If you’ve been mis-sold a car finance agreement, you’re not alone. Many car finance consumers were sold deals that were unfair or not fully explained.
Recovering funds from these mis-sold agreements could be within reach, but before you can proceed with a claim, you’ll may want to locate your historical car finance agreements.
At Bott and Co Solicitors, we handle numerous car finance mis-selling cases including both pcp claims and hp claims, and understand that locating past finance documents can seem like a challenge.
You can use our free car finance agreement finder that’ll find any agreement you may have had in the last 6 years without you needing to remember your registration number, agreement number, or the name of lender.
If you still wish to locate your car finance details, here’s a guide to help you track down your old agreements and make the claims process smoother.
1. Check Your Email Inbox And Paper Records
When you first took out your car finance agreement, you may have received documentation by email or in physical form.
Here are a few places to check:
- Emails: Search your inbox for keywords like “finance agreement,” “hire purchase,” or the name of the finance provider. It’s often helpful to filter by date around the time you remember signing the agreement.
- Paper Files: If you keep physical files, find your paperwork from the period when you bought the car. Check for files labelled “Finance Agreement,” “Hire Purchase Agreement,” or the car dealership’s name.
2. Contact The Car Finance Provider
If you can’t locate your own copy, the finance provider may still have records of your agreement. Here’s what you can do:
- Identify the Finance Provider: If you remember which lender or finance company you used, contact them directly. Most finance providers retain copies of agreements for at least six years, and some may have records beyond that.
- Provide Necessary Information: To verify your identity and locate your records, be prepared to provide details like your full name, address at the time of the agreement, and the car’s registration number.
- Request a Full Copy of Your Agreement: Ask for a copy of the original agreement, including the full terms and conditions, not just the payment history. Be clear that you’re requesting the complete document to assess the original terms.
3. Check Your Bank Statements
Your bank statements may offer helpful clues. Check for regular payments to the finance provider; these payments may be labelled with the provider’s name, allowing you to trace the company managing your car finance.
- Search Digital Banking Records: If you use online banking, search back to the start date of your payments.
- Request Older Statements: If you don’t have online access to historical statements, request copies from your bank, though there may be a fee involved for older records.
4. Retrieve Your Credit Report
Credit reports often retain information on past car finance agreements. This includes the name of the lender, the start date, and sometimes even the full balance and repayment terms.
Request a Credit Report from Major Bureaus: You’re entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each of the main credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—at least once per year. By reviewing each report, you may find records of your car finance agreement.
Look for Clues in the Report’s Account Section: Finance agreements usually appear under “Accounts” or “Credit Accounts,” listing the finance provider and sometimes basic details of the arrangement.
5. Contact The Car Dealership
In some cases, the car dealership where you purchased the car might have retained records of the transaction, including details about the finance arrangement. They may be able to direct you to the right finance company if you’re unsure.
Ask for Proof of Purchase and Finance Documents: The dealership may have records of the finance provider and the type of agreement used, such as PCP (Personal Contract Purchase), or HP (Hire Purchase)
Confirm Specific Details: If they do have records, confirm the finance provider and any details that might help in retrieving a complete copy from the finance company.
6. Submit a Subject Access Request (SAR)
Under the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR, you have the right to access any personal data that a company holds on you. Submitting a Subject Access Request to your finance provider can help you obtain a complete copy of your finance agreement.
Write to the Finance Provider: Include your full name, address at the time of the agreement, and any other identifying information (such as the car’s registration number).
Request All Relevant Information: State that you’re requesting all information related to your car finance agreement, specifically requesting a complete copy of the original contract.
7. Work with a Specialist Legal Team
Once you’ve gathered as much documentation as possible, consider working with a legal team experienced in mis-sold car finance claims. At Bott and Co, we understand the intricacies of finance agreements and mis-selling claims, and we’re here to guide you through every step of the process.
If you’re struggling to retrieve specific details or documentation, our team can assist in making requests on your behalf and providing guidance to ensure your claim is robust and well-documented.