Citroen has been a popular choice for car buyers in Kent since 2007, with many residents opting to finance their Citroen vehicles through Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) agreements. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates that around 149,688 residents in Kent may have been affected by motor finance mis-selling during the period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024.
Citroen Car Finance in Kent
Citroen car finance has been a common choice for many drivers in Kent. Local dealerships often work with major lenders such as Santander, BMW Financial Services (BFS), and other financial institutions to offer attractive PCP and HP deals on new and used cars. These agreements are designed to make car ownership more accessible by spreading the cost over an extended period, usually 36 to 48 months.
However, these financing methods have been scrutinised due to concerns about discretionary commission arrangements (DCAs), where lenders may receive additional payments from manufacturers for steering customers towards specific finance products. This could lead to higher costs for consumers without clear disclosure of the underlying mechanics driving these commissions.
How Kent Residents Can Check Their Citroen Finance Agreement
Kent residents who financed their Citroen cars through PCP or HP should review their agreements carefully to understand if they were subject to any mis-selling practices. Key elements to look for include:
- Interest rates and fees: Compare the interest rates and total cost of your agreement with market standards.
- Commission details: Look for any mentions of commissions paid by Citroen to lenders, which might indicate a DCA influencing your finance terms.
- Documentation and communications: Review correspondence from your lender during the contract period. Any anomalies or unclear explanations could suggest potential issues.
Citizens should also pay attention to specific dates related to their agreement:
- The date they signed the finance contract
- Key payment due dates
- End of term dates
These details can help residents build a comprehensive case for any complaints they wish to file with their lender.
Complaining to Your Lender for Free: Step by Step
If Kent residents suspect that their Citroen car finance agreement was mis-sold, they should take proactive steps to resolve the issue directly with their lender. The process involves several key stages:
- Gather Documentation: Collect all relevant documents related to your finance agreement and any correspondence with your lender.
- Review Terms: Revisit the terms of your contract, focusing on interest rates, additional fees, and any discrepancies in payment schedules or total costs.
- Contact Your Lender: Reach out to your financial provider via phone or email to express concerns about potential mis-selling practices. Provide them with documentation and specific details highlighting issues within your agreement.
- Follow Up: If the initial contact does not yield a satisfactory response, follow up with additional queries or escalate the matter through internal dispute resolution procedures.
It is important to note that you do not need a claims management company (CMC) to handle these complaints. The [Financial Ombudsman](https://mlj.org.uk/guides/financial-ombudsman-service) Service (FOS) can also provide guidance and assistance if your lender does not resolve the issue satisfactorily. Residents are encouraged to use these free resources rather than seeking out expensive third-party services.
Sources and References
- Office for National Statistics Census 2021
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) estimates: 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026), £7.5 billion (FCA, March 2026) total mis-selling, £829 average per eligible agreement per agreement (FCA estimate)
- Discretionary commission arrangement details from FCA guidance
Citroen Finance Claims in Kent
With a population of approximately 1,900,000, an estimated 397,014 motor finance agreements in Kent 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).
Citroen Safety Recalls
Citroen has had 684 safety recalls across 65 models, according to the DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch. The most recalled models are: C3 (68 recalls), C4 (56 recalls), Spacetourer (49 recalls), Berlingo (43 recalls), Dispatch (34 recalls). Check if your Citroen has an outstanding recall.