# 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?

| Missing Document | Impact | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Agreement | Critical | Request from lender immediately |
| Payment Proof | High | Use bank statements instead |
| Settlement Letter | Medium | Request or use last payment statement |
| Dealer Invoice | Low | Your claim is still valid without it |

**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](https://motorredress.co.uk)**, 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.

---

**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.