PCP vs. HP: Which Agreements Are Most Affected by DCA?

Both PCP and HP agreements are eligible for DCA claims, but the way interest is calculated can affect the size of your refund.

Hire Purchase (HP)

In an HP agreement, you pay off the entire value of the car.

• Impact: Because the loan amount is higher (you aren't deferring a balloon payment), the interest charged is on the full balance.
• Refund Potential: Often higher, as the "unfair interest" was applied to a larger capital amount over the full term.

Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)

In PCP, you defer a large chunk of the cost (the Balloon Payment) to the end.

• Impact: You pay interest on the whole amount (including the balloon) throughout the term.
• Refund Potential: Still very high. Many people don't realize they are paying interest on the balloon payment for 3-4 years. If that rate was inflated by DCA, the overpayment is significant.

What About Leasing (PCH)?

Personal Contract Hire (PCH) is a rental agreement.

• Impact: Generally not eligible. PCH is a rental, not a loan, and typically didn't involve interest rate manipulation in the same way.

Conclusion

Whether you had PCP or HP, if the rate was manipulated, you lost money. The math differs slightly, but the principle—and the right to a refund—remains the same.