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Motor Finance Claims Kent — FCA Mis-Selling Investigation

Last updated: 27 February 2026

Kent — mlj.org.uk — Photo by Kyran Weekes on Pexels

Kent, a county with a population of 1,584,000 (ONS Census 2021), has seen an estimated 149,688 residents potentially affected by motor finance mis-selling from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024 (calculated using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates). This issue has raised significant concerns among local drivers regarding the fairness of their car finance agreements. ## How Motor Finance Mis-Selling Affected Kent In Kent, several well-known dealership groups such as Caffyns Kent, Harwoods Kent, Lookers Kent, and Hendy Group Kent have been involved in selling Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) agreements. These dealerships often work with major lenders like [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). The practice of selling motor finance agreements has been widespread in the region, making it essential for drivers to understand their rights. ## The FCA Motor Finance Investigation The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched an investigation into discretionary commission arrangements within the motor finance industry. These arrangements allowed dealerships and lenders to receive additional payments based on the type of finance agreement sold. The investigation found that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) by these practices across the UK, resulting in a total of £7.5 billion (FCA estimate) being potentially mis-sold with an FCA-estimated average of £829 per eligible agreement. This period covers motor finance agreements from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. ## How Kent Residents Can Check Their Finance Agreements Kent residents who suspect they may have been affected by motor finance mis-selling should take proactive steps to review their finance agreements. Key aspects to check include: - Dates: Ensure that your agreement was signed between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024. - Documentation: Gather all relevant documents, including the original finance contract, payment schedules, and any correspondence with your lender or dealership. If you identify discrepancies or suspect mis-selling, it is crucial to understand that you can take action directly without involving a claims management company. You do not need a claims management company; you can complain directly to your lender for free. ## How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free Kent residents who have concerns about their motor finance agreements should contact the relevant lenders first. Major lenders operating in Kent include: - Black Horse (Lloyds Banking Group) - MotoNovo Finance - Close Brothers Motor Finance - Santander Consumer Finance - Barclays Partner Finance - Alphera Financial Services (BMW) When contacting your lender, provide clear details of the issues you have identified in your finance agreement. If you are not satisfied with the response from your lender, you can escalate your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) at no cost. ## Sources and References - FCA estimates on motor finance mis-selling: 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026), £7.5 billion total, £829 average per eligible agreement loss per customer. - Population of Kent: ONS Census 2021 - Dealerships in Kent: Caffyns Kent, Harwoods Kent, Lookers Kent, Hendy Group Kent - Major lenders operating in Kent: 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 Kent are estimated to have been affected by motor finance mis-selling?

Based on population data from the ONS Census 2021 and FCA estimates, approximately 149,688 drivers in Kent may have been impacted by motor finance mis-selling.

What should I do if I suspect that my motor finance agreement was mis-sold to me in Kent?

If you believe your motor finance agreement was mis-sold to you, it is important to review the terms and conditions thoroughly. You can complain directly to your lender for free without needing a claims management company.

How common is motor finance mis-selling in Kent?

Motor finance mis-selling affects many drivers across the UK, including those in Kent. With an estimated 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) potentially affected nationally and specific calculations indicating that around 10% of Kent’s driving population could be impacted, it is a significant issue.

What are some signs that my motor finance agreement might have been mis-sold in Kent?

Signs of motor finance mis-selling include being pressured into taking out an agreement you didn’t want or need, being misled about the terms and conditions, or being offered a deal only available through financed loans. If these apply to your situation, consider reviewing your contract and speaking with your lender directly.

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.