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Maidstone, a town located within Kent in the South East region with a population of 173,100 (ONS Census 2021), has seen an estimated 16,358 drivers potentially affected by motor finance mis-selling during the period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. This figure was calculated using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates (calculated using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates). Motor finance mis-selling has been a significant issue in the town, impacting many local residents who entered into
Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or
Hire Purchase (HP) agreements with various dealerships.
How motor finance mis-selling affected Maidstone
Local dealerships such as Caffyns Maidstone, Harwoods Maidstone, Lookers Maidstone, and Hendy Group Maidstone sold PCP/HP finance to residents of Maidstone. These dealerships worked closely with major lenders including
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 mis-selling allegations stem from the use of
discretionary commission arrangements that may have incentivised sales staff to push finance agreements that were not in the best interest of customers.
The FCA motor finance investigation
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) initiated an investigation into these practices, finding that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) had been affected across the UK during the period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. This resulted in a total of £7.5 billion being mis-sold (FCA, March 2026). The investigation uncovered that discretionary commission arrangements had led to improper sales practices and potentially unfair terms for consumers.
How Maidstone residents can check their finance agreements
Residents of Maidstone who suspect they were affected by motor finance mis-selling should review their finance agreements carefully. Key dates to look out for are 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024, as these encompass the period covered by the FCA investigation. Gather all relevant documents such as contract papers, payment records, and correspondence with lenders or dealerships. Checking these documents will help identify any irregularities or unfair terms that may have been imposed due to mis-selling practices.
Maidstone residents who believe they were affected by motor finance mis-selling can complain directly to their lender for free. Major lenders such as Black Horse, MotoNovo Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, Santander Consumer Finance, Barclays Partner Finance, and Alphera Financial Services have established complaint procedures that do not require the involvement of a
claims management company. You do not need a claims management company; instead, you can handle your complaint directly through the lender’s customer service or complaints department.
If your initial complaint is unresolved or if you feel that it was handled inadequately, you can escalate the matter to the
Financial Ombudsman Service (
FOS) for free. The FOS provides an independent review and resolution process, ensuring fair treatment of consumer complaints regarding financial services.
Sources and references
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
- Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)
- Office for National Statistics Census 2021 (ONS Census 2021)
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.