Motor Finance Claims Hertfordshire - FCA Investigation

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Motor Finance Claims Hertfordshire - FCA Investigation

Last updated: 27 February 2026

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Hertfordshire, a county in the East of England with a population of 1,197,000 (ONS Census 2021), has been affected by motor finance mis-selling, impacting an estimated 113,116 drivers (calculated using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates). The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) investigation into the practices of lenders and dealerships within this period has revealed significant issues that have led to financial harm for many residents.

How Motor Finance Mis-selling Affected Hertfordshire

Dealerships in Hertfordshire, such as Marshall Motor Group Hertfordshire, Robinsons Motor Group Hertfordshire, Thurlow Nunn Hertfordshire, and Vindis Group Hertfordshire, have been selling Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) finance agreements to their customers. These dealerships often used [discretionary commission](https://mlj.org.uk/glossary/discretionary-commission-arrangement) arrangements with major lenders such as [[Black Horse](https://mlj.org.uk/lenders/black-horse)](https://mlj.org.uk/lenders/black-horse) (Lloyds Banking Group), MotoNovo Finance, [Close Brothers](https://mlj.org.uk/lenders/close-brothers-motor-finance) Motor Finance, Santander Consumer Finance, Barclays Partner Finance, and [Alphera](https://mlj.org.uk/lenders/alphera-financial-services) Financial Services (BMW). The arrangement allowed the lenders to pay a discretionary commission to dealerships for each finance agreement sold, potentially incentivising them to push customers into more expensive deals.

The FCA Motor Finance Investigation

The FCA investigation uncovered that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) by these practices between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024 (FCA estimate). This period saw a total of £7.5 billion in transactions, with the average agreement overcharged by £829 on average (FCA estimate). The investigation revealed that dealerships were often incentivised to sell finance agreements that maximised their commission rather than providing customers with the most suitable and affordable option.

How Hertfordshire Residents Can Check Their Finance Agreements

Hertfordshire residents who suspect they may have been affected by motor finance mis-selling should review their finance agreements carefully. Key indicators of potential issues include:

The date of the agreement falls between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024.
High discretionary commissions were involved, which could be hidden in the terms and conditions or disclosed through other documents provided at the time of purchase.

To check your finance agreements, gather all relevant documentation including:

The original finance agreement
Any additional paperwork detailing commission arrangements
Receipts and invoices from the dealership

How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free

You can complain directly to your lender for free if you believe you have been affected by motor finance mis-selling. Major lenders operating in Hertfordshire include:

Black Horse (Lloyds Banking Group)
MotoNovo Finance
Close Brothers Motor Finance
Santander Consumer Finance
Barclays Partner Finance
Alphera Financial Services (BMW)

Each lender will provide a process for submitting your complaint and addressing any issues. you do not need a claims management company to handle your complaint. If the initial response from your lender does not resolve the issue, you can escalate your case to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) as a free independent service.

Sources and References

FCA
Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)
Office for National Statistics Census 2021 (ONS Census 2021)
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 Hertfordshire might have been affected by motor finance mis-selling?

Based on ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates, approximately 113,116 drivers in Hertfordshire may have been affected by motor finance mis-selling from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024.

What should I do if I suspect my vehicle finance agreement was mis-sold in Hertfordshire?

If you suspect your vehicle finance agreement was mis-sold, it is advisable to review the terms of your contract and seek advice from a financial advisor or solicitor. You can also complain directly to your lender for free without involving any claims management company.

What are common signs that motor finance may have been mis-sold in Hertfordshire?

Common signs of motor finance mis-selling include being pressured into a quick decision, receiving misleading information about the total cost or repayment terms, and experiencing difficulty in understanding key aspects of the agreement. If you encounter any such issues, it is important to seek professional advice.

How can residents of Hertfordshire check if they are covered by the FCA redress scheme. due to motor finance mis-selling?

Residents of Hertfordshire can review their vehicle finance agreements and assess whether they match any criteria for mis-selling as outlined by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). If you believe your agreement was mis-sold, consider consulting a financial advisor or solicitor. You do not need a claims management company; instead, you may complain directly to your lender for free.

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.