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Motor Finance Claims Aberdeenshire — FCA Investigation

Last updated: 27 February 2026

Aberdeenshire — mlj.org.uk — Photo by kevin grieve on Pexels

Aberdeenshire, with a population of 263,500 (ONS Census 2021), has seen an estimated 24,901 drivers potentially affected by motor finance mis-selling practices, based on calculations using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates. The Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) investigation into the discretionary commission arrangements used by lenders in the period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024 has uncovered widespread issues that could have impacted motorists across Aberdeenshire. ## How Motor Finance Mis-selling Affected Aberdeenshire Local dealerships such as Arnold Clark Aberdeenshire, Peter Vardy Aberdeenshire, Eastern Western Motor Group Aberdeenshire, and Macklin Motors Aberdeenshire are known to have sold Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) finance agreements. These dealerships were likely influenced by the financial incentives offered by major lenders operating in the area, including [Black Horse](https://mlj.org.uk/lenders/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 discretionary commission arrangements used by these lenders may have led to mis-selling practices where finance agreements were pushed on consumers without considering their ability to repay or the suitability of the terms. ## The FCA Motor Finance Investigation The FCA's investigation revealed that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) had been affected by misleading sales practices (FCA estimate), resulting in an estimated £7.5 billion total loss for motorists and an FCA-estimated scheme average of £829 per eligible agreement per consumer (FCA estimate). These figures highlight the significant impact on Aberdeenshire residents who entered into PCP or HP agreements during the specified period. ## How Aberdeenshire Residents Can Check Their Finance Agreements Aberdeenshire residents who suspect they may have been affected by motor finance mis-selling should review their finance agreement documentation carefully. Key elements to look for include: - The date range of the agreement (6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024). - Any references to discretionary commissions or financial incentives offered to dealers. - Terms and conditions that may have been unsuitable for your financial situation. Collecting all relevant documents, including loan agreements, statements, and correspondence with lenders, will be crucial in substantiating any complaints. ## How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free If you believe you were a victim of motor finance mis-selling, you can complain directly to your lender without the need for a claims management company. Major lenders operating in Aberdeenshire include Black Horse (Lloyds Banking Group), MotoNovo Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, Santander Consumer Finance, Barclays Partner Finance, and Alphera Financial Services (BMW). You do not need a claims management company to file your complaint. Following the initial complaint, if you are unsatisfied with the lender's response, you can escalate the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) for free. The FOS is an independent body that reviews complaints about financial products and services at no cost to consumers. ## Sources and References - Office for National Statistics (ONS), Census 2021 - Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Motor Finance Investigation Estimate, 2024

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 Aberdeenshire may have been affected by motor finance mis-selling?

Based on calculations using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates, approximately 24,901 drivers in Aberdeenshire 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 Aberdeenshire?

If you believe your motor finance agreement was mis-sold, the first step is to contact your lender directly and request a review of your case. You can complain for free without needing to use any third-party services.

What are some common signs that my motor finance arrangement might have been mis-sold in Aberdeenshire?

Common signs include being pressured into taking out more expensive finance options, not understanding the terms and conditions of the agreement, or being misled about your credit rating. If these issues apply to you, it's worth seeking advice on whether you may have grounds for a complaint.

How can I find legal support if my motor finance agreement was mis-sold in Aberdeenshire?

While some residents might seek assistance from solicitors or financial advisors, it is important to know that you do not need a claims management company. You should first contact your lender directly for free and seek further advice from independent sources like the Financial Ombudsman Service.

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.