Car finance hub

PCP car finance advice

The PCP (personal contract purchase) is the most popular means of financing a new or used car in the UK. The Car Expert has everything you need to know.

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Nine out of ten private new car buyers use a PCP to purchase their vehicles, and about half of all used car buyers are now doing the same. Yet the PCP is poorly understood, and many people are not aware of all the rights and responsibilities that are part of the UK’s most popular form of car finance.

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Our top PCP car finance advice

Personal Contract Purchase: the PCP explained

The personal contract purchase (PCP) is the UK's most popular type of car finance. The Car Expert explains everything you need to know.

How to understand a PCP car finance quote

Thousands of people look at a PCP car finance quote and are hopelessly confused by all the different numbers. Cut through the confusion with this guide.

Car finance: Top 10 PCP myths busted

Based on all the questions about PCP finance we have received here over the last few years, we've listed our Top 10 PCP myths – and then busted them.

What are your options at the end of a PCP?

Many car finance customers are confused about what happens at the end of a PCP finance agreement. We explain your options.

PCP car finance FAQs

4 March 2023

The Car Expert has put together this list of PCP car finance FAQs to help you with questions about car finance that car dealers won't answer.

How to avoid finance and leasing penalty charges

20 September 2022

With most new cars funded through either PCP or contract hire, it's important that your car is in good condition when you hand it back.

Car finance: Voluntary termination of a PCP or HP

12 September 2022

Voluntary termination is your legal right to cancel your PCP or HP car finance agreement in certain circumstances. The Car Expert explains how it works.

Personal Contract Purchase: the PCP explained

8 September 2022

The personal contract purchase (PCP) is the UK's most popular type of car finance. The Car Expert explains everything you need to know.

Can you sell your car if it has outstanding finance?

28 January 2022

Trying to sell your car can be quite the hassle, and things certainly get confusing when the car has outstanding finance. Whatever your agreement, we talk you through your options.

What happens to your car finance agreement if you die?

17 October 2021

When taking out car finance, almost no-one thinks: "What would happen to this car finance agreement if I should die before it's paid off?"

Can I get car finance if I’m unemployed?

2 July 2021

Car finance is essential for millions of people to buy a car for getting around. But what if you're unemployed? The Car Expert explains.

Do I have to service my car with the dealer if I have a PCP?

22 May 2021

The popularity of PCP car finance has allowed car manufacturers to be sneaky in forcing you to have your car serviced by their dealers.

Your next car: buying vs leasing

1 May 2021

There are many ways to fund your next new or used car. We look at the options and implications when it comes to buying vs leasing a car.

Can I take out car finance for someone else?

1 March 2021

Can you take out car finance in your name if the car is for someone else? This is called an accommodation deal, and it causes considerable confusion.

Car finance: Top 10 PCP myths busted

28 January 2021

Based on all the questions about PCP finance we have received here over the last few years, we've listed our Top 10 PCP myths – and then busted them.

Car finance: Negative equity and why it’s a problem

8 August 2020

One of the big problems in car finance is negative equity, and it can get you into financial trouble. But what is negative equity and why is it a problem?

How to understand a PCP car finance quote

2 June 2020

Thousands of people look at a PCP car finance quote and are hopelessly confused by all the different numbers. Cut through the confusion with this guide.

Car finance: How do I settle a PCP early?

27 May 2020

Changing circumstances mean you need to settle your PCP car finance agreement now rather than wait until it ends. What are your options?

Car finance: the early upgrade myth

4 November 2019

Have you had a call from the car dealer with the "good news" that you are eligible for an early upgrade on your PCP? It may be good news for the dealer, but not necessarily for you.

New car finance rules set to save customers millions

16 October 2019

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced stricter new car finance rules, which it says will save car buyers of the UK £165 million each year.

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Disclaimer

Most car finance and leasing activity in the UK is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, and anyone involved in the selling of car finance or brokering of leasing agreements must be accredited by the FCA.

You should always consider the terms and conditions of any agreement carefully before taking out car finance or leasing agreement, as you are making a substantial ongoing commitment and there may be significant costs if you change your mind or are unable to meet your commitments at a later date.