Drivers may be able to reclaim money from past car finance agreements

A growing number of UK drivers are reviewing past car finance agreements after concerns around discretionary commission arrangements (DCA) and other potential unfair lending practices.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has highlighted these practices and is reviewing their potential impact, but anyone who feels they may be eligible for a claim has options.

It said if you used car finance between April 6, 2007 and November 1, 2024 and your lender included a discretionary commission arrangement (DCA), a high rate or commission, or a contractual tie that you weren't properly told about then you may have a claim.

You can choose to handle your claim on your own at no cost - there are free options available - or you can seek help from a legal professional if you prefer.

While solicitors cannot recommend their services over doing it yourself, some people find it helpful to have professional assistance to save time and effort. Ultimately, the choice is yours and both options are valid.

Liverpool-based legal practice Complex Law says it may be able to help consumers understand whether they paid more than necessary and, where appropriate, see if they have a claim.

Tom Blanchfield, director of Complex Law, said: “We’re committed to supporting consumers seeking fair outcomes. Too often, ordinary people are left fighting uphill battles against powerful institutions; we exist to level that playing field.”

Who might be affected?

You may be eligible to reclaim if:

• You financed a car in England between April 2007 and November 2024 (depending on the final FCA rules)
• The finance was arranged through a dealership or broker (PCP, HP, etc.), rather than directly with a bank or finance company
• Your agreement involved a discretionary commission arrangement (DCA) – where the dealer could set your interest rate to increase their own commission – or another undisclosed commission that unfairly raised the cost of your loan.

Mr Blanchfield added: “The car finance scandal exposed years of systemic unfairness and shows how easily consumers can be taken advantage of. At Complex Law, we’re ensuring consumers aren’t left behind, using technology and determination to take on the lenders and deliver real accountability.“

Complex Law wants to make the car finance claims process quick, transparent, and accessible, helping consumers understand their rights and, where appropriate, seek redress.

Who is Complex Law?

The firm has a long-standing presence in the UK, dating back over 30 years. In 2023, new legal and commercial leaders took the helm and rebranded the practice to focus on consumer protection and modern service delivery.

Since the management transition, the headcount has increased from two to 17 within a year, with plans for around 20 further roles.

Complex Law says it emphasises clarity, trust, and simplicity. Communication is designed to be jargon-free, with transparent fees and no hidden costs, and cases are handled by regulated legal experts from start to finish.

The firm states it has achieved Lexcel accreditation for practice management and Cyber Essentials Plus certification for cybersecurity. It also reports receiving more than 4,000 five-star Trustpilot reviews in the past six months, reflecting positive client experiences.

How the process may work

For drivers wondering whether they might have a claim, the advice from consumer lawyers is measured: check your agreements, consider whether a commission may have been included, and speak to a regulated professional if you want tailored guidance.

Complex Law says its aim is not to overpromise, but to provide a clear, careful pathway for those who want to understand their position. The firm underscores that it does not charge upfront and any costs and charges will be explained clearly in advance including any cancellation fees.

You may be able to see if you’re eligible in under 60 seconds by answering a few simple questions.

Terms and conditions apply, and eligibility depends on your personal circumstances and the details of your finance agreements.

If your case looks viable, Complex Law can explain your options, outline likely timeframes, and set out its fees. You’ll deal with someone who can guide you through each step, keeping you informed throughout.

What you might receive if you’re eligible

The FCA has suggested that the average pay out could be around £700 in compensation per agreement, however, outcomes vary widely, and some cases may not result in any compensation at all. Amounts are not guaranteed.

Any potential refund or redress is illustrative and depends on your individual circumstances, your lender, and the specifics of the agreement, along with evidence availability and any time limits for claims.

For more details, visit complexlaw.uk , call 0333 188 9996, or email enquiries@complexlaw.co.uk .

Complex Law Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority 515276. You may be able to make a complaint yourself to the Financial Ombudsman Service for free, or redress may be available for free via the FCA’s proposed consumer redress scheme. Recovery amounts depend on your individual circumstances.

Charges are in line with the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s Fee Cap. If you choose to terminate your engagement with Complex Law prior to the end of the claim, you will be liable to pay a reasonable fee for the work it will have carried out on your behalf. Other charges, such as VAT may apply. Please visit the website for full T&Cs.