Motor Finance Claims Gloucestershire - FCA Investigation

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Motor Finance Claims Gloucestershire - FCA Investigation

Last updated: 27 February 2026

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Gloucestershire residents have been impacted by a significant issue within motor finance, with an estimated 60,196 drivers potentially affected due to mis-selling practices (calculated using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates) in a county of approximately 637,000 people (ONS Census 2021).

How Motor Finance Mis-Selling Affected Gloucestershire

Motor finance mis-selling has been prevalent across the UK, affecting residents who purchased vehicles through dealerships within Gloucestershire. Local dealership groups such as Vospers Gloucestershire, Hendy Group Gloucestershire, Dick Lovett Gloucestershire, and Wessex Garages Gloucestershire were involved in selling Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or Hire Purchase (HP) finance agreements to customers. These agreements often came with hidden fees and terms that were not fully disclosed at the time of sale. Major lenders operating in Gloucestershire included Black Horse (Lloyds Banking Group), MotoNovo Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, Santander Consumer Finance, Barclays Partner Finance, and [Alphera](https://mlj.org.uk/lenders/alphera-financial-services) Financial Services (BMW). These lenders facilitated finance agreements through local dealerships, making it easier for residents to acquire vehicles but also potentially leading to mis-selling practices.

The FCA Motor Finance Investigation

In response to widespread concerns about motor finance mis-selling, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched a full investigation into discretionary commission arrangements used by lenders and dealerships. These arrangements allowed dealers to earn additional income based on the type of finance agreement sold, which often led to customers being pushed towards more expensive options that were not in their best interest. The FCA’s findings revealed that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) across the country had been affected by these practices between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024. The total amount involved was estimated at £7.5 billion (FCA estimate), with an average mis-sold agreement costing customers around £829 (FCA estimate).

How Gloucestershire Residents Can Check Their Finance Agreements

To determine if they have been affected by motor finance mis-selling, Gloucestershire residents should review their vehicle purchase agreements carefully, focusing on the dates of 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. Key documents to gather include the original agreement forms, payment records, and any correspondence related to the financing terms. Residents should look for hidden fees, undisclosed charges, or aggressive sales tactics that pushed them towards more expensive finance options. If there are discrepancies or signs of mis-selling practices, it is advisable to seek legal advice to understand their rights and next steps.

How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free

Gloucestershire residents who suspect they have been affected by motor finance mis-selling can complain directly to their lender at no cost. Major lenders operating in the county include Black Horse, MotoNovo Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, Santander Consumer Finance, Barclays Partner Finance, and Alphera Financial Services (BMW). You do not need a claims management company; these services are often unnecessary and may lead to additional costs. When lodging a complaint, provide all relevant documentation and clearly outline the issues you encountered. If your lender does not resolve your complaint satisfactorily, you can escalate it to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) for free mediation.

Sources and References

FCA estimates on mis-sold agreements: 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026)
Total amount involved in mis-selling practices: £7.5 billion (FCA estimate)
Average mis-sold agreement cost: £829 (FCA estimate)
Population of Gloucestershire: 637,000 (ONS Census 2021)
Estimated affected drivers in Gloucestershire: 60,196 (calculated using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates)
Car Finance Compensation in Your Area

The FCA confirmed that 12.1 million motor finance agreements across the UK qualify for compensation. The FCA-estimated scheme average of £829 per eligible agreement per agreement, totalling £7.5 billion in redress. If you took out PCP or HP car finance between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024, your agreement may be eligible regardless of where you live in the UK.

The final deadline to complain is 31 August 2027. You can complain to your lender directly for free. You do not need a claims management company.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many drivers in Gloucestershire might be affected by motor finance mis-selling?

Based on population data from the ONS Census 2021 and FCA estimates, an estimated 60,196 drivers in Gloucestershire could have been impacted by motor finance mis-selling (calculated using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates).

What should I do if I suspect my motor finance agreement was mis-sold to me in Gloucestershire?

If you believe your motor finance agreement may have been mis-sold, the first step is to review your contract carefully and contact your lender directly for clarification. You can complain directly to your lender for free without needing a claims management company.

What are some common signs of motor finance mis-selling in Gloucestershire?

Common signs include high interest rates compared to other financial products, excessive fees, and being offered a finance agreement when you could have qualified for cheaper alternatives. If these issues apply to your situation, it may be worth investigating further.

What is the estimated cost of motor finance mis-selling in Gloucestershire?

Motor finance mis-selling has affected an estimated 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) across the UK since April 2007 (FCA estimate), with losses averaging around £829 per agreement (FCA estimate). This means that Gloucestershire residents could have collectively lost millions of pounds due to mis-sold motor finance products.

Important: MLJ.org.uk is an independent information resource. We are not a claims management company, solicitor, law firm, or financial adviser. We do not process claims, take fees, or provide advice. Where the law gives you a right to complain or claim directly (to a lender, council, FOS, court, or regulator), you can do so without paying a third party. MLJ.org.uk is operated by Copious Ltd, registered in England and Wales, company number 11437826.