Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about vehicle leasing and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is vehicle leasing and what are the benefits?

Vehicle leasing is a long-term rental where you need to make an initial payment, then fixed monthly payments throughout the duration of your contract. Leasing a car or van is cheaper than buying a new car outright, by spreading the cost with leasing you get to enjoy all the benefits of a brand-new vehicle without worrying about depreciation. The benefits include lower initial costs, fixed monthly payments, access to brand new car models, and potential tax advantages to businesses.

I can’t see the exact model I want to lease, what should I do?

We offer all makes and models of vehicles. However, if you can’t find the exact make or model you are looking for, please contact us on 02392 245570 or email sales@fleetuk.com and we will be able to help you in sourcing the vehicle you require.

Is leasing the same as Personal Contract Hire (PCH)?

Yes, leasing is often referred to as Personal Contract Hire, which is a long-term rental agreement where you get to lease a brand-new vehicle for an arranged period of time, normally between 2 years and 4 years.

What age do I have to be to lease a car?

You must be at least 18 years old to lease a car. You can start legally driving from the age of 17 in the UK, however you must be at least 18 years old to be able to take out a lease on a vehicle. The reason you cannot lease a car until you are 18 is because it is a form of finance or credit agreement which is contractually binding.

What does the payment structure mean? (9+23 or 12 + 47)

This refers to how your lease payments are going to be structured throughout your contract. You can structure these profiles to fit your personal preferences. In the first example above (9+23), this refers to a 24-month long contract with an initial payment equivalent of 9 monthly payments. After this initial payment is made, it will then be followed by 23 months of your regular payment.As an example, if your monthly repayments are £159.01, the 9-month initial payment would be £1,431.09.In general, the higher the initial payment is, the lower your on-going monthly payments will be. The total amount paid will be almost the same whichever option you choose.

Can I lease a car if I’ve just passed my driving test?

Yes, almost anyone is able to lease a car. As long as you are not under the age of 18 and hold a full valid UK driving license then you can apply for a leasing agreement. The biggest hurdle with being a young driver is applying for car finance, as a credit check will take place, meaning you will need to have built up a good credit history.

What forms of ID do I need to provide?

Once your leasing finance application has been approved, you will need to provide photographic proof of an ID, such as a photographic driving license or a passport. Alongside this you will also need to provide proof of address documents, such as a bank statement or utility bill. If you are unsure of what is needed from yourself, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 02392 245570 or sales@fleetuk.com.

Can I have a personalised number plate on a lease vehicle?

Yes, there shouldn’t be a problem with adding a private registration plate to your leased vehicle. However, because you do not technically own the vehicle, you will need to gain permission from the finance company. If they agree then you can change the number plate to your own personalised number plate. But don’t forget you will need to remove this before returning your vehicle.

Is there an option to purchase the car at the end of the contact?

Personal Contract Hire (PCH) leasing gives you the option to drive a brand-new car every few years, with affordable monthly payments and no worry of the car’s depreciation. But you will not have the opportunity to purchase the vehicle at the end of the leasing agreement.

Who owns the vehicle at the end of the contract?

The finance provider owns the vehicle throughout the duration of your contract, you are simply renting it from them during your agreement. Please not that the finance provider is not us, we are a credit broker, not a lender. The finance provider is who you make your monthly payments to, which will be clearly stated at the top of your leasing agreement.

Can I customise or modify my lease vehicle?

As you are not the registered keeper of the vehicle, you will need permission from the finance providers before making any modifications or alterations, and these must be removed before handing the vehicle back at the end of your contract. We advise any additional accessories which you would like fitted, like a tow bar, you request during the order process. Modifications made to the vehicle will be at your own discretion and may invalidate any vehicle warranties. Even worse, you could end up paying a penalty to return the vehicle back to its original condition.

What is the difference between business leasing and personal leasing?

Business leasing, also known as Business Contract Hire (BCH), is designed for companies, sole traders, and limited companies looking to lease vehicles. The main advantage includes tax benefits, as businesses can reclaim 50% of the VAT on payments if the car is used for both business and personal use, and 100% for vehicles used solely for business. Personal leasing, or Personal Contract Hire (PCH), is for individuals leasing a car for personal use. It offers fixed monthly payments and an easy way to drive a new car without worrying about depreciation or selling the car later.

What is and isn’t included in my contract?

Your lease contract typically includes the vehicle's lease for the agreed term, road tax for the duration of the lease, and manufacturer’s warranty. It does not include car insurance, maintenance packages (unless specified), fuel, or any fines incurred during the lease period.

Do vehicles come with a warranty?

Yes, all leased vehicles come with the standard manufacturer’s warranty to cover any mechanical faults. The length of the warranty depends on the vehicle's manufacturer but usually matches or exceeds the lease term.

What is the minimum and maximum leasing contract I can take out?

The minimum and maximum duration for a lease contract typically ranges from 24 months (2 years) to 48 months (4 years), allowing you to choose a term that suits your needs and preferences.

Will my credit history be checked when leasing a vehicle?

Yes, a credit check is an essential part of the leasing application process. This helps finance providers assess your ability to make regular lease payments.

Can I still lease a car with a poor credit rating?

Leasing a car with a poor credit rating can be challenging, as finance providers use credit scores to assess risk. However, we assess each application individually and can sometimes offer solutions for those with less-than-perfect credit scores. Contact us for a personalised assessment.

How long does it take to be accepted for finance?

Approval times can vary but most applications are processed within 24 to 48 hours. This can be longer if additional information is required from you.

What is the initial rental fee?

The initial rental fee is a one-time payment made at the start of your lease. It's usually equivalent to a set number of monthly payments and can be adjusted to suit your budget, affecting your subsequent monthly payments.

Who is responsible for insuring the leased vehicle?

You are responsible for arranging fully comprehensive insurance for the leased vehicle from the day of delivery.

Do you offer part exchange?

Yes, we do offer a part-exchange service. This can be a convenient way to dispose of your current vehicle and can sometimes help towards the cost of your lease.

How will a loan affect my credit score?

Taking out a lease and making regular, on-time payments can positively impact your credit score. Equally, late or missed payments can negatively affect your score.

What is the processing fee/admin fee and when do I pay it?

A processing fee covers the administration costs of arranging your lease. It's a one-time fee, payable after your finance application is approved and before your vehicle is delivered.

If my current lease is coming to an end, when is the best time to look at my next vehicle?

We recommend starting to look for your next vehicle around 6 months before your current lease ends. This gives you plenty of time to find the perfect deal and ensure a seamless transition between vehicles.

Is breakdown included in my lease contract?

Breakdown cover is included if it's part of the manufacturer's warranty package. However, this varies between manufacturers, so please check your lease agreement, or contact us for specific details.

What happens if I exceed the agreed mileage on the lease contract?

If you exceed the agreed mileage, you will be charged a fee for each extra mile at the rate specified in your contract. This is to cover the additional depreciation of the vehicle.

How long are the leases?

Lease terms can vary, but the most common durations are between 2 and 4 years, allowing you to choose a term that best fits your needs and lifestyle.