If you are thinking about making a PCP claim, you will probably reach the same decision point as many other drivers.

Do you handle it yourself. Or do you get professional support?

With the car finance scandal getting more attention, more people are exploring PCP claims and wider car finance claims. That also means more services are showing up online, and not all of them are clear about what they do.

This guide explains what claims management companies actually offer, what they cannot do, and how to decide whether a PCP claims company is right for you.

There is no “correct” route for everyone. This is about capacity and confidence, not right or wrong.

What a claims management company actually does

A claims management company is a regulated business that helps consumers raise complaints and manage the admin around them.

In the context of mis-sold car finance, that usually means helping you:

• understand what a complaint involves
• check whether your agreement may be worth reviewing
• gather the details needed to submit a complaint
• write and submit the complaint in a clear way
• track progress and follow up if needed
• explain responses you receive from the lender

Many people use PCP claim services because they do not want to deal with the paperwork alone, or they are not sure what to say.

A good service makes the process feel more manageable. It also helps you avoid common mistakes, like missing key details or sending unclear information.

What a claims management company cannot do

This part matters. A reputable PCP claims company should be upfront about limits.

A claims management company cannot:

• guarantee an outcome
• promise a payout
• force a lender to agree
• skip the complaint process
• speed up regulatory timelines
• make decisions on behalf of the FCA

If someone promises instant results or guaranteed compensation, treat it as a red flag. That is not how legitimate car finance claims work.

If you want to understand what happens if a lender says no, this guide may help: What Happens When Your PCP Claim Gets Rejected? Next Steps for UK Drivers

How DIY PCP complaints work

Some drivers prefer to do everything themselves. That can be a good option if you feel confident and have time to stay organised.

A DIY route usually involves:

• finding your agreement details
• writing a complaint to your lender
• explaining what you believe was unclear or unfair
• keeping copies of everything you send
• chasing updates if you do not hear back
• reading and responding to the lender’s outcome

Doing it yourself can also help you feel in control. It may suit you if you are comfortable writing and handling back and forth messages.

Many people start with a car finance refund check to understand whether their agreement raises any concerns before they commit to the admin.

Some drivers also use template letters to get started. That can be useful, but it is worth knowing the risks first. This guide explains it clearly: Are PCP Template Letters Safe to Use? What Drivers Need to Know

The real difference is time and admin

Most drivers do not choose support because they cannot complain alone. They choose it because life is busy.

A car finance claim can involve more admin than people expect, especially if:

• the agreement is old
• you changed cars since then
• the dealership has closed
• you cannot find paperwork
• you do not remember the details clearly

DIY can work well. But it often takes patience. It also requires you to stay on top of the process over time.

Using PCP claim services can take pressure off. It can also help you feel more confident that the complaint is structured properly.

What to check before you use a claims management company

If you decide to use a PCP claims company, make sure they are FCA regulated [1]. This is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself.

A regulated provider should be easy to verify. They should also explain their service and fees in writing, before you agree to anything.

If a firm avoids giving clear company details, or pressures you to act quickly, treat that as a warning sign. The same applies to anyone who promises guaranteed results.

If you want a simple checklist for spotting suspicious behaviour, this guide is a good place to start: How to Spot PCP Claim Scams in 2026

You can always pursue a claim yourself

It is also worth knowing this upfront.

You have the right to pursue your car finance claim directly with the lender. You can also take it through the Financial Ombudsman Service, or use any public compensation scheme that becomes available.

That includes any industry-wide redress scheme the FCA may introduce in 2026 [2].

Using PCP claim services is a choice, not a requirement. Some drivers want support with the admin. Others prefer to handle it themselves.

And while a good provider will always aim to help you achieve the best possible outcome, there is no guarantee they will recover more than you could achieve on your own.

No Win No Fee, explained in plain English

Many claims management companies offer a No Win No Fee model. This means you usually pay nothing unless your claim is successful.

Where No Win No Fee is offered:

• You pay nothing unless your claim is successful
• A fee between 18% and 36% (including VAT) may apply on successful claims
• The fee can depend on the level of redress secured
• A cancellation fee may apply outside the 14-day cooling-off period
• The firm may receive a fee for introducing you to a third party or panel solicitor
• This should not affect any compensation you may receive

A reputable PCP claims company will explain all of this clearly before you proceed. They should also give you time to read it properly, without pressure.

Fees, regulation, and what to check before you commit

Not all providers operate in the same way, so it is worth understanding how fees and regulation work.

A legitimate provider should:

• explain their fee structure in writing
• be clear about what they will do for you
• avoid pressure or urgency
• give you time to read and decide
• be FCA regulated and easy to verify

If you feel rushed or confused, pause. A genuine provider will not push you to sign quickly.

The risk of unregulated operators

As interest in PCP claims grows, scams and unregulated operators tend to follow.

Some warning signs include:

• cold calls or texts you did not request
• guaranteed payout promises
• pressure to act “today”
• requests for upfront payments
• vague contact details or no registered address
• no clear explanation of fees or service

If something feels off, trust that instinct. The rise in car finance mis-selling awareness has created opportunities for scammers to target drivers who want answers.

Common forum opinions, and what they miss

If you have read forum threads about car finance claims, you will see strong opinions on both sides.

Some people say:

• “Just do it yourself, it’s easy.”
• “Claims companies take too much.”
• “You don’t need help.”

Others say:

• “I couldn’t face the admin.”
• “I didn’t know what to write.”
• “I wanted someone to check it properly.”

Both can be true.

DIY can be straightforward for some people. For others, the paperwork and uncertainty are a barrier. Support is not about being incapable. It is about making the process easier to manage.

How to decide what suits your situation

If you are unsure whether to use a PCP claims company, ask yourself a few practical questions.

Do you have the time?

If you are already stretched, handling a complaint from start to finish can feel like another job.

Do you feel confident writing the complaint?

You do not need legal language, but you do need to explain what happened clearly.

Do you have your documents?

If your paperwork is missing, you may need time to recover details.

Do you want someone to sense-check your concerns?

Some drivers feel better when someone experienced confirms whether the issue is worth pursuing.

Do you feel comfortable dealing with lenders directly?

Some people do. Others would rather avoid the back and forth.

If DIY feels manageable, it may suit you. If you feel stuck or unsure, support may be the better option.

How Reclaim247 supports drivers with PCP claims

Reclaim247 supports drivers who want help with the complaint process linked to mis-sold car finance. The aim is to make things clearer and less stressful, especially for people who are not sure where to start.

A Reclaim247-style approach focuses on:

• clear explanations in plain English
• structured complaint support
• help gathering key details
• transparent communication
• no pressure to proceed

It is not about rushing people into action. It is about giving drivers a practical way to move forward, at their own pace.

A calm summary

If you are asking “should I use a PCP claims company”, the best answer is the one that fits your situation.

DIY works well for drivers who have time, paperwork, and confidence.

Professional assistance is great if you would like advice, structure and minimal paperwork.

Both routes can be valid. The key is choosing a service you can trust, and avoiding anyone who uses pressure or promises outcomes.

If you are unsure, start with a car finance refund check. It is a simple first step that can help you decide what to do next.

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References:

1. If you decide to use a PCP claims company, make sure they are FCA regulated - https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/using-claims-management-companies
2. industry-wide redress scheme the FCA may introduce in 2026 - https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/consultation-papers/cp25-27-motor-finance-consumer-redress-scheme