Infiniti car finance claims have been a concern for many consumers who purchased their vehicles through Lookers, one of the largest dealership groups in the UK. While Lookers may not currently stock Infiniti, it's important to note that many consumers bought Infiniti cars from Lookers on Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or Hire Purchase (HP) finance arrangements between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024.
Infiniti Finance at Lookers
When purchasing an Infiniti through Lookers, the dealership typically arranges your car finance for you. However, it’s crucial to understand that while Lookers facilitates this process, they are not the lender; rather, they work with various financial institutions to provide financing options. These arrangements often include
discretionary commission agreements (DCAs), where dealers receive a higher commission if consumers opt for more expensive finance deals or add-ons. This can lead to inflated car prices and unnecessary fees, affecting both the monthly payments and the overall cost of your Infiniti.
Finding Your Lender
To ensure you address any issues directly with the right party, it is imperative to identify which lender provided your car finance agreement when you bought an Infiniti through Lookers. Check your finance agreement documentation for the name of the lending institution. This information can typically be found on documents such as the credit application form or the loan confirmation letter. Understanding who your lender is will help you deal with the complaint process effectively.
If you believe that your car finance arrangement through Lookers was unfair or resulted in unnecessary costs, you should
[complain directly](https://mlj.org.uk/guides/how-to-complain-to-your-lender) to your lender. You do not need a
claims management company to handle this on your behalf; it is free and straightforward to communicate with the lending institution yourself. According to FCA estimates, around 14 million agreements have been affected by such issues during the specified period, resulting in an average cost of £700 per consumer and a total estimated loss of £8.2 billion.
You can complain directly to your lender for free by following these steps:
- Gather Documentation: Collect all relevant documents including your finance agreement, payment receipts, and any correspondence with the dealership.
- Contact Your Lender: Reach out to your lender via phone or email. Provide them with your concerns clearly and concisely, referencing specific issues such as inflated fees or unnecessary add-ons.
- Follow Up: If you do not receive a response within 10 days, follow up politely but firmly. Keep records of all communications in case further action is needed.
Remember, the dealer (Lookers) is not the entity to complain to; your complaint should be directed at the lender who provided your car finance agreement. By taking this direct approach, you can potentially recover any overcharged fees and ensure fair treatment moving forward.
Sources and references
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). "Consumer Credit Market Study: Summary of provisional findings" [Accessed 10 May 2023]
- Lookers plc. Official website [Accessed 10 May 2023]