In the past few years, Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) has become one of the UK’s most demanded car financing options. Thousands of Britishers have purchased cars on finance using PCP contracts. The PCP contracts are easy, and affordable, and offer flexible end-of-term options for their users. Therefore, many people bought their Audi on PCP finance.
However, not all people are aware of the complexities and intricacies of the PCP agreement. They fail to understand it on time, and sooner or later, they fall into the trap of a mis-sold car deal. This mis-sold car finance on an Audi can then later be claimed with an Audi PCP claim. If someone purchased a BMW on finance, he may seek a BMW PCP claim.
Understanding Car Financing Contracts:
For most of us, there is no great distinction between a PCP and an HP deal. It is because we lack knowledge of these financial agreements. Let us uncover some basic differences between the two finance agreements.
An HP or Hire Purchase agreement consists of an initial payment, then fixed monthly payments and after that, the ownership is transferred to the user. However, in a PCP contract, the contract demands an initial deposit, offers low monthly instalments and then provides three flexible options to its users.
The three options given to the PCP buyer are:
- Retain the car by paying the optional balloon payment
- Return the car without paying anything
- Renew the car with a new PCP contract
If you want to retain the car, you have to pay the final lump sum or the balloon payment. This is a Guaranteed Minimum Future Value (GMFV) of your car at that time. If you do not want to retain it, you may return it without paying anything other than your extra costs. These extra costs are determined by the breach of your contract. It includes additional mileage costs and costs for car wear and tear during the time. Likewise, if you want to get a new model, you may do so by signing a new PCP deal. All your finances will be adjusted accordingly.
These are some basic differences between a PCP and an HP deal. So, if you purchased a car on a PCP contract, you have these three options at the end. But if you signed an HP deal, you will become the permanent owner of the car at the end of your contract without paying anything. The main reason for this immediate ownership is that almost all the costs are paid in fixed monthly instalments. So, you will become the owner after paying the entire price. Meanwhile, in a PCP deal, you pay fewer monthly amounts. So, you have to pay the remaining balloon payment to own the vehicle.
FCA on PCP Claims:
Furthermore, the government’s backed authority, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), has recently analysed a series of mis-sold car deals that took place between 2007 and January 2021. According to their research, people who purchased their cars on finance were most likely mis-sold on their finance agreements. This recent investigation has caused a surge in the demand for PCP claims. People who bought Audi on PCP finance are seeking Audi PCP claim.
The mis-selling of deals is determined by the following factors:
- The PCP or HP contract was not explained properly.
- You were not aware of the interest rates that were charged on your deal.
- The dealer did not disclose hidden commissions on your contract.
- You were not presented with suitable financing options.
- The dealer did not run a complete affordability check on you.
- You were not given proper time to read, understand and evaluate the agreement.
- You were pressured by the sales team to sign the agreement quickly.
- You were not updated on mileage and other car restrictions.
- The car was not in its ideal condition.
All of these reasons account for the mis-selling of the PCP contract. Mis-selling takes place when an expensive item is sold with misrepresentation on some important terms. According to FCA PCP mis-selling was due to hidden costs. Their team has analysed that most of the PCP deals during that time period were based on Discretionary Commission Arrangements (DCAs). It means that the car dealer and the lender set a higher interest rate to increase their commissions. This was not disclosed to the customer, and he paid more than the usual market rate. This practice was common at the time, but some misused it for personal gain, and customers might have paid more for their car finance. Therefore, most of them are hiring PCP claims solicitors.
Steps to file a PCP Claim:
Ideally, anyone can contact their lenders and car dealers for PCP claims. But sometimes, they do not get the desired response on time. Therefore, it is always better to hire PCP and HP claim experts.
At PCP and HP Claims, we have a team of recognised claim experts who can handle your claim process smoothly. Our process is simple and easy. First, we will check your claim eligibility. Then, we will gather all relevant documents and marketing materials to understand your case and identify the reason for mis-selling. Later, we will forward your complaint and update you on your claim status.
This is a legal process, it will take some time. It is all cost-free until you win your refund. So, you will not have to worry about any payments or service charges. If your case is valid, you will win your amount with our solicitors help.