Representative Example: You could borrow £10,699 over 60 months with an initial payment of £495.89 (including £199 Admin Fee) followed by 58 monthly payments of £296.89 with a final payment of £495.89 (including optional £199 Option to Purchase Fee). Total amount repayable will be £19,012,40. 26.1% APR, annual interest rate (fixed) 13.3%.
Can I Get Car Finance with a CCJ?
If you’ve had a County Court Judgment (CCJ) in the past and are thinking about applying for car finance, you might be wondering what your options are. The good news is that having a CCJ doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be declined, but it can make things a bit more difficult. Many people with a CCJ have still been able to get HP car finance, though sometimes at a higher interest rate or with a few extra checks.
A CCJ (County Court Judgment) is a type of court order issued when someone fails to pay back money they owe. Before a CCJ is granted, the lender or creditor will usually try to collect the debt directly. If that doesn’t work, they may apply to the court to make a formal claim.
Once a CCJ is issued:
A CCJ can show up during credit checks and may affect your ability to get car finance, take out a loan, or apply for credit cards.
Not necessarily. Every car finance lender has their own rules. Some lenders won’t approve customers with a CCJ, while others specialise in offering car finance with bad credit, including to those with CCJs or defaults.
You may still be able to:
Lenders may view you as a higher-risk borrower, so always check the total cost of the loan before agreeing to anything.
Yes, you can, but it may take a bit more work. If your credit score is low due to missed payments, defaults, or a CCJ, some lenders will still consider your application, especially if:
If you’ve been declined before, don’t panic. Check out our guide: What to do if you’ve been refused car finance for tips on what to do next.
Yes, having a satisfied CCJ (one you’ve paid off) is often better than an unsatisfied one. It shows the lender that, even though the debt went to court, you’ve taken steps to make it right.
While a CCJ will still stay on your credit report for up to six years, many bad credit lenders will look more favourably on a satisfied CCJ. It shows responsibility and a willingness to fix financial problems.
This can help improve your chances of being approved for car finance with a CCJ, especially if the rest of your application looks strong.
The right car finance option depends on your personal situation, including your income, credit history, and whether you want to own the car at the end of the agreement.
HP finance is a straightforward way to spread the cost of a car over fixed monthly payments. This makes it easier to manage your budget and gives you the reassurance of knowing exactly what you’ll pay each month. One of the key benefits of HP is that, once all the payments are made, including the final option to purchase fee, you become the legal owner of the car. This can be a good choice if you want to keep the vehicle long-term and avoid mileage limits or return conditions often found in other finance types.
Importantly, HP agreements are commonly offered to people with bad credit, including those with CCJs, as long as the lender is confident that the repayments are affordable. Many specialist lenders focus more on your current financial situation than on your credit score alone.
Other finance options, such as Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or Personal Contract Hire (PCH), are generally harder to access if your credit score is lower.
If you're applying for car finance with a CCJ, there are a few simple things you can do to improve your chances. First, it helps to show that you have a steady income, like a regular job or another reliable source of money. This shows lenders that you can afford the monthly payments.
You could also apply with a guarantor or joint hirer, this might be a parent, partner, or friend who has a better credit history and can help support your application. This can make lenders feel more confident in approving you.
It’s also a good idea to try and pay off any other debts you have. This can show that you're managing your money well and improve what’s called your "affordability" score.
Finally, you might want to speak to a specialist finance broker. They know which lenders are more likely to accept people with bad credit or a CCJ and can help you find the best match. Even if you're not approved right now, these steps could help you get a better offer in the future.
This depends on your situation. If you urgently need a car and can afford the repayments, applying with a specialist lender might make sense now. Just make sure you:
If your CCJ is recent or unsatisfied, and you’re not in a rush, it might be better to wait a few months. This gives you time to:
