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.
With no impact to your credit score*
Calculate Your Finance
Estimated monthly payments
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!
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
"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."
"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."
"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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Get Behind the Wheel?
Apply for car finance today. Our quick application takes just minutes and won't affect your credit score.
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