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Liverpool residents are affected by an estimated 45,936 cases of motor finance mis-selling between 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024 (calculated using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates). With a population of 486,100 (ONS Census 2021), many drivers in Liverpool may have been misled about the terms of their
Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or
Hire Purchase (HP) agreements.
## How Motor Finance Mis-selling Affected Liverpool
Dealerships such as Arnold Clark Liverpool, JCT600 Liverpool, Lookers Liverpool, and Peter Vardy Liverpool were among those that sold PCP/HP finance in the city. Major lenders operating within Liverpool 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 dealerships and lenders played a significant role in the motor finance market during the period when mis-selling was prevalent.
## The FCA Motor Finance Investigation
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched an investigation into
discretionary commission arrangements used by motor finance providers. This investigation uncovered widespread mis-selling affecting 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) across the UK, with total overcharges estimated at £7.5 billion (FCA estimate), averaging £829 per agreement (FCA estimate). The FCA’s findings highlight that many drivers were misled about their financing options and could be entitled to a refund.
## How Liverpool Residents Can Check Their Finance Agreements
If you believe you may have been affected by motor finance mis-selling, the first step is to review your finance agreements. Focus on documentation from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024, specifically looking for any evidence of discretionary commissions or inflated financing terms. Gather all relevant documents such as loan agreements, payment schedules, and correspondence with lenders.
## How to
Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free
You can complain directly to your lender for free without needing a
claims management company. Major lenders operating in Liverpool include Black Horse (Lloyds Banking Group), MotoNovo Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, Santander Consumer Finance, Barclays Partner Finance, and Alphera Financial Services (BMW). These lenders have internal processes designed to handle complaints effectively.
If your complaint is not resolved satisfactorily by the lender, you can escalate it to the
Financial Ombudsman Service (
FOS), which provides a free service for resolving disputes between consumers and financial firms. The FOS offers an impartial review process that does not require legal representation or the involvement of a claims management company.
## Sources and References
- 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.