Motor Finance Claims Moray - FCA Mis-Selling Investigation

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Motor Finance Claims Moray - FCA Mis-Selling Investigation

Last updated: 27 February 2026

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Moray, a Scottish council area with a population of 95,500 (ONS Census 2021), has seen an estimated 9,025 drivers potentially affected by motor finance mis-selling between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024 (calculated using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates). This significant number of residents could have been impacted by improper selling practices in the automotive financing industry, specifically concerning Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) agreements.

How Motor Finance Mis-Selling Affected Moray

In Moray, several local dealerships such as Arnold Clark Moray, Peter Vardy Moray, Eastern Western Motor Group Moray, and Macklin Motors Moray were active in selling PCP and HP finance arrangements to customers during the period of investigation. These dealerships worked closely with major lenders like 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 financial agreements made through these channels may have been subject to mis-selling practices that affected a significant number of Moray residents.

The FCA Motor Finance Investigation

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched an investigation into motor finance selling practices due to concerns about the use of discretionary commission arrangements. These arrangements allowed dealerships and brokers to receive additional payments from lenders for recommending specific products, which could have led to biased advice favouring more lucrative deals over suitable ones for customers. The FCA found that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) were potentially affected by these practices, resulting in a total of £7.5 billion being paid out under such arrangements (FCA estimate). On average, the mis-selling cost each customer around £829 (FCA estimate).

How Moray Residents Can Check Their Finance Agreements

Moray residents who suspect they may have been victims of motor finance mis-selling should review their car purchase and financing documents carefully. Key dates to focus on are between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024, as this is the period under investigation by the FCA. Relevant documentation includes any contracts or agreements signed at the time of purchasing a vehicle through PCP or HP finance.

How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free

Residents in Moray who believe they have been affected by motor finance mis-selling can complain directly to their lender without needing to use a claims management company. Major lenders operating in the area include Black Horse (Lloyds Banking Group), MotoNovo Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, Santander Consumer Finance, Barclays Partner Finance, and Alphera Financial Services (BMW). Each of these companies has its own process for handling complaints, but they are required by law to address them fairly. If a resident is unsatisfied with the lender's response, they can escalate their complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), which provides an independent and free service to resolve disputes between consumers and financial firms.

Sources and References

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

Based on calculations using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates, an estimated 9,025 drivers in Moray could be affected.

What steps should I take if I suspect my car finance agreement was mis-sold to me in Moray?

If you believe your motor finance agreement may have been mis-sold, the first step is to review your contract and any documentation provided by the lender. You can also complain directly to your lender for free without involving a claims management company.

How does motor finance mis-selling affect residents of Moray?

Motor finance mis-selling affects residents of Moray similarly to other areas in the UK, potentially leaving them with unaffordable repayment terms or unsuitable financial products. According to FCA estimates, 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) across the country may have been affected (FCA estimate).

What is the average amount a person could be entitled to if they are successful in their motor finance mis-selling claim in Moray?

Based on FCA estimates, an individual who successfully challenges a motor finance agreement that was mis-sold may receive around £829 (FCA estimate). However, it's important to note that you do not need a claims management company and can address issues directly with your lender.

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.