Motor Finance Claims Wiltshire - FCA Investigation

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Motor Finance Claims Wiltshire - FCA Investigation

Last updated: 27 February 2026

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Wiltshire, home to a population of 510,000 (ONS Census 2021), has seen an estimated 48,195 drivers potentially affected by motor finance mis-selling between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024. This figure is based on calculations using ONS Census data and FCA estimates.

How Motor Finance Mis-Selling Affected Wiltshire

Motor finance mis-selling has been a significant issue in Wiltshire, impacting local residents who sought financing for their vehicles through popular dealership groups such as Vospers Wiltshire, Hendy Group Wiltshire, Dick Lovett Wiltshire, and Wessex Garages Wiltshire. These dealerships are known to have facilitated Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) agreements with various major lenders operating in the area. The major lenders involved include Black Horse (Lloyds Banking Group), MotoNovo Finance, [Close Brothers](https://mlj.org.uk/lenders/close-brothers-motor-finance) Motor Finance, Santander Consumer Finance, Barclays Partner Finance, and [Alphera](https://mlj.org.uk/lenders/alphera-financial-services) Financial Services (BMW). These finance companies have been integral to vehicle purchases across Wiltshire, but recent investigations by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) have uncovered practices that may have led to mis-selling.

The FCA Motor Finance Investigation

The FCA investigation into motor finance mis-selling revealed significant issues with discretionary commission arrangements between dealers and lenders. These arrangements allegedly encouraged dealers to push customers towards more expensive financing options, leading to an estimated 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA estimate). With a total value of £7.5 billion (FCA estimate) and an average cost impact of £829 per customer (FCA estimate), the mis-selling has had substantial financial implications for those affected.

How Wiltshire Residents Can Check Their Finance Agreements

To determine if you have been impacted by motor finance mis-selling, Wiltshire residents should review their finance agreements carefully. Focus on documents and letters dated between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024. Key points to look for include:

The type of financing agreement (PCP or HP)
Any discretionary commission arrangements mentioned
Details of any additional fees or charges that seemed unusual at the time

Gathering these documents will help you assess whether your finance arrangement was potentially mis-sold.

How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free

If you believe you have been affected by motor finance mis-selling, it is important to understand your rights. You can complain directly to your lender for free without the need for a claims management company. Contact any of the major lenders operating in Wiltshire:

Black Horse (Lloyds Banking Group)
MotoNovo Finance
Close Brothers Motor Finance
Santander Consumer Finance
Barclays Partner Finance
Alphera Financial Services (BMW)

These companies are required to address your concerns fairly and without charging you for the process. If your complaint is not resolved satisfactorily, you can escalate it to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) at no additional cost.

Sources and References

FCA
Financial Ombudsman Service
Office for National Statistics (ONS) Census 2021
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 Wiltshire are estimated to be affected by motor finance mis-selling?

Based on calculations using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates, approximately 48,195 drivers in Wiltshire may have been affected by motor finance mis-selling.

What is the average amount of money involved in a mis-sold motor finance agreement for residents of Wiltshire?

According to FCA estimates, the average amount involved in a mis-sold motor finance agreement for individuals in Wiltshire is £829 (FCA estimate).

What are my options if I suspect that my motor finance agreement was mis-sold in Wiltshire?

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

How many motor finance agreements are estimated to have been mis-sold across the UK, including Wiltshire?

The FCA estimates that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) potentially mis-sold (FCA estimate), affecting millions of drivers across the country, including those in Wiltshire.

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.