The Hymer B-Class, a popular motorhome model renowned for its luxury features and spacious interiors, was commonly sold on Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) finance agreements during the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) investigation period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. This period saw significant issues related to motor finance mis-selling, particularly concerning discretionary commission arrangements that affected millions of customers.
How the Hymer B-Class was Typically Financed
Hymer B-Class motorhomes were typically financed through Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) agreements, with finance amounts ranging from £40,000 to £80,000. These agreements often had terms of 48 to 120 months, providing customers with flexible payment options tailored to their financial needs. Common lenders that provided finance for Hymer B-Class motorhomes included Black Horse, Close Brothers Motor Finance, Lombard, and Billing Finance. PCP agreements sometimes featured balloon payments at the end of the term, which could be a significant amount if not planned for adequately.
The FCA Motor Finance Investigation
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched an investigation into discretionary commission arrangements in motor finance agreements, revealing widespread mis-selling practices that affected millions of customers. According to the FCA, 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) impacted during the investigation period (FCA estimate). These mis-selling issues resulted in an estimated £7.5 billion (FCA, March 2026) total loss for consumers and a £829 average per eligible agreement per customer (FCA estimate).
The discretionary commission arrangements allowed lenders to pay higher commissions to dealerships based on the type of finance agreement chosen, often incentivising the sale of more expensive options like PCP over HP. This practice led many customers into agreements that did not align with their financial circumstances or needs.
How to Check Your Agreement
- Relevant Dates: Confirm that the agreement was signed between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024.
- Discretionary Commission Arrangement (DCA): Look for references to "discretionary commission arrangements" in your documentation.
If you find these elements in your finance agreement, it is likely that the FCA investigation applies to your case. You can also check with your lender or dealership if there are any specific details related to the DCA scheme affecting your agreement.
If you believe your Hymer B-Class motorhome finance agreement was affected by the FCA's discretionary commission arrangements, you do not need a claims management company. You can complain directly to your lender at no cost. Common lenders for Hymer B-Class motorhomes include Black Horse, Close Brothers Motor Finance, Lombard, and Billing Finance.
To start the complaint process:
- Gather Your Documentation: Collect all relevant documents related to your finance agreement.
- Contact Your Lender: Reach out to your lender's customer service department or visit their website for complaint procedures.
- Submit a Formal Complaint: Use the provided channels to submit your formal complaint.
It is important to remember that you have the right to complain directly to your lender without incurring additional fees or signing up with claims management companies.
Sources and References
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). (2024). FCA motor finance investigation.
- Office for National Statistics (ONS) Census 2021
- Motor Finance Association (MFA)
- Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)
Towed caravans are NOT covered by the FCA motor finance scheme. Only self-propelled motorhomes with their own engine and drivetrain are in scope for the FCA investigation.