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According to recent estimates, approximately 13,419 drivers in Isle of Wight may have been affected by motor finance mis-selling during the period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024 (calculated using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates). With a total population of around 142,000 people (ONS Census 2021), this issue has significant implications for many residents who may have been misled or disadvantaged when financing their vehicles.
How Motor Finance Mis-selling Affected Isle of Wight
The motor finance mis-selling scandal involved various local dealerships in Isle of Wight. Dealers such as Caffyns Isle of Wight, Harwoods Isle of Wight, Lookers Isle of Wight, and Hendy Group Isle of Wight were among those that sold
Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and
Hire Purchase (HP) finance agreements during the affected period. These dealerships worked closely with major lenders operating in the area, including
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).
The FCA Motor Finance Investigation
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) conducted a full investigation into motor finance practices from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. One of the key findings was that many dealerships received
discretionary commission payments for selling PCP and HP agreements, which could have influenced their advice to customers. As a result, an estimated 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) across the UK were affected (FCA estimate), involving a total amount of £7.5 billion (FCA estimate). On average, each affected customer may be entitled to compensation of around £829 (FCA estimate).
How Isle of Wight Residents Can Check Their Finance Agreements
Isle of Wight residents who suspect they were mis-sold motor finance should review their agreements carefully. Focus on identifying any discretionary commission arrangements or unusual sales practices that could indicate misleading advice. The relevant period is from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024, and you should gather all documentation related to your car purchase and financing agreement.
You can complain directly to your lender for free without needing a
claims management company. For residents of Isle of Wight affected by this issue, major lenders such as Black Horse (Lloyds Banking Group), MotoNovo Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, Santander Consumer Finance, Barclays Partner Finance, and Alphera Financial Services are required to review your case and respond appropriately. If you feel that the lender’s response is inadequate or unfair, you can escalate your complaint to the
Financial Ombudsman Service (
FOS) for a free and impartial review.
Sources and References
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), 2024
- Office for National Statistics (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.