Motor Finance Claims Worthing - FCA Investigation

Home › Areas › Motor Finance Claims Worthing - FCA Investigation

Motor Finance Claims Worthing - FCA Investigation

Last updated: 27 February 2026

Worthing - mlj.org.uk — Photo by kevin grieve on Pexels

Worthing, a town in West Sussex with a population of 110,600 (ONS Census 2021), has seen an estimated 10,452 drivers affected by motor finance mis-selling since 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024 (calculated using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates). This issue is particularly relevant for residents who entered into Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or Hire Purchase (HP) agreements during this period.

How Motor Finance Mis-selling Affected Worthing

Motor finance mis-selling in Worthing primarily involved the sale of PCP and HP contracts through local dealerships such as Caffyns Worthing, Harwoods Worthing, Lookers Worthing, and Hendy Group Worthing. These dealerships facilitated financing agreements 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 mis-selling occurred due to the way these lenders paid [discretionary commission](https://mlj.org.uk/glossary/discretionary-commission-arrangement) arrangements to the dealerships. This practice led to inflated finance terms that were not in the best interests of consumers.

The FCA Motor Finance Investigation

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched a full investigation into motor finance mis-selling, revealing that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) across the UK had been affected between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024 (FCA estimate). This mis-selling resulted in an estimated £7.5 billion total overcharge for consumers, with an average of £829 per agreement (FCA estimate). The investigation found that dealerships were incentivised to sell finance products with higher interest rates due to the discretionary commission arrangements. As a result, many drivers ended up paying more than necessary for their car loans.

How Worthing Residents Can Check Their Finance Agreements

Worthing residents who suspect they may have been mis-sold a motor finance agreement should review their contracts carefully. The key dates to look at are from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024, as this period marks the FCA's investigation window. To check your finance agreements:

Review Documentation: Gather all documents related to your car purchase and financing.
Check Interest Rates: Look for any unusually high interest rates or fees that seem disproportionate to the value of the vehicle.
Identify Commission Arrangements: Check if there were additional commissions paid by lenders to dealerships based on finance terms.

If you find discrepancies, it is crucial to proceed with a complaint process directly with your lender.

How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free

Worthing residents who believe they have been mis-sold motor finance can complain directly to their lender without incurring any costs. 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 (BMW) are required by law to address these complaints. You do not need a claims management company; the process can be handled independently. If your complaint is unresolved after contacting your lender, you have the option to escalate it to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), which provides a free and impartial service for resolving disputes between consumers and financial firms.

Sources and References

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) estimates
ONS Census 2021
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 Worthing are estimated to be affected by motor finance mis-selling?

Based on ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates, approximately 10,452 drivers in Worthing may have been affected by motor finance mis-selling.

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

If you believe your motor finance agreement was mis-sold to you, you can complain directly to the lender for free. You do not need a claims management company.

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

Common signs include being pushed into an unnecessary finance deal, lack of clear explanations about interest rates and repayment terms, or feeling pressured to take out more expensive agreements. If you encounter these issues, consider reviewing your agreement thoroughly.

How can I get help if my motor finance agreement was mis-sold in Worthing?

You should first contact the lender directly and explain why you believe the agreement was mis-sold to you. If you need additional assistance, consider seeking advice from a financial advisor or contacting your local Citizens Advice Bureau for free guidance.

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.