Bad credit car finance

We've specialised in bad credit car finance for over 20 years; financing cars for people with a thin credit file or bad credit history, and that have been declined by other lenders.

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Representative 29.9% APR

Bad credit car finance

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What is bad credit car finance?

What is bad credit car finance?

The expression "bad credit car finance" refers to financing options designed for people with less-than-perfect credit scores. It caters to those who may have faced financial setbacks or struggled with managing their credit in the past. These financing solutions provide a lifeline to car buyers by offering them a realistic opportunity to obtain a loan for a vehicle they need.
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Reasons for bad credit

You might have bad credit because...

  • you've never taken out a substantial loan or credit agreement, or have always paid in cash, meaning you have little or no credit history;
  • you've shared credit or finance agreements with another person who has/had credit issues, and now your credit file is associated with theirs;
  • you've made bad financial decisions in the past, i.e. took out large credit agreements with large repayments that you couldn't afford or pay on time;
  • you've previously been declined by other finance lenders - this is common amongst self-employed applicants because it can be more difficult to prove your income;
  • you have a build-up of missed payments across different accounts which may have led to defaults or CCJs - these can remain on your credit file for up to six years.
Bad credit myths

The application process

Our bad credit car finance application process is as simple as one, two, three!

Complete an online application form and get a decision on your approval within minutes.

If you're automatically accepted for car finance, you'll be able to finalise your application online.

If your finance application is referred, we'll get in contact with you via email or SMS to arrange a time for one of our Underwriters to call you and discuss your application.

Car finance calculator

Use our car finance calculator to get an idea of how much a car finance agreement with us costs, with no commitment to apply.

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Getting approved for bad credit car finance is quick and easy.

Accessible financing

Our bad credit car finance options are tailored to accommodate people with credit challenges, making vehicle loans more accessible to a wider range of customers. We understand the unique circumstances faced by borrowers with bad credit and offer solutions that align with their needs.

Vehicle ownership

Bad credit car finance allows customers to own a vehicle that suits their needs. Unlike traditional lenders who may reject loan applications based solely on credit scores, we aim to have a conversation with those that apply to understand their past credit issues and discuss what we can do to help moving forward.

Credit improvement opportunities

By securing bad credit car finance and consistently meeting repayment obligations, customers can actively work towards improving their credit scores. Responsible handling of car loans demonstrates financial discipline and sends positive signals to credit agencies, potentially leading to improved creditworthiness over time.

Rebuilding financial confidence

Obtaining bad credit car finance can instil confidence in individuals who’ve faced previous financial setbacks. By successfully securing a car loan, customers can feel empowered, knowing they have taken a significant step towards rebuilding their financial stability. This renewed confidence can positively impact other aspects of their lives, encouraging them to pursue further financial goals.

Flexible terms and conditions

Bad credit car finance often offers more flexible terms and conditions compared to conventional financing options. We understand the challenges faced by borrowers with bad credit and are willing to accommodate their unique circumstances. This may include lower down payment requirements, extended loan durations, and manageable interest rates, providing customers with greater financial flexibility.
Understanding bad credit car finance

Understanding bad credit car finance

Bad credit car finance plays an important role in empowering individuals with poor credit histories to regain their financial footing and improve their creditworthiness. By providing access to vehicle finance, we enable borrowers to demonstrate responsible financial behaviour, such as making regular payments. Timely repayments on car loans can positively impact credit scores, helping people to rebuild their credit files and open doors to future financial opportunities.
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Hire Purchase pros and cons

Unsure if a Hire Purchase agreement would be suitable for you? Check out some of the pros and cons!

  • Fixed interest rate
  • Simple to arrange
  • No deposit required
  • Flexible terms (18 - 61 months)
  • No annual mileage restrictions
  • Fixed monthly (or weekly) repayments
  • You own the car once the final payment's been made
  • Customers are protected under the Consumer Rights Act (2015)
  • Finance is subject to status
  • You don't own the car until the final payment's been made
  • The car's at risk of repossession if you don't keep up with repayments
  • Not suitable if you plan on paying off your finance agreement within six months

Cars available on finance

Having bad credit shouldn't stop you from getting the car you want! We can provide finance on a variety of brands such as Ford, Vauxhall, and Nissan. For more information, check out our fixed and flexible car finance criteria:

Fixed Criteria

  • Aged 18+
  • UK resident
  • Petrol maximum mileage: 120,000
  • Diesel maximum mileage: 160,000

Flexible Criteria

  • 18 - 61 month terms
  • No deposit required
  • £2,000 - £15,000 lend
  • Provisional driving licences considered
Whilst our criteria helps us to lend responsibly, we're flexible on things such as the age of the car and the term of the agreement. For example, you can choose to pay your car finance loan over a long period of time, i.e. 48 months, or make larger instalments and pay your finance agreement off in as little as 18 months.
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Bad credit car finance FAQs

First Response Finance is a responsible vehicle finance lender, and all decisions are made in the best interests of the customer; based on credit scores, status, and income at the time of application. We'll never approve an application if we believe you might struggle with repayments.

Get independent advice on money, finance products, debt management, and budgeting through Citizens Advice and MoneyHelper.