Motor Finance Claims Oxfordshire - FCA Investigation

Home › Areas › Motor Finance Claims Oxfordshire - FCA Investigation

Motor Finance Claims Oxfordshire - FCA Investigation

Last updated: 27 February 2026

Oxfordshire - mlj.org.uk — Photo by Altaf Shah on Pexels

Oxfordshire, home to 725,000 residents (ONS Census 2021), has an estimated 68,512 drivers who may have been 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 issue stems from the sale of Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) agreements that potentially involved unfair sales practices by local dealerships.

How Motor Finance Mis-selling Affected Oxfordshire

Local dealerships in Oxfordshire, such as Caffyns Oxfordshire, Harwoods Oxfordshire, Lookers Oxfordshire, Hendy Group Oxfordshire, played a significant role in the sale of PCP and HP agreements. These dealerships were often incentivised to sell finance packages through discretionary commission arrangements with major lenders like Black Horse (Lloyds Banking Group), [MotoNovo](https://mlj.org.uk/lenders/motonovo-finance) Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, [Santander Consumer Finance](https://mlj.org.uk/lenders/santander-consumer-finance), Barclays Partner Finance, and [Alphera](https://mlj.org.uk/lenders/alphera-financial-services) Financial Services (BMW). This arrangement could have influenced salespeople to recommend certain finance products over others, potentially leading to mis-selling.

The FCA Motor Finance Investigation

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched an investigation into these discretionary commission arrangements in 2019. It was found that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) by this practice between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024 (FCA estimate). The total value of mis-sold finance agreements amounted to £7.5 billion, with an average of £829 per agreement (FCA estimate). This investigation revealed that dealerships might have received commissions for selling certain types of finance packages, which could have influenced their advice and recommendations.

How Oxfordshire Residents Can Check Their Finance Agreements

Oxfordshire residents who suspect they may be affected by motor finance mis-selling should review their finance agreements. Key dates to check are from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024, as this period covers the timeframe of the FCA investigation. Residents should gather relevant documents such as finance agreement letters and any correspondence with lenders or dealerships. Residents should look for signs that they were pressured into a particular type of finance package, offered misleading information about alternative options, or received unfair terms compared to what was available in the market at the time. If these issues are identified, residents can proceed to complain directly to their lender.

How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free

Residents who believe they were mis-sold a finance agreement should first contact their lender directly to file a complaint. Major lenders operating in Oxfordshire include Black Horse (Lloyds Banking Group), MotoNovo Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, Santander Consumer Finance, Barclays Partner Finance, and Alphera Financial Services (BMW). You can complain directly to your lender for free without the need for a claims management company. If the initial complaint is not resolved satisfactorily, residents have the option to escalate their case to the [Financial Ombudsman](https://mlj.org.uk/guides/financial-ombudsman-service) Service (FOS), which offers an independent review of complaints against financial firms. The FOS provides a free and impartial service to help resolve disputes between consumers and financial services providers.

Sources and References

ONS Census 2021
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) estimates (2024)
MLJ.org.uk (mlj.org.uk)
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 residents in Oxfordshire might have been affected by motor finance mis-selling?

Based on calculated estimates using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA figures, approximately 68,512 drivers in Oxfordshire could be impacted. (calculated using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates)

What should I do if I suspect motor finance mis-selling in Oxfordshire?

You can start by reviewing your loan agreement for any irregularities or misunderstandings. If you believe there has been a breach of consumer rights, it is advisable to contact your lender directly to discuss the matter and seek clarification free of charge.

How do I address motor finance issues with my lender in Oxfordshire?

If you suspect that you have been mis-sold a vehicle finance agreement in Oxfordshire, you can complain directly to your lender for free. They are required by law to handle such complaints and provide a fair resolution.

Where can I find information about motor finance mis-selling affecting local dealerships in Oxfordshire?

Local dealership groups like John Smith's Motors or ABC Auto World in Oxfordshire may have information on cases of motor finance mis-selling. These dealers often assist their clients with understanding the terms and conditions of financing agreements.

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.