Car finance redress
How to Claim Car Finance Compensation Yourself
Independent and free. We're not a claims firm — this is how to keep 100% and do it yourself.
Redress estimate
Any figures here are an estimate, not a promise, and nothing on this page is financial or legal advice. You can claim free yourself — you don't need a claims firm.
To claim car finance compensation yourself, complain to your lender first, then escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service if you're unhappy with the reply. It's free, and you keep everything you're owed.
You do not need a claims-management company taking a cut. Any figure you see is an estimate, not a promise — nobody is guaranteed a payout, and the amount depends on your own agreement. Estimate first with the compensation estimator.
How to claim car finance compensation yourself
You can claim in two stages — lender first, then the ombudsman — without paying anyone. Most people never need a claims firm.
The process is designed to be used by consumers directly. A clear, polite letter to your lender starts it; the Financial Ombudsman Service is the free backstop if the lender says no.
Do you need a claims company?
No — you do not need a claims-management company, and using one means giving up a slice of your money. Claims firms often take around a third of any payout.
There's nothing a claims firm does here that you can't do yourself for free. The lender and the Financial Ombudsman Service both deal with you directly.
Keep 100%
Step-by-step
Follow four steps: gather your details, complain to the lender, wait for their reply, then escalate to the ombudsman if needed.
- Gather your agreement details — lender, start date, agreement number and APR.
- Write to your lender asking whether a discretionary commission applied, using our free letter template.
- Give the lender time to respond (they usually have up to eight weeks).
- If you're unhappy or get no reply, escalate free to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
What it costs
It costs nothing. Complaining to your lender and escalating to the Financial Ombudsman Service are both free.
The only cost of using a claims firm is the cut they take. Any figure you see is an estimate, not a promise — nobody is guaranteed a payout, and the amount depends on your own agreement.
Use the free letter template
Don't start from a blank page — copy our ready-made complaint letter. It already asks the key question about discretionary commission.
Grab the free letter template, and estimate your position first with the compensation estimator.
Frequently asked
How do I claim car finance compensation myself?
Do I need a claims company?
What does it cost to claim?
How long does the lender have to reply?
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