Motor Finance Claims South West - FCA Investigation

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Motor Finance Claims South West - FCA Investigation

Last updated: 27 February 2026

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The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has estimated that around 539,784 drivers in the South West region may have been affected by motor finance mis-selling practices between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024. This figure was calculated using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates for the entire UK, reflecting the significant impact on the area's population of 5,712,000 (ONS Census 2021).

How Motor Finance Mis-selling Affected South West

Motor finance mis-selling practices in the South West region involved a variety of local dealerships, including Vospers South West, Hendy Group South West, Dick Lovett South West, and Wessex Garages South West. These dealerships provided Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or Hire Purchase (HP) agreements to customers who were often unaware that they could negotiate better terms directly with lenders. Several major finance providers operated in the area during this period, 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). These lenders were involved in providing financing options to car buyers through local dealerships.

The FCA Motor Finance Investigation

The FCA launched an investigation into motor finance mis-selling practices due to discretionary commission arrangements between lenders and dealerships. According to the FCA's estimates, 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) across the UK (FCA estimate) were affected by these practices during the period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. The total value of these agreements amounted to £7.5 billion (FCA estimate), with an average mis-sold amount of around £829 per agreement (FCA estimate). These figures highlight the widespread nature of the issue and its significant financial impact on consumers who entered into motor finance agreements during this period.

How South West Residents Can Check Their Finance Agreements

South West residents can check whether they were affected by mis-selling practices by reviewing their car finance agreements carefully. Key aspects to look for include:

Dates: The agreements should fall within the period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024.
Finance Type: Ensure that you entered into a PCP or HP agreement through a local dealership.
Documentation: Gather all relevant documents, including loan contracts, dealer invoices, and any communication with your lender regarding the finance terms.

By reviewing these details, residents can determine if they have grounds to complain about their motor finance agreements.

How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free

If you believe that you were affected by mis-selling practices, you can complain directly to your lender for free. Major lenders operating in the South West include Black Horse (Lloyds Banking Group), MotoNovo Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, Santander Consumer Finance, Barclays Partner Finance, and Alphera Financial Services (BMW). You do not need a claims management company to lodge a complaint. Your first step should be to contact your lender directly with the relevant documentation and details of your concerns. If you are dissatisfied with the response from your lender, you can escalate the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) for free.

Sources and References

FCA estimates on agreements and financial impact
ONS Census 2021 population data for South West
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many drivers in South West might have been affected by motor finance mis-selling?

Based on calculations using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates, approximately 539,784 drivers in the South West region may have been affected by motor finance mis-selling.

What is the average amount of money involved per motor finance agreement for residents in South West?

The average value of a motor finance agreement was £829 (FCA estimate) for drivers in the South West region during the period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024.

What should I do if I suspect my motor finance agreement was mis-sold by a dealership in South West?

If you suspect that your motor finance agreement was mis-sold, you can complain directly to your lender for free. You do not need a claims management company.

How many motor finance agreements were there across the UK during the period of interest?

The number of motor finance agreements in the UK from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024 is estimated at 12.1 million (FCA estimate). This includes agreements made by drivers in South West.

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.