Was your car finance hiding a commission you were never told about?
The Financial Conduct Authority has referenced an illustrative average redress figure of around £829 per qualifying agreement. Drivers who took out a PCP, HP or conditional sale before November 2024 may be eligible to complain about undisclosed commissions.
You do not have to use a claims service. You can complain free of charge, directly to your lender, through the FCA's redress scheme, or via the Financial Ombudsman Service. Redress is not guaranteed and depends on the facts of each agreement.
Advertorial DisclosureMotor Watch Report is an independent advertorial site and receives referral fees for qualified leads sent to regulated claims firms. You can complain free of charge directly to your lender, through the FCA's redress scheme, or via the Financial Ombudsman Service. See our full disclosure.
The Report
Featured guides
What the FCA Motor Finance Redress Scheme Actually Means for Drivers
A plain-English breakdown of the Financial Conduct Authority's mass redress scheme covering PCP, HP and conditional sale agreements between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024.
Read article →GuidePCP, HP or Conditional Sale — Which Agreements the Scheme Covers
The three main types of car finance sold in the UK all sit within the FCA scheme. Here is how to identify which one you had and why it matters.
Read article →ExplainerDiscretionary Commission Arrangements Explained in Plain English
Discretionary Commission Arrangements sit at the heart of the FCA's motor finance investigation. Here is what they are and why regulators consider them a problem.
Read article →The Story So Far
The undisclosed commissions at the heart of UK motor finance
What drivers were not told
When people bought a new or used vehicle before November 2024, they were often offered finance through the dealership. In many cases, lenders and dealers did not make clear that:
- The interest rate was effectively being set by the dealer or broker, not the lender alone.
- That rate was frequently higher than what the lender might have offered directly.
- The difference between the two rates was retained by the dealer or broker as commission.
Where a Discretionary Commission Arrangement (DCA) applied, the driver may be eligible to complain and, if the complaint is upheld, receive redress.
See if you may be eligible →
Important Information
Consumers may be able to complain free of charge under the FCA's redress scheme, or refer a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service. You do not need to use a claims management company or law firm. Any partner Motor Watch Report highlights is optional and intended for readers who would prefer help with the process.
Principal reason readers check their agreement
The main reason a driver may be entitled to redress is that the lender did not fully disclose the commission paid to the dealer, broker or salesperson who arranged their finance.
Other reasons readers tell us they want their agreement reviewed:
- They felt pressured at the time into signing up to a product or service.
- The bank, broker or lender did not properly explain the financial risks.
- Something they were promised at the point of sale was not delivered.
- Applicable fees and charges were not fully or clearly disclosed.
How the complaints process works
A four-step overview of the typical journey for a motor finance complaint.
1. Take the 3-Question Check
Answer a few short questions about your motor finance agreement. There is no credit search involved.
2. Your Details Are Reviewed
If your agreement looks like it may fall within scope, an FCA-regulated partner can prepare and submit a complaint on your behalf — if you choose to use one.
3. Wait for the Outcome
The lender — and, if needed, the Financial Ombudsman Service — will assess whether the complaint is upheld.
4. Receive Any Redress Due
If the complaint is upheld, any redress is paid to you by the lender. Outcomes and amounts vary and are not guaranteed.
What to expect from a regulated claims partner
The standards you should look for when choosing help with a motor finance complaint.
No Win, No Fee*
The claims partners we highlight operate on a No Win, No Fee basis — there are no upfront costs to pay.
Experienced Team
Casework is handled by teams that specialise in mis-sold motor finance agreements.
Clear Communication
Personalised updates at every stage of the complaint, in plain English.
Modern Technology
Secure digital tools make submitting and tracking a complaint straightforward.
Efficient Resolution
The aim is a prompt, fair outcome — however each case takes as long as the lender and, where needed, the Ombudsman require.
FCA-Regulated Partners
Motor Watch Report only refers readers to firms authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Typical fee structure (illustrative)
Percentages shown are of the settlement amount and exclude VAT. Fees vary by provider — always check the partner's own terms before instructing them.
| Settlement amount recovered | Fee (excl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| £1 – £1,499 | 30% |
| £1,500 – £9,999 | 28% |
| £10,000 – £24,999 | 25% |
| £25,000 – £49,999 | 20% |
| £50,000 or above | 15% |
Check whether your motor finance agreement may be eligible for review.
Start the Eligibility Check
Reader Questions
Frequently asked questions
The questions readers send us most often about motor finance complaints.
From our readers
A few notes we've received from readers who used our guides.
“
I had no idea the commission rules had changed. The guide walked me through exactly what to look for in my old finance paperwork.
★★★★★
Hannah P.
Reader, Leeds
“
Clear, plain-English reporting on a topic the dealers definitely won't explain to you. Took the check on a Sunday morning, sorted.
★★★★★
Daniel M.
Reader, Bristol
“
Refreshing to find a site that explains the process honestly rather than just pushing you toward a form. Recommended to my brother.
★★★★★
Priya K.
Reader, Manchester
No Win, No Fee
Regulated claims partners typically work on a No Win, No Fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless your complaint is successful. A fee of between 18% and 36% (including VAT) usually applies only to successful outcomes, and a cancellation fee may apply after the 14-day cooling-off period. Check the individual partner's terms before instructing them.
About Your Choices
You can make a motor finance mis-selling complaint free of charge directly with your lender, through the FCA's redress scheme, or via the Financial Ombudsman Service. You do not need to use a claims management company or law firm. For further background you can also read the FCA's guidance on car finance complaints.