Motor Finance Claims Hastings - FCA Investigation

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Motor Finance Claims Hastings - FCA Investigation

Last updated: 27 February 2026

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Hastings, a town with a population of 92,900 (ONS Census 2021), has seen an estimated 8,779 drivers potentially 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 Hastings

The issue of motor finance mis-selling has impacted many residents in Hastings who purchased cars through PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) or HP (Hire Purchase) agreements from local dealerships. Dealers such as Caffyns Hastings, Harwoods Hastings, Lookers Hastings, and Hendy Group Hastings have been involved in selling these financing options to customers. Major lenders operating within 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).

The FCA Motor Finance Investigation

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) conducted an investigation into motor finance mis-selling from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. The investigation uncovered that some car dealerships were incentivised by discretionary commission arrangements, leading them to offer customers unsuitable financing options. As a result, 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) may have been affected across the UK, involving over £7.5 billion in total lending (FCA estimate), with an average of £829 per agreement (FCA estimate).

How Hastings Residents Can Check Their Finance Agreements

Hastings residents who suspect they were sold inappropriate motor finance can take steps to verify their agreements: 1. Check the Date Range: Ensure your finance agreement falls between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024. 2. Review Documentation: Gather all relevant documents, including loan agreements, contracts, and any correspondence with dealerships or lenders. 3. Identify Unfair Practices: Look for signs of mis-selling such as high interest rates, unsuitable repayment terms, and excessive fees.

How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free

Residents who believe they have been affected by motor finance mis-selling can complain directly to their lender for free without needing a claims management company. Major lenders operating in Hastings 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; you can handle the complaint yourself. If your lender does not resolve your issue satisfactorily, you can escalate it to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) for free. The FOS is an independent body that resolves disputes between consumers and financial services providers impartially.

Sources and References

Office for National Statistics (ONS) Census 2021
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
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 residents in Hastings might have been affected by motor finance mis-selling?

Based on population data from the ONS Census 2021 and FCA estimates, it is estimated that around 8,779 drivers in Hastings 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 mishandled by a dealership in Hastings?

If you suspect that your motor finance agreement was mishandled, it's important to gather all relevant documents and contact the lender directly to discuss any concerns. You can complain directly to your lender for free and seek clarification on the terms of your agreement.

What is the average amount claimed by drivers in Hastings due to motor finance mis-selling?

According to FCA estimates, the average amount claimed by affected drivers due to motor finance mis-selling across the UK is £829 (FCA estimate). This figure can vary based on individual circumstances and agreements.

How many motor finance agreements might have been issued incorrectly in Hastings?

Based on FCA estimates, out of the 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) nationwide from April 6, 2007 to November 1, 2024 (FCA estimate), a significant number may have been mishandled. In Hastings, this could affect up to 8,779 drivers who might need to review their agreements (calculated using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates).

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.