Motor Finance Claims North West - FCA Investigation

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Motor Finance Claims North West - FCA Investigation

Last updated: 27 February 2026

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The North West region, home to 7,417,000 residents (ONS Census 2021), has seen many affected drivers due to motor finance mis-selling issues. This figure is calculated using population data and FCA estimates.

How Motor Finance Mis-Selling Affected North West

Motor finance mis-selling has impacted many car buyers in the North West through various dealership groups. Local dealerships such as Arnold Clark North West, JCT600 North West, Lookers North West, and Peter Vardy North West were involved in selling Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or Hire Purchase (HP) agreements during the problematic period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. Major lenders operating in the region 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) launched an investigation into motor finance mis-selling due to discretionary commission arrangements. It was found that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) across the UK, totalling £7.5 billion in total (FCA estimate). On average, each affected driver could have been overcharged by approximately £829 (FCA estimate).

How North West Residents Can Check Their Finance Agreements

Residents of the North West can review their finance agreements to check for mis-selling issues. Key points to look for include any discretionary commission arrangements and whether these commissions were disclosed at the time of agreement. The affected period is from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. Gather all relevant documents, such as loan contracts, bank statements showing monthly payments, and correspondence with lenders.

How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free

If you suspect that your finance agreement was mis-sold, you can complain directly to your lender for free without the need for a claims management company. Major lenders in the North West include Black Horse (Lloyds Banking Group), MotoNovo Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, Santander Consumer Finance, Barclays Partner Finance, and Alphera Financial Services (BMW). By contacting these lenders directly, you can initiate the complaint process without any upfront costs. You do not need a claims management company to handle your case. Should your lender’s response be unsatisfactory, you may escalate the issue to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) for free mediation and resolution.

Sources and References

FCA estimates: 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) (£7.5 billion total), £829 average per eligible agreement overcharge.
Population data: ONS Census 2021
Local dealership groups: Arnold Clark North West, JCT600 North West, Lookers North West, Peter Vardy North West
Major lenders: 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 North West are potentially affected by motor finance mis-selling?

Based on ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates, approximately 700,906 drivers in the North West region may be impacted by motor finance mis-selling.

What should I do if I suspect my car finance agreement was sold to me improperly?

If you believe your motor finance agreement may have been mis-sold, you can complain directly to your lender for free. The lender is required to investigate and respond to your concerns in accordance with regulatory guidelines.

Are there any statistics on the number of people affected by mis-selling across the UK?

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) estimates that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) potentially mis-sold from June 2007 to November 2024. This figure highlights the widespread nature of motor finance mis-selling issues in the UK, including North West.

How can I check if my car finance agreement is fair and legal?

It's important to review your finance agreement carefully for any signs of mis-selling or unfair terms. You can consult with a financial advisor or contact your lender directly to ask about the terms and conditions of your agreement.

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.