Frequently asked questions

No, and no responsible broker or lender can. Every application must pass affordability and status checks. Be wary of anyone who promises otherwise; a guarantee is not theirs to give.

No. Sending us the form does not run a credit check at all; it tells us your situation. We call you first, and only run a soft-search eligibility check once you have agreed. A soft search is not visible to other lenders and does not affect your score, however many times you check.

Only if you decide to go ahead with a full application to a lender, after you have seen your likely terms. We will tell you clearly before that point. A hard search is recorded on your file and other lenders can see it for around 12 months.

It varies by lender and time of day. Many customers hear back the same day; we will give you a realistic expectation when you apply rather than promise a fixed turnaround.

Basics only to start: your budget, income, employment, date of birth and contact details. If a lender wants documents (bank statements, licence), we will tell you exactly what and why.

Some lenders consider provisional licence holders, others need a full licence. Tell us when you enquire and we will only approach lenders who can consider you. Subject to status.

Possibly, yes. Lenders consider the CCJ's age, whether it is satisfied, and your current affordability. See our dedicated CCJ page for detail. Subject to status.

During an IVA you will usually need your insolvency practitioner's permission; after completion more options open up. Specialist lenders consider both situations case by case.

Rarely on their own. A default stays on your file for six years from the date it was registered, but its age matters more than its existence, and most of our customers have at least one.

The mildest adverse entry there is. One or two isolated late markers rarely matter; a run of them in the last year or an account still in arrears gets more attention. Bringing accounts up to date and keeping them there is the best thing you can do.

Not automatically. A DMP is informal, so no permission is needed, but your plan payment counts as an outgoing. Lenders look at what is left afterwards. Tell your DMP provider before you commit to anything.

Usually only after discharge, and it is one of the harder cases. Some lenders on our panel consider discharged bankrupts, particularly a year or more after discharge with clean conduct since. We will be honest about the odds before anything is submitted.

Often, yes. Different lenders weigh the same file differently, and our panel includes specialists in adverse credit. One soft-search check tells you where you stand without hurting your file.

Some lenders can consider certain benefits, particularly long-term ones such as PIP or DLA, as income alongside earnings. Income made up entirely of Jobseeker's Allowance or the standard Universal Credit allowance is difficult for most lenders. Subject to affordability.

All three credit reference agencies, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, must give you free access to your statutory credit report. It is worth checking: old addresses, duplicate entries and defaults that were actually settled are common and fixable.

Not always. £0-deposit options may exist on some vehicles for some applicants, subject to status. A part-exchange or small deposit usually improves both approval chances and total cost.

Most customers with adverse credit are offered hire purchase (HP): fixed monthly payments, and you own the car after the final payment. Some customers may be offered personal contract purchase (PCP) instead, subject to status and lender approval. We will explain which options are open to you, and the exact figures, before you commit to anything.

With HP you pay off the whole car in equal monthly payments and it is yours at the end. With PCP the monthly payments are lower because a large part of the price is left as an optional final payment. At the end of a PCP you can pay that final amount and keep the car, hand the car back (subject to the agreed mileage and condition), or use any equity towards another car. PCP usually costs more in total if you keep the car, and going over the mileage limit or returning the car in poor condition can mean extra charges.

It is the rate we expect at least 51% of customers who take finance through us to receive or better. Your actual rate may be higher or lower depending on your circumstances and the lender. The example in the footer shows how it works on a typical deal.

No. The figures a lender offers, deposit, monthly payment, term and total payable, are the figures. We are paid by way of commission from the lender, which is disclosed and does not change what you pay.

Yes. You have a legal right to settle a regulated agreement early, and doing so usually reduces the total interest you pay. The lender will provide a settlement figure on request.

Tell the lender before it happens rather than after; they can often help. Missed payments are recorded on your credit file, and in the worst case the vehicle may be repossessed. That applies to every finance agreement, with any lender.

Paying a regulated agreement on time every month is recorded on your file and, over time, can help. Missing payments does the opposite. Nobody should take on finance purely to rebuild a score; take it on because you need the car and the payment fits.

Blackpool Road, Kirkham, Preston PR4 2RE: a real forecourt, open Mon–Sat 9am–6pm and Sunday 10am–4pm. You are welcome to walk in without an appointment.

Collection from Kirkham is always available. Delivery may be available depending on where you are; ask when you enquire and we will confirm what is possible.

Yes. We will value it and put it towards your agreement as a deposit contribution, even if it has finance outstanding (we will explain how settlement works).

The team at North West Car Group in Kirkham, a family-run business with more than 30 years in the motor trade. The person who reads your enquiry is the person who prepares the car and hands you the keys.

Qualifying vehicles include our 3-Year Aftercare Package, honoured at the same forecourt you bought from. Ask at the dealership for the full inclusions, eligibility and exclusions; we explain them before you buy.