Representative 30.9% APR
Yes! But it depends on the lender. Many traditional finance providers - like banks and franchised car dealerships - see a car finance application from someone with bad credit or a CCJ as too much risk. But some lenders look past these factors to consider other aspects of your financial profile.
Here at First Response Finance, we take the time to understand your financial past while focusing on what you can afford going forward. When assessing your car finance application we'll look at your credit file - including whether you've got a CCJ against your name - but we'll consider other factors too. We try to be as flexible as possible - hopefully, to approve a deal that works for you.
All our car finance loans are Hire Purchase (HP) agreements. Once we've assessed your application, we'll let you know if we're able to offer you car finance with a CCJ or not. If we can, this is how it works:
Just so you know... you might not have to pay a deposit, depending on your credit limit and the price of your car.
The answer depends on a number of factors, including:
If you've got bad credit or a CCJ against your name, our car finance may cost more because of a higher interest rate - you can use our calculator tool to get a better idea of this cost. And remember: there's no commitment if you apply, and it won't impact your credit score.
Select the option that best describes your credit rating.
There are no additional fees
Representative
28.9% APR
We use Experian, one of the UK's top credit reference agencies, to run our credit checks. This helps us to understand your credit history, which is one of several factors we take into consideration when making a decision on your approval for vehicle finance.
Our Head of Underwriting, Craig, gives his expert opinion:
"Securing car finance with a CCJ on your record can be a tough road to travel. Many lenders are hesitant to take on the risk, fearing the possibility of missed payments or defaults. However, at First Response Finance, we understand that life happens, and a CCJ doesn't define your financial future. Unlike traditional lenders, we offer tailored solutions for those with less-than-perfect credit, giving you a fair chance to get the car you need. Our approach is built on empathy, understanding and flexibility - things other lenders often overlook."
There's nothing different compared to our standard application process! It's quick and easy to apply for car finance with a CCJ - just follow these steps:
Fill out our online quote form. You'll get an instant decision on your eligibility and be able to see how much your repayments would be.
We believe a CCJ shouldn't hold you back from getting the car you deserve. That's why we offer flexible car finance options across a wide range of makes and models. To get started, here's what we look for:
Our fixed criteria help us lend responsibly, but we understand that every customer's situation is unique. That's why we offer flexibility on things like loan terms. Whether you prefer to repay your car finance over a longer period or want to pay it off sooner with larger instalments, we're here to make the process work for you.
Unsure if CCJ car finance would be suitable for you? We can help you weigh up the positives and negatives:
We’re authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
We're committed to treating customers fairly and giving clear, honest information so you can trust us to put your best interests first every step of the way!
Jonathan | Dec 2023
Jonathan | Mar 2025
CCJ stands for 'County Court Judgment'. This is a court order that could be issued against you if you've failed to repay a debt. If a creditor (someone you owe money) takes you to court to recover the money, you may receive a CCJ if the court rules you have to pay it back. You should get a letter in the post that explains how much you owe, whether you need to pay in full or instalments, the deadline set, and who you need to pay. This is the process in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, while the equivalent process in Scotland is called 'a decree'.
A CCJ is usually issued if you've failed to repay a debt or meet a financial obligation - but only after other steps have been taken to recover the money you owe. It's another step creditors can turn to in the debt collection process. An individual or a business may get the courts involved if you've not responded to any prior communications and notices, or if you're disputing that you owe money. This could be for an unpaid loan, credit card debt, outstanding utility bills, or unpaid rent. You may not even know you have a CCJ if you've missed letters from the creditor because of outdated address information.
A CCJ stays on your credit file for six years, and this will impact your credit rating. You'll likely find it more difficult to borrow money or get credit, whether it's a personal loan, new credit card, car finance, or even a mortgage. Lenders may see you as a high-risk borrower, and if they do allow you to borrow money, you'll probably be charged a higher interest rate. You may also have issues renting a home with a CCJ - private landlords and letting agents often check your credit report as part of the application process.
Yes, there are ways to get a CCJ 'set aside' (effectively cancelled). If you can prove you don't owe the money, you can apply to the court to have the judgment set aside. You'll have to attend a private hearing to explain this. This may also be an option if you didn't receive the original claim from the court saying you owed money. If you do owe the money and pay the debt in full within one month, you can apply to the court for your record to be changed to show that the debt has been 'satisfied' - although the judgment will stay on your record for the rest of the six years. You may find it easier to get credit if your record shows you've settled the debt.
Once a CCJ has been on your credit file for six years, it's removed - whether you've paid the debt or not. Lenders won't be able to see it and won't consider it when deciding whether or not to lend you money. Your credit rating should also increase, unless there are other factors bringing it down. This should make it easier to borrow money, access new credit or rent a home, among other things.
A court judgment tends to be a last resort for creditors. To avoid getting one, it's important to stay on top of your finances and address any debts as soon as possible. Here are a few steps that can help:
Stay on top of payments: always try to make timely payments for loans, credit cards, bills, and rent. Reminders or automatic payments can help make sure you never miss a due date.
Communicate with creditors: if you're struggling to make payments, reach out to your creditors as soon as possible. Many companies are willing to work with you to set up a payment plan or offer temporary relief.
Get free debt advice: if you need it, consider seeking professional advice from a financial advisor or debt management service. They can help you understand your options and create a plan to pay off your debts.
Respond to letters and notices: if you receive any court papers or notices about a debt, don't ignore them. Responding quickly could prevent a CCJ from being issued. If you're not sure how to proceed, seek legal advice.
We can help you get on the road! Explore our car finance options tailored to people with CCJs and bad credit.
Have other lenders turned you down? Don't worry. We specialise in offering car finance for people with a CCJ. But there are plenty of other reasons to choose us:
We're SAF Approved by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA), which means that all of our customer-facing employees have passed the Specialist Automotive Finance (SAF) Expert test. This ensures our team members have all the relevant knowledge to advise you on available finance products and help find the right one for you!
Don't let a CCJ come between you and the car you need! Get a quick, easy, and free quote online - all without affecting your credit score.
This page was last reviewed in July 2025.
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.
