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Santander Consumer Finance Motor Finance Claims in Berkshire

Last updated: 26 March 2026

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has recently taken regulatory action against car finance agreements, affecting millions of consumers across the UK. In Berkshire, Santander Consumer Finance is one of several lenders impacted by this ruling. The regulation aims to address issues related to unfair sales practices and excessive fees, particularly those arising from discretionary commission arrangements (DCAs).

Santander Consumer Finance Car Finance Agreements in Berkshire

According to FCA estimates, 12.1 million eligible agreements were affected between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024. In Berkshire, a county with a population of around 927,000 (ONS Census 2021), an estimated 87,602 residents may have been impacted by these agreements with Santander Consumer Finance. These car finance arrangements could include personal contract purchases (PCPs), hire purchase (HP) agreements, and other types of financing for a wide range of vehicles.

The impact on Berkshire residents is significant, as many individuals and families use car finance to meet their transportation needs. The FCA's ruling highlights issues such as excessive fees, hidden charges, and unfair sales practices that have affected borrowers across the country. For those in Berkshire who financed their cars through Santander Consumer Finance during this period, it is crucial to understand their rights and options.

How to Complain to Santander Consumer Finance from Berkshire

Berkshire residents who believe they may be impacted by these car finance agreements can easily file a complaint with Santander Consumer Finance directly. To do so, visit the dedicated complaints page at https://www.santanderconsumer.co.uk/complaints. It is important to note that complaining is free and does not require the assistance of a claims management company. Residents are encouraged to gather all relevant documents, such as loan agreements, payment records, and any correspondence with Santander Consumer Finance, before submitting their complaint.

What Berkshire Residents Should Do Next

Once you have gathered your documentation and identified the dates during which you financed your car with Santander Consumer Finance, it is advisable to review the terms of your agreement carefully. Check for any discrepancies or issues related to excessive fees or unfair sales practices. If you find that you are affected by these concerns, filing a complaint directly with Santander Consumer Finance is a straightforward and cost-free process.

By reaching out to Santander Consumer Finance through their official complaints channel, residents can initiate the resolution process without incurring additional costs or needing third-party assistance. This direct approach ensures transparency and allows borrowers to address any issues they may have encountered during their car finance agreement with Santander Consumer Finance.

Sources and References

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) estimates: 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026), £7.5 billion (FCA, March 2026) total, £829 average per eligible agreement.
Office for National Statistics (ONS) Census 2021.
Santander Consumer Finance complaint URL: https://www.santanderconsumer.co.uk/complaints

How Many People in Berkshire Are Affected?

Based on Berkshire's population of approximately 910,000, an estimated 190,149 motor finance agreements in the area may have been affected by discretionary commission arrangements (FCA estimate, proportional calculation). This represents approximately 1.36% of the UK total of 12.1 million eligible agreements.

Santander Consumer Finance Company Information

Santander Consumer Finance is registered at Companies House (company number 02248870) with a status of active. The company was incorporated on 1988-04-27. Its registered office is at Santander House, 86 Station Road, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1SR. The company currently has 7 directors.

Santander Consumer Finance Complaint Statistics

According to the Financial Ombudsman Service, Santander Consumer Finance received 3 total complaints in H2 2024 BUSINESS. You can check the latest complaint data at the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Santander Consumer Finance's FCA reference number is 403579 (status: No longer registered as an Appointed Representative).

Frequently Asked Questions

I live in Berkshire and was sold a motor finance agreement by Santander Consumer Finance. How can I find out if it might have been mis-sold?

If you believe you may have received unsuitable advice or misleading information about your motor finance agreement with Santander Consumer Finance while living in Berkshire, review the terms of your contract and consider whether the arrangement met your financial needs and circumstances. You can also seek guidance from independent financial advisors to assess if there were any issues with how the product was sold.

What should I do if I suspect that Santander Consumer Finance misrepresented my motor finance agreement when I lived in Berkshire?

If you believe that your motor finance agreement with Santander Consumer Finance might have been mis-sold while you resided in Berkshire, it is advisable to gather all relevant documents and review the terms of your contract carefully. You can also raise a formal complaint directly with Santander Consumer Finance at https://www.santanderconsumer.co.uk/complaints for free.

I am from Berkshire and my motor finance agreement was sold under a Discretionary Commission Arrangement (DCA). Is this common, and how can I verify if it's appropriate?

Discretionary Commission Arrangements (DCAs) are relatively rare but have been known to occur in the car finance industry. If you suspect that your motor finance agreement with Santander Consumer Finance was sold under a DCA while you lived in Berkshire, it is important to understand the terms of the agreement and seek professional advice if necessary. You can also file a complaint directly with Santander Consumer Finance for free at https://www.santanderconsumer.co.uk/complaints.

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.