How long do I have to make a PCP claim?

The standard limitation period for a PCP mis-selling claim is 6 years from the date of the finance agreement, or 3 years from the date you first knew (or should have known) about the mis-selling — whichever is later. For agreements from 2019 or later, the 6-year clock is still running. For older agreements, the 3-year 'knowledge' clock is more important. The FCA has also extended its own review period, but this does not pause the courts' limitation periods.

Can I still claim for a PCP agreement from 2015?

Possibly — it depends on when you became aware of the mis-selling. The 6-year limitation period from 2015 would have expired in 2021. However, the 3-year 'date of knowledge' period may mean the clock started running later — specifically from when you became aware (or should have been aware) that a DCA applied to your agreement. The FCA's formal investigation and the Supreme Court's October 2024 ruling are relevant to when knowledge can be said to have arisen. Consult a specialist promptly.

Does the FCA review extend the PCP claim deadline?

The FCA's review and redress scheme does not automatically extend or pause the courts' limitation periods. The FCA's scheme will set out a process for compensating consumers, but this is separate from your right to bring legal proceedings through the courts. If you're approaching a limitation deadline, you should seek legal advice immediately — do not assume the FCA's process protects you from time-bar.

PCP Claim Time Limit 2025 — How Long Do You Have to Claim Car Finance Compensation?

The short answer

How long do you have to make a PCP claim?

You have 6 years from the agreement date OR 3 years from when you first knew (or should have known) about the mis-selling — whichever expires later. For most people: agreements from 2019–2021 are clearly within time. Agreements from 2015–2018 depend on knowledge. Pre-2015 agreements may be time-barred, but the Supreme Court ruling in 2024 has complicated this. The FCA's review does not extend your court limitation period.

⚠ Don't assume you're protected2019+ clearly in timePre-2018: check urgently

Instant deadline check

When did you take out your agreement?

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PCP Limitation Period Checker

Understand your deadlines based on agreement year

Year agreement started

Were you aware of PCP mis-selling before 2024?

Agreement year6-yr deadlineKnowledge deadlineStatus (May 2025)

202120272027 (if known 2024)✓ Clearly in time

202020262027 (if known 2024)✓ Clearly in time

20192025 ⚠2027 (if known 2024)✓ In time — act soon

20182024 ✕2027 (if known 2024)⚠ Knowledge period only

20172023 ✕2027 (if known 2024)⚠ Knowledge period only

20162022 ✕2027 (if known 2024)⚠ Knowledge period only

20152021 ✕2027 (if known 2024)⚠ Contested

Pre-2015ExpiredDepends on knowledge⚠ Specialist advice needed

This table assumes you first gained knowledge of the DCA mis-selling in 2024 (following the Supreme Court ruling). Earlier knowledge changes the calculation. All dates are approximate — get specialist legal advice for your specific situation.

The legal rules explained

Understanding PCP claim limitation periods

Limitation periods for PCP claims are governed by the Limitation Act 1980 and the specific cause of action you're using. There are two key clocks:

Clock 1 — 6 years from agreement date

For breach of statutory duty claims (under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000), the standard 6-year period runs from the date of the agreement. This is the most straightforward deadline.

Clock 2 — 3 years from date of knowledge

For claims where you didn't know (and couldn't reasonably have known) about the breach, the limitation period runs from when you first became aware. This is the "knowledge" clock — and it's the one that keeps many older claims alive.

The "Later" rule

You use whichever clock expires later. If your 6-year clock expired in 2022 but your 3-year knowledge clock started in 2024 (running until 2027), you still have time.

Why the Supreme Court ruling matters

The October 2024 ruling clarified that undisclosed commissions were unlawful — which affects when consumers could reasonably have known about the mis-selling. Many specialists argue knowledge only arose after this ruling.

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The FCA's redress scheme does NOT extend your court limitationA common misconception: the FCA's motor finance review and redress scheme is a regulatory process, not a legal protection against time-bar. If your limitation period expires while you're waiting for the FCA's process, you may lose your right to bring court proceedings. If you're worried about a deadline, get specialist legal advice now — don't wait for the FCA's scheme to mature.

FAQs

PCP claim deadlines — questions answered

My 6-year deadline has passed — am I definitely too late?+

Not necessarily. If the 3-year knowledge clock is still running, you may still have a valid claim. The key question is: when did you first know (or when should you have known) that a DCA applied to your agreement and that this was potentially unlawful? Given that the widespread public awareness of DCA mis-selling only emerged fully through the Supreme Court's October 2024 ruling, there is a strong argument that many consumers' knowledge clocks only started in 2024 — giving them until 2027. Consult a specialist immediately.

Can I make a complaint to Black Horse or Santander even if my limitation period has passed?+

You can still submit a complaint to the lender and to the FOS even if your court limitation period has passed — the FOS has different rules to courts and can consider whether the lender acted fairly, which is a broader assessment. The FCA's redress scheme may also make payments available regardless of limitation periods in court. However, you should not rely on this — get specialist advice about your specific situation.

Does the limitation period run from when I paid off the loan?+

No — the limitation period generally runs from when the cause of action accrued (when the mis-selling occurred), which is the date of the agreement. Paying off the loan doesn't reset or extend the limitation period. The knowledge-based clock is separate: it starts when you became aware of the facts giving rise to the claim, regardless of when you paid off the loan.

Related guides

Continue your PCP claim research

Disclaimer: Limitation period analysis is complex and depends on the specific facts of your case, including when you acquired knowledge of the mis-selling. This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Do not rely on this guide to determine whether your claim is time-barred — always consult a qualified solicitor promptly if you are approaching or believe you have passed a limitation deadline.