How it works
From first check to final outcome.
The FCA’s motor finance redress scheme runs from 30 March 2026. Complaint handling resumes after the FCA pause lifts on 31 May 2026. Below is a plain-English summary of the steps from your first check through to receiving redress — and what to expect at each stage.
The six steps
- 1
Check whether you might have a claim
Use our eligibility checker, or read the FCA’s scope: a PCP or HP agreement taken out between April 2007 and November 2024, where the dealer earned a discretionary commission. This step takes under a minute.
- 2
Gather what you need
Your name, date of birth, and any addresses you held while the agreement was active. The agreement number is helpful but not essential — lenders are required to look up your account from your personal details. A free credit file from Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion will list any past motor finance.
- 3
Submit your complaint to the lender
Send a written complaint to the lender (not the dealer). Be clear that you’re complaining about a discretionary commission arrangement under the FCA’s redress scheme. We have a free walkthrough on the Claim for free page.
- 4
Wait for the lender’s response
The FCA scheme sets a structured timeline for lenders to acknowledge, investigate, and decide your complaint. You don’t need to chase — the deadlines are on them. Most decisions are expected to be issued within several months of the scheme opening.
- 5
Escalate if you’re not satisfied
If the lender rejects the complaint or you don’t accept their offer, you can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service. The FOS is free for consumers and binding on the lender. You generally have six months from the lender’s final response.
- 6
Receive your redress
If your complaint succeeds, the lender pays the redress directly to you. The FCA expects payouts to begin from late 2026. There’s no upfront cost at any stage if you handle the claim yourself.
What to expect
What it costs
Nothing if you do it yourself. A regulated claims firm typically charges 15–30% (plus VAT) of any award. The FCA scheme is free either way.
How long it takes
Once the scheme opens (30 March 2026) and complaints can be submitted (after the pause lifts on 31 May 2026), expect several months for the lender’s decision. Add more time if you escalate to the Ombudsman.
What you’ll need to provide
Your personal details, address history covering the agreement period, and confirmation you held the finance. Lenders look the rest up.
Ready to start?
Two quick questions and you’ll have an indication of whether your finance falls within the scheme.
Source: FCA PS26/3 (March 2026). This page is general information, not legal or financial advice.