How the FCA’s 2021 Ruling Changed the UK Car Finance Industry

How the FCA’s 2021 Ruling Changed the UK Car Finance Industry

The 2021 Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) ruling banning Discretionary Commission Arrangements (DCAs) completely transformed UK car finance. Many dealers previously inflated interest rates to boost their earnings—leaving consumers unknowingly overpaying. This pivotal change meant greater transparency, fewer hidden commissions, and access to redress for mis-sold finance agreements.

If you took out a PCP or HP agreement between 2007 and January 2021, the FCA’s ruling may affect you directly, and you could be entitled to compensation. Read on to understand what this ruling means for your rights and how PCP Recovery can help you reclaim what you’ve unknowingly paid.

What Was in the FCA’s 2021 Ruling?

On January 28, 2021, the FCA issued a landmark ban on DCAs in consumer car finance. They concluded that allowing dealers and brokers to adjust APRs for commission incentives lacked transparency and harmed consumers. The ruling mandated:

  • No APR inflation tied to dealer commission
  • Clear, mandatory disclosure of any broker or dealer commission
  • Standardized interest rate processes, eliminating conflict of interest

This ruling applies prospectively to all new agreements post-January 2021. But for agreements made earlier, consumers now have legal recourse for mis-sold finance.

Why the Ruling Was Critically Needed

For over a decade, dealers manipulated interest rates under DCAs. Here's what the FCA uncovered:

  • Up to 40% of these deals involved undisclosed commission
  • Borrowers overpaid by an average of £750–£1,800
  • Most customers were unaware of the commissions
  • Lenders and dealers prioritized profit over fairness

This in-depth investigation led to sweeping reforms in the way car finance is structured and sold today.

Immediate Consumer Benefits After the Ruling

  1. Transparent Interest Rates
    Buyers now see true APRs—no hidden mark-ups included.
  2. Visible Commission Disclosure
    Any broker or dealer commission must be clearly stated at the point of sale.
  3. Improved Trust and Accountability
    Dealers can no longer profit from consumer ignorance; compliance is enforced.
  4. Future Market Fairness
    The ban improved competition—banks and FCA-regulated brokers must follow clear rules.

But What About Those Past Deals?

If you financed a vehicle between 2007 and January 2021, the ruling doesn't retroactively cancel those deals. However, you may have been left mis-sold and overcharged under outdated, now-unlawful practices.

Here’s what you can reclaim:

  • Overpaid APR due to undisclosed commission
  • Hidden fees and inflated balloon payments
  • Statutory interest earned on refunded amounts

Many consumers have recovered between £500–£3,000—or more.

Case Study: Laura’s £1,450 Refund

Laura, a teacher from Bristol, signed a PCP deal in 2017 with a 9.2% APR. After the FCA ruling, she used PCP Recovery’s free checker. We found the dealer had inflated APR to earn £1,450 in commission. Once a claim was submitted, she received the full refund—including statutory interest—within ten weeks.

Why the FCA Ruling Matters to You Now

Even post-ban, many victims remain unaware they were mis-sold finance. The FCA ruling empowers consumers to:

  • Identify mis-sold deals under new transparency standards
  • Access claim tools and processes for redress
  • Pressure lenders and brokers into compliance
  • Recover overpayments—even years later

How PCP Recovery Helps You Claim

We leverage FCA-aligned tools and workflows to guide you through the process:

  1. Free Eligibility Checker
    Submit basic info online—no paperwork needed initially.
  2. Agreement Retrieval
    We request your contract from your lender or broker.
  3. APR & Fee Analysis
    Our finance experts detect mis-selling triggers—APR mark-ups, hidden fees, inflated balloon rates.
  4. FCA-Compliant Complaints
    We craft and submit formal claims via regulated channels.
  5. Refund & Statutory Interest
    Upon success, we negotiate full repayment, minus our predetermined success fee.

All claims operate under a No win, no fee model—risk-free for you.

Conclusion

The FCA’s 2021 ruling didn't rewrite history—but it illuminated years of mis-selling while giving consumers the tools to fight back. If you financed a car before the ban, you stand on strong footing to reclaim what you’ve been overcharged. PCP Recovery specialises in turning FCA mandates into consumer action—leading to real refunds and real justice.

Start your claim today—and let transparency win.

FAQ: Understanding Your Claims Options

Q: What is a DCA?
A hidden mechanism allowing dealers to raise APR secretly based on commission incentives.

Q: Can I still claim if the deal is settled?
Yes. Compensation applies to past agreements regardless of car ownership.

Q: What if I don’t have documents?
We obtain everything from lenders using only basic client data.

Q: Does claiming affect my credit score?
No. Complaints and redress are independent of your credit history.

Q: What kind of refunds are typical?
Most consumers see refunds between £700–£2,500, depending on loan terms and mark-up.

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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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