Do I Need a Solicitor for a Car Finance Mis-Selling Complaint?

Guide 24 July 2025

headshot of Chris Roy, Product and Marketing Director of Reclaim247 Chris Roy
Do I Need a Solicitor for a Car Finance Mis-Selling Complaint?

Quick Answer

No, you don’t need a solicitor to make a car finance mis-selling complaint. Most people start by raising the issue with their lender or taking it to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). You don’t need legal training, and you certainly don’t need to pay for a solicitor.

Many people prefer to work with claims management companies like Reclaim247. Our team handles PCP claim services every day, so we know how to keep the process smooth and stress-free. We gather the details, sort the paperwork, and follow up so you don’t have to.

If your finance agreement included undisclosed commission, an interest rate that seemed higher than it should have been, or add-ons you didn’t agree to, there’s a strong chance you’ve got a valid claim. And with the right support, you won’t have to figure it all out by yourself.


Why You Don’t Need a Solicitor

Car finance complaints are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). These aren’t legal disputes that need to go through the courts. The process is designed for everyday people, not legal experts, which means it’s more straightforward than you might think.

Your first step is usually to contact the lender and explain your concerns. They then have up to eight weeks to respond. If they don’t get back to you, or their response doesn’t sort things out, you can raise the issue with the Financial Ombudsman Service. It’s free, independent, and there to help you find a fair outcome.

Most claims are sorted without anyone needing to go near a courtroom. In fact, around 99% of mis-selling complaints are resolved this way. If you’re wondering what happens if it does go further, we’ve covered it in our post: Will I need to go to court to recover compensation for mis-sold finance?


What We Can Do Instead

Even though a solicitor isn’t required, that doesn’t mean you have to handle everything on your own. That’s exactly what we’re here for.

At Reclaim247, we’ve helped thousands of people make successful filing of PCP claims. We understand the process inside and out, and we’ll support you at every step.

Here’s what we can do:

  • Find your finance agreement, even if you’ve lost the paperwork
  • Prepare your complaint clearly and correctly, using the FCA’s guidelines
  • Contact your lender and take care of any follow-ups
  • If needed, we’ll escalate your case to the Ombudsman so you don’t have to

We also know what you should look for in a mis-sold agreement. We uncover the things a lot of people would never notice to look for - a concealed commission or maybe an exaggerated interest rate. Working with one of the best PCP claims companies can make a significant difference.


When a Solicitor Might Be Helpful

There are a few uncommon situations where you might need to consider legal help. These include:

  • If your complaint has already been through both the lender and the Ombudsman, and you’ve been told no
  • If the claim is very complex or involves a high-value vehicle
  • If you’re thinking about going to court as a last resort

Even then, it’s worth speaking to us first. Most of the time, people find they don’t actually need a solicitor after all. We can take a look at your situation and give you honest advice about whether legal support is genuinely needed.


Final Thoughts

If you’ve been affected by the car finance scandal—whether you were charged more than expected, weren’t told about commission, or were sold extras you didn’t ask for—then it’s worth checking if you can make a claim.

You don’t need legal knowledge. You don’t need to hire a solicitor. And even if you traded in your car years ago, you might still be eligible to claim compensation.

At Reclaim247, we’re here to help you every step of the way. We take the stress off your shoulders and keep the process simple, clear, and easy to follow. As one of the best car finance claim companies in the UK, we’re proud to help people like you get the outcome you deserve.

Start your claim with Reclaim247 today. No legal fees. No jargon. Just straightforward support to help you get back what you’re owed.


Related resources

Guide22 July 2025

Can’t Find My Car Finance Agreements: Can I Still Claim?

If you’ve misplaced your car finance paperwork, you're not alone and you may still have a valid claim. This article explains why agreements often go missing, how claims can still be made under FCA rules, and what steps to take in 2025 if you're affected by the car finance scandal.

Guide24 July 2025

Trusted Help Starts Here: Finding the Best PCP Claims Company in the UK

If you’ve been mis-sold a PCP or HP car finance agreement, choosing the right car finance claims partner is essential. This guide explains how to find the best PCP claims company, one that offers no-win, no-fee support, transparent pricing, FCA regulation, and real expertise in mis-sold car finance.

News20 July 2025

Car Finance Scandal Deepens as Exit Fees Spark Outrage (But CMCs Defend Their Role)

The car finance scandal deepens as exit fees on claims anger motorists. This feature explores the controversy and how CMCs help drivers claim car loan compensation fairly.

GuideNews15 September 2025

Car Finance Scandal Explained: Who’s Eligible, How to Claim Refunds, and What the Supreme Court Ruling Could Mean

This in-depth feature explains the UK car finance scandal, who qualifies for car finance compensation, how to check if you were mis-sold, and the latest updates on car finance refunds and settlements.

© Claimsline Group Ltd 2025

Reclaim247.co.uk is a trading style of Claimsline Group Ltd, registered in England and Wales, Company registration number 09071409. Registered Office: C/O Burton Varley Ltd, Suite 3, 2nd Floor, Didsbury House, 748 - 754 Wilmslow Road, Manchester, United Kingdom, M20 2DW. VAT registration number 217654795. Registered with the Information Commissioner's Office; registration number ZA059156. You can find our terms of use, privacy policy and our cookie policy here. Claimsline Group Ltd is a claims management company. Any solicitor we recommend you to is an independent professional from whom you will receive impartial and confidential advice. You are free to choose another solicitor. Claimsline Group Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in respect of regulated claims management activities FRN Number is 831196.

1 Where No Win, No Fee is offered - You pay nothing unless your claim is successful. A fee between 18 - 36%, including VAT applies on successful claims (fee dependent on level of redress secured), and a cancellation fee may apply outside the 14 day cooling-off period.

3 All figures disclosed on the results page of our form are based on the £950 figure the FCA has stated to be the amount that each claim could be worth.

4 Free Online Checker refers only to the live soft-credit check completed online to identify your car finance agreements.

5 All three examples of compensation clients have received are examples from our working partners Bott&Co. These claims were all won before the FCA’s pause on motor finance claims.