No, you do not need the original finance paperwork to begin a claim.

Documents such as your agreement or settlement letter can speed up the claims process, but they are not essential. Lenders are required to keep records of your finance agreement, and we at firms such as Reclaim247 can obtain these for you. If you're not sure where you've put your paperwork – or even if you have it – don't let that put you off getting help and compensation.

In fact, many customers start a claim without having a single document to hand. With just a few basic details — such as your name, the finance provider, and vehicle registration — an experienced finance claims expert can still guide you through the process.

What Documents Are Helpful (But Not Mandatory)

The following documents aren’t essential but may help build your case sooner:

• Your finance agreement – This will have the terms of your deal and provider. It will also tell you the structure of your deal. Was it PCP, HP or lease purchase?
• Settlement letters – If you’ve repaid your agreement early, this shows the balance and any final charges you paid.
• Bank statements or payment schedules – Useful for confirming repayment history and any fees charged.

Don’t worry if you can’t find all (or any) of these. Even partial information can help a claims specialist trace your agreement and assess whether you’ve been mis-sold finance.

How Claims Work Without Paperwork

Thanks to FCA regulations, lenders are required to keep a record of every agreement — usually for at least six years. This means that even if you've lost your documents, they can usually be retrieved directly from the finance company.

At our claims management company, we make this easy by:

• Contacting the lender or broker directly
• Providing key information such as your name, vehicle registration number, and approximate dates
• Requesting copies of your original finance agreement or any documentation they hold

This process allows us to perform a mis-sold car finance check to determine if you’re eligible for a refund or compensation, without needing anything from your side beyond some simple details.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Find Old Docs

One of the most common mistakes people make is putting off a claim because they’re still “looking for the paperwork.” Unfortunately, this can be a costly delay.

Car finance complaints are time-sensitive. In many cases, there’s a six-year time limit from when the agreement ended or when you became aware there was a problem. Waiting to dig through old files or emails could mean missing your window to act.

Instead of delaying, let a finance claims expert assess your case. With just a few clicks, you can start the process and we’ll do the legwork — including chasing your paperwork.

Common Questions About Car Finance Complaints

Is mis-selling only applicable to lease purchase/hire purchase or PCP?

Yes, mis-selling can occur across all types of finance — it is not just limited to PCP finance. Learn more in our guide to lease purchase and HP mis-selling.

Is it possible to claim on a car finance deal if I paid it off early?

Yes, it will. Settling early will not stop you from complaining. Discover how it works here.

Will my credit rating or financeability be affected?

Filing a complaint does not automatically affect your credit history. We explain why in this guide.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Lost Paperwork Stop You

It’s easy to assume that without your original finance paperwork, you can’t make a complaint — but that simply isn’t true. With support from a claims specialist, you can still check your eligibility, even if your agreement ended years ago or you've moved house.

If you’ve been wondering how to check car finance claim eligibility, or searching for a mis- sold car finance check, don’t delay any longer.

Submit a claim review today — and let us handle the rest.