If you’ve ever typed “find my car finance agreements” into a search bar and come up empty or assumed you can’t do anything because your paperwork is long gone, you’re far from alone.

Plenty of people who bought cars on finance years ago are now wondering whether they were treated fairly. But without a copy of the original agreement, it’s easy to feel stuck. The good news? You don’t always need the documents to take the next step.

Whether your finance plan was a PCP, HP, or something else entirely, there are still ways to raise a complaint even if you’re no longer sure where the paperwork ended up. With more attention now being paid to mis-selling and digital tools making it easier to retrieve information, it’s worth finding out where you stand.

Why It’s So Easy to Lose Track of a Car Finance Agreement

You’re not imagining it! Car finance paperwork really does have a habit of disappearing.

Years might’ve passed since you bought or returned your car. In that time, inboxes change, documents get misplaced, and some people don’t even realise their agreement was digital to begin with.

Here are just a few reasons that paperwork often slips through the cracks:

• You traded in or returned the car and the paperwork stayed with the dealership.
• You moved house and the post didn’t follow.
• Your contract was digital but you didn’t save it at the time.
• The finance terms changed, through refinancing or early settlement, and the original paperwork became harder to locate.

It’s a familiar pattern and it doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. In fact, with more people coming forward about the car finance scandal, it’s clear that missing paperwork is often part of a wider issue, not just a personal oversight.

Can I Still Make a Claim Without the Agreement?

Yes, you can. And plenty of people already have.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) don’t expect you to have every scrap of paperwork before you raise a concern. Their focus is on how the product was sold, not just what you’ve kept.

That includes:

• Whether the finance was explained clearly
• Whether you knew about commissions
• Whether the deal was appropriate for your circumstances

Lenders are required to keep records, and if you lodge a complaint, they should be able to retrieve the original agreement. So even if you no longer have it, that alone won’t stop your case from being reviewed.

In short: it’s not about what’s in your drawer, rather, it’s about what happened at the point of sale.

What to Do if You Can’t Find Your Agreement

If your agreement is missing, don’t worry. There are still a few things you can do right now to get started:

1. Check Your Credit Report

This can show who the lender was, when the finance started, and whether the account is still active. It’s a helpful starting point if you can’t remember exact details.

2. Get in Touch With the Lender

If you know which finance company was involved, you can request the paperwork directly. Most lenders can track down old agreements, especially if you have identifying details like the vehicle registration or account number.

3. Ask for Help (If You Prefer Not to Go It Alone)

Some people choose to handle things themselves. Others feel more comfortable getting help from a car finance claims specialist. That might be because they’re unsure about timelines, don’t want to deal with lenders directly, or simply want support navigating the process.

You can also find more info about PCP claims if that’s the type of agreement you had.

Signs Your Agreement Might’ve Been Mis-Sold

Even without the paperwork, some warning signs can suggest the deal may not have been above board. These include:

• High interest despite good credit
• Were you told it was the best rate available, with no real explanation?
• No mention of commission
• Many deals involved hidden commissions paid to dealers, something you should’ve been told about.
• Rushed decisions or sales pressure
• If you felt boxed into a decision or confused by jargon, that might raise questions.
• Extras you didn’t ask for

Things like gap insurance or service plans sometimes get added on without clear consent, a common thread in PCP mis-selling.

All of these scenarios are now under closer scrutiny as part of the wider investigation into how car finance was sold in the UK.

2025: Why Now Is a Key Moment

This year could bring major developments for anyone considering a complaint:

Supreme Court Ruling – Expected July 2025

A key decision is due which could reshape how commission-based mis-selling claims are treated, especially those involving discretionary commission arrangements (DCAs).

FCA Redress Guidance – Likely Late Summer

Following the ruling, the FCA is expected to issue redress guidance for lenders, including when compensation might be owed.

Right now, many finance companies have paused complaint investigations. That pause gives people time to gather information, review their old agreements (or try to retrieve them), and consider whether to act.

It’s a window of opportunity and those who prepare early may be in a better position when decisions are made.

Final Thoughts: Missing Paperwork Doesn’t End the Conversation

Your rights are not lost in case you have lost your agreement. The issue with claims is not about obtaining documents - it's about whether you were treated fairly.

So, ask yourself:

Was everything explained clearly? Were you given all the facts? Did the deal feel right?

If something didn’t sit right at the time, or doesn’t now, looking back, it’s worth exploring further. Whether you take steps yourself or speak to someone about your options, help is available. 

Sometimes the first step is simply knowing you’re allowed to ask the question.

If you’re unsure where to turn, it may help to compare your options and look for the best car finance claim company for your situation, especially one that offers support even if your paperwork is incomplete.