When someone starts a mis-sold car finance claim, the paperwork can feel like the hardest part. In reality, most claim services are not looking to overwhelm anyone — they are trying to build a clear, evidence-backed picture of what was sold, how it was explained, and what it cost over time.

Claim First’s approach is built around keeping things simple and jargon-free, with the team doing the heavy lifting wherever possible. If a driver has everything to hand, the claim may move faster — but missing documents do not automatically stop a case. A good claims team will usually help source what is needed.

For anyone considering a claim, it helps to know what documents are commonly requested and why.

1) The finance agreement (PCP/HP) and related contract paperwork

This is the key document in most cases.

A mis-sold car finance claim service will usually ask for a copy of the finance agreement — typically a PCP or HP agreement — because it sets out the core terms: interest rate, total amount payable, repayment schedule, and any fees. It is also the quickest way to check whether important information was clearly disclosed and whether the agreement appears fair and transparent.

If the agreement is not available, many services can still proceed, but they will normally ask for any of the following substitutes:

• A finance “welcome pack” letter or email

• A copy of the pre-contract information sheet (if supplied)

• Screenshots or PDFs from an online finance portal

• Any agreement reference numbers (often enough to request a duplicate from the lender)

2) Proof of identity and proof of address

Most claims firms will ask for basic ID checks. That is not about “digging” — it is about confirming they are dealing with the right person and meeting compliance requirements.

Commonly requested documents include:

• A photo ID (passport or driving licence)

• Proof of address (utility bill, council tax bill, bank statement — usually dated within the last 3 months)

These checks also help avoid delays later, especially if the lender challenges details or if the claim involves requesting records.

3) Bank statements or payment evidence (when affordability is part of the complaint)

Not every mis-selling complaint turns on affordability, but it is a common theme. If a driver’s position is that the finance was unaffordable (or was sold without proper checks), a claim service may ask for evidence of income and outgoings from around the time the agreement started.

That often includes:

• Bank statements (typically 3–6 months around the agreement start date)

• Payslips (if relevant) or proof of income

• Evidence of other credit commitments at the time

Even if the driver no longer has old statements, many banks allow historic downloads, or statements can be requested directly.

4) A statement of account and settlement history

A statement of account shows what was actually paid over the life of the finance: monthly payments, interest charged, fees, and sometimes adjustments. A settlement letter (if the agreement ended early) can also be useful.

This information matters because it helps quantify the claim and supports the timeline. It can also help highlight issues that drivers often only notice in hindsight — such as unexpectedly high costs, add-ons, or unclear fee structures.

If the driver has already paid off the finance or changed cars, this document becomes even more important, because it helps track what happened after the sale.

5) Vehicle purchase documents (order form, invoice, part-exchange details)

Mis-selling can happen at the point of sale, so purchase paperwork is often relevant.

A claim service may ask for:

• The vehicle order form

• The sales invoice

• Any part-exchange valuation paperwork

• Deposit receipts

• GAP insurance / warranty / service plan paperwork (if added)

These documents help confirm what was agreed in the showroom and whether any extras were bundled in, presented as “standard”, or not clearly explained.

6) Emails, messages, and notes from the dealership or lender

Drivers are often surprised at how useful “everyday” communications can be.

Claim services commonly request:

• Emails with the dealer or broker

• Text messages or WhatsApp screenshots

• Notes taken during the sale (even informal)

• Any follow-up communications after signing

Why it matters: mis-selling arguments often turn on what the customer was told and what they understood at the time — particularly around interest rates, commission, affordability, and the overall cost of the deal.

7) Credit report access (sometimes optional, sometimes helpful)

Some claims processes may ask for permission to view a credit report, especially where the complaint involves unaffordable lending or repeat borrowing patterns.

A credit report can help show:

• Existing credit commitments around the time of the finance sale

• Whether the customer was under financial pressure

• Whether a lender or broker should reasonably have noticed warning signs

On Claim First’s payday loan refund journey, the site explicitly references credit report access as a way to identify borrowing and give a clearer picture of what lenders “should have seen”. (While that’s shown on the refunds page, the same principle can apply in affordability-related finance complaints.)

8) Authority forms and “client care” paperwork

If a claim service is going to speak to lenders, request documents, or negotiate on someone’s behalf, they usually need written authority.

That may include:

• A signed authority to act / letter of authority

• Engagement paperwork confirming the service terms

• No-win, no-fee documentation (where applicable)

Claim First positions its process as risk-free and “no win, no fee”, with the team guiding claimants through what’s needed.

What if the driver has lost the paperwork?

This is common — especially if the agreement started years ago.

A typical claims team will suggest practical steps like:

• Checking email inboxes for lender “welcome” emails

• Looking in online finance portals

• Requesting duplicate agreements or statements from the lender

• Using reference numbers from bank payments (sometimes enough to trace)

The important point: the claim does not always depend on the claimant having a perfect folder of documents. It is often about giving the service enough information to start tracing the agreement.

Data security and peace of mind

Because these documents can include sensitive financial details, reputable firms will be clear about privacy, consent, and how information is handled.

For drivers who suspect they were misled on PCP or HP — whether through unclear costs, interest, commission, or affordability — the simplest next step is usually an initial eligibility check.

Claim First keeps the process straightforward: Contact us, share the basic details, upload the agreement if available, and the team reviews the case and explains the next steps.

If you believe you have been treated unfairly, Claim First is here to help you take action with confidence. Whether you’re dealing with a mis sold car finance claim, seeking expert payday loan refund services, or need trusted housing disrepair services to challenge poor living conditions, their experienced team will guide you every step of the way. Claim First also offers dedicated scam recovery services, helping you recover funds lost to fraud quickly and professionally. Don’t let lenders, landlords, or scammers benefit from unfair practices — start your claim today and let Claim First fight for the compensation you deserve.