The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) estimates 12.1 million eligible agreements were affected by mis-selling practices between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024, totalling £7.5 billion (FCA, March 2026) in overcharged fees, with an average of £829 per agreement (FCA estimate). In Surrey, a county home to approximately 1,203,000 residents according to the ONS Census 2021, this mis-selling could impact up to 113,684 individuals who financed their Abarth cars through Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or Hire Purchase (HP).
Abarth Car Finance in Surrey
Surrey residents commonly financed their Abarth cars through popular lenders such as
Black Horse, Volkswagen Financial Services, and
Lombard. These financing methods often included the use of PCP plans, which allow buyers to spread payments over a longer period while paying for just part of the car's value upfront. Many individuals in Surrey opted for this type of car finance due to its flexibility and manageable monthly repayments.
How Surrey Residents Can Check Their Abarth Finance Agreement
Surrey residents who financed their Abarth cars should review their agreements carefully. Key aspects to look for include any
discretionary commission arrangements (DCAs), which were common in mis-selling practices. These DCAs could have led to hidden fees and higher interest rates than initially disclosed. Additionally, it is crucial to check the start date of your finance agreement and whether it falls within the specified period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024.
Complaining to Your Lender for Free
Surrey residents who suspect their Abarth car finance agreements were mis-sold can
complain directly to their lender at no cost. This process involves gathering evidence such as your finance agreement and any correspondence with the lender, then submitting a formal complaint in writing or through an online form provided by the lender. You do not need a
claims management company for this; you can handle it yourself without incurring additional fees.
What If Your Initial Complaint Is Not Resolved?
If your initial complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction, you have the option to escalate the matter further by submitting a complaint to the
Financial Ombudsman Service (
FOS). The FOS will review your case and provide an impartial decision if necessary. This service is also free of charge.
Do You Need Any Special Documentation?
While some documents such as your finance agreement are essential, you do not need any specific forms or legal representation to file a complaint. Simply providing clear and detailed information about the issues you faced will help in resolving your case effectively.
You can complain directly to your lender for free and do not need a claims management company for this process.
Sources and References
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) estimates on mis-selling practices: 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026), £7.5 billion (FCA, March 2026) total, £829 average per eligible agreement.
- ONS Census 2021 population figures for Surrey.
- FOS guidelines on handling complaints.
Abarth Finance Claims in Surrey
With a population of approximately 1,200,000, an estimated 250,746 motor finance agreements in Surrey may have been affected by discretionary commission arrangements (FCA estimate). Eligible motor finance agreements run from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024 (FCA, March 2026).
Abarth Safety Recalls
Abarth has had 2 safety recalls across 2 models, according to the DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch. The most recalled models are: 600E Bev (1 recalls), 500E (1 recalls). Check if your Abarth has an outstanding recall.