Guide 5 August 2026 | Shannon Smith O'Connell |

Updated: 05 August 2026
Originally Published: 17 March 2025
For many drivers, taking out PCP car finance or Hire Purchase through MotoNovo was simply part of buying a car. Once the paperwork was signed and the keys were handed over, the finance agreement became something they rarely thought about again.
That's changing.
Many motorists are only now revisiting finance agreements they signed years ago after hearing more about the FCA's investigation into historic motor finance commissions. Some are looking through old paperwork for the first time, while others can't even remember who provided the finance. In many cases, the agreement has already been paid off and the vehicle has long since been replaced, yet the agreement may still be worth reviewing.
Growing awareness of the UK's car finance scandal has encouraged many motorists to revisit agreements they signed years ago to understand whether they could be eligible for a car finance or PCP refund. If you're searching for:
you're far from alone.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has confirmed plans for an industry-wide redress scheme covering eligible motor finance agreements taken out between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024 [1]. Although parts of the proposed scheme remain subject to ongoing legal challenges [2], motorists can still begin the claims process while the remaining issues are resolved.
This guide explains how to make a MotoNovo car finance claim, what information you'll need, how to find old finance agreements and what you can expect once your claim has been submitted.
If you'd like to understand more about eligibility, the FCA's latest announcements and how MotoNovo agreements are being reviewed, read our guide to Understanding MotoNovo Finance Claims.
In this guide, we'll cover:
If you're wondering "can I claim against MotoNovo Finance?", the first step is simply finding out whether your agreement could fall within the scope of the proposed FCA car finance redress scheme.
You don't need to know whether your agreement involved mis-sold car finance before getting started. In fact, many motorists begin the process because they have questions about how their finance was arranged rather than clear evidence that something went wrong.
In general, you may be eligible to make a MotoNovo car finance claim if:
Eligibility does not depend on whether you currently own the vehicle or if you have completed all of your payments. Instead, the review will look at how the finance agreement was set up, and whether it is caught by the FCA's proposed scheme.
These questions aren't designed to determine whether your claim will succeed. Instead, they can help you recall how your finance was arranged and whether there are details that may be useful when you begin the car finance or PCP car claims process. Even if you can't answer every question, you may still be able to check whether your agreement is eligible.
Before checking whether your agreement is eligible, ask yourself:
Many motorists start with a car finance refund check or a PCP claim check to see whether their agreement may qualify for further review. It's a simple way to understand whether it's worth taking the next step, especially if you don't remember all the details of your finance agreement.
If you'd like to learn more about the FCA's eligibility criteria and how MotoNovo Finance claims are assessed, our guide to Understanding MotoNovo Finance Claims explains the wider process in more detail.
Don't worry if you no longer have your original finance documents. Many people took out a MotoNovo agreement years ago, have since changed vehicles or moved home, and no longer know where the paperwork is.
The good news is that original agreements are not necessary to begin car finance claims.
If you have any of the following, they can help identify your finance agreement:
If you're searching the internet in an attempt to 'find my car finance agreements,' there are several places you can look.
A copy of your credit report from Experian, Equifax or TransUnion may show historic finance accounts, including the lender's name and when the agreement was opened. Old email accounts can also be useful, particularly if you received finance documents electronically.
If you've changed address or no longer have access to your paperwork, a finance claims expert may be able to help trace eligible agreements using credit reference agency records and other available databases. This can make the process much easier if you can't remember exactly when your MotoNovo finance was taken out.
It's also worth remembering that some motorists financed more than one vehicle over the years. If you've had several finance agreements, each one may need to be reviewed separately to determine whether it could qualify as PCP claims or other PCP finance claims.
Identifying your MotoNovo finance agreement is the first stage. The next stage is for you to decide how you would like to make your claim.
Many motorists are quite content to speak directly to their lender and make the claim themselves. However, there are a number of consumers who prefer to use a finance claims expert to assist with identifying qualifying agreements, preparing the claim and corresponding on their behalf.
You can make a claim to MotoNovo Finance directly if you think your agreement might be eligible. If you’re claiming for yourself, it helps to be able to provide as much information as you can about your finance agreement, including when you took it out and the vehicle it relates to.
This route may be more appropriate for those that are happy to handle the process and deal with any requests for further information.
Some drivers choose to work with a finance claims expert. This could be especially useful if you no longer have your paperwork or aren't sure if you have an eligible agreement.
A claims management firm can do a car finance refund search using the information you give them. This should be able to help with tracking historic agreements using credit reference agency records and other sources that are available. If an agreement appears to be eligible, they'll typically guide you through the next stages of the claims process and keep you updated as your claim progresses.
Whichever route you choose, it's worth taking the time to understand any fees, terms and conditions before proceeding. You are also free to complain directly to your lender without using a third party.
You might prefer to complain directly if:
You may prefer a finance claims expert if:
Once you've gathered the information you need and decided how you'd like to proceed, you're ready to submit your MotoNovo car finance claim.
If you're contacting MotoNovo Finance directly, you'll normally be asked to provide details that help identify your agreement, along with an explanation of why you believe it should be reviewed. Depending on your circumstances, the lender may ask for additional information before assessing your claim.
If you're using a finance claims expert, they'll usually prepare and submit the claim on your behalf. This can include tracing historic agreements, gathering supporting information and communicating with the lender throughout the process.
It's worth remembering that every claim is different. Some motorists have retained all of their paperwork, while others only remember the vehicle they drove or the approximate year they arranged the finance. Neither situation automatically affects whether an agreement can be reviewed.
Make sure your contact information is current prior to filing your claim. This will eliminate unnecessary delays should additional information be required during the claims review process.
After you have submitted your claim you may have to wait some time for your agreement to be processed. Timescales differ depending on individual circumstances and the regulatory process in general.
If you have made a claim directly to MotoNovo Finance then the lender may confirm they have received your claim and may contact you if they require any further information to assist them in identifying or assessing your agreement.
If you've decided to instruct a finance claims expert, they'll generally keep you updated with any progress and will tell you if more information or documents are needed.
The agreement will be analysed against the FCA's proposed redress scheme and most up-to-date legal guidance to see if you have a case for car finance compensation. Each claim is different and it's vital you're patient while the relevant checks are completed.
Once a decision has been reached, you'll be informed of the outcome and, if your claim is successful, what happens next.
Although the FCA confirmed plans for an industry-wide redress scheme, the process has not yet been fully implemented because parts of the scheme remain subject to legal challenges.
Therefore, MotoNovo Finance complaints can continue to be made, although any compensation payments are unlikely to start immediately. The FCA's initial payout 2026 schedule has been delayed, with expected eligible payments now broadly during 2027, dependent on the outcome of the Upper Tribunal proceedings.
Although this will be annoying for drivers who were expecting a more rapid process, it may still be worthwhile starting a claim now. It can help with having your details recorded and your agreement identified so you will be all set once the payments process does get underway.
For the latest information on potential compensation and how the FCA's proposals could affect MotoNovo customers, read our guide to MotoNovo Finance Refunds and Compensation Explained.
A few minutes spent preparing before starting your MotoNovo car finance mis-selling claim may well be time well spent. It can help to have all the necessary information to hand. If you're making the claim yourself, a little preparation can make the job easier. If you're using a finance claims expert, you'll still need to gather the information they'll need.
Ask yourself the following:
Don't panic if you can't say "yes" to all the questions above. Many drivers start the claims process with only a partial set of information. Many historic finance agreements can be tracked down using basic personal information, and can help you complete a car finance refund check even if your original paperwork has long since been lost.
The important thing is not to assume you're unable to claim simply because you no longer have every document. Many people are surprised by how much information can still be recovered years after they signed their agreement.
Can I make a claim against MotoNovo Finance if I’ve paid off my agreement?
Possibly yes, being paid off does not automatically disqualify you. It is a matter of whether the agreement is covered by the FCA’s proposed redress scheme, and also meets the relevant criteria.
Can I make a MotoNovo claim if I don't have the paperwork?
Yes. Most motorists no longer have copies of agreements they signed many years ago. Credit report information, old correspondence or a finance claims expert may be able to identify eligible agreements.
How do I find old car finance agreements?
The easiest ways to find old car finance agreements are to search your credit report with Experian, Equifax or TransUnion. Digging out old email accounts and searching for finance related emails can also help, as can sorting through your historic bank statements.
Can I claim if I had more than one MotoNovo finance agreement?
You may well be able to. If you have financed a number of vehicles over the years then each finance agreement would be treated as a separate case. Claims under a PCP agreement or other mis-sold PCP car finance claims are generally treated on an individual agreement basis.
How much could I be entitled to?
On average, the FCA estimates that eligible motorists could be entitled to receive approximately £829 [3]. This figure is only an estimate. The amount of any compensation, including a PCP compensation claim, will depend on the individual motorist’s finance agreement and the outcome of the FCA's proposed redress scheme.
Do I have to use a claims management company?
No. You can complain to MotoNovo Finance for free. Some people use a finance claims expert to help them trace old agreements or to handle the claims process for them.
If you've ever wondered whether your MotoNovo finance agreement could be affected by the car finance scandal, now is a good time to find out more.
You may still be able to figure out what agreement you have and see if it might be eligible for another review, even if you do not have your paperwork or remember all of the specifics. A car finance refund check will help you to know your options and choose how you want to proceed.
You don't need every document, every email or every finance statement before taking the first step. Many successful enquiries begin with only a few basic details. If you're unsure whether your agreement could be eligible, checking now can provide clarity and help you understand your options as the FCA's compensation process continues to develop.
If you'd like to learn more about how compensation may be calculated and what the latest FCA developments could mean for your claim, read our guide to MotoNovo Finance Refunds and Compensation Explained.
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