Regulated UK law firm·A brand of Fernstone Law. We handle the whole claim, end to end.

Guidance

Do You Need a Law Firm for a Motor Finance Claim?

No. You can make a motor finance complaint yourself, for free.

You don't need to use a solicitor or claims management company to pursue a motor finance complaint. You can contact your lender directly free of charge. The FCA motor finance redress scheme is designed to be accessible to consumers without professional help.

Your free options

You can complain directly to your lender at no cost. Under the FCA redress scheme, once it is operating, lenders are required to assess eligible agreements and contact customers who may be owed compensation, whether or not those customers have complained.

Parts of the scheme are suspended until the Upper Tribunal has heard the legal challenges in February 2027, so no compensation is being calculated or paid yet. Your lender must still log your complaint and tell you where you stand.

Why some people choose a law firm

Some consumers prefer to use a regulated law firm or solicitor for their motor finance claim. Common reasons include:

  • They want someone to manage the process on their behalf
  • They are unsure whether their agreement is eligible
  • They have multiple agreements and want consolidated support
  • They want legal representation if their case is disputed

Using a law firm does not guarantee a better outcome. It means a professional handles the process for you, in exchange for a fee if the claim succeeds.

What No Win, No Fee means

If you use a No Win, No Fee law firm, you pay nothing upfront. If your claim is unsuccessful, you pay nothing. If your claim succeeds, the firm takes a percentage of your compensation as a success fee. This percentage is agreed before you instruct the firm and must be disclosed to you clearly.

What fees may apply

Success fees vary between firms. The FCA notes that claims management companies and law firms may charge up to 36% of your compensation including VAT. At Fernstone Law, the success fee is up to 30% plus VAT (36% including VAT) if the matter settles before court proceedings begin, and it is set out in your client agreement before you proceed. You can also cancel within the 14-day cooling-off period without charge. Your agreement will confirm the cancellation terms.

Questions to ask before choosing any representative

  • What is the success fee percentage?
    Ask any representative to state the exact success fee percentage and whether VAT is added on top. At Fernstone Law this is set out in your client agreement before you proceed.
  • What happens if I cancel after the cooling-off period?
    Ask whether a cancellation fee applies and how it is calculated. Your client agreement must set out the cancellation terms clearly.
  • Are you authorised and regulated by the SRA or FCA?
    Solicitors firms are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Claims management companies are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Always verify the regulator and reference number on the relevant public register.
  • Will I be kept informed of progress?
    Ask how often you will receive updates, who your point of contact will be, and how to reach them.
  • What do I need to provide to start a claim?
    Ask whether documents are required upfront. Many firms, including Fernstone Law, can begin with just your basic personal details and trace agreements on your behalf.

What Fernstone Law does

My PCP Claim is a brand of Fernstone Law Limited, formerly Proximo Legal Services, an SRA-regulated law firm (591916), not a claims management company. We handle motor finance claims on a No Win, No Fee basis, and the same team sees your claim through from start to finish rather than referring it to a panel firm. If you would like us to check your agreement, you can start a free eligibility check with no obligation to proceed.

Start your free check

Official sources

The information on this page reflects current FCA and SRA guidance.