Quick Scoop: Martin Lewis’s latest guidance says car finance compensation payouts are expected to start in 2026 , with many people likely to be told what they’re owed within three months of the scheme starting, then paid within about one month after accepting the offer. For people who have not already complained , the timeline could stretch much longer, with some payouts possibly landing in 2027.

What’s the timing?

The current FCA redress plan, as explained by MoneySavingExpert, gives firms an initial three-month implementation period to prepare, or up to five months for older agreements.

If you have already complained , you should be told whether you’re owed money within three months after that implementation period , and payment should follow after you accept the offer.

Why people are talking about 2026

Earlier reporting from Sky News said payouts were expected in 2026 , assuming the scheme went ahead, though the exact process had not yet been decided at that point.

MoneySavingExpert’s update on 30 March 2026 is more specific and says the end-to-end process for people already in the complaints system should be completed by the end of 2026.

If you have not complained yet

If you haven’t already made a complaint, the process may take longer because firms may need to contact you, check older records, and follow the opt-in route.

Under that route, MoneySavingExpert says you should be contacted within 6 months of the scheme starting, and told the redress and paid within 17 months of scheme start.

Bottom line

If you’re already in the complaints process, late 2026 looks like the most likely window for payment. If you haven’t complained yet, you may be waiting until 2027 in some cases.

If you want, I can also give you a simple “who gets paid when” breakdown for the car finance claims scheme.