For many people who took out car finance in the past, the idea of making a claim feels daunting, especially if you no longer have the paperwork. You may wonder, “How do I even begin to find my DCA claim?” or question whether you have a case at all.  The great news is that it is still highly likely that you can make a claim, even if you’ve lost your car finance paperwork.

Lenders are required to keep records of your agreement, and PCP claims specialists like Reclaim247 can help uncover evidence of mis-selling, even when the original documents are missing. In fact, much of the mis-selling that occurred in discretionary commission arrangements (DCAs) was never clearly stated in the paperwork anyway. Below, we’ll explain what DCAs are, why they matter, and how you can find your DCA claim to pursue your case confidently.

What Is a DCA Claim and Why It Matters

A discretionary commission arrangement (DCA) was an agreement between car dealers and lenders. These arrangements allowed the dealer to choose the interest rate charged to the customer, and the dealer would typically receive a higher commission for charging a higher rate.

This resulted in mass overcharging and was one of the reasons the FCA stepped in to ban commissions in 2021. Many customers who took out Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), Hire Purchase (HP), or other car finance products before the ban unknowingly paid inflated interest rates.

If you financed a vehicle during that period, there’s a significant chance you were affected. Many people have come forward in what is now regarded as a major car finance scandal in the UK, and claims are ongoing as the FCA reviews redress schemes.

Do You Need Original Paperwork to Claim?

One of the most common questions we hear is: Do I need my original agreement to make a claim?  No, and this is the short answer to the question. You will be surprised how many people think that the fact that they do not have the documents means they cannot make a car finance claim.  

However, the reality is that lenders have a legal duty to retain the necessary records, making it possible to investigate your agreement even without your copy. They are obligated to keep copies of your agreement and all related documents for a set number of years. Even if you no longer have your side of the paperwork, they still have theirs.

At Reclaim247, we can also submit a Data Subject Access Request (DSAR) on your behalf to retrieve a copy of your file from the lender. We have dealt with car finance claims in the past, where the customer could no longer recall all of the information.

Another option is to check your credit file. Your credit history will typically show who the lender was, when the agreement started and ended, and other basic details. That information in itself can be enough for us to start looking into your claim. This means that missing paperwork can't hold you back from claiming the compensation you might be entitled to.

What Reclaim247 Looks For in DCA Claims

Even with minimal information, Reclaim247 is able to review your case and identify whether you were likely mis-sold. We search for telltale signs that your contract involved a discretionary commission.

Here are some of the things we examine:

• Evidence that the dealer set a higher interest rate than necessary
• High commission payments to the dealer that were not disclosed to you
• Signs that the dealer’s discretion influenced the loan terms rather than your creditworthiness
• Whether you were informed about the existence of commissions and how they affected the cost

Our team is experienced in identifying these patterns and working directly with lenders to establish your entitlement.

This process applies equally to Hire Purchase agreements and PCP claims, both of which were often subject to hidden discretionary commissions. Many customers who took out PCP agreements were not told how the dealer’s discretion could raise their costs unnecessarily. By analysing the details of PCP claims, Reclaim247 can identify whether you were charged an inflated rate without your knowledge. This careful review helps ensure that all affected customers get the redress they deserve.

How to Start Your DCA Claim Even Without Paperwork

Beginning your claim is straightforward, even if you no longer have your original documents. You can use Reclaim247’s online checker to get started.

All we generally need from you is:

• Your full name and date of birth
• Your current (and if applicable, previous) address
• The name of the lender or dealer, if you remember it, though even this can often be retrieved later

Once we have these details, we’ll reach out to the lender and start gathering the necessary evidence.

It’s worth noting that the Supreme Court is expected to deliver its final ruling in July 2025. The FCA has paused formal complaint handling until later this year to align with the Court’s decision. This doesn’t stop you from registering your claim now — in fact, it puts you ahead of the queue when the process resumes.

It’s important to act sooner rather than later, as registering your claim early helps you secure your place in the process once formal reviews resume. Even if you’re unsure about some details, Reclaim247 can guide you through each step and help retrieve missing information from lenders. Our online tools make it easy to submit the information securely and track progress without unnecessary stress. Starting your claim today ensures you are well-prepared when the FCA and lenders move forward with resolving cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the lender no longer exists?

If the lender has ceased trading or merged with another company, we can usually trace the successor organisation responsible for the loan. This means your claim can still proceed even if the original lender’s name no longer appears on your credit file.

Can I still claim if I refinanced or settled early?

Yes. The presence of a DCA and the fact you overpaid interest are what matter, not whether the loan ran its full term. Even partial repayment or early settlement does not erase the evidence of mis-selling in your agreement.

Will I need to go to court?

In the vast majority of cases, no. Claims are usually resolved between the lender and our claims specialists without you having to attend court. If at any stage further action is required, Reclaim247 will advise you on what to expect and support you through the process.

Conclusion

Mis-selling in the car finance industry has affected millions of UK drivers, many of whom have no idea they overpaid. Even if you no longer have your paperwork, that does not prevent you from making a claim. Lenders are required to maintain their own records, and specialists like Reclaim247 are skilled at uncovering the evidence needed.

Reclaim247 has helped many customers successfully pursue claims arising from the car finance scandal, and we’re ready to help you too. Don’t let missing paperwork put you off — our expertise and processes are designed to make the journey as easy as possible for you.

Use our DCA claim checker today to find your DCA claim and see whether you could be entitled to compensation.