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Tip: Before applying, check your credit report for errors. Correcting any mistakes could improve your credit score and increase your chances of approval.

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Can I Get Car Finance with Bad Credit?

Yes, you can still get a car loan with a bad credit score. A lot of car loan providers in the UK help people who have bad credit. Even if your credit score is not good, you can get approved for an auto loan. These car loan providers know that people face money problems, so they work with people who have bad credit scores.

  • CCJs (County Court Judgements)
  • Defaults or late payments
  • A poor credit rating or bad credit history
  • No credit file or thin credit profile
  • Self-employed or variable income

Used car finance is also available for people with lower credit scores if the application process shows that you can make the loan payments. Brokers will look at your current financial situation, and not only at your past credit issues.

How Does Bad Credit Car Finance Work?

Bad credit auto loans are much like regular car loans. They are for people with bad credit. There is more give in the rules because the lenders know you may have trouble with past payments. These lenders often work with bad credit or non-prime credit. Here’s how the entire process usually goes:

  1. Fill out one simple online form.
  2. Get a soft credit check that does not hurt your score.
  3. Be matched with car loan providers that fit you.
  4. Pick a used vehicle or a new car from an approved dealer.
  5. Look over the repayment terms and the different loan options.
  6. Finalise all the needed paperwork and drive away in your car.

You can also:

  • Use a car loan calculator to guess what your payments might be.
  • You can apply for a car loan with or without giving a deposit.
  • Choose from repayment terms that work for your budget.
  • You may use your current car as a part-exchange if it gets accepted.
  • Apply for your car loan fully online with just a few papers needed.

What Types of Car Finance Can I Get with Bad Credit?

There are several types of car finance available to people with bad credit, each with its own pros and cons. Your options will depend on your financial situation, deposit amount, and whether you want to own the car outright or return it at the end of the term.

Hire Purchase (HP)

You own the vehicle once you make the last payment. This is good for people who have a steady income and want to keep the car for a long time.

Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)

Get lower car loan payments each month when you choose to make a balloon payment at the end of your term. This car loan is good for people who want new cars often and like to change cars on a regular basis. You can get the car you want, pay less each month, and have the option to move to a new car later. This way, your loan payments stay easier to manage while you enjoy driving your choice of car.

Personal Loan

Get the money you need at the start. Buy the car from a dealer or a private seller. Then, pay back the loan payments each month with a set amount.

Joint or Guarantor Loan

Someone else who has a higher credit score can co-sign your agreement. This can help you get a better approval rate.

Car Finance with Benefits

Lenders may let people who get Universal Credit or other benefits apply. But, you have to meet the minimum income requirements. You also need to show that the loan will be affordable for you.

Car Finance Options for People with Bad Credit

We help people from all UK areas. This includes England, Scotland and Wales. It does not matter if you live in a city or out in the country. Whether you are looking for a rent to own car deal, rent to buy car deal, or rent to own cars with no deposit, there are solutions for you.

  • Look at quotes for bad credit auto loans and see which one works best for you.
  • Try auto loan approval tools from brokers to help you get an auto loan.
  • Pick from different auto financing options. You can choose HP, PCP, or go for personal auto financing.
  • Get help if you have a consumer proposal or if you are looking for debt solutions. This can be useful when dealing with bad credit auto loans or other auto financing options.

We also help people get better at handling their money. We give you practical steps and tools to use in your life. One tool is our online car loan calculator. This car loan calculator lets you figure out details about your car loan. It will help you make better choices for your financial health.

Car Finance Options for People with Bad Credit

Why Use Free Price Compare?

We help you get in touch with UK brokers you can trust, like Zuto, Match Me, and CarFinance 247. These companies give you access to a big group of lenders.

Benefits:

  • You only need to fill out one simple application.
  • The system will only do a soft search.
  • Your car loan payments are set up to match your income.
  • Get real quotes from regulated brokers.
  • There are bad credit auto financing options.
  • You can choose second chance or direct lender opportunities.
  • You get access to used vehicle dealerships anywhere in the country.

Many brokers work with lenders who know the different money problems people can have with bad credit. Our partners can help you get the best car loans for your needs.

Compare Negative Equity Car Loan

Car finance with negative equity also tends to come with higher interest rates due to the increased risk for the lenders.

How Do Online Brokers Compare to Dealership Finance?

Online car finance brokers can often get you a better deal than what you may get if you go to a dealership yourself. This is true for people who have bad credit.

Online Finance:

  • Fill out one form to see offers from many lenders.
  • It is easier to look at and compare the loan terms.
  • You may have higher chances to get approved.
  • Get fast results by using soft search tools.

Dealership Finance:

  • You can only pick one lender.
  • It is not easy to see all the costs.
  • A bigger deposit may be needed.
  • Most of the time, if you have bad credit, you will get a higher interest rate.

The best ways to get approved are to work with brokers who know about poor credit and give flexible auto financing options. These people understand your needs. They help you find auto financing that fits your situation. Their knowledge may make it easier for you to get a car loan, even if your credit is not good.

What Is the Minimum Credit Score for Car Finance?

There is no set minimum credit score in the UK. A lower credit score, such as one below 560, can make rates higher. Lenders also look at things like your income, how much money you have for expenses, and if your life is stable. If your credit score is not high, you still can get help. Applying with the right broker may help you get better chances.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply

What Documents Do I Need to Apply?

  • Proof of ID, like a UK driving licence
  • UK address, such as a utility bill or a council tax letter
  • Income proof, like payslips, bank statements, or a benefits letter
  • Bank account details
  • Driving licence number

Having these things ready can help make the application process faster.

Mistakes to Avoid with Bad Credit Car Finance

  • When you apply to more than one lender by yourself, it can lead to several hard checks on your credit. This is not good for your credit file.
  • If you do not check your credit file first, you might miss some issues that could affect your car loan.
  • If you pick a car that is above your budget, you could end up with payments that are hard to handle.
  • A lot of people forget to look at the total loan cost. You should always check how much the loan will really cost you over time.
  • Do not say your income is more than what you really make. This can cause problems with getting the loan.
  • If you have missing documents, your car loan might get delayed or even turned down.
  • If you do not read the repayment terms carefully, you could agree to things you do not want. Always check the repayment terms before you sign anything.

Tips to Improve Your Approval Chances

  • Get your name on the electoral roll.
  • Make sure to fix any mistakes in your credit file.
  • Pay off small debts if you have them.
  • Try to save up for a deposit.
  • You can apply with someone else or get a guarantor.
  • Pick a car that is not too expensive.
  • Use tools like a car loan calculator to help you make a good budget.

Can I Get Guaranteed Approval?

No lender can give you a car loan with bad credit and guarantee you will get approved. But, if you use a broker, your chances get much better. A broker will send your request to lenders that work with people who have poor credit. This way, you have a good shot to get help, even with a bad credit score.

Compare Car Finance

Various finance options cater to different financial circumstances, and researching these options can help find the best deal.

Car Finance for Other Vehicle Types

  • Bad Credit Bike Finance: You can get a loan for a motorbike or scooter even if you have bad credit.
  • Van Finance: Both work and personal vans are covered.
  • Electric Vehicle Finance: Hybrid cars and electric vehicles are included in this plan.
  • Refinance or Negative Equity Loans: You can change or swap your current car loan with this option.

Correct as of 28 July 2025

Our Car Expert Comments:

"When financing your dream car, look at all options to find the best fit for your needs and budget. PCP is fantastic if you enjoy driving the latest models and want flexibility. For those with less-than-perfect credit but can manage monthly payments, HP offers a path to ownership. However, with a strong credit score and competitive interest rate, a car loan may be the most cost-effective. Consider your deposit, monthly budget, and long-term goals to navigate car finance with confidence and drive away with the best deal."

FAQs About Bad Credit Car Finance

Yes. A lot of lenders do take in applications from people who have had CCJs or defaults before.

No. We use only soft searches when you first ask for a quote.

Yes. You will have to show that you get a steady income by giving your bank statements or tax returns.

Most lenders will ask you for one, but there may be some who have other choices.

You can still apply with us. Our brokers work with more lenders than many others do.

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References

Page last updated on: 01/08/2025

Page reviewed by: Andrea Troy

Zuto is a credit broker, not a lender. Our rates start from 8.9% APR. The rate you are offered will depend on your individual circumstances. Representative Example: Borrowing £8,000 over 60 months with a representative APR of 19.0% the amount payable would be £201 a month, with a total cost of credit of £4,064 and a total amount payable of £12,064.

4000+ reviews