Motor Finance Claims Devon - FCA Mis-Selling Investigation

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Motor Finance Claims Devon - FCA Mis-Selling Investigation

Last updated: 27 February 2026

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Devon, with a population of 812,000 (ONS Census 2021), has an estimated 76,734 residents who may have been affected by motor finance mis-selling between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024. This figure is calculated using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates.

How Motor Finance Mis-selling Affected Devon

Motor finance mis-selling has had a significant impact on residents of Devon, who may have been sold Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or Hire Purchase (HP) agreements through local dealerships without fully understanding the terms. Dealerships such as Vospers Devon, Hendy Group Devon, Dick Lovett Devon, and Wessex Garages Devon are among those that operated in the area during this period. Major lenders operating in Devon 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 lenders facilitated the sale of motor finance agreements through local dealerships across the county. The prevalence of these arrangements suggests that a substantial number of Devon residents may have been affected by mis-selling practices.

The FCA Motor Finance Investigation

In response to widespread concerns about motor finance mis-selling, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched an investigation into discretionary commission arrangements used by lenders and dealerships from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. This period saw 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) across the UK (FCA estimate), with total losses estimated at £7.5 billion (FCA estimate). The average loss per agreement is around £829 (FCA estimate). The FCA investigation uncovered that some dealerships and lenders were incentivised to push certain types of finance products, which may not have been in the best interest of customers. This led to many drivers in Devon being sold agreements with hidden fees or overly complex terms that they did not fully understand.

How Devon Residents Can Check Their Finance Agreements

Devon residents who suspect they might have been affected by motor finance mis-selling should review their finance agreement documents carefully. Key dates to look for are those between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024, as these fall within the FCA investigation period. Important documents include the original finance agreement, correspondence from lenders regarding any changes or defaults, and any emails or letters related to your car purchase. By examining these documents, residents can identify whether their agreement was sold during a time when mis-selling practices were prevalent. If you find discrepancies or unclear terms, it is advisable to seek further advice on how to proceed with complaining directly to your lender for free.

How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free

Residents of Devon who believe they have been affected by motor finance mis-selling can complain directly to their lender for free. 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 Financial Services (BMW). You do not need a claims management company; these firms are often costly intermediaries that add layers of complexity to an already challenging process. If your complaint is unresolved or you require further assistance, the Financial Ombudsman Service provides a free and impartial service for resolving disputes between consumers and financial services companies. This includes motor finance agreements.

Sources and References

FCA estimate of affected agreements: 12.1 million (FCA estimate)
Total loss estimate: £7.5 billion (FCA estimate)
FCA-estimated scheme average per eligible agreement: £829 (FCA estimate)
Population data for Devon: ONS Census 2021
Dealership groups in Devon: Vospers Devon, Hendy Group Devon, Dick Lovett Devon, Wessex Garages Devon
Major lenders operating in Devon: Black Horse (Lloyds Banking Group), MotoNovo Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, Santander Consumer Finance, Barclays Partner Finance, Alphera Financial Services (BMW)
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 Devon are estimated to be affected by motor finance mis-selling?

Based on ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates, approximately 76,734 drivers in Devon may have been affected by motor finance mis-selling.

What is the average amount of money recovered from successful complaints about motor finance mis-selling in Devon?

According to FCA estimates, individuals who successfully complained about motor finance mis-selling could recover around £829 on average (FCA estimate).

If I suspect I've been affected by motor finance mis-selling in Devon, where should I start my complaint?

You can complain directly to your lender for free if you believe you have been a victim of motor finance mis-selling in Devon. You do not need a claims management company.

What is the total number of motor finance agreements estimated to be affected by mis-selling across England, including Devon?

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) estimates that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) may have been affected by motor finance mis-selling in England as a whole, which includes Devon.

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.