Updated: 3 August 2026

Originally Published: 28 February 2025

If you're wondering how to claim against Black Horse Finance, you're certainly not alone. As awareness of the UK's car finance scandal continues to grow, many motorists are looking back at finance agreements they signed years ago to see whether they could have been affected by mis-sold car finance or car finance mis-selling.

Even though FCA's proposed redress scheme is currently subject to a legal challenge, and part of it is on hold and referred to the Upper Tribunal, the broader FCA car finance process is still moving ahead. Lenders are still working on their preparations for the scheme and, rather than waiting for the next announcement, many consumers are taking positive action to make themselves aware of their options. 

If you have been asking "Can you claim against Black Horse Finance?" then it will depend on your circumstances. Not every agreement will be eligible for car finance compensation but if you took out a personal PCP car finance or Hire Purchase agreement with Black Horse from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024, it could be worth finding out if your agreement comes within the scope of the proposed FCA scheme.

This guide explains the practical steps involved in making a Black Horse finance claim, from checking whether your agreement could be eligible to understanding what happens after you submit your claim. We'll also explain when a car finance refund check or Black Horse refund checker could help and whether you may wish to use a finance claims expert.

If you'd like a broader overview of the FCA investigation, eligibility and the latest developments, you can also read our guide to Understanding Black Horse Finance Claims.

Black Horse Claims at a Glance

• One of the UK's largest motor finance lenders. Millions of motorists have had Black Horse agreements reviewed as awareness of the car finance scandal has grown.
• Who may be eligible? Drivers with eligible Black Horse HP or PCP agreements taken out between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024 for personal use.
• Lost your paperwork? Don't panic. Many historic Black Horse agreements can still be traced using your personal details.
• Thinking about compensation? The FCA estimates eligible motorists could receive £829 on average, although every agreement is assessed individually.
• Can you still make a claim? Yes. Black Horse claims can still be submitted while the FCA's proposed redress scheme progresses through the remaining legal stages.
• What's happening now? The original compensation timetable has been delayed by legal challenges, with eligible payments now expected to begin during 2027, subject to the outcome of the Tribunal proceedings.
  

What You'll Learn in This Guide

By the end of this guide, you'll understand how to:

• check whether your agreement could be eligible
• prepare for a car finance claim or PCP claim
• decide whether to complain directly or use a finance claims expert
• complete a car finance refund check, PCP claim check, or Black Horse refund checker
• understand what happens after you submit car finance claims or PCP claims
• keep up to date with the latest FCA developments and expected payouts 2026 and beyond

Let's get started.

Step 1: Check Whether Your Agreement Could Be Eligible

Before starting a Black Horse finance claim, it's worth checking whether your agreement could fall within the scope of the FCA's proposed redress scheme.

Most car finance claims concern personal Hire Purchase (HP) and PCP car finance agreements entered into between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024. Not all agreements during this period will be affected, but if you used Black Horse to finance a car for personal use, you should read on.

You do not need to know if your agreement included mis-sold car finance or fully understand the reasons behind car finance mis-selling before you get started. The review looks at whether your eligible agreements could be part of the FCA’s proposed scheme, even if you are not sure what may have occurred when you took out the finance.

A good starting point is a car finance refund check or Black Horse refund checker, which can help identify agreements that may be worth reviewing, even if you no longer have the original paperwork.

Questions to consider:

• Was it a personal instead of business vehicle? 
• Was it taken out between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024? 
• Was it a Hire Purchase or PCP car finance deal? 
• Were the finance terms, commission arrangements or lender options clearly explained at the time?

Don't worry if you don't know the answer to any of these questions. Black Horse may still be able to identify your agreement from its own records, and you do not need to know all of the details to decide whether to apply.

Step 2: Gather the Information You'll Need

If you’ve made the choice to pursue a Black Horse finance claim, the next thing to do is find as much information as you can about your agreement. It’s fine if you can’t find all the documents. After all, most drivers entered into finance many years ago and have long since lost the paperwork.

Having the following will make it easier to get started: 

• your name and any previous names  
• your current and previous addresses  
• your date of birth  
• the approximate date you entered into the agreement 
• the vehicle registration, make or model (if known) 
• confirmation that Black Horse was the lender (if known)

If you still have them, it can also be useful to keep copies of your finance agreement, settlement letters, payment records or correspondence with the dealership or lender. However, these aren't essential.

Many lenders can trace historic agreements using the information you provide, even if you've moved house, changed your name or no longer own the vehicle. The important thing is to provide as much accurate information as you can remember.

If you're unsure whether you have enough information, a car finance refund check or Black Horse refund checker can often identify historic agreements using only your basic personal details before you decide whether to proceed.

Step 3: Choose How You Want to Make Your Claim

Now that you’ve got all the information, you can decide how you’d like to submit a Black Horse finance claim.

There are two ways to make a car finance claim. You can complain to Black Horse directly or use a finance claims expert/regulated claims management company to manage the process for you. You can use either one, it just depends on what you’re most comfortable with.

Option 1: Make a claim directly

There is no need to use a third party to make a claim. If you think your agreement may have been mis-sold car finance you can contact Black Horse directly and let them know why you think your agreement should be reviewed.

When making your claim, provide any information you have about your finance deal and explain your concerns as clearly as possible. You do not need to use legal terms or understand all the details of the car finance scandal to start a claim.

Option 2: Use a finance claims expert

Some motorists prefer to use a finance claims expert or regulated claims management company to guide them through the process.

Many providers begin with an online car finance refund check, where you'll usually be asked to provide some basic details, such as:

• your full name
• your date of birth
• your current contact details
• your address history

You won't normally need your finance agreement or account number to complete an initial check.

Depending on the provider, those details may be used to search credit reference agency records and vehicle registration databases to identify historic finance agreements linked to you. This can help locate agreements you may have forgotten about, even if you've changed your name, moved house or no longer have the paperwork.

If eligible agreements are found, they'll usually be reviewed individually before a claim is prepared and submitted. Some providers also work with specialist legal partners who gather supporting evidence, deal directly with lenders and manage the car finance or PCP car claims process on your behalf.

Before choosing any claims management company, take time to understand how they charge for their services and read their terms and conditions carefully. You're always free to complain directly to the lender instead.

Whether you use one or the other, the process for making a claim to find out if you are entitled to car finance compensation is identical. Using a third party doesn't affect your eligibility for a Black Horse claim, but some people think it is worth paying for the extra support and convenience.

Step 4: Submit Your Black Horse Finance Claim

Once you've decided how you'd like to proceed, it's time to submit your Black Horse finance claim.

Whether you are making a claim to Black Horse yourself or through a finance claims expert you will normally be asked to verify some basic personal and finance agreement information so that your records can be located and verified.

This may include:

• your full name and date of birth
• your current and previous addresses
• details of the vehicle, if you know them
• the approximate date you entered into the agreement
• any supporting documents you still have

Do not be concerned if some information is not available. Many historic agreements may be identified through the information you do have and lenders may be able to identify records they have maintained in their own archives.

If you have instructed a finance claims expert, they will normally prepare and submit the claim on your behalf and will only need to contact you to provide any additional information or documents.

Once your claim has been submitted you will usually receive an acknowledgement that it has been received. If further information is required Black Horse or the representative you have appointed will write to you before proceeding with the review.

Step 5: What Happens Once Your Claim Is Submitted?

After your claim has been received, it enters the review process. While every case is different, you can generally expect the following:

• Your claim is acknowledged. You'll usually receive confirmation that it has been received.
• Your agreement is reviewed. Black Horse checks its records and assesses whether your agreement falls within the scope of the FCA's proposed redress scheme.
• You may be contacted for more information. If additional details are needed, you'll have the opportunity to provide them.
• A decision is made when the relevant stage of the FCA process allows. Ongoing legal challenges mean some claims may take longer to resolve than originally expected.

While certain aspects of the proposed FCA scheme are currently under partial suspension [1], the broader claims process is still ongoing. Lenders are continuing to make preparations for implementation, and motorists can still submit car finance claims while residual legal matters are sorted out.

For the latest information on the FCA's proposed scheme and what the recent legal developments mean, see our guide to Understanding Black Horse Finance Claims.

Latest FCA Update: What It Means for Your Black Horse Claim

The proposed FCA car finance redress scheme has changed significantly since it was first announced.

Although the FCA confirmed its plans for an industry-wide compensation scheme in March 2026 [2], several organisations have challenged parts of the proposed methodology through the Upper Tribunal [3]. As a result, aspects of the scheme are currently subject to a partial suspension while those legal issues are considered.

The most important thing for motorists to know is that the claims process is not over. While lenders are continuing to make preparations for the proposed scheme, consumers will still be able to submit car finance claims until the outstanding legal issues are resolved.

When Is Black Horse Paying Out?

At the moment, there isn't a confirmed date for compensation payments.

The FCA originally expected some payouts 2026, but the ongoing legal challenges mean that timetable has been pushed back. While no final dates have been announced, many industry commentators now expect eligible payments to begin during 2027, subject to the outcome of the Tribunal proceedings and the FCA's final implementation plans.

If you are considering making a Black Horse finance claim, then there is not much point waiting for the definite date of payment. By making the initial claim now, you are making sure that your agreement is marked and waiting to be processed as soon as the scheme is up and running.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a car finance claim doesn't have to be complicated, but avoiding a few common mistakes can make the process smoother.

• Waiting for the legal challenges to finish. You don't have to wait until every aspect of the FCA scheme has been finalised before checking whether your agreement could be eligible.
• Assuming you need every document. Many motorists no longer have their original paperwork. Historic agreements can often still be traced using basic personal information.
• Expecting every agreement to qualify. Not all Black Horse agreements will result in car finance compensation. Each case will be looked at individually. 
• Ignoring requests for further information. If Black Horse or your representative asks for additional details, responding promptly can help avoid unnecessary delays.
• Focusing only on a potential PCP refund. While compensation is understandably the main reason many people begin the process, the first step is establishing whether your agreement is eligible for review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you claim against Black Horse Finance if you've already finished paying?

Yes. You may still be able to make a Black Horse finance claim if you've repaid your agreement or no longer own the vehicle. What matters is when the agreement was taken out and whether it falls within the scope of the FCA's proposed redress scheme, not whether the finance is still active.

Can I make a claim without my original paperwork?

Yes. Many motorists no longer have their original finance documents. You can often begin with a car finance refund check or Black Horse refund checker using basic information such as your name, date of birth and address history. Black Horse may also be able to trace your agreement using its own records.

Do I need a finance claims expert?

No. You're free to complain directly to Black Horse if you prefer. Some motorists choose to use a finance claims expert or regulated claims management company for help locating historic agreements, preparing paperwork or managing the claims process, but it's entirely optional.

When is Black Horse paying out?

There is not yet a confirmed date for payments to be made. The FCA initially suggested some payments may be made in 2026, but the ongoing legal challenges have delayed the proposed timetable. As of the time of writing, many industry commentators expect to see eligible payments being made during 2027, but this is subject to the outcome of the Tribunal proceedings and the FCA's final plans for implementation.

How much Black Horse finance compensation could I receive?

There isn't a fixed amount. Any Black Horse finance compensation or car finance compensation will depend on your individual agreement and how it's assessed under the FCA's proposed scheme.

The FCA has estimated that eligible motorists could receive £829 on average [4], but this is only an overall estimate across all qualifying agreements. Some people may receive more, others less, and not every agreement will qualify for compensation.

If you'd like to understand how compensation may be calculated, what could affect a PCP refund, or how PCP finance claims are assessed, read our guide to How Much Will I Get Back From Black Horse?

Can I make a PCP claim against Black Horse?

Possibly. If you signed up for PCP car finance with Black Horse for personal purposes at any time from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024 your deal could be eligible for review. All PCP claim, PCP compensation claim and mis-sold PCP car finance cases are judged on an individual basis, so eligibility cannot be guaranteed.

What Should You Do Next?

If you're considering a Black Horse claim, the best next step is to understand your options rather than wait for every legal issue to be resolved.

Whether you decide to complain directly or work with a finance claims expert, starting with a car finance refund check can help identify historic agreements and give you a clearer idea of whether it's worth taking the next step.

If you're interested in how Black Horse finance compensation or a potential PCP refund may be assessed, our guide to How Much Will I Get Back From Black Horse? explains the proposed compensation process in more detail.

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References:

1. certain aspects of the proposed FCA scheme are currently under partial suspension - https://www.fca.org.uk/news/statements/motor-finance-scheme-partially-suspended
2. the FCA confirmed its plans for an industry-wide compensation scheme in March 2026 - https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/policy-statements/ps26-3-motor-finance-consumer-redress-scheme
3. several organisations have challenged parts of the proposed methodology through the Upper Tribunal - https://consumervoice.uk/cars/fca-car-finance-compensation-challenge/
4. The FCA has estimated that eligible motorists could receive £829 on average - https://www.bbc.com/news/live/czx94evl5lrt