Motor Finance Claims Sandwell - FCA Investigation

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Motor Finance Claims Sandwell - FCA Investigation

Last updated: 27 February 2026

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Sandwell, a town with a population of 341,800 (ONS Census 2021), has many affected drivers who may have been impacted 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. Motorists in Sandwell could be entitled to compensation if they entered into a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or Hire Purchase (HP) agreement during this period.

How motor finance mis-selling affected Sandwell

In Sandwell, several local dealerships such as Sytner Sandwell, Pendragon Sandwell, Listers Group Sandwell, and John Clark Motor Group Sandwell sold PCP/HP finance agreements to residents. These dealerships partnered with major lenders like 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) to provide financing options for vehicle purchases.

The FCA motor finance investigation

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) conducted an investigation into the discretionary commission arrangements used by lenders during the period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. This investigation found that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026), impacting car buyers across the UK (FCA estimate). The total amount involved in these mis-sold finance agreements was estimated at £7.5 billion (FCA estimate) (FCA, March 2026).

How Sandwell residents can check their finance agreements

To determine if your finance agreement is covered by the FCA redress scheme., Sandwell residents should review the terms and conditions of their PCP or HP contracts. Focus on identifying any discretionary commission arrangements that may have influenced the interest rate or other terms of the agreement. The relevant period to consider is from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. Collecting documents such as finance agreements, loan offers, and correspondence with lenders will be crucial for making an informed decision about your eligibility for compensation.

How to complain directly to your lender for free

If you believe that your finance agreement was mis-sold by a local dealership in Sandwell, you can complain directly to the major lenders involved without needing to use a claims management company. Major lenders such as Black Horse (Lloyds Banking Group), MotoNovo Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, Santander Consumer Finance, Barclays Partner Finance, and Alphera Financial Services (BMW) offer free complaint handling processes. You can complain directly to your lender for free by sending a detailed letter outlining the issues with your finance agreement. This process is straightforward and does not require any additional fees or third-party involvement. If you are unsatisfied with the outcome of your initial complaint, the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) offers a free escalation route for further resolution.

Sources and references

Office for National Statistics (ONS), Census 2021
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Estimates 2024
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 Sandwell might be affected by motor finance mis-selling?

Based on calculated data using ONS Census 2021 population figures and FCA estimates, approximately 32,300 drivers in Sandwell may have been impacted 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 mis-sold in Sandwell?

If you believe your motor finance agreement has been mis-sold, you can complain directly to your lender for free. This process does not require the assistance of a claims management company.

How common is it for residents in Sandwell to be affected by motor finance mis-selling?

Motor finance mis-selling has been identified as an issue affecting many consumers across the UK, including those in Sandwell. It's important to understand your rights and seek advice if you suspect any unfair practices have occurred with your finance agreement.

Where can I find more information about motor finance agreements that may be mis-sold in Sandwell?

For detailed guidance on identifying potentially mis-sold motor finance agreements, residents of Sandwell can visit the MLJ.org.uk directory or contact their local dealership group for further advice. Remember, you do not need a claims management company to seek redress.

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.