Examples of Real-Life Mis-Sold PCP Claims and Payouts

Examples of Real‑Life Mis‑Sold PCP Claims and Payouts

If you financed a car with a PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) agreement between 2007 and January 2021, there's a good chance you were mis‑sold — through hidden dealer commissions, excessive APR, unfair balloon payments, or undisclosed fees. But what does this mean for your wallet? Read on to discover real-life examples of mis‑sold PCP claims, the compensation awarded, and how you can get yours too.

Why Real Cases Matter

Seeing actual payouts helps you:

  • Understand typical reimbursement ranges
  • Recognize patterns in mis‑selling
  • Feel confident that your claim may be valid
  • Know what to expect in terms of documentation and payout

Plus, real-life examples prove these aren’t hypothetical — they’re already happening.

Average vs Exceptional Payouts

Industry Averages

  • LawPlus reports that the average overpayment was around £1,100 on a £10,000, four-year car finance deal. After including 8% interest, that figure can climb higher.
  • Simple PCP Claims notes most payouts range from £1,600 to £5,000, with some reaching £10,000+

FCA Estimates

  • The FCA says up to £1,100 per £10,000 financed, with multiple deals potentially leading to seven-figure totals.

Real-Life Case Studies

1. Hidden APR – Overpayment of 2.6%

  • Situation: APR charged at 5.5% instead of the eligible 2.9%
  • Claim Outcome: Overpaid interest and commission returned, with statutory interest added.
  • Estimated Compensation: Typically around £1,000–£2,000.

2. Undisclosed Dealer Commission (DCA)

  • Background: FCA reported DCAs in ~40% of deals.
  • Average Overpayment: £1,100 per £10,000 of finance.
  • Large Claims: Some involving multiple finance agreements paid out thousands, up to £7,351 for three deals.

3. Balloon Payment Inflation

  • Scenario: Excessively high final payment hidden in paperwork.
  • Payout Command: Consumers have successfully reclaimed the unjustified premium—adding between £300 and £1,000 per affected deal.

4. Combined Mis‑Selling

  • Case: Dealer inflated APR and balloon payment, and added hidden admin fees.
  • Typical Payout: £2,500–£5,000 depending on the deal size and mis-sold elements.

Notable Case Study: Mrs. Young vs Black Horse

  • A pivotal legal test case resulted in average payouts of over £1,600, and in some cases up to £10,000, where the lender was found to have mis‑sold via undisclosed commissions.

How Compensation Is Calculated

  1. APR overpayment: Difference between charged APR and FCA benchmark x finance amount x duration
  2. Commission uncovered: Dealer markup above transparent rate
  3. Admin Fees: Any undisclosed broker, documentation, or processing fees
  4. Balloon Payment difference: Elevated final payment
  5. 8% statutory interest: Compounded from date of overpayment

These figures sum to a fair and legally supported compensation total.

How to Take Action

Step 1 – Check Your Eligibility

Use free online forms to enter your details and check for DCA or hidden costs.

Step 2 – Gather Documentation

Retrieve your finance agreement, payment schedules, balloon payment details, and any invoices.

Step 3 – Submit a Complaint

Use FCA-approved calculation tools and complaint templates to file a formal complaint.

Step 4 – Negotiate or Escalate

Engage with the lender; escalate to the Financial Ombudsman if needed.

Step 5 – Receive Compensation

Followed by a breakdown of your payout.

Payout Examples: Real and Estimated

Claim Type

Finance Value

Compensation

Notes

Hidden commission (FCA data)

£10,000

£1,100+

Average overpayments 

APR inflation by 2.6%

£15,000

£1,500

Typical based on Guardian report

Combined DCA, balloon, admin

£20,000

£2,500–£5,000+

Common payouts in claim platforms

Multi-deal (3 agreements)

£35,000

£7,351

Highest noted by LawPlus

Legal case example

£15,000

£1,600+

Mrs Young test case

 

Other Important Insights

A. FCA's Supreme Court Ruling Ahead (2025)

Martin Lewis and The Sun report that a Supreme Court decision in 2025 could confirm commission transparency rules and extend payouts.

B. Paused claims until 2025?

Some firms delay settlements now pending FCA input, but companies continue preparing behind the scenes .

C. FCA redress scheme possibility

The regulator is considering a redress scheme worth billions — but you should still file a claim now .

Final Thoughts: Your Real Compensation Awaits

Real claims show payouts ranging from £600 to £10,000+, depending on mis‑selling extent and loan size. Averaging around £1,100–£1,600, some cases exceed £7,000+ — particularly if multiple deals were mis‑sold.

With an expert claim platform, your compensation is calculated accurately, processes are streamlined, and everything is transparent. You deserve to reclaim more than just your overpayments — reclaim fairness, too.

FAQs: Mis‑Sold PCP Claim Compensation

Q: Can I reclaim overpaid statutory interest?
A: Yes—the 8% interest is required legally under FCA rules.

Q: Are multiple claims allowed?
A: Yes—each separately financed PCP deal qualifies if mis-sold.

Q: What if the dealer is no longer trading?
A: You can still claim; the lender must compensate.

Q: Can I do it without a solicitor?
A: Absolutely—our FCA-aligned claim platforms make the process easy.

Q: Are there any upfront costs?
A: No—No Win, No Fee means fees apply only on payout.

Q: How long do payouts take?
A: Most settle within 6–12 weeks; escalated ones can take up to 9 months.

 

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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.

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