Since April 6, 2007, many residents in Lancashire have financed their Ford cars through various car finance agreements such as Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP). The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates that approximately 1.237 million people live in Lancashire, with around 116,896 potentially affected by motor finance mis-selling during the period up to November 1, 2024.
Ford Car Finance in Lancashire
Local residents commonly financed their Ford cars through a range of lenders and dealerships. The majority of these agreements were structured as Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or Hire Purchase (HP). PCP plans are popular for their lower monthly payments compared to HP, but they often come with strict terms around mileage and excess wear-and-tear charges. HP, on the other hand, offers full ownership of the car at the end of the agreement if all terms are met.
How Lancashire Residents Can Check Their Ford Finance Agreement
Residents in Lancashire who financed their Ford cars need to review their finance agreements carefully for any discrepancies or mis-selling issues. Key dates to look out for include the start date of the agreement, any changes to interest rates, and final payment deadlines. Additionally, residents should check if there was a "discretionary commission arrangement" (DCA) involved in the financing process, which could indicate potential mis-selling.
What Should You Look For?
When reviewing your Ford finance agreement, pay attention to:
- The start date of the agreement
- Interest rates and any changes over time
- Mileage limits and excess wear-and-tear charges
- Early settlement options and fees
Complaining to Your Lender for Free
If you suspect that your car finance agreement with a Ford dealership or lender in Lancashire was mis-sold, there is no need to seek help from a claims management company. You can complain directly to your lender for free. Here’s how:
- Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant documents such as your finance contract, correspondence with the lender, and any communication regarding changes in terms or issues.
- Contact Your Lender: Write to the lender's customer service department explaining your concerns clearly and concisely.
- Follow Up: Keep track of all communications and follow up regularly if you do not receive a response within 8 weeks.
You do not need a claims management company; complaints can be handled directly with the lender without additional costs or fees. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) estimates that around £7.5 billion (FCA, March 2026) has been affected by mis-sold car finance agreements, with an average claim worth approximately £829 (FCA estimate).
Sources and References
- Office for National Statistics Census 2021
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), 2024
Ford Finance Claims in Lancashire
With a population of approximately 1,500,000, an estimated 313,432 motor finance agreements in Lancashire 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).
Ford Safety Recalls
Ford has had 867 safety recalls across 63 models, according to the DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch. The most recalled models are: Transit (103 recalls), Kuga (103 recalls), Focus (70 recalls), Transit Custom (69 recalls), Ranger (48 recalls). Check if your Ford has an outstanding recall.