The FCA car finance investigation has created understandable uncertainty for millions of drivers across the UK. With lenders paused from issuing final decisions, many people are asking the same thing. Should I still make a car finance claim now, or am I supposed to wait until the FCA scheme is finalised?

The short answer is yes. You should still submit your complaint. Even with the pause in place, consumers are encouraged to raise their concerns as soon as possible. Filing a PCP claim or any other type of car finance claim now protects your position, secures your eligibility, and stops you from being pushed behind the huge wave of complaints expected once the FCA scheme launches in 2026.

If you want to understand the wider context, you can also read our detailed background guide on the car finance scandal.

Below, you will find a clear explanation of why submitting now helps, how the pause actually works, and what to do if you traded in your car, your dealership has closed, or you are confused about your rights while FCA car finance rules are still being finalised.

Why Submitting a Complaint Now Still Matters

Many drivers assume the pause means they should wait. In reality, waiting does the opposite of what most people expect. Complaining now works in your favour because of how the FCA has structured the pause [1].

Your complaint is logged and timestamped

Once you submit your car finance claim, the lender must record the date it was received. This timestamp becomes important later because lenders will work through FCA car finance claims in the order they arrived once the review scheme begins.

Submitting now secures your spot in the queue long before the 2026 surge.

Your eligibility is protected

The pause affects only the final outcome. It does not affect your right to complain.

When you submit now, your complaint is officially active and recognised by the lender. You do not lose your right to redress simply because the scheme has not launched yet.

You avoid the early 2026 rush

The moment the FCA publishes final rules, thousands of drivers who have been waiting will rush to submit their complaint. If you submit before that wave, you avoid delays and keep your place ahead of those who wait.

You stay within all time limits

Many people worry that they will “miss a deadline” by complaining too early or too late. There is no rule that prevents you from complaining now. The FCA has confirmed this multiple times.

If you want a simple breakdown of how the pause works, you can read Can I still make a PCP complaint while lenders are paused?

Why There Is a Pause in Late 2025

The pause exists because the FCA must complete its consultation on mis-sold car finance, which runs from October to 12 December 2025 [2]. During this period, lenders cannot provide final responses because the rules that will govern all FCA car finance claims are still being finalised.

Here is what is happening behind the scenes:

• The FCA is reviewing evidence about hidden commissions.
• The consultation will determine how refunds are calculated [3].
• Lenders must wait for a legally approved framework before issuing decisions.
• The pause stops inconsistent or unfair outcomes while rules are still being created.
• The pause applies to outcomes, not submissions.

This means you can still submit your PCP claim, your HP claim, or any other car finance claim today. What lenders cannot do is close your case with a final decision until the FCA publishes the new rules in early 2026.

How Complaining Now Helps You Get Ahead

To show why early action matters, compare these two drivers:

Driver A

Submits their car finance claim in December 2025.

The complaint is logged, timestamped, and placed in the backlog.

Driver B

Waits until April 2026.

Submits when thousands of other drivers also submit at the same time.

When lenders start issuing decisions, Driver A will be reviewed long before Driver B because claims are processed in the order they were received.

Submitting early does not mean you get your refund earlier than the rules allow, but it does mean you reach the front of the queue far sooner.

What If You No Longer Own the Car?

A huge number of people traded in their car, returned it at the end of the term, or sold it years ago. Many believe this makes them ineligible.

It does not.

If the finance agreement itself was mis-sold, you can still make a complaint. The FCA car finance rules relate to the agreement, not the current ownership of the vehicle.

For more details, see Can I claim compensation if I traded in the car years ago?

What If the Dealership Closed Down?

Dealership closures do not block your right to complain. The lender, not the dealer, is responsible for responding. Even if the dealership changed ownership or is no longer operating, your complaint still stands.

You can learn more in Can I make a claim if the dealership closed down or changed ownership?

Your Complaint Still Counts During the Pause

Here is the point many people misunderstand. Your complaint is valid during the pause.

When you submit:

• Your complaint is logged
• Your eligibility is preserved
• Your timestamp is protected
• You secure your position in the queue
• You avoid late submissions during the 2026 rush

You do not need to wait for the FCA scheme to go live.

Where the FCA Scheme Fits In

The FCA scheme will define the rules [4] for:

• who qualifies for redress
• how refunds are calculated
• what counts as mis-sold car finance
• how lenders must review historic agreements
• how commission models should be assessed
• how disputes will be handled
• how lenders must manage backlogs

Until these rules are set, lenders simply cannot issue final outcomes. But they must acknowledge your complaint and preserve your position once the scheme begins.

For wider context on where we are in the timeline, you can read car finance scandal updates.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long?

If you wait until mid-2026 to submit your car finance claim, you will be filing your complaint at the busiest stage of the entire review.

This can push your refund into late 2027 or even 2028.

Submitting now helps you avoid:

• longer waiting times
• slower processing
• difficulty retrieving old documentation
• unnecessary stress or confusion

There is no benefit in waiting.

Why This Matters for Anyone Affected by the Car Finance Scandal

The car finance scandal revealed just how widespread mis-sold car finance has been. Many people were charged higher interest because of hidden commissions or were given unclear explanations about how their PCP contract worked.

The FCA car finance rules will provide fairness and consistency, but consumers still need to take the first step.

Submitting your complaint now puts you in a stronger position for 2026 without committing you to anything.

If you want to learn more about the broader issue, you can read our full guide to the car finance scandal.

Conclusion: Early Complaints Put You Ahead

There is no need to wait for lenders to restart issuing final responses. Submitting your car finance claim now:

• secures your eligibility
• protects your place in the queue
• avoids the 2026 surge
• reduces delays
• preserves your right to complain

If you want support preparing your complaint, a claims management company like Reclaim247 can help gather your documentation and submit your claim on a no win no fee basis. We do not offer legal advice, but we help consumers understand their options while the FCA car finance scheme is being finalised.

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References:

1. FCA has structured the pause - https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/consultation/cp24-15.pdf
2. FCA must complete its consultation on mis-sold car finance, which runs from October to 12 December 2025 - https://www.fca.org.uk/news/statements/motor-finance-compensation-scheme-consultation-progress-and-timing
3. The consultation will determine how refunds are calculated - https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/consultation/cp25-27.pdf 
4. The FCA scheme will define the rules - https://www.fca.org.uk/news/press-releases/14m-unfair-motor-loans-compensation-proposed-scheme