Can You Still Claim Mis-Sold Car Finance If the Dealer Has Closed? | PCP Recovery

What If the Dealer No Longer Exists — Can I Still Claim?

Losing your dealer’s contact doesn’t mean losing your right to compensation. Even if the dealer who sold you a PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) or HP (Hire Purchase) agreement no longer exists—closed down, sold, or rebranded—you can still take action. Mis‑selling claims aren’t tied to the dealer’s status; they’re legal rights tied to your finance agreement terms.

This guide explains exactly how to claim compensation when the dealer is gone, why it still works, and how PCP Recovery steps in to help. Here’s what we’ll cover:

  • Why your claim doesn’t depend on the dealer
  • How finance agreements stay retrievable
  • Step‑by‑step process when the dealer no longer exists
  • Tools and systems we use to rebuild your case
  • Real success stories—even with vanished dealers
  • FAQs to clarify common concerns
  • Internal links to helpful resources
  • A compelling Call‑To‑Action to get started

Why Your Claim Stays Valid Even If the Dealer Has Closed

It doesn’t matter if the dealer no longer trades. Here's why:

  1. Regulation through lenders: PCP/HP deals were offered and documented via lenders, who keep records for many years.
  2. Lender liability: Compensation comes from the finance provider, not the dealer.
  3. FCA & Consumer Credit Act oversight: Agreements are enforceable—even without the dealer—thanks to UK laws.
  4. Regulated dispute resolution: Claims go to the lender and, if needed, to the Financial Ombudsman—not to the dealer.

In short, your missing dealer is a non-issue when pursuing a claim.

How Finance Documents Stay Safe After Dealer Exit

Even with a dissolved dealership, your contract is still recoverable:

  • Lender archives: Electronic systems hold customer records for years.
  • Credit file retention: Lenders must verify agreements during inquiries.
  • Subject Access Request (SAR): You can request your own documents under GDPR.
  • Account portals: Lender websites often allow past customers access to agreements and statements.

So, even without a working dealer, the evidence needed is still available.

Step‑by‑Step: How to Claim Without the Dealer

  1. Start With a Free Eligibility Check
    Enter minimal details—year, PCP/HP type, dealer name in your mind—into our free online form. It flags deals arranged by now‑closed dealers.
  2. Provide Basic Info
    We need just your name, vehicle registration, and rough date of sale to track your agreement. You don’t need tech or dealer details.
  3. Agreement Retrieval
    We contact the lender via:
    • SAR under GDPR
    • Internal portal requests
    • Archive retrieval for closed dealersWithin 1–3 weeks, your documents are with us.
  4. Deal & Fee Analysis
    Our tools analyze APR, commissions, fees, balloon payments. We spot mis‑selling indicators even if small print wasn’t with you.
  5. Claim Submission
    We file a formal FCA‑compliant complaint to the finance provider, demand refunds for overpaying, and include 8% statutory interest.
  6. Negotiation & Escalation
    Lender gets eight weeks to respond. If they stall, we escalate to the Financial Ombudsman. You don’t need to worry—it’s all handled.
  7. Receive Compensation
    Once approved, you’re paid first. We deduct our success fee only after you receive money—no win, no fee.

Tools & Workflows That Make It Work

Our process relies on professional systems:

  • Client dashboard: Track your claim, documents, deadlines
  • Lender request tool: Efficient GDPR‑compliant SR system
  • FCA-approved calculators: Reveal exact overpayments
  • Commission-detection software: Identify APR mark-ups
  • Complaint builder: Compliant with FCA & Ombudsman rules
  • Automated escalations: We manage follow-ups—even with vanished dealer info

You remain updated at every step with minimal effort.

Final Thoughts

Your right to claim doesn’t disappear with the dealer. With lender-stored records and expert claim management by PCP Recovery, you can access your compensation regardless of dealership status. Don’t let an absent dealer discourage you—start your claim now and reclaim what’s rightfully yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if the dealer never stored finance docs?
A: Your lender retains legal copies. Dealer status doesn’t affect record availability.

Q: Can I still claim after many years?
A: Yes—mis‑selling follows a six-year limit per the Limitation Act. If you signed before 2019, you still have time to claim.

Q: Does this affect my credit file or insurance?
A: No—claiming is separate from credit checking or insurance underwriting.

Q: What if the lender denies responsibility because the dealer is gone?
A: FCA rules hold lenders accountable regardless of dealer continuity. We escalate complaints and can refer to the Ombudsman.

Q: Do I owe money back if the dealer or lender already pursued default charges?
A: No—compensation covers overpayments already made; default charges were unaffordable to begin with.

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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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