Timeline: How Long Does a PCP Mis‑Selling Claim Take?

Timeline: How Long Does a PCP Mis‑Selling Claim Take?

If you suspect your PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) agreement was mis‑sold—perhaps due to hidden commissions, inflated APR, undisclosed fees, or unfair balloon payments—you’re no doubt wondering: how long will a claim take? Understanding the process timeline helps you plan, avoid delays, and stay informed. In this guide, we’ll explore each stage, highlight common delays, provide real-life timeframes, and help you track progress with confidence.

Why Timeline Matters

Time isn’t just a convenience—it can affect:

  • Statutory deadlines: Most claims must be submitted within six years of the agreement.
  • Interest accrual: Statutory 8% interest starts from the date of overpayment.
  • Claim urgency: The sooner you act, the faster you reclaim potentially hundreds or thousands of pounds.
  • Mental load: Knowing exactly where you are in the process reduces stress.

Let’s walk through each step, typical duration, and what affects timing.

Step 1: Free Eligibility Check (Immediate to 24 Hours)

It starts with a quick online assessment:

  1. Enter basic info—deal type (PCP), year, arrangement method, etc.
  2. Our platform flags red flags: dealer-arranged finance, suspicious APR, mis-selling indicators.
  3. You receive instant feedback: eligible or not, with no documents needed.

Timeframe: 15 minutes to 1 business day
Why it matters: Helps you act quickly before deadlines expire

Step 2: Document Gathering & Retrieval (1–3 Weeks)

Even if you misplaced your agreement, don’t worry:

  • You can upload what you have: invoices, emails, payment statements.
  • We request missing documents using:
     
    • Lender online portals
    • GDPR Subject Access Requests (SARs)
    • Dealer/broker archives

Timeframe: Typically 7–21 days, depending on lender response
Benefits: Comprehensive and efficient document collection slate for analysis

Step 3: Deal Analysis & Overpayment Calculation (3–7 Days)

Once we have all paperwork, we:

  • Input data into FCA-approved tools
  • Compare APR against benchmark rates from the deal timeframe
  • Include hidden fees, balloon payment discrepancies, and add 8% statutory interest

Timeframe: 3–7 days
Outcome: You receive a clear breakdown of your compensation

Step 4: Complaint Drafting & Submission (2–4 Days)

We draft a formal complaint in line with FCA complaint rules and the Consumer Credit Act, ensuring clear structures:

  1. Mis-selling evidence summary
  2. Calculated overpayments and interest
  3. Refund demand and statutory interest claim
  4. FCA code references and escalation notice

Timeframe: 2–4 days after calculations
Goal: Compliant and persuasive complaint submitted fast

Step 5: Lender Response Period (Up to 8 Weeks)

After submission, the lender has 8 weeks to respond:

  • Acknowledge receipt (within 7 days)
  • Investigate claim
  • Offer resolution or reject

They can take longer, but must provide updates every 4 weeks if delayed.

Timeframe: Up to 8 weeks
Tracking: You’ll get updates via our dashboard—including reminders if delays occur

Step 6: Negotiation or Offer Review (2–4 Weeks)

If the lender offers compensation:

  • We review detail carefully
  • Negotiate any shortfall or missing elements
  • Confirm or formalize acceptance

Timeframe: 2–4 weeks
Note: Most initial offers are accepted after one or two follow-up messages

Step 7: Escalation to Financial Ombudsman (If Needed) (12–20 Weeks)

If lender refuses or delays beyond 8 weeks:

  1. We file your case with the Financial Ombudsman Service
  2. Ombudsman investigates and mediates
  3. Issuing a decision (binding on lenders, optional for consumers)

Timeframe: 12–20 weeks
Total Including Lender Phase: ~20–32 weeks

Step 8: Compensation Receipt & Wrap-Up (1–2 Weeks)

Once we accept an agreement or receive Ombudsman decision:

  • Refunds (including interest) are wired to your account
  • We deduct our no-win, no-fee success fee proportionally
  • You receive a statement summarizing calculations and payout

Timeframe: 1–2 weeks
Final Step: Everything completed, you get your money and documentation

Typical End‐to‐End Timeline Summary

Stage

Estimated Duration

Free Eligibility Check

Immediate – 1 day

Document Retrieval

1–3 weeks

Deal Analysis & Calculation

3–7 days

Complaint Drafting & Submission

2–4 days

Lender Response

Up to 8 weeks

Offer Review & Negotiation

2–4 weeks

Escalation to Ombudsman (if needed)

Additional 12–20 weeks

Refund & Case Closure

1–2 weeks

Total With Lender Settlement

6–12 weeks

Total With Ombudsman Escalation

5–9 months

 

What Speeds the Process Up?

  • Comprehensive documents submitted early
  • Clear, accurate calculation data
  • Lenders with efficient claims teams
  • Prompt escalation if deadlines are missed

What Can Slow Things Down?

  • Missing paperwork or delays in retrieval
  • Difficult lender investigations or disputes
  • High volumes at Financial Ombudsman
  • Complex claims involving multiple fees or deals

How to Track Your Claim

  • Secure Client Portal: Upload documents and see case status
  • Automated Alerts: Notifications at each stage
  • Dedicated Point of Contact: Always know who’s handling your case
  • Transparent Dashboard: View lender responses and progress logs

Our platform ensures you're in control throughout the journey.

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Final Thoughts

A PCP mis-selling claim is structured and time-sensitive—but manageable. From eligibility to payout, our streamlined process minimizes delays and maximizes results. Whether your case completes in two months or extends after escalation, you’re always informed and supported.

FAQs

Q: What if I lose track of time?
A: Missing the 6-year claim deadline makes recovery unlikely. Start now and track your case via our portal.

Q: Can I start a claim without documents?
A: Yes. We can retrieve documents via SAR or lender portals in 1–3 weeks.

Q: Will making a claim affect my credit?
A: No—it’s a request for compensation, not a credit application.

Q: What happens if the lender ignores the 8-week rule?
A: We escalate automatically to the Financial Ombudsman after 8 weeks.

Q: Is my success fee deducted before or after I get paid?
A: Your funds are paid in full, then we deduct our agreed fee. You always receive what's owed first.

 

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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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