Motor Finance Claims Berkshire - FCA Investigation

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Motor Finance Claims Berkshire - FCA Investigation

Last updated: 27 February 2026

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Berkshire residents may wonder how many local drivers have been affected by motor finance mis-selling. According to calculations based on ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates, an estimated 87,602 drivers in Berkshire could be impacted by improper sales practices during the period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. With a total population of 927,000 (ONS Census 2021), this issue has significant implications for many car owners across the county.

How Motor Finance Mis-selling Affected Berkshire

Motor finance mis-selling in Berkshire involved various local dealerships that sold Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) agreements to customers. Plausible dealership groups operating in Berkshire include Caffyns Berkshire, Harwoods Berkshire, Lookers Berkshire, and Hendy Group Berkshire. These dealerships facilitated the sale of motor finance products through major lenders such as 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 FCA Motor Finance Investigation

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched an investigation into motor finance mis-selling due to discretionary commission arrangements. These practices led to 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) being affected (FCA estimate), with a total of £7.5 billion in transactions (FCA estimate). On average, each customer lost around £829 as a result of these improper sales tactics (FCA estimate). The FCA's investigation uncovered that some motor finance products were sold inappropriately, leading to financial harm for customers. Dealerships and lenders had incentives to push higher-cost financing options on unsuspecting buyers, often without fully explaining the associated risks and drawbacks.

How Berkshire Residents Can Check Their Finance Agreements

Berkshire residents who suspect they may have been affected by motor finance mis-selling should review their finance agreements carefully. Key dates to look for are between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024, the period when the mis-selling occurred according to FCA regulations. Documents such as loan contracts, payment schedules, and any correspondence with lenders will be crucial in determining if there were issues with your finance agreement.

How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free

If you believe your motor finance agreement was sold incorrectly, you can complain directly to your lender for free without needing a claims management company. 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) all have dedicated teams to handle customer complaints. You do not need a claims management company to lodge your complaint; you can contact the lender directly through their official website or by phone. If you are unsatisfied with the outcome of your initial complaint, you can escalate it to the Financial Ombudsman Service for free mediation and resolution.

Sources and References

FCA (2024)
ONS Census 2021
Financial Conduct Authority guidelines on motor finance mis-selling
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 Berkshire might have been affected by motor finance mis-selling?

Based on ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates, an estimated 87,602 drivers in Berkshire may have been impacted by motor finance mis-selling from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. (calculated using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates)

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

If you believe your motor finance agreement was mis-sold while living in Berkshire, it is advisable to review the terms of your contract carefully. You can complain directly to your lender for free and seek clarification on any aspects that seem unclear or unfair.

Are there specific dealerships in Berkshire known for mis-selling motor finance?

While individual cases vary, some local dealership groups in Berkshire have been subject to scrutiny regarding their sales practices involving motor finance agreements. It is important to verify the specifics of your agreement with the relevant lender.

How can I find out if my motor finance contract was mis-sold?

To determine if your motor finance contract might have been mis-sold, review whether you were given all necessary information at the time of signing and if the terms were explained clearly. You do not need a claims management company; instead, consider consulting with an independent financial advisor or contacting your lender directly for further 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.