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Supreme Court rules against car finance motorists

The UK Supreme Court has ruled that lenders are not liable for undisclosed commissions in car finance deals.

August 1, 2025 at 03:56 PM
blur Car finance compensation landmark ruling announced

Supreme Court has ruled against motorists in landmark case over car finance arrangement mis-selling scandal that could affect millions.

Supreme Court rules against motorists in car finance case

The UK Supreme Court has issued a ruling against motorists in a significant case involving hidden commissions in car finance agreements. The court decided that lenders, specifically the companies involved in financing such arrangements, are not liable for additional commission payments that were not disclosed to car buyers. This ruling stems from complaints made by three motorists regarding an unlawful commission structure they faced when purchasing second-hand vehicles before 2021. The Court of Appeal had previously sided with the motorists, finding that car buyers were misled by unclear terms in the agreements. However, the Supreme Court overturned this decision, and only one motorist received compensation.

Key Takeaways

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Supreme Court rules against motorists regarding hidden commissions.
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Lenders not liable for undisclosed commission payments.
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Three motorists had previously claimed unfair practices.
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Court of Appeal ruling overturned by the Supreme Court.
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Financial institutions had set aside billions for potential compensation.
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Ongoing discussions about a possible FCA redress scheme.

"This does not sit right with me at all, to be honest."

Marcus Johnson expressed his dissatisfaction with the ruling, highlighting concerns for other affected consumers.

"The next chapter will be in September when the Court of Appeal will be hearing a relevant case."

Darren Smith, managing director at Courmacs Legal, noted upcoming legal processes tied to the commission arrangements.

"We respect this judgment from the Supreme Court and will now work with regulators."

A Treasury spokesperson addressed the Supreme Court's decision in terms of industry response and regulatory action.

"We will be working with the industry to understand the impact for both firms and consumers."

The Treasury emphasized a collaborative approach following the ruling to clarify its implications for stakeholders.

This ruling represents a setback for consumers who already feel vulnerable in financial transactions. The controversy over hidden commissions in the car finance industry has exposed numerous ethical concerns about transparency and fairness, particularly for those who were unaware of how their arrangements affected final costs.While the Supreme Court ruling may initially bring relief to financial institutions facing potential payouts, it raises questions about consumer protection and regulatory measures moving forward. The Financial Conduct Authority is still deliberating on whether to implement a redress scheme to compensate those affected by these practices, indicating that the discussion about fairness and transparency in car financing is far from over.

Highlights

  • Transparency is crucial for consumer trust in finance.
  • The ruling sends a troubling message to car buyers in the UK.
  • Many consumers remain unaware of the risks in car financing.
  • The fight for fairness in car finance is not over.

Concerns over consumer protection and financial fairness

The ruling raises significant issues about transparency in car financing and the need for better consumer protections against mis-selling practices. Disappointed motorists may face limits on potential compensation, leading to public dissatisfaction with financial institutions.

The implications of this ruling will continue to unfold as financial practices are scrutinized more closely.

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