Yes, you can still make a claim. Just because you arranged your Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) finance through a broker rather than directly with a dealership doesn’t mean you’re excluded. What matters is how the finance was set up, not just where you signed the papers.

If the broker earned commission from the lender and didn’t tell you, or if the finance was arranged in a way that left you paying more than necessary, you could have been mis-sold. That means you may be able to claim back PCP charges that weren’t fairly explained or justified.

These types of complaints fall under the same umbrella as other PCP claims in the UK. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) expects all finance arrangers – including brokers – to treat customers fairly and be upfront about costs.

Why It Doesn’t Matter That You Used a Broker

There’s a common myth that mis-selling claims only apply if you got your finance through a dealership. In reality, the FCA’s rules apply to any regulated firm that offers or arranges consumer credit – and that includes brokers.

Brokers may receive financial compensation based on the lender they recommend and may work with a number of lenders. What this means is many might have prioritised offers which paid them the most, instead of ones that provided you with the very best rate. That is particularly pertinent in instances relating to a discretionary commission agreement, in which brokers can raise your interest rate to increase their commission.

If you weren’t told about that commission, or you weren’t given a proper explanation of the finance terms, it may count as mis-selling of car finance.

When Broker-Based Claims Are Legitimate

Here are a few examples of situations where a broker-based finance deal might lead to a valid claim:

A hidden commission was paid to the broker. The simple fact that they were paid by the lender and did not inform you of this may be sufficient to support a claim.

The information you were given was incorrect. Some brokers either did not disclose the complete cost of the agreement or did not verify the affordability of the payments.

You paid excessive interest. You might be entitled to compensation in case the rate was set higher than necessary, particularly to boost commission.

These aren’t isolated cases. Complaints like this are at the heart of the car finance scandal that continues to unfold across the UK.

What to Look For in Your Paperwork

If you’re unsure whether your agreement was mis-sold, it helps to go back to your documents and look out for a few things:

Does it mention a broker? Check who arranged the finance and whether they worked independently or with a dealership.

Is the commission disclosed? If there’s no clear explanation of how much commission was paid, or who received it, that could be a red flag.

What was your APR? If the interest rate seems high for your credit history, you might want to check your car finance claim to see if it was inflated without a good reason.

Even if you signed paperwork at the time, that doesn’t mean your case isn’t valid. You may still have a claim even if you signed a disclosure form at the dealership.

What Happens If the Broker or Lender Doesn’t Cooperate?

Some finance firms aren’t keen to reopen old agreements. If your broker or lender is refusing to engage, there are steps you can take if your finance company refuses to cooperate with the ombudsman. You still have the right to raise your complaint and have it reviewed fairly.

And if you’re wondering whether brokers were allowed to earn commission at all, this article explains whether it was legal for dealerships to earn commission on car finance. The same principles apply to brokers.

You Still Have Options

Using a broker doesn’t disqualify you. If the way your PCP was arranged left you in the dark or out of pocket, you’re still protected by FCA rules.

You can use Reclaim247’s free tool to check if you’re eligible to claim back PCP charges. It’s quick, easy, and there’s no pressure to take action unless you’re ready.