Our guides are written by specialists in consumer finance law and FCA regulatory affairs to give you accurate, actionable information.
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Fundamentals
What Is PCP Car Finance Mis-Selling? A Plain-English Explanation
What went wrong, who is affected, and why the courts agreed you were overcharged. Covers how discretionary commission arrangements (DCAs) worked in practice — and why they were banned.
Regulation & Policy
The FCA Motor Finance Redress Scheme 2026 — What to Expect
What the FCA's forthcoming redress scheme will look like, how it will work, who it covers, estimated timelines, and what you need to do now to secure your position in the earliest settlement batch.
How It Worked
Discretionary Commission Arrangements (DCAs) Explained
A detailed breakdown of how DCA schemes operated: what "discretion" actually meant, how dealer commission was calculated, what the FCA found, and why the courts ruled them unlawful. Includes worked examples showing the financial impact on a typical £15,000 PCP agreement.
Legal Landmark
The Hopcraft Ruling Explained — Why October 2024 Changed Everything
The Court of Appeal's landmark judgment in Hopcraft v Close Brothers & others established the legal basis for all PCP claims. This guide explains what the court decided, what "secret commission" means in law, and why the Supreme Court's confirmation matters for your claim.
Practical Guide
How Long Does a PCP Car Finance Claim Take?
A realistic breakdown of the claims timeline — from registering your interest to receiving payment. Covers the FCA scheme, direct lender complaints, Financial Ombudsman escalation, and what "expected 2026" actually means in practice for your settlement date.
DIY vs Professional
Can I Claim PCP Compensation Without a Solicitor?
Yes — but should you? This guide honestly compares the DIY route (free but complex) with using a regulated claims service. Covers what lenders require, how DSARs work, the Financial Ombudsman process, and where professional help genuinely adds value.
Tax & Finance
Is PCP Compensation Taxable? The Tax Implications Explained
Do you pay tax on your PCP redress payment? The short answer depends on whether your payment includes interest — and what type. This guide covers HMRC's position, the treatment of statutory interest on claims, and what to declare (and what not to). Always consult a tax adviser for your personal situation.
Lender Directory
Which Car Finance Lenders Are Affected by PCP Mis-Selling?
The complete list of UK motor finance lenders subject to the FCA review — including provisions set aside, court exposure, and status of investigations. Covers Black Horse (£1.95bn), Santander (£461m), Barclays (£325m), Close Brothers (£300m), BMW (£207m), MotoNovo (£73m) and more.
Compensation Calculator
How Much Am I Owed? Estimating Your PCP Claim Value
The average is £700 — but your figure could be higher or lower depending on your finance amount, interest rate, term length, and lender. This guide explains how compensation is calculated and links to our interactive calculator for a personalised estimate based on your actual agreement details.
Finance Types
PCP vs HP: Does the Type of Finance Affect My Claim?
Both PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) and HP (Hire Purchase) agreements may qualify for compensation if a discretionary commission arrangement was used. This guide explains the difference between the two products, which is more commonly affected, and whether your specific agreement type impacts your eligibility or claim value.