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Motor Finance Claims Stirling — FCA Investigation

Last updated: 27 February 2026

Stirling — mlj.org.uk — Photo by kevin grieve on Pexels

Stirling, a Scottish council area with a population of 94,200 (ONS Census 2021), has been affected by motor finance mis-selling. An estimated 8,902 drivers in Stirling may have been impacted by this issue, based on calculations using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates. ## How Motor Finance Mis-Selling Affected Stirling Motor finance mis-selling primarily involved Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) agreements sold at local dealerships in Stirling. Dealerships such as Arnold Clark Stirling, Peter Vardy Stirling, Eastern Western Motor Group Stirling, and Macklin Motors Stirling were likely to have been involved in these sales practices. Major lenders operating in the area included 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 were incentivised by discretionary commission arrangements from lenders to sell finance agreements that may not have been suitable for their customers. This practice led to many consumers entering into agreements they did not fully understand or could afford. ## The FCA Motor Finance Investigation The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched an investigation into the motor finance industry, focusing on these discretionary commission arrangements. It found that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) by poor sales practices between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024 (FCA estimate). These agreements resulted in a total overpayment of £7.5 billion (FCA estimate), with an average customer paying approximately £829 more than they should have (FCA estimate). ## How Stirling Residents Can Check Their Finance Agreements If you suspect that your motor finance agreement may be affected, there are several steps to take: 1. Review Your Documents: Look for any paperwork from the time of purchase that outlines the terms and conditions of your finance agreement. 2. Check Agreement Dates: Ensure that your agreement was signed between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024, as this is the period under investigation by the FCA. 3. Gather Relevant Information: Collect any relevant documents such as loan agreements, payment schedules, and correspondence with lenders. ## How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free If you believe your finance agreement was mis-sold, you can complain directly to your lender without needing a [claims management company](https://mlj.org.uk/guides/complaints-about-claims-management-companies). Major lenders operating in Stirling include Black Horse (Lloyds Banking Group), MotoNovo Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, Santander Consumer Finance, Barclays Partner Finance, and Alphera Financial Services (BMW). Each of these lenders has a dedicated complaints procedure that allows you to raise issues free of charge. If your complaint is not resolved satisfactorily by the lender, you can escalate it to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) for further review. The FOS provides an independent and impartial service at no cost to consumers. You do not need a claims management company to handle your complaint; you can manage this process directly with your lender or through the FOS if necessary. ## Sources and References - Financial Conduct Authority (2024) - ONS Census 2021 - Financial Ombudsman Service

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 Stirling might have been affected by motor finance mis-selling?

Based on ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates, approximately 8,902 drivers in Stirling may have been affected by motor finance mis-selling.

What should I do if I suspect my motor finance agreement was mis-sold to me in Stirling?

If you believe your motor finance agreement was mis-sold in Stirling, it is advisable to review the terms and conditions of your contract. You can also contact your lender directly for free to discuss any concerns or complaints.

What are the common signs that a motor finance agreement might have been mis-sold in Stirling?

Common signs include receiving unsuitable advice, being misled about affordability, and not fully understanding the terms of the agreement. If you experience any of these issues while residing in Stirling, consider reviewing your contract or seeking professional legal advice.

How can I ensure my motor finance agreement is fair and suitable for me if I live in Stirling?

To ensure that your motor finance agreement is fair and suitable for you when living in Stirling, it is important to understand the terms of the contract thoroughly. You should compare different financing options available from reputable dealerships like Arnold Clark in Stirling or local banks before committing.

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.