Has Car Finance Become Safer Since 2021?

Has Car Finance Become Safer Since 2021?

The car finance industry in the UK has undergone a seismic shift since the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) introduced new regulations in 2021. These changes were a direct response to widespread mis-selling scandals involving Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) agreements—scandals that left consumers overpaying by thousands of pounds without even knowing it.

At the heart of the controversy was the discretionary commission model, which allowed brokers and dealers to manipulate interest rates to inflate their own commissions. This practice was not only hidden from customers but also cost them dearly. Since the FCA’s crackdown, many consumers are now asking an important question: Has car finance actually become safer since 2021?

This article explores that question in detail, explaining how the car finance landscape has evolved, what protections are now in place, and what risks remain for buyers. Whether you’re about to enter a finance agreement or you suspect you’ve been mis-sold in the past, the insights below will help you make informed, confident decisions.

Why the FCA Stepped In

Prior to 2021, discretionary commission arrangements were common in UK car finance. Under this system, brokers and dealerships had the power to set the interest rate a customer would pay. The higher the rate, the more commission the broker earned. Crucially, this practice was almost never disclosed to the customer.

This led to:

  • Inflated interest rates
  • Lack of transparency in finance deals
  • Financial products that were not in the buyer’s best interest

As complaints rose and the scope of the problem became evident, the FCA acted. On 28 January 2021, it officially banned discretionary commission models and introduced a suite of new rules aimed at protecting consumers.

Key Changes Since 2021

Here’s how car finance has become safer—and what that means for you.

1. Ban on Discretionary Commission Models
The biggest regulatory change is the outright ban on any model where dealers or brokers can adjust interest rates for personal gain. Now, any commission must be set, fixed, and transparent, ensuring that your rate reflects your financial profile—not a seller’s profit motive.

2. Enhanced Disclosure Obligations
Finance providers are now legally required to disclose commission structures. This allows you, as a consumer, to ask questions, compare deals fairly, and fully understand what you’re signing.

3. Increased Oversight of Affordability Checks
Lenders are now under greater scrutiny to ensure finance agreements are affordable and suitable. This means more rigorous income and expenditure assessments, and a reduced risk of being approved for a deal that could lead to financial stress.

4. Easier Access to Redress
If you were mis-sold a car finance agreement before 2021, the process to reclaim compensation has become easier. Platforms like PCP Recovery offer no-win, no-fee claim management, helping you navigate the system without legal jargon or upfront costs.

5. Growing Transparency Tools
Comparison websites and fintech platforms now provide clearer tools to compare finance rates across different lenders. This empowers buyers to make better-informed decisions and detect unfair deals more easily.

Is Mis-Selling Completely Over?

Not entirely. While the FCA’s intervention has drastically reduced high-risk practices, mis-selling can still occur. Car finance has certainly become safer—but it's not immune to abuse.

Risks that still remain include:

  • Misleading sales tactics or pressure selling
  • Inadequate explanation of financial terms
  • Improper affordability checks
  • Lack of clarity around mileage limits and end-of-agreement options in PCP deals

The important takeaway is that you still need to be vigilant. Safer doesn’t mean risk-free.

Tools and Platforms That Can Help

Since 2021, several tools and services have emerged to help consumers assess and compare car finance deals.

1. PCP Recovery Claim Checker
Our online eligibility tool helps you instantly check if your past or current car finance agreement qualifies for a compensation claim.

2. Finance Comparison Platforms
Websites like MoneySuperMarket, Confused.com, and Compare the Market now offer transparent APR comparisons and include information about commission where applicable.

3. Open Banking Solutions
Some lenders now use open banking data to perform accurate affordability checks. This prevents over-borrowing and ensures the offer you receive is based on your real financial situation.

4. Credit Reference Tools
Checking your credit score before applying can help you determine if a given interest rate is fair. Platforms like Experian or ClearScore provide free access to this data.

How to Protect Yourself in Today’s Car Finance Market

1. Always Ask About Commission
Even though dealers are required to disclose commission, always ask:
“Is there a commission on this deal? Who receives it, and how is it calculated?”

2. Understand All Terms Clearly
Make sure you understand the total repayable amount, the APR, and what happens at the end of the agreement—especially if you’re entering into a PCP deal.

3. Don’t Rush the Decision
Walk away from any dealer who pressures you to sign quickly. Always compare deals independently before committing.

4. Keep Documentation
Save all paperwork, quotes, emails, and agreements. These are crucial if you ever need to file a claim later.

What If You Took Out Car Finance Before 2021?

Even though the market is safer now, millions of consumers are still eligible to claim compensation for agreements made before the FCA’s 2021 reforms. If you were never told about commissions, or if your interest rate seemed high for no clear reason, you could be entitled to £1,000–£5,000 or more in refunds.

At PCP Recovery, we handle:

  • Retrieval of your old finance agreements
  • Investigation of interest rates and commissions
  • Full claim submission to the lender
  • Escalation to the Financial Ombudsman if needed

And we do all of this on a no-win, no-fee basis.

How to File a Claim (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Eligibility Check
Use our free online tool to check if your agreement qualifies. All you need is the vehicle make, model, and the approximate year of the agreement.

Step 2: Submit Your Details
Fill in our secure form with your contact and vehicle information. No upfront fee, no obligation.

Step 3: Document Collection
If you don’t have your original paperwork, we’ll contact the lender and request it for you.

Step 4: Claim Review
Our specialists assess your agreement for evidence of mis-selling, such as high discretionary interest rates or missing disclosures.

Step 5: Negotiation and Settlement
We negotiate with the lender. If necessary, we escalate the matter to the Financial Ombudsman for independent review.

Ready to Take Action? Start Your Claim Today

While the car finance industry is safer now, millions of UK consumers are still carrying the burden of mis-sold agreements from years past. If you financed a vehicle between 2007 and 2020 and suspect foul play, it’s not too late to act.

At PCP Recovery, we specialise in claiming back overpaid interest and undisclosed commissions—with zero upfront fees and a fast, hassle-free process.

Visit pcprecovery.co.uk to start your free claim check today. It takes just minutes to complete—and could be worth thousands in your pocket.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is car finance safer now than before 2021?
Yes. Thanks to FCA reforms, interest rates can no longer be manipulated for commissions, and lenders must perform thorough affordability checks.

Can I still be mis-sold a finance product?
It’s less likely but still possible. Always ask about commissions, ensure full transparency, and avoid high-pressure sales environments.

How do I know if I’ve been mis-sold?
If you weren’t told about commissions, felt rushed, or didn’t understand the finance terms, you may have a valid mis-selling claim.

Will my credit score be affected by claiming?
No. Filing a compensation claim has no impact on your credit report or financial profile.

What if I don’t have my finance documents?
We can retrieve your paperwork directly from the finance provider.

 

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.