What if I can't find all the original paperwork related to my car finance agreement?

Don't worry if you can't locate all the original documents for your car finance agreement. Here are some steps you can take to retrieve the information you need for a potential mis-selling claim:

• Contact your car finance lender directly. They are legally obligated to keep certain records for a minimum period (usually six years). Explain your situation and request copies of your car finance agreement, statements, and any other relevant documents.
• Check online statements and accounts. Many lenders now offer online account management where you can access copies of your loan agreements and past statements.
• Search for physical copies. Look through old bank statements, email folders, or filing cabinets where you might have kept important documents related to your car purchase.

If you're still struggling to find the paperwork:

• Contact the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). They can help you request information directly from the lender.
• Seek help from a claims management company specialising in car finance mis-selling. They may have experience retrieving documents on behalf of clients.

Remember: While having the original paperwork can be helpful, it's not always essential for a mis-selling claim. You can still proceed with your claim if you have some documentation and can provide details about the car finance agreement, such as:

• The date you took out the finance
• The car model and registration
• The approximate loan amount and interest rate
• Any details you recall about the sales process

The more information you can gather, the stronger your case will be.

For further information on car finance mis-selling and the claims process, visit the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) website: https://www.fca.org.uk/