What Documents Do You Need for a PCP Claim? The Complete Checklist

Gathering the right documents is a critical first step in making a successful PCP mis-selling claim. Here's exactly what you need, what's essential versus optional, and how to get missing documents.

Essential Documents (Must Have)

1. Original Credit Agreement (CRITICAL)

This is the contract you signed when you took out the PCP finance. This is the single most important document.

What to look for:

• Usually 5-10 pages
• Has your name, address, car details
• Shows monthly payment amount
• Has an APR percentage
• May have a section mentioning "commission" (or more likely, doesn't)
• Signed by you and the dealer/finance company

Where to find it:

• Your files at home (check drawers, file boxes)
• Email from the finance company (if you received a digital copy)
• Lender's online portal (log in, look for "Documents" or "Account")
• Request from lender: Write to their complaints department asking for a copy

If you can't find it: Request it under Data Subject Access Request (DSAR) rules. The lender MUST provide it within 30 days, usually for a small fee (£5-10).

2. Proof of the Finance Amount

Examples:

• The credit agreement (shows this)
• First payment statement or invoice
• Finance company letter confirming the loan amount

3. Proof of Payments Made

Examples:

• Bank statements showing monthly payments to the finance company
• Finance company statements/payment history
• If paid off: settlement letter from the lender

4. Settlement or Final Statement (If Applicable)

If you've already completed the PCP term or paid it off early, you'll need a letter from the finance company confirming you've paid off the agreement.

Strongly Recommended Documents

5. Original Invoice or Proof of Car Purchase

Helps establish what the "fair" interest rate should have been.

6. Email Correspondence from Dealer or Finance Company

Any emails discussing the finance, interest rate, or terms. May contain evidence of lack of disclosure.

7. Proof of Your Identity and Address

Examples of ID: Passport, driving license, national ID card

Examples of proof of address: Utility bill, council tax letter, bank statement

How to Get Missing Documents

Method 1: Lender Online Portal

Log in to "My Account" or similar and download PDF of credit agreement and statements. Usually free and takes minutes.

Method 2: Request from Lender Customer Service

Call the finance company's customer service and request a copy. Usually takes 5-10 business days and is free (some lenders charge £5-10).

Method 3: Subject Access Request (SAR)

A formal request under GDPR (Data Protection Act 2018) for all personal data a company holds about you.

Steps:

1. Contact the lender's Data Protection Officer
2. Specify "I request all documents relating to my PCP agreement [account number]"
3. Include proof of your identity
4. Mark it as "Subject Access Request"

Timeline: Lenders must respond within 30 days. Usually free.

Method 4: From Your Bank

Download bank statements for the period of the finance. The statements will show all payments to the finance company with dates and amounts.

Document Organization Checklist

Once you've gathered documents, organize them like this:

PCP Claim - [Your Name] - [Account Number]
├── 1. Credit Agreement (original, signed)
├── 2. Payment Statements (from finance company)
├── 3. Bank Statements (3-6 months showing payments)
├── 4. Settlement Letter (if applicable)
├── 5. Dealer Invoice (if you have it)
├── 6. Proof of Identity (passport, license)
└── 7. Proof of Address (utility bill, council tax)

What If You're Missing a Key Document?

The bottom line: The credit agreement is essential. Everything else is supporting evidence. Even without supporting documents, a well-written complaint referencing the FCA findings can succeed.

If Using a Claims Company

Good news: if you use a service like MotorRedress, they'll:

• Request missing documents from the lender on your behalf
• Organize everything for you
• Know which documents are actually critical vs. nice-to-have
• Follow up if documents are missing

This is one of the main advantages of using a claims company—they handle the document-gathering burden.

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Summary: You need the credit agreement (critical), proof of payment, and proof of identity. Everything else is supporting evidence. If you're missing documents, request them from the lender; they're legally required to provide them.