Sometimes. Adverse credit does not rule you out automatically, but it narrows the field. Lenders look at what the problem was, how old it is and whether it has been settled. Recent defaults, active CCJs or an ongoing insolvency arrangement are the hardest to place, and approval is never guaranteed.
What tends to help:
- A meaningful deposit, which lowers the amount at risk for the lender
- Evidence that the issue is historic and has been resolved
- Consistent income and a business bank account run without returned payments
- A van with a strong, easily proven resale value
- A guarantor or personal guarantee, where you fully understand the consequences
Be realistic about cost. Where a lender will consider an impaired profile, the terms are usually less favourable than for a clean file — that can mean a higher rate, a larger deposit, a shorter term or a restricted choice of vehicle. Paying more each month for a vehicle you rely on for income is a genuine risk, so check the total amount payable and be honest with yourself about whether it works.
The rules attaching to your agreement depend on who is borrowing. A limited company borrowing for business use is normally outside the consumer credit regime. A sole trader or partnership is an individual in law, so the agreement may or may not be regulated depending on the amount and the purpose — the general position is that business-purpose borrowing above £25,000 sits outside the regime, though you should check where the line currently falls rather than assume. Buying privately for personal use is regulated, and brings the full set of consumer protections and disclosures with it.
Avoid scattering applications across multiple lenders. Each full application can leave a footprint on your credit file, and a cluster of searches makes the next lender more cautious. Tell us the position up front, including anything you think looks bad, and we will approach only the funders on our panel likely to consider it.