Can You Still Get Car Finance If You Have a CCJ? Here's What You Need to Know

A County Court Judgment (CCJ) can make borrowing more difficult—but it doesn’t always mean the end of the road when it comes to financing a car. If you’re wondering whether it’s still possible to get car finance after receiving a CCJ, the short answer is yes—but there are a few important things you’ll need to understand first.
What Is a CCJ?
A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is a legal order that a court issues if you’ve failed to repay a debt. If someone you owe money to takes you to court and wins, the court may issue a CCJ that tells you how much you owe, who to pay, how to pay, and by when.
CCJs are used in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and they show up on your credit file. Once registered, a CCJ can significantly lower your credit score, affecting your ability to borrow money—including car finance.
Will a CCJ Automatically Disqualify You from Car Finance?
Not necessarily. While a CCJ makes getting approved for car finance more difficult, it doesn’t make it impossible. Some lenders specialise in bad credit car finance and may still be willing to work with you depending on:
- When the CCJ was issued
- Whether it’s been paid (especially if it was paid within 30 days of judgment)
- Your overall financial situation (employment, income, affordability)
- The size of your deposit
- Whether you’ve had any recent defaults or missed payments
Specialist lenders often take a case-by-case approach, meaning your application isn’t judged solely on the CCJ.
How Long Does a CCJ Stay on Your Credit File?
A CCJ stays on your credit file for six years, whether you’ve paid it off or not.
However, if you pay the full amount within one month of the judgment, you can apply to have it removed from the public register, which can improve your chances of getting finance much sooner.
If you pay it after the first month, the CCJ will be marked as ‘satisfied’, but it still remains visible for six years.
Common Misconceptions
Many people believe that a CCJ means they’ll be automatically rejected by any lender. While some mainstream lenders may decline your application, others—especially those who specialise in lending to people with adverse credit histories—are more open-minded.
Also, if your application is rejected, don’t assume the CCJ is the only reason. It could be due to:
- Errors in your application (wrong address or employment details)
- Affordability concerns
- Lack of credit history
That’s why it’s important to check your credit report and speak with a broker or lender who understands adverse credit lending.
How to Apply for Car Finance with a CCJ
The car finance application process is generally the same whether or not you have a CCJ:
- Get a finance quote: Based on the car and repayment period you're considering.
- Submit your application: You’ll be asked for details like income, employment history, and address history.
- Wait for a decision: The lender may approve, reject, or ask for more information. You may also be offered finance with specific conditions.
- Start driving: If approved, you can begin your repayments and drive away in your new car.
Be prepared for possible higher interest rates, especially if your credit file shows other risk factors like recent defaults or multiple missed payments.
Can You Get Car Finance with Bad Credit and a CCJ?
Yes, but it’s more difficult—and usually more expensive.
CCJs and bad credit usually go hand-in-hand. A missed payment here, a default there, and suddenly you’re facing a court order. If you have both bad credit and a CCJ, lenders may charge higher interest rates to offset their risk.
Still, some brokers and finance companies specialise in helping people in exactly this situation. If you're employed, have a steady income, and can prove you can afford repayments, you still have options.
Tips to Boost Your Chances
- Check your credit report for accuracy before applying.
- Pay off your CCJ if possible—especially within 30 days to have it removed from the register.
- Consider saving a larger deposit, which can improve your approval odds.
- Work with a specialist broker who understands bad credit applications.
- Be honest on your application—lenders will find out about the CCJ anyway.
Final Thoughts
Having a CCJ doesn’t mean you can’t get car finance—it just means the road might be a little bumpier. The key is to understand your situation, work with the right lenders, and make sure your application is accurate and affordable.
Whether your CCJ is recent or several years old, you don’t have to give up on the idea of car ownership. With the right approach and the right support, it’s still very possible to get approved and get behind the wheel.
Need help with a CCJ?
Parachute Law specialises in removing CCJs—even after they’ve been paid.
Call us: 0207 183 4547
Or email: thelegalteam@parachutelaw.co.uk
Contact us today
Related articles:
How to Remove a CCJ from Your Credit File