FCA Car Finance Deadline The FCA car finance claim deadline was 30 June 2026 for post-2014 agreements. 12.1 million agreements affected, FCA-estimated scheme average of £829 per eligible agreement.
on 25 April 2026
When Is the Car Finance Claim Deadline?
The car finance claim deadline is approaching quickly, with two key dates to keep in mind: 30 June 2026 and 31 August 2026. FCA car finance deadline For agreements made after 1 January 2014, you must submit your complaint by 30 June 2026. If your agreement was before this date, you have until 31 August 2026 to make a claim. However, the final consumer deadline for lodging complaints with the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) is 31 August 2027.
According to the FCA Motor Finance Review, 12.1 million agreements covered with FCA-estimated scheme average of £829 per eligible agreement
As of today, there are only 66 days left before the initial complaint submission deadline for post-2014 agreements. This means you must act swiftly to ensure your claim doesn't expire prematurely.
Am I Affected by the Car Finance Scandal?
If you entered into a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or Hire Purchase (HP) agreement between 2007 and 2024, you could be covered by the FCA redress scheme. To confirm whether your car finance deal was part of this scandal, use the FCA's online tool at /tools/finance-checker to verify your eligibility.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has identified over 12.1 million agreements affected by unfair charges and hidden fees. This includes a wide range of lenders such as Black Horse, Ford Credit, Santander, MotoNovo, Close Brothers, Barclays Partner Finance, BMW, VW, Moneybarn, and Vauxhall.
What does the FCA scheme cover
The average refund for those who have already received compensation is £829. However, the actual amount can vary based on several factors such as the length of your agreement and any charges or fees you incurred during that period.
Given these figures, it's clear that many consumers could benefit significantly from making a claim before the deadline expires.
What Do I Need to Do Before the Deadline?
To make a successful claim, you need to take two main steps:
- Write to Your Lender Free of Charge: Contact your lender directly and request a refund based on the unfair charges or fees applied during your agreement period. You can use our free template letter generator at /tools/letter-generator to help with this process.
- Wait 8 Weeks for Response: After sending your complaint, give your lender time to respond. They should acknowledge receipt within a few days and provide a detailed response within eight weeks. If you don't receive a satisfactory resolution from your lender after these eight weeks, it's important that you escalate the matter further.
If your initial attempt is unsuccessful or you face delays, you can take advantage of the FOS service which is also free to use. At FCA car finance deadline, the Financial Ombudsman Service will review your case and make a fair decision based on the evidence provided.
Which Lenders Are Affected?
The car finance scandal has affected numerous lenders across the UK. Some of the most prominent ones include:
- Black Horse
- Ford Credit
- Santander
- MotoNovo
- Close Brothers
- Barclays Partner Finance
- BMW
- VW
- Moneybarn
- Vauxhall
Each of these lenders has been involved in the unfair practices that have led to many consumers being overcharged for their car finance agreements.
You Do Not Need a Claims Management Company
It's important to understand that you can claim compensation directly from your lender or through the Financial Ombudsman Service without any additional cost. Many claims management companies (CMCs) offer services related to these claims but often charge fees ranging from 25% to 40%, significantly reducing the amount of money you actually receive.
Therefore, it's highly recommended that consumers take advantage of the free and straightforward process provided by the FCA's framework for lodging complaints directly with their lender or through the FOS. This ensures that any compensation awarded goes entirely into your pocket without deductions for fees.
What Happens If I Miss the Deadline?
If you miss the initial deadlines of 30 June 2026 and 31 August 2026, there's still a final consumer deadline of 31 August 2027 to lodge complaints with the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). However, you should act quickly as missing these dates can significantly delay your claim process or even result in rejection.
Given that only 66 days remain until the initial deadlines, now is the time to take action. By submitting your complaint well before the deadline, you ensure a smoother and more efficient resolution to your case.
To sum up, if you suspect that your car finance agreement may have been affected by unfair practices, don't hesitate to take immediate steps to claim compensation. Use our free resources at /tools/finance-checker and /tools/letter-generator to help guide you through the process efficiently and effectively.
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MLJ.org.uk (mlj.org.uk) is a free, independent information service. We are not a claims management company, solicitor, law firm, or financial adviser. We do not handle complaints, process claims, charge fees, or accept any percentage of compensation. This information does not constitute legal or financial advice. You can complain to your lender directly for free. You do not need a claims management company. If your lender rejects your complaint, you can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service at no cost. For personalised legal or financial advice, consult a qualified professional.