Cancelling Your Car Finance Deal: What You Need to Know
Financing a car is a significant commitment, but sometimes circumstances change. Understanding your options for cancelling a car finance deal is crucial before you sign on the dotted line, and even after. Unfortunately, simply changing your mind isn’t usually enough to break the agreement. Let’s explore the intricacies of cancelling a car finance deal.
The Cooling-Off Period (or Lack Thereof)
Unlike some purchases, car finance agreements rarely come with a statutory cooling-off period. This means you can’t typically cancel the deal just because you’ve had a change of heart within a few days of signing. The absence of a cooling-off period underscores the importance of thorough research and careful consideration before committing to the finance agreement.
Cancellation Rights Under the Consumer Credit Act
The Consumer Credit Act may offer some limited avenues for cancellation. If the finance agreement was mis-sold, meaning you were misled about the terms or affordability, you might have grounds for cancellation. This often requires demonstrating that the lender failed to conduct proper affordability checks or misrepresented key aspects of the deal, such as the interest rate or total cost of credit. If you believe you were mis-sold the finance, gather evidence like correspondence with the dealership or finance company, and seek advice from a financial advisor or legal professional.
Voluntary Termination
Voluntary termination is an option available under the Consumer Credit Act, but only if you’ve already paid at least 50% of the total amount payable, including interest and any fees. To voluntarily terminate, you’ll need to inform the finance company in writing. You’ll then be required to return the car. If you haven’t paid 50% of the total amount payable, you can still voluntarily terminate, but you’ll need to pay the difference to reach that 50% threshold. Be aware that voluntary termination can negatively impact your credit score.
Early Settlement
Early settlement involves paying off the outstanding finance balance before the end of the agreed term. While this isn’t strictly “cancelling” the deal, it effectively ends the finance agreement. You’ll need to request a settlement figure from the finance company, which will include the remaining principal balance, any accrued interest, and possibly an early settlement fee. Carefully compare the settlement figure with the total cost of continuing the finance agreement to determine if early settlement is financially beneficial.
Rejecting the Car
If you discover significant faults with the car shortly after purchase, you may have the right to reject it under the Consumer Rights Act. This applies if the car is not of satisfactory quality, not fit for purpose, or not as described. You must notify the dealer or finance company promptly and provide evidence of the faults. If your rejection is accepted, you may be entitled to a refund, which can then be used to settle the finance agreement. This scenario is complex and often requires legal advice.
Important Considerations
Cancelling a car finance deal is rarely straightforward. It’s crucial to understand your rights and responsibilities under the finance agreement and relevant legislation. Before taking any action, thoroughly review the terms and conditions of your finance agreement and seek professional advice if necessary. Ignoring the agreement or failing to meet your obligations can have serious consequences for your credit rating and financial well-being.