Good to know: We are a Claims Management Company (CMC). You do not need to use a CMC to make your complaint to your lender, bank or insurer. If your complaint is not successful you can refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service yourself for free if the firm is still trading. For eligible failed firms, you can refer a claim to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme for free.
We are the specialist claims management company helping thousands secure Santander car finance compensation. You could be owed thousands in hidden commission refunds.
If you took out car finance with Santander Consumer Finance between April 2007 and January 2021, you could be entitled to substantial compensation through a Santander finance claim. Industry analysts estimate Santander could face a redress bill of up to £1.9 billion [1], with the bank already setting aside £295 million for potential payouts [2]. This means thousands of Santander customers could be owed significant compensation for hidden commission charges.
Santander has set aside £295 million for car finance compensation [2]
Analysts estimate Santander’s total bill could reach £1.9 billion [1]
62% of Santander customers who complained were told they had hidden DCAs [3]
Average compensation: approximately £1,100 per finance agreement [4]
Santander Consumer Finance is one of the UK’s largest car finance providers, holding a 9.4% market share as the third-largest provider in the country [5]. The bank has been directly implicated in the widespread car finance mis-selling scandal that has rocked the industry, with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) investigating hidden commission practices that may have cost consumers millions.
The scandal centers on two key issues:
Discretionary Commission Arrangements (DCAs): These arrangements, banned by the FCA in January 2021 [6], allowed car dealers to increase your interest rate to earn higher commission from Santander. The higher your rate, the more commission they received, creating a direct conflict of interest that led to customers paying excessive charges.
Undisclosed Fixed Commissions: Even without DCAs, dealers received commissions from Santander that were rarely disclosed to customers. A landmark Court of Appeal ruling in October 2024 [7] established that all undisclosed commissions are unlawful without informed customer consent.
Santander’s Response to the Crisis:
You may be entitled to compensation through a Santander finance claim if:
✅ Your agreement was with Santander Consumer Finance between April 2007 – January 28, 2021
✅ You used PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) or HP (Hire Purchase) finance
✅ You were not fully informed about dealer commissions
✅ Your interest rate seemed higher than other available options
✅ Sales staff failed to explain all finance options clearly
✅ You felt pressured into the finance agreement
✅ Affordability checks seemed inadequate or rushed
Important: You can claim for multiple Santander agreements, completed contracts, active agreements, and even if your vehicle was repossessed.
The amount of compensation from your Santander finance claim depends on several key factors:
Industry Estimates for Santander:
Factors affecting your Santander compensation:
Example Calculation: On a typical £10,000 car finance agreement over four years, customers may have overpaid approximately £1,100 in additional interest charges [4].
As the UK’s third-largest car finance provider [5], Santander Consumer Finance has been significantly impacted by the commission scandal:
Key Statistics:
Unlike claims management companies that have recently entered this market, Allegiant is an established FCA-regulated claims management company [13] (Firm Reference Number: 836810) with extensive experience in securing car finance compensation for UK consumers.
✅ Specialist knowledge of Santander’s specific commission practices
✅ FCA regulated for your complete protection and peace of mind
✅ No Win, No Fee – you only pay if we secure your Santander compensation
✅ Comprehensive service – we handle everything from evidence gathering to final payout
✅ Transparent communication – regular updates on your Santander claim progress
1. Comprehensive Case Review
We carefully assess your Santander finance agreement and circumstances to determine your eligibility for compensation
2. Evidence Collection
We gather all necessary documentation to build the strongest possible case against Santander
3. Expert Claims Management
We handle all negotiations with Santander and, if necessary, escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service [14]
4. Secure Your Compensation
We ensure you receive the maximum Santander compensation you’re entitled to
The regulatory environment strongly supports consumers seeking compensation from Santander:
FCA Investigation Ongoing: The FCA’s comprehensive review [15] continues, with the regulator confirming it will likely consult on a redress scheme if widespread misconduct is found.
Extended Response Times: Current FCA rules [10] mean Santander has until December 2025 to respond to commission-related complaints, giving the regulator time to complete its investigation.
Court Precedent: The October 2024 Court of Appeal ruling [7] established that undisclosed commissions are unlawful, creating strong legal grounds for Santander finance claims.
Supreme Court Decision: A Supreme Court hearing in April 2025 will determine the final scope of commission disclosure requirements, with the FCA set to announce next steps within six weeks of the decision [15].
Don’t delay your Santander finance claim. You generally have:
With Santander setting aside hundreds of millions for compensation [2] and industry estimates suggesting the bank’s total liability could reach £1.9 billion [1], it’s crucial to start your claim as soon as possible.
The car finance scandal has had a significant impact on Santander’s UK operations:
Financial Consequences:
Strategic Implications:
Don’t let Santander’s hidden commission practices cost you thousands. If you financed a vehicle through Santander Consumer Finance between 2007-2021, you likely have strong grounds for compensation.
Your three options:
Why choose professional help for your Santander claim?
With Santander already setting aside hundreds of millions for compensation and analysts predicting the bank could face up to £1.9 billion in total costs, there has never been a better time to pursue your claim.
Contact Allegiant today to start your Santander finance claim. With our expertise, FCA regulation, and no win, no fee guarantee, you have nothing to lose and thousands to gain in rightful compensation.
Allegiant is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority [13] (FRN: 836810). Our no win, no fee terms mean you only pay if your Santander finance claim is successful and you receive compensation. Full terms and conditions will be clearly explained before proceeding. All compensation figures quoted are based on industry analysis and regulatory data [4]. Individual results may vary.
[1] https://www.reclaim247.co.uk/claims-guide/santander-eyes-uk-exit-as-car-finance-scandal-triggers-strategic-shake-up/
[2] https://www.lawplus.co.uk/pcp/santander-sets-aside-nearly-300m-for-car-finance-compensation/
[3] https://pcp-claimback.co.uk/santander-pcp-hp-claims/
[4] https://consumervoice.uk/rights/car-finance-loans/
[5] https://pcp-claimback.co.uk/santander-pcp-hp-claims/
[6] https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/reclaim-car-finance/
[7] https://www.fca.org.uk/news/statements/firms-given-until-december-2025-respond-motor-finance-commission-complaints
[8] https://www.fstech.co.uk/fst/Santander_Considers_Splitting_Car_Finance_From_UK_Division_As_Scandal_Costs_Mount.php
[9] https://www.lawplus.co.uk/pcp/how-to-bring-a-santander-car-finance-claim/
[10] https://www.santanderconsumer.co.uk/commission-arrangement-complaints/
[11] https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/car-finance-fca-investigation-what-you-need-to-know-a4eXb5u8VeBy
[12] https://www.lawplus.co.uk/pcp/how-to-bring-a-santander-car-finance-claim/
[13] https://register.fca.org.uk/s/firm?id=0010X00004MND0QQAX
[14] https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk
[15] https://www.fca.org.uk/news/statements/motor-finance-review-next-steps
[16] https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1980/58/section/5
[17] https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1980/58/section/14A
Good to know: We are a Claims Management Company (CMC). You do not need to use a CMC to make your complaint to your lender, bank or insurer. If your complaint is not successful you can refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service yourself for free if the firm is still trading. For eligible failed firms, you can refer a claim to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme for free.
