Refused Car Finance? Here’s What to Do Next

Getting refused car finance can feel frustrating especially when you really need a vehicle. 

But don’t panic!

A refusal doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Let’s break down why it might have happened and what you can do to turn things around.

Understand Why You Were Refused

Lenders don’t always tell you exactly why they said no. But it’s usually due to one of these reasons:

• Poor credit history
• Low or unstable income
• Too many recent applications
• Not registered on the electoral roll
• Errors in your application

Start by checking your credit report with Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. Look out for anything that doesn’t look right. This could be like old addresses, missed payments, or accounts that aren’t yours.

Avoid Reapplying Straight Away

It’s tempting to try another lender right away, but don’t. Too many applications in a short space of time can hurt your credit score even more.

Instead, take a pause and figure out what went wrong.

Clean Up Your Credit File

If your credit score is low, don’t worry. There are ways to improve it:

• Make sure all your bills are paid on time
• Register to vote at your current address
• Reduce any existing debt if you can
• Avoid using more than 50% of your credit limits

These changes won’t fix things overnight, but even a few months of good habits can make a big difference.

Consider a Specialist Lender

Mainstream lenders might say no, but that doesn’t mean everyone will. Some lenders specialise in helping people with poor credit, low income, or unique situations like self-employment or benefits.

At Motorly, we work with a panel of trusted lenders including options for people who’ve been refused elsewhere.

Use a Soft Search Before Applying

Soft searches let you check your eligibility without hurting your credit score.

We use a soft search to match you with lenders before anything goes on your credit file. That way, you only apply when you’re confident you’ve got a good chance of being approved.

Final Thought

Being refused car finance isn’t the end of the road. With the right support and a few simple steps, you can get back on track and into your next car.

Check your eligibility today – it takes 60 seconds and won’t affect your credit score.