Are Car Dealerships Still Charging Hidden Commissions?

Are Car Dealerships Still Charging Hidden Commissions?

You’ve probably heard stories about car dealerships quietly inflating interest rates to earn secret commissions. So—is this still happening today? The answer is: it’s possible, and you should remain vigilant. Despite new regulations, dealers may still use subtle tactics to disguise profit-inflated interest. Knowing how to protect yourself could save you hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know:

  1. What hidden commissions and DCAs are—and why dealers use them
  2. The FCA’s 2021 crackdown—and whether it ended these practices
  3. How to spot red flags in your finance agreement
  4. Tools, platforms, and workflows that help you challenge mis-selling
  5. A step-by-step claims process
  6. Real-world success stories that prove claims work
  7. FAQs to clear up remaining questions
  8. A final call to action to reclaim your money

1. What Are Hidden Broker and Dealer Commissions?

Hidden commissions, also known as discretionary commission arrangements (DCAs), are when a dealer or finance broker inflates your interest rate beyond the lender’s base rate—then pockets that extra. Here's how it works:

  • Raise your APR by 1–2% on a £20,000 loan = hundreds more in interest over the term
  • No upfront disclosure: you think you’re paying the lowest rate they could get
  • Extra hidden profit for the dealer, no benefit to you

Dealers who sold PCP deals also inflated the balloon payment—the lump sum due at the end—to lower the monthly payments and keep you entrapped financially.

These undisclosed margins are exactly what the FCA aimed to eliminate—but many consumers still report these hidden costs long after new rules took effect.

2. The FCA’s 2021 Intervention: Did It End Hidden Commissions?

On January 28, 2021, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) acted decisively:

  • Banned undisclosed dealer commissions in both PCP and HP deals
  • Required dealers to explicitly disclose APR mark-ups
  • Mandated clarity on all broker, admin, and arrangement fees

Unfortunately, enforcement isn’t uniform.

  • Some dealers still slip commissions into paperwork or balloon calculations undetected
  • Complex fee structures allow them to conceal profitability
  • Without consumer complaints or Ombudsman rulings, the FCA lacks visibility

Yes, the ban is in place—but you still need to watch out for mis-selling.

3. Signs That You're Still Paying a Hidden Commission

Here are six red flags to look for:

  1. Unusually high APR
     
    • Compare your rate to FCA historical benchmarks or what your credit score would typically fetch
       
  2. Unclear “admin” or “broker” fees
     
    • Buried in paperwork, with no clear breakdown or justification
       
  3. Inflated balloon payments at lease-end
     
    • Leaving you paying far more than the vehicle’s value
       
  4. Strong sales push for dealer-arranged finance
     
    • No mention of external lenders, banks, or credit unions
       
  5. No discussion of alternatives
     
    • No quotes comparing alternatives; you’re told this is the "best deal"
       
  6. Enforced use of dealer finance for extras
     
    • You're told upgrades/add‑ons require dealer-only finance
       

If any sound familiar, you may be overpaying due to hidden commission.

4. Tools & Workflows to Fight Back

You don’t have to go it alone. Here's what modern claim platforms offer:

4.1 Online Eligibility Checker

Fill in your car make, APR, term, and lender to instantly flag suspicious overcharges or inflated rates.

4.2 Secure Document Uploads

Upload finance agreement, payment schedule, and balloon quote—or let platforms request missing documents via GDPR.

4.3 Overpayment Calculator

The system compares your APR to FCA benchmarks, calculates hidden commission, balloon overcharge, and applies Statutory 8% interest.

4.4 FCA-Compliant Complaint Workflow

Auto-generates formal complaints referencing rules; if ignored by lenders, preps escalation to the Financial Ombudsman.

4.5 Transparent Client Dashboard

Track every stage—from eligibility checks to payout submission—with real-time updates.

4.6 No-Win, No-Fee Guarantee

No upfront cost. Pay only when you receive your payout—and only the agreed success fee is deducted.

5. Step-by-Step Claims Process

Here’s a roadmap to reclaiming your money:

  1. Check your eligibility
     
    • Answer a few quick questions to spot red-flag issues
       
  2. Upload or retrieve documents
     
    • Provide agreements or let the platform request them
       
  3. Review a refund estimate
     
    • See ballpark calculations—APR difference, balloon, interest
       
  4. Submit a complaint
     
    • Formal complaint issued citing FCA and Consumer Credit Act
       
  5. Negotiate with lender
     
    • Platform works with lender; settlement typically within 8 weeks
       
  6. Escalate if needed
     
    • If rejected, escalate to Ombudsman—binding decision generally within months
       
  7. Receive payout
     
    • Funds arrive minus transparent success fee; itemised breakdown provided
       
  8. Ongoing support
     
    • Document retention, credit file guidance, post-claim assistance

These workflows take the stress out of reclaiming overpayments.

Final Thoughts

Hidden dealer commissions may have been curtailed by FCA rules—but without consumer vigilance, they haven’t disappeared entirely. Being alert, informed, and ready to act is your best protection.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

Q: Aren’t hidden commissions banned now?
A: Technically—yes. But loopholes remain. Red flags persist and claims compel real-world enforcement.

Q: Can I claim for older deals?
A: Absolutely—PCP/HP deals from 2007 to January 2021 remain eligible.

Q: Will this affect my credit score?
A: No. It's a compensation claim—not a new borrow or credit check.

Q: How much can I recover?
A: Typical payouts range from £600 to £3,200. Combined or complex cases can exceed £5,000.

Q: Do I need a solicitor?
A: No. FCA-regulated platforms make claims straightforward without legal intervention.

Q: What if I lose?
A: No payout, no fee. You won’t pay unless your claim succeeds.



 

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