An estimated 67,378 residents in Leicestershire may be affected by motor finance mis-selling related to Citroen car purchases between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024. This period saw significant issues within the UK’s car finance market that could have led to unfair practices for those who bought a Citroen vehicle in Leicestershire.
Citroen Car Finance in Leicestershire
In Leicestershire, residents commonly financed their Citroen cars through Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) agreements. These financing methods were widely used by local dealerships like Citroen to facilitate car purchases for individuals who preferred not to pay the full price upfront. Common lenders in the region included major banks and finance companies that partnered with Citroen showrooms.
How Leicestershire Residents Can Check Their Citroen Finance Agreement
Leicester residents can review their Citroen car finance agreement by carefully examining key details such as the interest rate, monthly payments, and any early repayment penalties. It is important to look for the dates of the loan start and end, which should align with when the mis-selling period was active (6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024). Additionally, residents should be aware of any "discretionary commission arrangement" (DCA) that may have been part of their agreement. DCAs allowed lenders to receive additional commissions from car dealerships, which could have influenced the terms offered to consumers.
Complaining to Your Lender for Free
Citroen car finance customers in Leicestershire can complain directly to their lender without needing a claims management company. The process involves several straightforward steps:
- Identify Potential Issues: Review your Citroen finance agreement and look for signs of mis-selling, such as unfair interest rates or excessive fees.
- Gather Documentation: Collect all relevant paperwork related to the car purchase and financing, including loan agreements and correspondence with the lender.
- Contact Your Lender: Write a formal letter to your Citroen dealership or finance provider outlining any concerns you have about the agreement. Clearly state that you believe there may be an issue related to mis-selling during the specified period.
- Follow Up: If you do not receive a satisfactory response within 8 weeks, escalate your complaint by writing again and requesting a review from a more senior manager or department.
You can also seek help from the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) if your lender fails to resolve your issue adequately. Remember, it is important to document every step of the process and keep records of all communications with your lender.
Sources and References
- FCA estimates: 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026), £7.5 billion (FCA, March 2026) total, £829 average per eligible agreement (FCA, 2024)
- Population data for Leicestershire: approximately 713,000 (ONS Census 2021)
Citroen Finance Claims in Leicestershire
With a population of approximately 710,000, an estimated 148,358 motor finance agreements in Leicestershire 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.