Doing it yourself
You can complain to your lender for free, and take it to the Financial Ombudsman Service for free if you're not happy with the answer. If the FCA scheme goes ahead, lenders also have to contact customers who may be owed money.
Doing it yourself works best if you had one agreement, know who the lender was, and are happy to follow up.
Why people use a claims company
- They don't know all their lenders. Many people had several cars on finance with different lenders, some more than ten years ago. A soft credit search finds them.
- They don't want to deal with lenders. A claims company writes the complaints, chases replies and handles each lender.
- They don't have paperwork. Lenders and searches fill the gaps.
- There's no upfront cost. You only pay if a complaint succeeds.
How the routes compare
There are three ways to get compensation. Here's how they compare.
| Option | Complain yourself | Wait for the FCA scheme | Use a claims company |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free | Nothing to us. Consultation Claims takes a fee from any compensation, and shows you it before you sign. See fees |
| What you do | Find each lender, write to them, and take it to the Ombudsman if they say no | Wait for your lender to contact you, then reply in time | Fill in one form |
| Best for | People with one agreement and their paperwork | People happy to wait while the legal challenges are heard | People with several agreements, or who'd rather not deal with lenders |
What it costs
Claims companies take a fee from any compensation. The FCA caps fees for financial claims, for example at 30% on compensation up to £1,499, with a maximum of £420 before VAT. Consultation Claims shows you its fee before you sign. See fees.
How to choose one
- Check it's on the FCA Register.
- Read the fee before you sign.
- Avoid anyone who promises a set amount or asks for money upfront.
- Read our guide to spotting scams.
Sources
Checked on 7 October 2026 against:
You don't have to use a claims management company. You can complain to your lender, and then to the Financial Ombudsman Service, for free.