of your electronic signature which will be applied to the Terms and Conditions and Letter of Authority. You also consent for your electronic signature being used on a Financial Ombudsman Service complaint form, if necessary.

Claim up to £5,318.25* per agreement .

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