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FCA Motor Finance Redress Scheme: What to Expect in 2026

My Claims Centre
6 min read

The FCA's motor finance redress scheme launches in May 2026. Learn what it means for your claim, how the scheme will work, and why getting your claim in early matters.

FCA Motor Finance Redress Scheme launching May 2026 - compensation for hidden commission on car finance

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has proposed a comprehensive redress scheme for motor finance consumers, launching in May 2026. Here's everything you need to know. For a complete overview of car finance claims, see our car finance compensation guide.

£11 Billion
Estimated cost to the motor finance industry

What Is the Redress Scheme?

DEFINITION

Motor Finance Redress Scheme

An industry-wide program designed to compensate consumers who were charged undisclosed or excessive commission on car finance between 2007-2024. One of the largest consumer redress initiatives in UK financial services history.

The Motor Finance Consumer Redress Scheme is an industry-wide program designed to compensate consumers who were charged undisclosed or excessive commission on car finance between 2007-2024.

Historic Consumer Redress

This represents one of the largest consumer redress initiatives in UK financial services history, affecting up to 14 million consumers and costing the industry an estimated £11 billion.

When Does It Launch?

May 2026 is the target launch date.

Key Dates

October 2025:FCA consultation opened (CP25/27)
December 2025:Consultation closed
Early 2026:Final rules published
May 2026:Scheme launches

Don't Wait Until May 2026

With up to 14 million potentially eligible consumers, submitting your claim early helps ensure you're at the front of the queue when the scheme launches. Claims submitted now will be processed first.

Who Is Eligible?

You May Be Eligible If:

  • Had motor finance agreements between 2007-2024
  • Were subject to [Discretionary Commission Arrangements (DCAs)](/car-finance-claims/understanding-discretionary-commission-arrangements)
  • Were not adequately informed about commission
  • Had agreements with participating lenders (like [Black Horse](/car-finance-claims/black-horse-refund))

According to FCA estimates, up to 14 million consumers may be eligible.

How Will It Work?

The Scheme Process

1
**Presumption of Harm** - If disclosure was inadequate, you're presumed to have suffered loss (lenders must prove otherwise)
2
**Lender Review** - Lenders review your agreement, assess disclosure, and calculate redress if applicable
3
**Rebuttal Available** - Lenders can challenge the presumption with evidence (e.g., 0% APR deals, clear disclosure)
4
**Escalation Rights** - If unsatisfied, escalate to the [Financial Ombudsman Service](https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/) or FCA procedures

How the Burden of Proof Works

This Shifts the Advantage to Consumers

The scheme creates a presumption that if disclosure was inadequate, you suffered loss. This is significant: lenders must prove you weren't harmed, rather than you proving you were. This makes claims much easier for consumers.

What Compensation Can You Get?

The scheme proposes two remedies:

Remedy 1: Commission Repayment

Return of the undisclosed commission paid, plus statutory interest (8% per year). This is the simpler calculation.

Example: If £1,500 commission was paid in 2015:

  • Commission: £1,500
  • Statutory interest (8% for ~10 years): ~£1,200
  • Total: ~£2,700

Remedy 2: APR Adjustment

Calculation of what you would have paid without the inflated commission, with the difference refunded.

Example: If your APR was 8% instead of 6%:

  • Extra interest paid over 4 years: ~£1,800
  • Statutory interest: ~£400
  • Total: ~£2,200

Consistent Methodologies

The FCA will set out clear methodologies for calculating redress to ensure consistency across lenders. You'll receive whichever remedy gives you the higher amount.

Industry Impact

The redress scheme is expected to cost the motor finance industry approximately £11 billion (including implementation costs).

Major affected lenders include:

Why Get Your Claim In Early?

With up to 14 million potentially eligible consumers, the scheme will face significant volume:

Beat the Rush

Claims submitted before May 2026 will be queued and processed first when the scheme launches. With millions of claims expected, being at the front of the queue could mean receiving your compensation months or even years earlier.

Advantages of Early Claims

1
**Queue Position** - First in, first reviewed when scheme launches
2
**Faster Resolution** - Lenders process in order received
3
**Avoid Rush** - Beat the May 2026 surge of last-minute claims
4
**Documentation** - Time to gather information and ensure claim is complete

Current Status (December 2025)

The FCA has:

  • Closed consultation on CP25/27
  • Extended complaint handling pause to December 4, 2025
  • Published policy statements on handling procedures
  • Set framework for May 2026 launch

Lenders are currently:

  • Pausing complaints under FCA rules
  • Preparing systems for the scheme
  • Training staff on new procedures
  • Reviewing historical agreements

What Should You Do Now?

If You Had Car Finance (2007-2024):

Get Your Claim Queued

1
**Check Eligibility** - Submit basic details for review
2
**Gather Information** - Find finance agreements if possible (we can help with this)
3
**Submit Early** - Get your claim queued before the May 2026 rush
4
**Stay Informed** - Updates will be provided as scheme launches

Ready to Get Started?

Submit your details now to be at the front of the queue when the scheme launches in May 2026.

Check My Eligibility

You Don't Need a CMC

Your Rights

You can submit claims yourself for free:

  • Directly to the lender
  • Via the Financial Ombudsman Service
  • Through FCA complaints procedures

However, many consumers prefer professional help with:

  • Locating agreements (soft credit checks)
  • Complex paperwork
  • Dealing with lenders
  • Calculating redress

Our Service

No Win, No Fee Service

At My Claims Centre, we handle everything for you:

  • Work on no win, no fee (30% + VAT, capped)
  • Use soft credit checks to find your agreements
  • Deal with lenders on your behalf
  • Keep you updated throughout the process

Key Dates to Remember

  • May 2026: Redress scheme launches
  • 2007-2024: Eligible agreement period
  • January 2021: DCAs banned
  • Now: Best time to submit claims (beat the queue)

What Happens After May 2026?

Once launched, the scheme will:

  • Process claims systematically
  • Issue responses within set timeframes
  • Provide clear compensation calculations
  • Offer escalation routes for disputes

The FCA expects the bulk of claims to be processed within 12-18 months of launch, though complex cases may take longer.

Staying Compliant

All information in this article is based on:

  • FCA consultation paper CP25/27
  • Motor Finance Redress documentation
  • Published FCA timelines and statements
  • Verified industry estimates

No speculative amounts or unverified claims are included.

Learn more about car finance claims and the redress scheme:

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Next Steps: Check if you're eligible by providing basic details about your car finance agreement. We'll use a soft credit check to find your agreements and get your claim queued for the May 2026 scheme launch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Check Your Eligibility?

If you had car finance between 2007-2024, you could be eligible to claim. Get started now.

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