Representative 30.9% APR
The most important first step is not to panic. It can be tempting to send applications to multiple lenders hoping for a different result, but this can sometimes do more harm than good by adding multiple hard searches to your credit file - and potentially making your credit score worse.
Instead, we recommend taking a moment to pause and consider your options. Your first refusal doesn't mean you're out of choices. It simply means you might need a different kind of lender.
Specialist car finance providers like us exist to help people who don't fit the rigid criteria of mainstream banks or finance companies. We take the time to understand your individual circumstances and focus on what you can afford today, giving you a fair and realistic path to getting behind the wheel.
Our process is straightforward and transparent, hopefully removing some of the stress if you've been refused car finance elsewhere. We use a type of agreement called Hire Purchase (HP), which is one of the simplest ways to finance a vehicle.
Here's how it works in four easy steps:
Just so you know... you might not have to pay a deposit, depending on your credit limit and the price of your car.
Our Head of Underwriting, Craig, explains:
"If you've been refused car finance elsewhere, it's easy to assume any other option will be unaffordable. It's true that specialist lenders often have higher interest rates than high-street banks, but our approach is different. We believe in responsible lending, and our main priority is to ensure the loan is something you can comfortably afford, both now and in the future. We take the time to assess every application to find a monthly payment that fits your budget. And we'll continue to work with you throughout the life of your loan."
Select the option that best describes your credit rating.
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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.
You might be wondering how we can approve an application when another lender has already declined it. The answer lies in our approach. Many mainstream lenders rely on automated, scorecard-based systems. These systems often automatically reject applicants who have a lower credit score or have had financial difficulties in the past.
Our experienced team of Underwriters look beyond the numbers on your credit file. We take the time to carry out an assessment of your circumstances because we know that life happens. A past missed payment or a period of difficulty doesn't necessarily reflect your ability to manage your finances today.
By focusing on your current affordability - your income, your regular outgoings, and your ability to manage the proposed loan - we can often see a positive path forward that automated systems miss. This human approach is why we can frequently help people who've been turned down elsewhere.
Understanding why you might have been turned down can be an empowering first step. While lenders aren't always required to give a specific reason, being refused car finance often comes down to a few common factors.
This is the most common reason. A history of missed or late payments, defaults or CCJs can lead to a lower credit score and an automatic decline from some lenders.
If you've never borrowed money before or have always paid for things in cash, you may have a 'thin' credit file, making it hard for lenders to assess you.
Lenders will assess your income against your outgoings. If they feel that the loan repayments would stretch your budget too thin, they'll refuse the application to lend responsibly.
A simple mistake, such as an incorrect address history or a typo in your salary, can sometimes lead to a rejection.
If you have a joint financial product, like a mortgage, with someone who has poor credit, it could affect your application.
Sometimes, the car you've chosen might fall outside a lender's criteria, perhaps due to its age or mileage.
We know being refused car finance by other lenders can be frustrating, but it doesn't mean that's the end of the road for you. Here at First Response Finance, we offer flexible car finance options across a wide range of makes and models, including Ford, Vauxhall, and Nissan.
Our fixed criteria help us lend responsibly, but we understand that everyone's situation is different - that's why we offer flexibility on things like the loan amount and length of the term. We're here to make the process work for you!
We understand that being refused car finance can be a stressful experience. Whether you have a thin credit file or your circumstances don't fit the usual tick-box approach, we don't think that should be a guaranteed barrier to getting finance. Let us know what you need, and we'll see what we can do to help.
Adrian is just one of the many people we've helped after being turned down for finance elsewhere. Read his story to find out about the difference First Response Finance made to his journey.
It doesn't have to be the end of the road if you're refused finance for a car by another lender. Here are a few reasons you can trust us:
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!
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!
Take the first step today by getting a free quote. It's quick and simple - and most importantly, it won't have any impact on your credit file.
This page was last reviewed in September 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.
