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How to get car finance

Updated 7 July 2026
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  • Finance

If you are considering car finance and wondering how to go about it, here is a short guide. Read on to find out how to get car finance.

The process is simple and easy and at LMC, we work with a range of different lenders which means we can increase your chances of being approved, as well as saving you time and money in searching for the right deal.

First of all, you take a look at the cars we have in stock and find the one that is right for you. We will be on hand to help with this part as well as all the others if you are not sure.

Then, you apply for finance online or in person. We take a few details so we can get to know you. This helps us build a picture of you as a customer and so we can go to our lenders and ask for deals.

We will approach our lenders and find out which deals are available to you. We will present them back to you and help you work out which one will be the right deal for you.

Once you have settled on one and you know all the ins and outs of the agreement, we will get to work on the paperwork.

Signed, sealed and delivered, the cars yours to drive away with a finance agreement in place.

Getting finance is that easy! There are different finance types to choose from such as hire purchase, personal contract purchase and bad credit car finance, which will be right for different people and it all depends on your circumstances. We work with different lenders to bring you a wealth of options and we will do everything we can to help.

If you would like to find your next used car and get finance for it too, come and visit the team at LMC.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to apply for car finance?

As a rule you will need to be at least 18, hold a valid UK driving licence, and be able to show proof of address and of income. Lenders also want three years of address history, so have previous addresses to hand if you have moved recently.

Having your details ready tends to make the process considerably quicker, because most delays come from missing paperwork rather than from the decision itself.

How long does a car finance decision take?

Often minutes rather than days. Most lenders return an automated decision very quickly once an application is submitted with complete information.

Cases that need a person to look at them — unusual income, thin credit history, a recent change of address — can take longer. If a decision is taking a while, it usually means it is being considered properly rather than declined.

Can I get car finance with a poor credit history?

Often, yes. Lenders differ in what they will accept, which is why working with a broker who has a panel of lenders rather than a single provider matters — one lender declining does not mean every lender will.

What helps most is showing you can afford the repayments: stable income, a settled address, and a realistic monthly figure. A deposit or a part-exchange can also improve the terms available to you.

Looking for your next car?

Browse our full range of quality used cars, or talk to our friendly team.