Motor Finance Claims Brighton - FCA Investigation

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Motor Finance Claims Brighton - FCA Investigation

Last updated: 26 February 2026

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The city of Brighton, home to 229,700 residents (ONS Census 2021), has been significantly impacted by motor finance mis-selling practices. An estimated 21,707 drivers in the area have potentially been affected by these issues, calculated using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates.

How Motor Finance Mis-Selling Affected Brighton

Motor finance mis-selling occurred through a variety of discretionary commission arrangements between lenders and dealerships. In Brighton, well-known dealership groups such as Caffyns Brighton, Harwoods Brighton, Lookers Brighton, Hendy Group Brighton played key roles in selling PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) and HP (Hire Purchase) agreements to customers. Major lenders operating in the area included [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). These discretionary commission arrangements meant that dealerships could earn additional fees for each finance agreement they facilitated, which created a potential conflict of interest. This arrangement encouraged dealers to push customers towards higher-margin products, sometimes at the expense of fair dealing.

The FCA Motor Finance Investigation

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) conducted an extensive investigation into motor finance practices from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024 and found that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) by mis-selling issues (FCA estimate). The total amount of money involved in these agreements was estimated at £7.5 billion, with the average agreement potentially overcharged by around £829 (FCA estimate). The investigation uncovered a pattern of practices where lenders and dealerships failed to act in customers' best interests, leading to significant financial losses for many unsuspecting motorists.

How Brighton Residents Can Check Their Finance Agreements

Brighton residents who suspect they may have been affected can review their finance agreements carefully. Key dates to consider are from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. Look for any signs of overcharging or inappropriate commission arrangements. Gather relevant documents such as contract letters, loan agreements, and payment schedules. If you notice discrepancies in your agreement or feel that the terms were not transparent or fair, it is important to take action promptly. Reviewing these documents can help identify whether there are grounds for complaint.

How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free

You do not need a claims management company; you can complain directly to your lender for free. If you believe that your finance agreement was mis-sold, contact the major lenders operating in Brighton such as Black Horse (Lloyds Banking Group), MotoNovo Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, Santander Consumer Finance, Barclays Partner Finance, and Alphera Financial Services (BMW). When lodging a complaint, provide detailed information about any discrepancies or issues you have identified. Be clear about your concerns and request that the lender reviews your agreement to determine if there were any mis-selling practices involved. If your lender does not address your concerns satisfactorily, you can escalate your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) for a free, impartial review. The FOS provides an additional layer of support for consumers who have had their complaints unresolved or are unsatisfied with the outcome from their financial service provider.

Sources and References

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), 2024
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 Brighton were potentially affected by motor finance mis-selling?

Based on calculations using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates, an estimated 21,707 drivers in Brighton may have been affected by motor finance mis-selling.

What should I do if I suspect I was a victim of motor finance mis-selling in Brighton?

If you believe you were a victim of motor finance mis-selling in Brighton, the first step is to review your contract and documentation carefully. You can also complain directly to your lender for free without involving any claims management company.

How common was motor finance mis-selling in Brighton?

Motor finance mis-selling affected many drivers across the UK, including those in Brighton. The FCA estimates that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) potentially affected by this issue nationwide (FCA estimate).

What is the average claim value for motor finance mis-selling cases in Brighton?

The average compensation awarded for motor finance mis-selling cases across the UK, including in Brighton, is around £829 (FCA estimate). This figure can vary based on individual circumstances.

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.