We have published an update on our review of the motor finance sector (PDF), setting out our findings so far and the areas of concern that we will focus on for the remainder of our review, which will be completed in 2018.
In July 2017, we set out our plans to put the spotlight on motor finance and highlighted the key questions we wanted to answer. We have a range of work underway to build a stronger understanding of this market and how consumers engage with motor finance firms, from carrying out detailed analysis of millions of credit files to a mystery shopping exercise.
Our main findings from the work done so far are that:
- growth in motor finance has been strongest for consumers with better credit ratings, who are less likely to face repayment difficulties
- arrears and default rates remain generally low, though they have increased moderately in recent years
- arrears and default rates are higher, and have risen more, amongst customers with the lowest credit ratings, who account for around 3% of lending
- if not properly managed, some of the commission arrangements in place could incentivise dealers to arrange more expensive finance for customers
- in some cases, customers are not being provided with key information in an accessible manner, including information provided on lenders’ and dealers’ websites
- the largest lenders are adequately managing the risk of a severe fall in prices for used cars, but firms should regularly consider relevant changes in the market.
We are focusing on particular areas of concern for the remainder of our review:
- whether firms are properly assessing whether customers can afford to buy the car they are being offered – particularly for people with lower credit scores
- how firms are managing the risks around commission arrangements for dealers
- whether consumers’ engagement with firms, and the information they are given, allows them to make informed decisions.
The Motor Finance review will be published in Winter 2018/2019.