Car Finance with a CCJ
Get car finance with a CCJ through ChooseMyCar. Explore your options, compare HP and PCP deals, see example approvals, and find a solution that fits your budget with quick decisions from specialist lenders.
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Soft credit check with no impact on your score
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Access to a wide panel of specialist lenders
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Quick decisions with flexible finance options
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ChooseMyCar specialises in helping individuals with bad credit secure car finance. As a credit broker, not a lender, we offer a range of finance options tailored to different needs, including popular plans like Hire Purchase (HP), as well as services designed specifically for those with less-than-perfect credit. Our mission is to make car financing accessible for everyone, regardless of credit history. Interest rates start from 8.5% APR. For example, borrowing £9,000 over 60 months with a REPRESENTATIVE APR of 19.9% and no deposit would result in a monthly payment of £229.95. The total interest paid would be £4,797.00, making the total amount payable £13,797.00.
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Reece was excellent!
Reece was excellent. As was his colleague, great car and fair price. Finance was transparent so i knew how much choosemycar were making on the deal, which i appreciated!
What is a CCJ?
A CCJ, or County Court Judgment, is a court order issued when someone fails to repay money they owe. It’s recorded on your credit file and signals to lenders that you’ve previously missed payments or defaulted on a debt. In most cases, a CCJ stays on your credit report for six years from the date it’s issued. If you pay it in full within one month, it can be removed entirely. If it’s settled later, it will still show for the full six years but will be marked as satisfied.
How to check if you have a CCJ
You can check if you have a CCJ by reviewing your credit report or searching official records. It’s really quick and simple to do and gives you a clear picture of what lenders will see when you apply for any sort of finance.
- Check your credit report with providers like Experian, Equifax or TransUnion
- Search the official Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines
- Review any outstanding or satisfied CCJs listed
In general, you’re more likely to be approved if: Yes, it’s possible to get car finance with a CCJ. While some lenders may decline applications based on past credit issues, many specialist lenders are willing to consider applicants with CCJs, especially if your overall financial situation is stable.
What matters most is not just the CCJ itself, but the wider context around it. Lenders will look at factors like how recent it is, whether it’s been settled, and whether you can comfortably afford the repayments.
In general, you’re more likely to be approved if:
- Your CCJ is satisfied or being repaid
- The CCJ is older rather than recent
- You have a steady income and can show affordability
- Your overall credit profile has improved since the CCJ
Even if your CCJ is recent or still outstanding, there may still be options available. You may just be offered different terms, such as a higher interest rate or a requirement for a deposit.
With ChooseMyCar, your application is matched with a panel of lenders who understand bad credit and assess each case individually, rather than relying purely on factors like your credit score.
How does a CCJ affect car finance?
A CCJ doesn’t stop you from getting car finance, but it can influence the type of deal you’re offered.
Rather than being a straight yes or no, it usually comes down to the terms. You might find that some lenders are a bit more cautious, which can affect things like the interest rate, the deposit, or the range of options available to you. How much of an impact it has often depends on the details. For example, a recent or unsatisfied CCJ may carry more weight, while an older or settled one is generally seen more positively.
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Factor
How it can affect your application
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Factor
How it can affect your application
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Approval chances
You may be offered a higher rate
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Interest rates
You may be offered a higher rate
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Deposit requirements
A deposit may be required in some cases
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Available lenders
A deposit may be required in some cases
In practical terms, this just means your options might look a bit different, but won’t disappear altogether. There’s still plenty of lenders who are open to working with applicants who have a CCJ, especially when everything else looks manageable.
Can you get car finance with bad credit and a CCJ?
Having both bad credit and a CCJ can make things more challenging, but it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Lenders will look at your current situation alongside your credit history. If your income is steady, and your finances are under control, there’s still a strong chance of finding a deal that works for you. Taking steps to improve your credit, even small ones, can also help strengthen your position over time. At ChooseMyCar, we specialise in bad credit car finance and work closely with lenders who are experienced in handling CCJs and other credit issues such as IVAs and bankruptcy.You can check your eligibility through a quick soft search, so there’s no impact on your credit score while you explore your options.
How to check if you have a CCJ
You can check if you have a CCJ by reviewing your credit report or searching official records. It’s really quick and simple to do and gives you a clear picture of what lenders will see when you apply for any sort of finance.
- Check your credit report with providers like Experian, Equifax or TransUnion
- Search the official Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines
- Review any outstanding or satisfied CCJs listed
Car finance with CCJs and Defaults?
If you have a CCJ, you might also be thinking about whether defaults on your credit file could affect your chances of getting car finance.
A default is recorded when payments on an account, such as a credit card, loan or utility bill, have been missed over a period of time. Like a CCJ, it shows on your credit report and can affect how lenders assess your application. tDefaults stay on your credit file for six years from the date they’re recorded. During that time, they can have an impact on your credit score, particularly if they’re recent or still outstanding.
Lenders will usually take into account:
- How recent the default is
- Whether it’s been settled
- How many defaults appear on your credit file
The further back a default is, especially if it’s been settled, the less impact it tends to have. Lenders are often more interested in how your finances look now rather than issues from several years ago.
Even with a mix of CCJs and defaults, there are still options available, especially where your current situation is stable and affordable.
Car finance eligibility with a CCJ
Applying for car finance with a CCJ is often more straightforward than people expect. While there’s some basic requirements to meet, the focus is really on your current situation and what you can comfortably afford.
- Be over 18
- Be a UK resident
- Have regular income
- Have a UK bank account
What lenders look at
Beyond the basics, lenders are looking at the bigger picture rather than focusing only on past issues.
- Whether your CCJ has been satisfied or is still outstanding
- How recent the CCJ is
- Your income and overall affordability
- Your employment situation
- Any other activity on your credit file
Everyone’s situation is different
And applications are usually assessed on a case-by-case basis. That means even if things aren’t perfect, there may still be routes to financing a car available depending on how everything comes together. With ChooseMyCar, you can check your eligibility using a quick soft search with no impact on your credit score, and get an instant decision so you know exactly where you stand.
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Compare PCP and HP monthly payments
Estimated Monthly Budget
Total Cost of Credit
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Optional Final Payment
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How to improve your chances of getting car finance with a CCJ
If you’re thinking of applying for car finance with a CCJ, there are a few simple things you can do beforehand that can make a big difference.
You might not need to make big changes, but taking a bit of time to prepare can help you get a clearer idea of how much you could borrow, what interest rates you might be offered, and how much you’re likely to repay overall.
What to do:
- Settle your CCJ if possible
- Keep up with all recent payments
- Reduce any outstanding balances
- Save towards a deposit
- Check your credit report is accurate
Even small improvements can help, especially if they show a more consistent track record leading up to your application.
Car finance options if you have a CCJ
If you have a CCJ, you’ll likely still be choosing between the same finance types as anyone else. The two main options are Hire Purchase (HP) and Personal Contract Purchase (PCP). Both are widely available through lenders, but they work differently, so the best choice depends on how you want to pay and whether you want to own the car at the end.
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Hire Purchase (HP) with a CCJ
HP is the more straightforward option. You pay the full cost of the car in fixed monthly instalments, and once the agreement ends, the car is yours. tThere’s also no large balloon payment at the end, which makes it easier to budget and avoids any surprises down the line.
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Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) with a CCJ
PCP gives you more flexibility. Monthly payments are lower because you’re only paying off the car’s depreciation, not the full value. When the agreement ends, you have three choices: make a final payment to own the car, hand it back, or put any equity towards your next vehicle.
Pros and cons of car finance with a CCJ
Car finance with a CCJ comes with both opportunities and a few considerations worth weighing up. You’ll have access to finance options and the chance to rebuild your credit along the way, though things like interest rates and deposit requirements can vary depending on your circumstances.
Pros:
- Access to a car when you need it
- A chance to strengthen your credit profile with regular repayments
- Specialist lenders may still consider your application
- Fixed monthly payments can make budgeting easier
Cons:
- Interest rates can be higher
- A deposit may be needed in some cases
- Terms can vary depending on your circumstances
- Your choice of lenders or finance options may be more limited
How to get car finance with a CCJ
Applying through ChooseMyCar is quick and designed to keep things simple from start to finish. You’ll get matched with lenders from our panel who are experienced with CCJs, and the whole process can be done online in an instant.
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Fill in a short application
Pop in a few details about yourself, your income, and what you’re looking for. ChooseMyCar runs a soft check to match you with suitable lenders from our panel.
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Compare your offers
You’ll be shown the deals available to you, with monthly payments, terms, and any deposit requirements laid out clearly so you can weigh up your options.
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Choose your car
Found one that fits? Go ahead with a full application and lock in the details.Once everything’s signed off, you can arrange delivery and get on the road.
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Real Examples of Car Finance with a CCJ
Applying through ChooseMyCar is quick and designed to keep things simple from start to finish. You’ll get matched with lenders from our panel who are experienced with CCJs, and the whole process can be done online in an instant.
Approved with a CCJ
Volkswagen Golf
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Loan
£8,950
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Deposit
£0
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APR
16.9%
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Monthly Payment
£221
Credit situation:
Daniel, 37, had a satisfied CCJ from 18 months ago after a dispute with a utility provider. Since then, he’d maintained steady employment and kept up with all payments. We matched him with a lender who took into account that the CCJ had been settled.
Approved with a CCJ
Vauxhall Astra
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Loan
£8,250
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Deposit
£0
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APR
19.9%
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Monthly Payment
£213
Credit situation:
Lauren, 31, had a recent CCJ from 8 months ago following a period of financial difficulty. Although this impacted her credit score, she had a stable income and could afford repayments. We worked with a specialist lender who focuses on more recent credit events.
Approved with a CCJ
Audi A3
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Loan
£9,750
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Deposit
£0
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APR
34.5%
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Monthly Payment
£299
Credit situation:
Marcus, 45, had multiple credit issues including an unsatisfied CCJ and a low credit score. He’d been declined by several lenders before coming to us. Based on his current income and affordability, we placed him with a lender that specialises in higher-risk applications.
Information last reviewed:
March 2026
A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.