Will Making a Car Finance Claim Affect My Credit Score?

Will Making a Car Finance Claim Affect My Credit Score?

If you're considering a car finance claim—for a mis‑sold PCP or HP deal due to hidden commission, inflated APR, excessive fees, or undisclosed balloon payments—you might wonder: could this harm your credit score? Many people worry that raising a complaint is seen like missed payments or a credit inquiry. The truth is clear: filing a compensation claim will not impact your credit record. Let’s explore why that’s the case, how the process works, and what steps you should take with confidence.

1. Understanding the Difference: Claims vs. Credit Activity

Your credit file tracks borrowing behavior:

  • On‑time repayments
  • Missed or late payments
  • Credit applications (hard searches)
  • Defaults or settlements

A car finance claim, however:

  • Is not a loan application
  • Doesn’t involve additional borrowing
  • Doesn’t trigger a hard credit search
  • Is a consumer right pursuit, not a credit event

Claiming compensation is like requesting a refund—it isn’t recorded on your credit file.

2. Why Making a Claim Is Not the Same as Defaulting

Here’s how they differ:

Action

Claiming Mis-Sold Finance

Defaulting on Payments

Credit Impact

None

Negative flag on credit file

Credit Report Appearance

Not shown

Marked as missed payment or default

Outcome

Refund + interest

Potential penalty charges, worse borrowing terms

Credit Score Impact

Zero

Became lower through negative reporting

Your Responsibility

Submit evidence + request review

Miss monthly repayments or breach contract terms

This distinction reassures that you can reclaim money without damaging your credit standing.

3. How the Claim Process Works (Credit-Safe)

Step 1: Free Eligibility Check

Quick, no-credit-involved check via our site to see if your case shows mis‑selling signs—like discretionary commission, overpaid fees, or APR inflation.

Step 2: Document Submission or Retrieval

Upload your agreement and payment-plan documents—or we’ll get them via GDPR alphabetical requests. All done without queries to credit bureaus.

Step 3: Deal Analysis & Calculation

Our FCA‑approved calculators determine how much you overpaid. This is internal work, not involving lenders’ public credit systems.

Step 4: Complaint Drafting

We draw up a formal complaint referencing legislation—not involving credit checks.

Step 5: Submission to the Lender

Lender assesses the claim—not your credit file. They respond within 8 weeks as per FCA rules.

Step 6: Settlement or Ombudsman

If the lender disputes it, we escalate to the Financial Ombudsman, still without touching your credit.

4. Why Lenders Don’t Report Claims to Credit Bureaus

Point to consider:

  1. You’re not missing or deferring payments
  2. Claim activity is handled separately by legal/complaints teams, not credit teams
  3. The FCA explicitly prohibits consumer harm through complaint handling
  4. Your creditworthiness remains unaffected because you didn’t take on more risk

5. Evidence from Customers: No Score Damage

Case Study: Laura (Manchester)
Laura suspected hidden commission on a PCP. She submitted a complaint through us. Within 8 weeks, she received £950—without any credit issues. She later secured a mortgage with no problems.

Case Study: Ahmed (London)
Ahmed reclaimed £1,500 on an HP deal. Weeks after the payout, he applied for a credit card. The lender checked his score—clean and unaffected. Welcomed him with a solid offer.

Toolkit for Fear-Free Claiming

  • Secure Client Portal to upload docs confidentially
  • Regulated Contact Channels—we liaise with lenders, not credit reference agencies
  • Expert FCA‑aligned guidance ensures your rights are protected
  • No-win, no-fee model: you pay only on success, not to file
  • Step‑by‑step dashboard keeps you informed, not anxious

Why Claims Improve Your Financial Standing

  1. More money in your pocket—reparation for overpayment
  2. Zero impact on credit—so you remain eligible for future finance
  3. Peace of mind—knowing you didn’t overpay
  4. Transparency—your status remains as it was before the claim

Making the claim puts you in a better financial position without downside.

Myth-Busting: Common Misconceptions

  • "I'll be punished in credit files." – False, complaints don’t show up
  • "They’ll blacklist me." – No, FCA prohibits that
  • "The lender may close my account." – Unlikely; FCA monitors fairness
  • "Banks will see red flags." – No, they don’t see claim history
  • "Next applications will get refused." – Usually not—especially if your finances improve post-refund

Final Thoughts

Making a car finance claim—particularly for mis‑sold PCP or HP deals—is a safe and credit-neutral action. It’s a legal right, not a credit event. With the right support and expert management, you reclaim overpaid funds without risking your financial reputation.

FAQs: Clearing Up Concerns

Q: Will lenders run a credit check when I submit a claim?

A: No—complaints go through internal review channels, not credit applications.

Q: If they ask for an early settlement, will that affect my credit?

A: No—the claim process doesn’t change your repayment terms or record.

Q: Could the lender flag me for filing multiple claims?

A: No—FCA guidelines allow you to reclaim without penalty or blacklisting.

Q: Will lenders mark me as “risky” in internal systems?

A: Unlikely. These claims are about mis‑selling, not your behavior as a borrower.

Q: Can I still apply for loans or mortgages while pursuing a claim?

A: Yes—your credit remains intact, and your finances may even improve after reclaiming funds.


 

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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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