Why the FCA’s Crackdown on Car Dealers Is Long Overdue

Why the FCA’s Crackdown on Car Dealers Is Long Overdue

For too long, some UK car dealers and brokers have profited from mis‑selling practices—like hidden dealer commissions, inflated APRs, and balloon-payment manipulation—in PCP and HP agreements. It took until January 2021 for the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to finally ban these practices. That delay meant millions of UK drivers overpaid for credit on their cars. This crackdown isn’t just overdue—it’s essential to deliver long-overdue justice.

In this post, we’ll examine:

  • The history and context leading up to the FCA intervention
  • Common mis‑selling patterns and how they hurt consumers
  • Tools, platforms, and workflows now available to fight back
  • FCA-aligned solutions in claim management
  • Real-world success cases
  • How you can take action today

1. A History of Car Finance Mis‑Selling

Dealer Commissions and APR Inflation

For years, dealers quietly inflated APR to increase commission. Under the old discretionary commission model (DCA), consumers saw none of this markup, but paid the cost through higher interest rates. This practice was rampant between 2007–2021, costing some borrowers thousands.

Balloon Payments & Opaque Fees

Balloon payments in PCP deals were often inflated to present lower monthly payments. Many customers didn’t realize these final lumpsum payments pushed them into negative equity or increased long-term cost. Hidden admin fees piled on extra charges, often undocumented.

Lack of Transparency & Choice

Buyers were routinely pushed into dealer-arranged finance, with limited explanation of alternatives like personal bank loans. Combined with pushy sales tactics, this left many unaware they’d been mis-sold until much later—sometimes after six or more years of paying.

2. FCA Intervention: Why It Matters

January 28, 2021: A Turning Point

The FCA officially banned undisclosed commissions and DCA models, mandating full transparency on dealer earnings. This shift ensures your APR reflects actual lending costs—not dealer income.

Protecting Consumers

By outlawing commission-derived interest, the FCA effectively safeguarded millions. From now on, car finance must be sold with clear disclosure—empowering consumers with transparent pricing.

Pressure on Dealers and Brokers

Dealers now face greater scrutiny and reputational risk. They must embed compliance into their workflows or risk fines and enforcement action from the FCA. That shifts the power back to consumers.

3. How Consumers Were Affected

Higher Monthly Costs, Hidden Overpayments

An extra 1–2% APR on a £20,000 car could translate to £500–£1,200 extra across a 4-year PCP deal. Add hidden fees or inflated balloons, and total overpayment often exceeds £2,500.

Misleading or Missing Documentation

Many finance agreements lacked clarity around admin fees and interest markups. Consumers signed contracts unaware they’d been mis-sold—a problem that only surfaced years later, often when documents went missing during early settlement.

Lost Opportunities

Overpaying limited people’s ability to invest, pay off high-interest debt, or build savings. That ripple effect extended beyond their car loan into broader financial hardship.

4. Tools & Platforms Giving Consumers Power

Eligibility Checkers

Online tools now allow anyone to quickly determine if their PCP or HP could have been mis‑sold. These screen for markers like APR markup, dealer ARR, and balloon discrepancies.

FCA–Compliant Claim Workflows

A newly regulated process follows these stages: eligibility, document retrieval (via SOCAR systems or GDPR requests), APR and overpayment calculations, complaint drafting, lender negotiation, and escalation to Ombudsman—all supported by clear dashboards.

Statutory Interest Calculators

Automated calculators factor in 8% statutory interest per Consumer Credit Act rules. This ensures a fair calculation from early mis‑selling to payout date.

Secure Document Portals

Claims platforms now include encrypted upload portals, eliminating the risk of losing key documents and keeping records archived for any post-settlement queries.

5. How to Claim Back Mis‑Sold Finance

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Start with Eligibility – Use FCA-aligned tools to check your deal details.
  2. Collect Documents – Finance agreement, payment schedule, balloon/settlement statements.
  3. Retrieve Missing Info – Platforms contact lenders or use GDPR access for missing docs.
  4. Execute FCA-Compliant Calculations – APR overpayment, fees, balloon mis-sale, statutory interest.
  5. File Formal Complaint – With evidence and references to FCA rules; escalation timelines included.
  6. Negotiate with Lender – Platforms ensure timely, fair resolution or take it to Ombudsman.
  7. Receive Compensation – Full refund issued with transparent fee deduction and itemized breakdown.

No Win, No Fee Model

Many platforms operate on this principle: no upfront cost, fee only if you succeed. It removes financial barriers and risk.

Final Thoughts

The FCA’s crackdown on dealer mis‑selling is not just overdue—it’s life-changing for consumers. With new tools, regulated platforms, and statutory support, reclaiming overpaid car finance is straightforward and risk-free.

FAQs: Common Questions After the Crackdown

Q: Does the FCA ban apply retrospectively?
A: Yes—claims can cover PCP or HP deals between 2007 and January 2021.

Q: How much can I get back?
A: Typical payouts range from £600–£3,200, but combined or high-value claims can exceed £5,000.

Q: What if I can't find my agreement?
A: Platforms use GDPR requests or lender archives to retrieve missing documents.

Q: Will claiming reduce my credit score?
A: No—it’s a compensation claim, not a credit application.

Q: How long do claims take?
A: 6–12 weeks if accepted by lender; 5–9 months if escalated to Ombudsman.

Q: Do I need a solicitor?
A: No—FCA-regulated platforms handle everything without legal representation.

 

On This Page

Don't miss out — Claim up to £5,318.25*

Your Personal Details

Enter your details below. This is vital to identify your potential claims

Free Mis Sold Car Finance Claims Checker

20% Complete 20%

Note: Your personal information will be handled with the utmost care in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Our legal team, operating under the trading name of PCP Recovery, may contact you regarding potential claim opportunities using the contact information you have provided. You may opt out of receiving further communications from us at any time by emailing info@pcprecovery.co.uk.

Claim up to £5,318.25* per agreement .

Where should we send your compensation details?
email icon
email icon

Claim up to £5,318.25* per agreement .

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 .

Frequently Asked Quetions

We are proud of our excellent customer reviews

We thrive on delivering exceptional service and ensuring our clients’ satisfaction. Don’t just take our word for it. Check out some of our independent reviews to see what our clients have to say.