If you’ve ever bought a car on finance, you might have heard about the Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) mis-selling scandal. It’s a big deal, with millions of UK drivers potentially owed thousands of pounds. At the heart of this movement is Martin Lewis, a trusted name in personal finance. In this article, we’ll explore who Martin Lewis is, his role in PCP finance claims, how much compensation you could claim, and how National Claims can help you get started. Let’s dive in!
Who is Martin Lewis?
Martin Lewis is a household name in the UK, often called the “Money Saving Expert.” He’s a financial journalist, broadcaster, and the founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, a website dedicated to helping people save money and understand their rights. For over two decades, Martin has been a champion for consumers, breaking down complex financial topics into simple, actionable advice.
Whether it’s tackling energy bills, credit card debt, or mis-sold financial products, Martin’s mission is clear: empower people to take control of their finances. His work has helped millions reclaim money they’re owed, from Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) to unfair bank charges. Now, he’s leading the charge on PCP finance claims, shining a light on a scandal that could rival PPI in scale.
What Are PCP Finance Claims?
Before we get into Martin’s role, let’s clarify what PCP finance claims are about. Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) is a popular way to finance cars. You pay a deposit, make monthly payments, and at the end of the term, you can either pay a final “balloon” payment to own the car, return it, or trade it in for a new deal. Sounds straightforward, right?
Unfortunately, between 2007 and 2021, many PCP agreements involved hidden commissions. Car dealers and brokers could increase the interest rates you paid to boost their own commission, often without telling you. This practice, known as Discretionary Commission Arrangements (DCAs), was banned by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in 2021, but not before millions of drivers were affected.
Martin Lewis’ Role in PCP Finance Claims
So, where does Martin Lewis fit in? He’s been instrumental in raising awareness about this issue. Here’s how:
- Exposing the Scandal: Martin and his team at MoneySavingExpert.com uncovered the scale of PCP mis-selling. They’ve highlighted how hidden commissions inflated the cost of car finance deals, potentially affecting 40% of PCP and Hire Purchase (HP) agreements before 2021.
- Providing Free Tools: Martin’s website offers a free complaint tool to help you check if you’re eligible and submit a claim without paying hefty fees to claims firms. This tool has already generated hundreds of thousands of complaints, with estimates suggesting payouts could reach billions of pounds.
- Pushing for Redress: Martin has been vocal about the need for an industry-wide compensation scheme. In March 2025, he welcomed the FCA’s announcement that it’s considering a redress scheme, which could mean automatic payouts for affected drivers without the need to file a claim.
- Educating the Public: Through TV appearances, social media, and his website, Martin breaks down the complex legal and financial details into plain English. He’s urged drivers to act before potential deadlines, ensuring no one misses out.
Thanks to Martin’s efforts, the PCP scandal is now front and centre, with a landmark Supreme Court case in April 2025 set to decide the future of compensation.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim?
Now, the big question: how much could you get? The amount varies depending on your agreement, but here’s a rough guide:
- Average Payout: Martin Lewis estimates the typical compensation for a DCA claim could be around £1,100. For a £10,000, four-year PCP deal, you might have overpaid by this amount due to hidden commissions.
- Higher Claims: If your finance deal was larger or had higher interest rates, your payout could be several thousand pounds.
- Wider Mis-Selling: A Court of Appeal ruling in October 2024 expanded the scope, suggesting that any finance deal with undisclosed commissions (not just DCAs) could be unlawful. This could increase payouts significantly.
The exact amount will depend on the Supreme Court’s decision and the FCA’s final redress rules. For a precise estimate, National Claims can connect you with experienced solicitors who’ll assess your case for free.
Why Act Now?
You might be wondering, “Why the rush?” Here’s why:
- Potential Deadlines: The FCA has set a deadline of 4 December 2025 for finance companies to respond to complaints. Filing now ensures you’re in the system if a time limit is introduced.
- Redress Scheme: If the FCA launches an industry-wide scheme, lenders might contact eligible customers directly. Submitting a complaint now helps them track you, especially if you’ve moved or changed contact details.
- Peace of Mind: Starting the process is quick and free with tools like Martin’s or through trusted firms like National Claims. Why wait?
How National Claims Can Help
Navigating a compensation claim can feel daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. National Claims specialises in connecting you with experienced solicitors who understand PCP mis-selling inside out. Here’s what they offer:
- Free Assessment: They’ll check if you’re eligible at no cost.
- Expert Guidance: Their solicitors handle the paperwork and negotiations, maximising your chances of a payout.
- No Win, No Fee: You won’t pay unless your claim succeeds.
- Stress-Free Process: They take care of everything, so you can focus on your day-to-day life.
To get started, contact National Claims today. They’ll put you in touch with professionals who’ll fight for the compensation you deserve.
FAQs About PCP Finance Claims
1. Who is eligible for a PCP finance claim?
Anyone who took out a PCP or Hire Purchase agreement for a car, van, motorbike, or camper van between April 2007 and 28 January 2021 may be eligible. It applies even if you’ve paid off the vehicle or no longer own it.
2. Do I need to use a claims firm?
No. You can use Martin Lewis’ free complaint tool on MoneySavingExpert.com. However, if you want expert help, National Claims can connect you with solicitors for a stress-free process.
3. How long will it take to get compensation?
It depends on the Supreme Court ruling and FCA’s redress scheme. The FCA expects to finalise plans by summer 2025, with payouts potentially starting later that year.
4. What if I’ve already received compensation for car finance?
Previous payouts (e.g., for other issues) don’t affect your eligibility for this scandal. You can still claim.
5. Is there a risk in claiming?
There’s no financial risk if you use free tools or no-win, no-fee solicitors. Be wary of firms charging upfront fees.
Final Thoughts
The PCP finance scandal is a golden opportunity for millions of UK drivers to reclaim money they’re owed, and Martin Lewis has been the driving force behind it. His work has made it easier than ever to understand your rights and take action. Whether you use his free tools or seek expert help, now’s the time to act.
National Claims is here to make the process simple. They’ll connect you with experienced solicitors who’ll handle your claim with care, ensuring you get every penny you’re entitled to. Don’t miss out—reach out to National Claims today and start your journey to compensation.
Contact National Claims today, and we will put you in touch with an expert solicitor who can guide you through the claims process.📞 Call us now free 0800 029 3849 or 📩 Submit an online enquiry to speak to our team. Your safety and well-being matter, and we’re here to help.
We’re proud of our excellent customer reviews
We thrive on delivering exceptional service and ensuring our clients’ satisfaction. Don’t just take our word for it. Check out some of our independent reviews to see what our clients have to say.
Excellent
This firm is excellent, they sorted out my car pay out and injury claim very fast, they always communicate with you all the time.
My accident case was dealt with confidence and with great result of the outcome, especially James kept me informed all the time.
I was very impressed at the way my inquiry was treated. I was listened to attentively and everything I needed to know was explained to me.
