How Does Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) Finance Work?

Considering PCP finance? If you’re weighing up your car finance options and keen to understand whether PCP is the best choice for you, you’ll need to know how it all works. 

That’s why we’re here;  we’ll help you get all the facts you need to make an informed decision and get you back on the road in your new wheels in next to no time.

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What is PCP car finance?

Personal Contract Purchase – or PCP for short – is a type of car finance that spreads the cost of buying a new or used car over a set period.
 
PCP deals typically last between two and four years, but at the end of the loan, you have options: you can choose to buy the car with a one-off balloon payment, hand it back to the lender and walk away, or use any available positive equity as a deposit in a new agreement.
 
This flexibility, as well as the relatively low monthly repayments that can come with PCP, have seen this type of agreement becoming much more popular in recent years.

How does PCP work?

PCP finance is broken down into three stages:

Deposit

Most PCP will ask you to put a deposit down upfront. The amount is up to you (and how much you can afford) but around 10% of the car’s purchase price is usually considered a decent deposit.

Monthly payments

Next, you’ll make fixed monthly payments throughout the loan term. These payments will be calculated so they cover the difference between your new car’s current price and its estimated future value, usually called the Guaranteed Minimum Future Value or GMFV. As you don’t have to cover the full purchase amount, your payments can be lower than other finance options like Hire Purchase (HP).

Final optional balloon payment

If you’ve fallen head over heels for your new wheels, you have the option to buy it and become its official owner at the end of the agreement. But first, you’ll need to pay the one-off lump sum known as the balloon payment. This is the amount outstanding on the loan and usually equivalent to the GMFV. If you can’t afford to pay it all in one go, don’t worry; refinancing loans are available.

Don't fancy committing to a long-term relationship with your vehicle? At this point you can always hand it back and walk away, or use any positive equity you've built up as a deposit in a new agreement.

Diagram showing how PCP finance works

Let’s look at an example:

  • You take out a PCP agreement to buy a £15,000 car over three years. The finance company calculates that the vehicle’s GMFV will be £9,000 in three years’ time.
  • Put down a 10% deposit (£1,500) and borrow the remaining £13,500.
  • As it’s agreed that the car will be worth £9,000 at the end of the agreement, you’ll only need to pay back £4,500 (plus interest on the full loan amount of £13,500).
  • When the loan term ends, you can pay the final £9,000 to keep the car and become its car’s legal owner or you can choose to hand the car back. If the car is worth more than £9,000, you’ll be in positive equity and could use the extra value as a deposit in a new deal.

What are the key features of PCP finance?

Sounds good so far? If you think PCP might be the right choice for you, our need-to-know feature rundown could help you make up your mind:

  • You won’t be the car’s owner during the loan – but you will be its registered keeper and responsible for its upkeep, fuel, and insurance costs.
  • You don’t have to borrow the full purchase price of the car, instead you’ll borrow the amount of value it’ll likely lose during your loan term.
  • You can return the car at the end of the loan, use any available positive equity as a deposit in a new deal, or pay the one-off balloon payment to become its legal owner.
  • Annual mileage restrictions will usually apply, and you’ll be expected to keep the car in good condition, especially if you plan to return it.

What are the pros and cons of PCP finance?

Every finance option has its upsides and downsides; here are a few of the advantages and disadvantages of PCP finance that it’s worth keeping in mind:

Pros of PCP finance

  • Your monthly payments can be lower than other types of finance
  • You have options and flexibility at the end of your agreement
  • You might be able to afford a newer or higher spec car
  • You can change car every few years

Cons of PCP finance

  • You won’t become the car’s legal owner unless you pay the one-off balloon payment
  • You’ll likely have to agree an annual mileage limit
  • You’ll face extra charges for any damage to the car beyond standard wear and tear
  • Your car can be repossessed if you don’t keep up with your repayments

More car finance guides

What happens at the end of a PCP agreement?

One of the big benefits of PCP finance is that it gives you options and flexibility in case you change your mind or if your circumstances changes. In fact, you have three options when you reach the end of your PCP agreement:

  • Buy the car and become its legal owner by paying the one-off balloon payment
  • Hand it back to the lender and walk away
  • Use any available positive equity as a deposit to buy a car with a new finance agreement

What happens if I don’t want to keep the vehicle?

Ready for a change? If you’ve had a change in circumstances or you’re just bored of driving the same old thing, you can simply hand the car back to the lender.
 
You’ll need to let them know, preferably in writing, as you approach the loan term end date as they’ll need to arrange an inspection and a collection or drop off point.
Assuming you’ve treated your car with a little TLC to keep it in good condition and not gone over your annual mileage limit, you’ll be able to hand over the keys and walk away.
 
If your car is worth more than expected (its value exceeds its GMFV) then you’ll be in positive equity. This can give you even more choice as you might be able to use that extra value as a deposit and buy a new car on finance.

Will I be charged to return the vehicle?

Whether or not you’ll be charged when you return a car on PCP finance will depend on how well you’ve looked after it during the loan term. The car legally belongs to the lender, after all, so it’s understandable that they’d be concerned that you’ve kept it in good condition (and helped it maintain as much value as possible!)
 
The lender will usually arrange a vehicle inspection before the agreement officially ends. Fair wear and tear is expected – think a few small scuffs on the upholstery or scratches on the bodywork – but any more serious damage might lead to extra charges. Depending on the terms and conditions of your agreement, it might be cheaper for you to arrange the repairs yourself at an approved local garage before the inspection date.
 
If you’ve gone over your mileage limit, you’ll likely have to pay extra too. The exact charge will be listed on your agreement, but it’ll typically be per mile.

What if I want to end my PCP agreement early?

Let’s face it; life doesn’t always go smoothly. While a finance agreement is a legally binding contract, if your circumstances have changed, positively or negatively, and you need to end your PCP agreement early, there are options available:

14 Day Cooling-Off Period

The Consumer Credit Act 1974 gives you peace of mind when taking out car finance with a "cooling-off" period. If you change your mind after agreeing to a hire purchase deal, you have 14 days from the agreement or receiving a copy (whichever is later) to cancel without penalty.

Settlement Figure

You can settle your finance at any time by requesting a settlement figure from your lender. This will usually be made up of any remaining payments, minus future interest, plus your final balloon payment. Once this amount is paid, congratulations – the car is officially all yours. Be aware that an early termination charge might also apply.

Voluntary Termination

If you’re struggling to keep up with your payments or no longer need a car, under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 you have the right to voluntarily terminate your finance agreement. You just need to tell the lender you want to voluntarily terminate and return the car. It is important to note you will need to pay 50% of the total amount payable (including the balloon payment). If you’ve made some payments but not yet reached this point, you will need to pay the difference and if you’ve already paid over 50%, you can return the car without needing to pay any more money. Extra charges might apply if the car is damaged beyond fair wear and tear.

Is PCP finance right for me?

There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing a finance deal; the best option for you will depend on your personal preferences, priorities, and financial situation.

PCP finance could be the right choice for you if:

  • You prefer lower monthly repayments
  • You want to have different options at the end of your agreement – and car ownership isn’t necessarily important to you
  • You like driving newer or higher spec cars
  • You tend to change car every few years
  • You can comfortably keep within an annual mileage limit
  • You’re a careful driver who is likely to keep their car in good condition

FAQs About PCP Car Finance:

Is it better to own a car or have a PCP agreement?

If you’re choosing between owning a car or having a PCP agreement, it’s important to remember that car finance isn’t a one-size-fits-all. The best choice for you might not be the right option for your friend or family member. It all comes down to your individual circumstances.
 
Car ownership might be the better choice for you if you plan to keep the same set of wheels for several years, enjoy being a car owner, and don’t want to worry about mileage restrictions.
 
On the other hand, PCP might suit you better if you like to change car regularly, don’t want to think about the car losing its value or having to sell it in the future, and tend to drive a similar number of miles each year.

Is HP or PCP better?

HP vs PCP is a hot debate in car finance, but the best option for you will always depend on your individual circumstances and personal preferences:

HP might be the better option for you if:

  • You want to own your car
  • You want to keep the same car for several years
  • You drive a lot of long distances
  • You’ve missed payments in the past and your credit score has been negatively impacted

PCP could be a better fit if:

  • You want the flexibility to choose whether to become the car’s owner or not
  • Low monthly repayments are your priority
  • You love driving newer models and like changing car regularly
    ·      You tend to drive a similar number of miles each year

Can I modify my car on a PCP agreement?

No, if you’re dreaming of adding a new spoiler, set of alloys, or stereo system to your car, it’s important to know that you can’t usually modify a car during your PCP agreement. That’s because you won’t be its legal owner until the agreement ends and you’ve paid the balloon payment. Any modifications you make might impact the vehicle’s future value and make it harder for the lender to recoup their costs.

Can I use my vehicle for business purposes?

Double-check your PCP agreement to find out whether you can use your car for business purposes or not. Keep in mind that you may need different insurance if you plan to use your car for business and consider that the extra mileage involved in completing deliveries or visiting clients, for example, could push you over your annual limit.

Will my PCP agreement come with a mileage limit?

Most PCP agreements will come with a mileage limit restricting the distance you can drive each year. This’ll usually be mutually agreed at the beginning of your loan term. If you go over this limit, you’ll likely be charged a set amount per mile.

Can I only use PCP to finance a new car?

No, it’s not just new cars, PCP finance is available on nearly new and used cars too. However, interest rates for this type of loan can be less competitive than they would be on a brand-new vehicle as the car will already have lost a substantial amount of its value. Most cars depreciate quickly in their first few years of life, which means the lender may not get much back from selling the car at the end of your agreement and can only make money from the interest charged on your loan.

How can I make repayments lower?

The amount you pay each month in a PCP will depend on a range of factors including your total loan amount, loan term, interest rate, and car value. To reduce your repayments, you could:

  • Reduce the amount you need to borrow by choosing a cheaper car or putting down a large deposit
  • Get the best possible GMFV by choosing a car that is known to hold its value well
  • Choose a longer loan term (although you may pay more in interest overall)
  • Keep the car in good condition and stay within your mileage limit to avoid any extra charges
  • Improve your credit score to qualify for a lower interest rate

Can you finance the final payment on PCP?

Yes, refinance loans are available to cover the final balloon payment on a PCP. You may be able to get a new loan with your existing lender or a different one. Keep in mind that eligibility criteria will apply, and you’ll likely pay more overall due to the interest charged.

What do I need to apply for PCP finance?

Different lenders can ask for different information and supporting paperwork as part of your PCP application process, but most will ask you to provide:

  • Personal details – such as your name, date of birth, and marital status
  • Proof of income – usually three months’ bank statements or payslips
  • Proof of address – including a Council Tax statement or utility bill
  • Proof of identity – such as a passport or full UK driving licence

Can I change from HP to PCP car finance?

Yes, you might be able to change from a HP to a PCP car finance deal through refinancing. This process allows you to take out a new finance agreement with new terms (usually with a new lender) and use it to pay off your existing finance. Lender eligibility criteria and an early repayment charge may also apply.

Do I need a credit check for PCP finance?

Yes, you’ll usually need to undergo a credit check to be eligible for PCP finance. This helps to ensure you’re not at risk of entering a loan agreement that isn’t right for your situation. Lenders will often carry out a soft credit check to assess your initial eligibility, followed by a hard credit check (which will be listed on your credit file). Having a lot of hard checks appear on your credit report in a short period of time can negatively impact your credit score so you might want to space your finance applications out over time.