Motor Finance Claims West Sussex - FCA Investigation

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Motor Finance Claims West Sussex - FCA Investigation

Last updated: 27 February 2026

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West Sussex, home to approximately 882,000 residents (ONS Census 2021), has been significantly impacted by motor finance mis-selling. An estimated 83,349 drivers in West Sussex have been affected by these practices (calculated using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates). This article aims to provide clarity on how this issue unfolded within the county and what steps residents can take if they suspect they were sold a finance agreement unfairly.

How motor finance mis-selling affected West Sussex

Dealerships in West Sussex, such as Caffyns West Sussex, Harwoods West Sussex, Lookers West Sussex, and Hendy Group West Sussex, were among those involved in the sale of Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) agreements. These dealerships operated under various major lenders including [Black Horse](https://mlj.org.uk/lenders/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 of these finance products was driven by [[discretionary commission](https://mlj.org.uk/glossary/discretionary-commission-arrangement)](https://mlj.org.uk/glossary/discretionary-commission-arrangement) arrangements that incentivised salespeople to push customers towards more expensive deals.

The FCA motor finance investigation

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched an extensive investigation into the practices surrounding PCP and HP agreements, spanning from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. This period saw a staggering 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) across the UK (FCA estimate), with a total value of £7.5 billion (FCA estimate). The average amount claimed back by consumers was approximately £829 (FCA estimate). The investigation highlighted that many customers were misled into choosing high-cost finance options, often due to hidden commissions and aggressive sales tactics employed by dealerships. This led to significant financial burdens for individuals who might not have fully understood the terms of their agreements.

How West Sussex residents can check their finance agreements

Residents in West Sussex can take proactive steps to review their finance agreements and determine if they were sold a product unfairly. Here’s what you should look for:

Dates: Check if your agreement was signed between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024.
Documents: Gather all relevant documents, including the loan agreement, sales invoice, and any letters or emails from your lender regarding your finance terms.

If you identify that your finance agreement falls within this period and suspect mis-selling, you should consider reviewing your paperwork carefully for signs of misleading practices.

How to complain directly to your lender for free

You can complain directly to your lender for free if you believe you have been affected by motor finance mis-selling. Major lenders operating in West Sussex 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 process that is free to use. If your complaint is not resolved satisfactorily by the lender, you can escalate it to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) for an independent review. The FOS provides a free service and will assess whether the lender’s handling of your case was fair. You do not need a claims management company to handle this process; direct complaints are often quicker and more effective.

Sources and references

ONS Census 2021
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) estimates for motor finance mis-selling cases: 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026), £7.5 billion total, £829 average per eligible agreement
Motor Finance Dealership Groups in West Sussex: Caffyns West Sussex, Harwoods West Sussex, Lookers West Sussex, Hendy Group West Sussex
Major lenders operating in West Sussex: 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 West Sussex may have been affected by motor finance mis-selling?

Based on calculations using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates, an estimated 83,349 drivers in West Sussex may have been affected by motor finance mis-selling from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024.

What should I do if I suspect that my motor finance agreement was mis-sold in West Sussex?

If you believe your motor finance agreement was mis-sold, the first step is to review your agreement and any communication from the lender. You can complain directly to your lender for free and request a reassessment of your case.

What are some signs that my motor finance agreement might have been mis-sold in West Sussex?

Signs of potential mis-selling include being pressured into choosing a finance plan rather than paying upfront, not understanding the terms and conditions fully, or being encouraged to enter an agreement without considering alternative options such as leasing or personal loans.

How can I protect myself from motor finance mis-selling in West Sussex?

To protect yourself from motor finance mis-selling in West Sussex, it is important to thoroughly research your financing options before committing. Compare interest rates and terms with reputable dealerships such as South Coast Cars Group or Brighton Motor Works in the area. Always ask for clear explanations of all costs involved.

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.