Skip to main content
Happy Motor Finance

Car Finance with an IVA — It's More Possible Than You Think

Having an Individual Voluntary Arrangement doesn't have to stop you getting behind the wheel. Happy Motor Finance works with specialist lenders who understand IVAs and can offer fair finance deals.

Check Your Eligibility in 60 Seconds
No Effect on Credit Score Soft Search Only FCA Regulated All Credit Types Welcome Quick Decisions Any Reputable Dealer SAF Authorised
Apply Now
4.9
Google Reviews

With no impact to your credit score*

Calculate Your Finance

£6,500
£200

Estimated monthly payments

Apply Now

With no impact to your credit score*

We act as a credit broker, not a lender

Representative example: borrowing £6,500 over 5 years with a representative APR of 16.9%, an annual interest rate of 16.9% (Fixed) and a deposit of £0.00, the amount payable would be £161.19 per month, with a total cost of credit of £3,171.55 and a total amount payable of £9,671.55. This is an example only, lender fees may apply. The exact rate you will be offered will depend on your circumstances. All finance subject to status.

*After completing the application, lenders will perform a “soft search” that will not affect your credit score. Should you get an offer of finance and wish to proceed, the lender will then perform a “hard search” of your credit file. Finance acceptance is not guaranteed, please click the following link for more information: Initial Disclosure Document

What Is an IVA?

An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is a formal agreement between you and your creditors to repay your debts over a set period, usually five or six years. It's a legally binding arrangement managed by an insolvency practitioner and is one of several debt solutions available in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

While an IVA can be a positive step towards managing unmanageable debt, it does remain on your credit file for six years from the date it's registered. This can make it more difficult to obtain credit, including car finance, through mainstream lenders.

Can I Get Car Finance During an IVA?

Yes, it is possible to get car finance while you're still in an IVA, though there are some important conditions. Most IVAs include a clause that requires you to get written permission from your insolvency practitioner (IP) before taking on any new credit over a certain amount, typically £500.

This means you'll need to:

  • Speak to your insolvency practitioner and explain why you need a car (for example, for work).
  • Get written consent before applying for finance.
  • Ensure the monthly payment is affordable within your IVA budget.

Happy Motor Finance has helped many customers navigate this process. We understand the requirements and can work with you and your IP to find a solution that works.

Can I Get Car Finance After My IVA?

Once your IVA has been completed or even after it's been marked as satisfied on your credit file, your options tend to improve. However, the IVA will still show on your credit report for six years from the start date, which can affect the rates you're offered.

The good news is that we work with lenders who take a more holistic view of your finances. They consider your current circumstances, not just your credit history. If you've been managing your money well since your IVA, this works in your favour.

How Happy Motor Finance Can Help

As a broker, we don't lend money ourselves. Instead, we search across a panel of lenders — including those who specialise in IVA car finance — to find the best deal available to you. Our process is designed to be simple, transparent, and stress-free.

We understand that having an IVA can feel like a barrier, and many of our customers tell us they were surprised to find out they could still get car finance. We're here to remove that uncertainty and give you clear, honest answers.

Every application is handled individually. We don't use a one-size-fits-all approach because we know that everyone's situation is different.

How It Works

Getting car finance doesn't have to be complicated. Here's how our simple process works.

📝

Apply Online

Complete our quick and easy application form in just a few minutes. It won't affect your credit score.

🔍

Get Matched

We'll search our panel of lenders to find the best deal for your circumstances.

🚗

Choose Your Car

Once approved, choose any car from any reputable dealer. Our Personal Shopper service can help.

🎉

Sign & Drive

Sign your finance agreement and drive away in your new car. It really is that simple!

Start Your Application

With no impact to your credit score*

We act as a credit broker, not a lender

Representative example: borrowing £6,500 over 5 years with a representative APR of 16.9%, an annual interest rate of 16.9% (Fixed) and a deposit of £0.00, the amount payable would be £161.19 per month, with a total cost of credit of £3,171.55 and a total amount payable of £9,671.55. This is an example only, lender fees may apply. The exact rate you will be offered will depend on your circumstances. All finance subject to status.

*After completing the application, lenders will perform a “soft search” that will not affect your credit score. Should you get an offer of finance and wish to proceed, the lender will then perform a “hard search” of your credit file. Finance acceptance is not guaranteed, please click the following link for more information: Initial Disclosure Document

What Our Customers Say

4.9
Google Reviews

"I was in an IVA and genuinely thought car finance was off the table for years. Happy Motor Finance proved me wrong. They sorted everything out, including helping me understand what my IP needed. I'm now driving a reliable car for work and the payments fit my budget."

James R. Google

"After my IVA finished I was nervous about applying for anything. HMF made the whole process easy and non-judgemental. They found me a decent rate and I felt supported the whole way through."

Michelle D. Google

"Brilliant service. I'd been turned down by two dealerships because of my IVA. Happy Motor Finance found a lender who was willing to look at my current situation rather than just my past. Really grateful for their help."

Craig W. Google

Frequently Asked Questions

If you're still in an active IVA, you'll almost certainly need written permission from your insolvency practitioner before taking on any new credit agreement. This is a standard condition of most IVAs. We'd recommend speaking to your IP before applying so that everything is in order.
It's likely that the interest rates available to you will be higher than those offered to someone with a clean credit history. However, we work hard to find the most competitive rate available to you, and we'll always be transparent about the costs involved so you can make an informed decision.
You can apply for car finance as soon as your IVA is completed, or even during your IVA with your insolvency practitioner's permission. The IVA stays on your credit file for six years from the start date, but many lenders will consider your application based on your current circumstances.
This varies by lender, but some of our panel lenders offer IVA car finance with no deposit required. Putting down a deposit can help reduce your monthly payments and may improve the rates you're offered, but it isn't always essential.
You'll typically have a good range of cars to choose from, including both new and used vehicles. If you're still in an active IVA, your insolvency practitioner may have views on the value of the car to ensure it's reasonable within your budget. We can help guide you through this.

Ready to Get Behind the Wheel?

Apply for car finance today. Our quick application takes just minutes and won't affect your credit score.

Apply Now

With no impact to your credit score*

We act as a credit broker, not a lender

Representative example: borrowing £6,500 over 5 years with a representative APR of 16.9%, an annual interest rate of 16.9% (Fixed) and a deposit of £0.00, the amount payable would be £161.19 per month, with a total cost of credit of £3,171.55 and a total amount payable of £9,671.55. This is an example only, lender fees may apply. The exact rate you will be offered will depend on your circumstances. All finance subject to status.

*After completing the application, lenders will perform a “soft search” that will not affect your credit score. Should you get an offer of finance and wish to proceed, the lender will then perform a “hard search” of your credit file. Finance acceptance is not guaranteed, please click the following link for more information: Initial Disclosure Document

Our Lending Partners

Representative Example

Borrowing

£6,500

Term

60 months

Monthly Payment

£161.19

APR

16.9%

Total Amount Payable: £9,671.55

This is a representative example. The rate you are offered may differ depending on your personal circumstances.