Stopping Bumper: What you need to know

About Bumper

Bumper is a UK-based automotive financial service that allows drivers to spread the cost of car repairs, servicing, MOTs, and maintenance over manageable monthly payments. Founded in 2017, Bumper operates as a credit provider that partners with garages and dealerships across the United Kingdom, enabling motorists to access essential vehicle maintenance without facing large upfront bills. The service functions similarly to a credit facility specifically designed for automotive expenses, offering customers the flexibility to pay for necessary work in instalments rather than as a lump sum.

The company positions itself as a solution for the millions of UK drivers who struggle with unexpected repair costs. Research consistently shows that many households cannot easily afford sudden automotive expenses, which can range from hundreds to thousands of pounds. Bumper addresses this challenge by providing credit at the point of service, allowing customers to keep their vehicles roadworthy whilst managing their cash flow more effectively.

As a regulated credit provider, Bumper operates under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) guidelines. This means that when you use Bumper's services, you are entering into a credit agreement with specific terms, conditions, and legal obligations. Understanding this relationship is crucial, particularly when circumstances change and you need to cancel or terminate your arrangement. Unlike a simple subscription service, Bumper agreements involve credit arrangements that require careful consideration and proper procedures for cancellation.

The service has expanded significantly since its launch, partnering with numerous garages, dealerships, and automotive service centres throughout the UK. Customers typically encounter Bumper when obtaining quotes for repairs or servicing at participating locations. The garage staff will often present Bumper as a payment option alongside traditional methods, making it an accessible choice at the point of need.

Subscription plans and pricing

Bumper does not operate on a traditional subscription model like streaming services or gym memberships. Instead, it functions as a credit facility where each transaction creates a separate credit agreement. This distinction is important because it affects how you approach cancellation and what rights you hold as a consumer. Each time you use Bumper to finance automotive work, you are essentially taking out a loan specifically for that repair or service.

How Bumper's payment structure works

When you use Bumper at a participating garage, you agree to repay the cost of the work plus interest over a specified period. The repayment terms typically range from three to twelve months, depending on the amount borrowed and your individual circumstances. Bumper conducts a credit check before approving applications, and the interest rate offered will depend on your creditworthiness and the assessment outcome.

The interest rates charged by Bumper are variable and depend on several factors including the amount financed, the repayment period selected, and your credit profile. Representative APRs can range significantly, and as with any credit product, those with stronger credit histories typically receive more favourable rates. It is essential to review the specific terms offered to you before accepting any Bumper agreement, as these terms will govern your obligations throughout the repayment period.

Understanding your financial commitment

Each Bumper agreement will clearly state the total amount borrowed, the interest charged, the monthly repayment amount, and the total amount repayable. This information appears in your credit agreement documentation, which you should receive before or at the time of accepting the credit. As a consumer, you have the right to review these terms carefully and to ask questions if anything is unclear.

These figures are illustrative examples only and will vary based on individual circumstances and the interest rate applied. Your actual monthly payments will be specified in your credit agreement. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure you can comfortably afford the repayments before proceeding with any Bumper arrangement.

Cancellation terms and conditions

Cancelling a Bumper credit agreement involves specific legal rights and procedures under UK consumer credit legislation. As a consumer who has entered into a credit agreement, you are protected by the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and subsequent regulations. These laws provide you with important rights, including the right to withdraw from credit agreements within certain timeframes and the right to settle agreements early.

Your cooling-off period rights

Under UK law, you have a 14-day cooling-off period for most credit agreements. This means you have 14 days from the date you receive your credit agreement documentation to cancel without providing a reason. This right applies to Bumper agreements as regulated credit products. During this period, you can withdraw from the agreement entirely, though you will still need to repay the amount borrowed if the garage has already completed the work and been paid.

In practice, this means that if you used Bumper to pay for a £800 service and then exercised your cooling-off rights within 14 days, you would need to repay the £800 principal amount but would not be liable for interest charges. This protection exists to ensure consumers have adequate time to consider their financial commitments without pressure.

Early settlement and cancellation after the cooling-off period

After the 14-day cooling-off period expires, you cannot simply "cancel" the agreement in the traditional sense. However, you retain the right to settle the agreement early by paying off the outstanding balance. Under the Consumer Credit Act, you are entitled to a rebate on interest charges when settling early, as you will not be using the credit for the full agreed term.

To exercise your right to early settlement, you must contact Bumper and request a settlement figure. They are legally required to provide this information, which will show the remaining principal, any applicable interest up to the settlement date, and any early settlement rebate. You then have the option to pay this amount in full, thereby closing the agreement.

Notice periods and documentation requirements

When you decide to cancel during the cooling-off period or request early settlement, proper documentation is essential. UK consumer credit regulations require that withdrawal notices and settlement requests be made in a clear, documented manner. This protects both parties and ensures there is no dispute about your intentions or the timing of your request.

Sending your cancellation or settlement request by post using Recorded Delivery provides the most reliable evidence of your communication. This method creates a paper trail showing exactly when you sent the notice and when Bumper received it. As a result, you have concrete proof that you acted within any applicable deadlines, which is particularly important during the 14-day cooling-off period.

Why people choose to cancel Bumper agreements

Understanding common reasons for cancellation can help you assess your own situation and determine the best course of action. Many consumers seek to cancel or settle Bumper agreements early due to changed financial circumstances. Perhaps you have received an unexpected windfall, a tax rebate, or a bonus that allows you to clear the debt and avoid further interest charges. This is a financially prudent decision that saves money over the long term.

Others find that the monthly repayments are causing financial strain that was not initially anticipated. In such cases, whilst you cannot cancel the debt itself, you may be able to discuss alternative arrangements with Bumper or seek debt advice from organisations like Citizens Advice or StepChange. These organisations can help you understand your options and negotiate more manageable repayment terms if necessary.

Some consumers also choose to cancel after discovering they were not fully informed about the terms or after experiencing issues with the garage work that Bumper financed. In these situations, your rights may extend beyond standard cancellation provisions, particularly if there are concerns about mis-selling or the quality of work performed.

How to cancel Bumper by post

Postal cancellation remains the most reliable method for formally communicating your intention to withdraw from a Bumper credit agreement or to request early settlement. Despite the prevalence of digital communication, sending a physical letter via Recorded Delivery provides unmatched legal protection and creates indisputable evidence of your actions.

Why postal cancellation is the recommended approach

When dealing with financial agreements and credit arrangements, having documented proof of your communications is invaluable. Email systems can fail, messages can be filtered into spam folders, and there may be disputes about whether digital communications were received or read. Recorded Delivery eliminates these uncertainties entirely by providing a signature upon delivery and a tracking system that confirms receipt.

Furthermore, UK consumer credit law was designed with postal communication in mind. The 14-day cooling-off period, for example, is calculated with reference to when you receive documents, and your withdrawal is effective from when you post your notice, not when it is received. This means that if you post your withdrawal letter on day 14 of your cooling-off period, you have exercised your rights in time, even if Bumper does not receive the letter until several days later.

Postal communication also creates a formal, professional record that demonstrates you have taken the matter seriously. This can be particularly important if any disputes arise later about the cancellation or if you need to escalate matters to the Financial Ombudsman Service. Having a complete paper trail showing your attempts to resolve matters properly strengthens your position significantly.

Essential information to include in your cancellation letter

Your cancellation letter must contain specific information to be effective and to ensure Bumper can identify your account and process your request appropriately. At a minimum, you should include your full name exactly as it appears on your credit agreement, your address, your Bumper account number or agreement reference number, and the date of your letter.

Clearly state your intention in the opening paragraph. If you are exercising your 14-day cooling-off rights, explicitly state this and reference the Consumer Credit Act 1974. If you are requesting early settlement, clearly state that you wish to settle your agreement early and request a settlement figure showing the amount required to close the account.

Include details about the specific agreement you are referencing, such as the date of the agreement, the amount borrowed, and the garage where the work was performed. This helps Bumper locate your records quickly and reduces the chance of administrative errors. Also, provide contact information where they can reach you to confirm receipt and discuss next steps.

The importance of Recorded Delivery

Standard post is insufficient for cancellation notices because you have no proof of sending or receipt. Recorded Delivery provides a tracking number that allows you to monitor your letter's progress and confirms when it was delivered and who signed for it. This service costs a few pounds but is an essential investment when dealing with financial agreements potentially worth hundreds or thousands of pounds.

When you send your letter via Recorded Delivery, retain the receipt and tracking number in a safe place. Take a photograph of the receipt and store it digitally as well. Track the delivery online and save a screenshot or printout showing the delivery confirmation. This documentation becomes part of your evidence file should you ever need to demonstrate that you properly notified Bumper of your intentions.

Where to send your cancellation letter

Ensuring your letter reaches the correct department is crucial for timely processing. Bumper's official correspondence address for cancellations and customer service matters is:

• Bumper
• 86-90 Paul Street
• London
• EC2A 4NE
• United Kingdom

Address your envelope clearly and legibly, using this exact address. Consider typing the address label rather than handwriting it to ensure clarity. Mark the envelope "Private and Confidential" if you prefer, though this is not legally required. The key is ensuring the letter reaches Bumper's offices where it can be logged and processed according to their internal procedures.

Using services like Postclic for convenience and assurance

For those who want additional convenience and digital record-keeping, services like Postclic offer a modern solution to postal cancellation. Postclic allows you to create, send, and track formal letters entirely online, whilst still maintaining the legal benefits of postal communication. The service handles the printing, enveloping, and posting of your letter via Tracked delivery, providing you with digital proof of sending and delivery.

This approach saves you the time of drafting, printing, and visiting the post office, whilst ensuring your letter is professionally formatted and properly sent. You receive digital confirmation at each stage, and all records are stored securely online for future reference. For busy individuals or those unfamiliar with formal letter writing, this type of service removes uncertainty and ensures the job is done correctly.

Postclic and similar services are particularly valuable if you are approaching the end of your 14-day cooling-off period and need to ensure your letter is sent immediately. Rather than worrying about post office opening hours or queuing for Recorded Delivery, you can initiate the process online at any time, and the letter will be posted on the next working day.

Following up after sending your letter

Once your letter has been delivered, monitor your bank account and any correspondence from Bumper. If you exercised your cooling-off rights, ensure that no further payments are taken after the cancellation takes effect. If you requested a settlement figure, you should receive this information within a reasonable timeframe, typically within seven to fourteen days.

If you do not receive acknowledgment of your letter within two weeks, send a follow-up letter, again via Recorded Delivery, referencing your original correspondence and including copies of your delivery confirmation. This demonstrates persistence and creates additional documentation of your efforts to resolve the matter properly.

Keep copies of all correspondence, including your original letter, delivery confirmations, and any responses from Bumper. This complete file will be invaluable if you need to escalate matters to the Financial Ombudsman Service or seek advice from consumer advocacy organisations.

Customer reviews and tips

Understanding the experiences of other Bumper customers can provide valuable insights into what to expect during the cancellation process and how to navigate potential challenges. Customer feedback about Bumper is mixed, as is common with credit providers, with experiences varying based on individual circumstances and expectations.

Common customer experiences with Bumper

Many customers appreciate Bumper's core service when it works as intended. The ability to spread automotive costs over several months provides genuine relief for those facing unexpected repair bills. Customers often praise the straightforward application process and the speed with which credit decisions are made, allowing them to proceed with necessary vehicle work without delay.

However, some customers report challenges with customer service responsiveness, particularly when trying to resolve issues or obtain information about their accounts. This is where having documented postal communication becomes particularly valuable, as it creates an undeniable record of your attempts to contact the company and the information you requested.

Several customers have noted difficulties in obtaining settlement figures or clarification about early repayment rebates. These experiences underscore the importance of making formal written requests rather than relying solely on phone calls or emails. When you send a formal letter requesting specific information, the company has clear legal obligations to respond appropriately and within reasonable timeframes.

Tips for successful cancellation based on customer experiences

Based on feedback from consumers who have successfully cancelled or settled Bumper agreements, several practical tips emerge. First, act promptly if you are within the 14-day cooling-off period. Do not wait until the last day, as this creates unnecessary stress and risk. As soon as you decide to exercise your withdrawal rights, prepare and send your letter immediately.

Second, be absolutely clear in your communication. Ambiguous language or vague requests can lead to delays and confusion. State explicitly what you want to happen, whether that is exercising your cooling-off rights, requesting a settlement figure, or settling the account immediately. This clarity helps ensure your letter is routed to the appropriate department and processed correctly.

Third, maintain meticulous records. Customers who have successfully resolved disputes or ensured proper handling of their cancellations consistently report that having comprehensive documentation was crucial. This includes copies of the original credit agreement, all correspondence with Bumper, bank statements showing payments, and delivery confirmations for letters sent.

Understanding your broader consumer rights

Beyond the specific cancellation procedures, you have broader consumer rights that may be relevant to your situation. If you believe the credit agreement was mis-sold or that you were not provided with adequate information before agreeing to the terms, you may have grounds for complaint beyond simple cancellation. The Financial Conduct Authority requires credit providers to ensure customers understand what they are agreeing to and can afford the repayments.

If the garage work that Bumper financed was substandard or not as described, you may have additional rights under consumer protection law. Whilst Bumper is not responsible for the quality of the garage work itself, the connected nature of the credit agreement may provide you with additional recourse. Section 75 protections typically apply to credit card purchases, but similar principles can sometimes apply to other forms of credit when there are issues with the goods or services purchased.

When to seek additional support

If you encounter difficulties during the cancellation process or if Bumper does not respond appropriately to your letters, do not hesitate to seek support from consumer advocacy organisations. Citizens Advice provides free, impartial guidance on consumer credit issues and can help you understand your rights and options. Their advisers can review your situation and suggest appropriate next steps.

StepChange and other debt advice charities offer support if you are struggling with Bumper repayments and cannot afford early settlement. These organisations can negotiate with creditors on your behalf and may be able to arrange more manageable repayment plans or even payment holidays in cases of genuine financial hardship.

The Financial Ombudsman Service is available if you have exhausted Bumper's internal complaints procedure and remain dissatisfied with the outcome. The Ombudsman can investigate your complaint independently and has the power to require Bumper to take specific actions or provide compensation if they have acted improperly. This service is free to consumers and provides an important safety net when direct negotiations fail.

Protecting yourself in future transactions

Learning from your Bumper experience can help you make more informed decisions about automotive finance in the future. Before agreeing to any credit arrangement, always ask for written information about the total cost, the interest rate, and the terms for early settlement or cancellation. Take time to review this information carefully rather than making decisions under pressure at the garage.

Consider whether you genuinely need credit or whether alternative options might be more suitable. Building an emergency fund for car repairs, even a modest one, can reduce reliance on credit and save significant amounts in interest charges. Some garages offer interest-free payment plans for regular customers, which may be preferable to third-party credit arrangements.

If you do use credit for automotive expenses, factor the repayments into your budget immediately and ensure you can comfortably afford them alongside your other financial commitments. Remember that your right to cancel or settle early exists throughout the agreement, so if your circumstances improve, taking advantage of these rights can save you money and provide peace of mind.

Understanding your rights as a consumer and knowing how to exercise them effectively empowers you to take control of your financial arrangements. Whether you are cancelling a Bumper agreement during the cooling-off period, settling early, or addressing concerns about your account, approaching the process with knowledge and proper documentation ensures the best possible outcome. Your rights exist to protect you, and using them appropriately is both sensible and entirely legitimate.