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Motor Finance Claims Ashford — FCA Mis-Selling Investigation

Last updated: 27 February 2026

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

Ashford, a town located within Kent in the South East region with a population of 133,600 (ONS Census 2021), has an estimated 12,625 residents 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). Motor finance agreements, such as Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP), were widely offered through local dealerships in Ashford. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched an investigation into these practices following concerns about discretionary commission arrangements that may have misled customers. ## How motor finance mis-selling affected Ashford Dealerships such as Caffyns Ashford, Harwoods Ashford, Lookers Ashford, and Hendy Group Ashford were among those selling PCP and HP finance products to residents of the town. 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](https://mlj.org.uk/lenders/alphera-financial-services) Financial Services (BMW). These dealerships and lenders played a significant role in the motor finance market within Ashford during the specified period. ## The FCA motor finance investigation The FCA's investigation uncovered that some car retailers received discretionary commission payments from major lenders when they sold PCP or HP agreements. This arrangement may have incentivised dealers to push customers towards these financing options, even if a different type of agreement would have been more suitable for the customer’s needs and circumstances. The investigation found that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) by this practice (FCA estimate), with an average mis-selling charge of £829 per agreement, totalling £7.5 billion (FCA estimate). ## How Ashford residents can check their finance agreements Ashford residents who suspect they may have been a victim of motor finance mis-selling should review their finance agreements and any associated documentation to identify potential issues. Key dates to consider are from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024, when the discretionary commission arrangements were in place. Collect relevant documents such as loan agreements, payment schedules, and communications with lenders or dealerships. These will be crucial for making a complaint. ## How to complain directly to your lender for free Residents of Ashford who believe they have been affected by motor finance mis-selling can lodge complaints directly with their lender without the need for a claims management company. The major lenders operating in Ashford include Black Horse, MotoNovo Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, Santander Consumer Finance, Barclays Partner Finance, and Alphera Financial Services (BMW). You do not need to use a claims management company; instead, you can file your complaint with the lender for free. If your initial complaint is unresolved or if you receive an unsatisfactory response from the lender, you can escalate the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) for further review. The FOS provides a free and impartial service to help resolve disputes between consumers and financial organisations. ## Sources and references - ONS Census 2021 - Financial Conduct Authority estimates (2024) - Financial Ombudsman Service

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 Ashford are estimated to have been affected by motor finance mis-selling?

Based on population data from the ONS Census 2021 and FCA estimates, approximately 12,625 drivers in Ashford may have been affected by motor finance mis-selling (calculated using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates).

What should I do if I suspect my motor finance agreement was mis-sold to me as a resident of Ashford?

If you believe your motor finance agreement was mis-sold, it is important to review the terms and conditions thoroughly. You can complain directly to your lender for free and seek clarification on any aspects that are unclear or appear misleading.

What steps should I take if my motor finance agreement in Ashford has been mis-sold?

If you suspect your motor finance agreement was mis-sold, start by gathering all relevant documentation such as loan agreements and correspondence with the lender. You can then complain directly to your lender for free without needing a claims management company.

How common is motor finance mis-selling in Ashford?

Motor finance mis-selling has been a significant issue across the UK, affecting millions of consumers. In Ashford, based on population estimates and FCA figures, many residents may have encountered similar issues with their motor finance agreements (FCA estimate).

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.