Vehicle leasing, both personal and business—also known as Personal and Business Contract Hire—is an increasingly popular financial arrangement that offers the appealing prospect of driving a brand-new car every 2 to 5 years. One of the primary benefits of leasing is that it affords you the luxury of a new vehicle without the large upfront costs associated with outright ownership. Other benefits may include tax advantages, particularly for businesses, as well as the convenience of fixed monthly payments that cover not only the use of the vehicle but sometimes also its maintenance and servicing.
In a typical lease agreement, you enter into a fixed-term contract wherein an agreed monthly rental fee is paid for the use of the vehicle over a set period, which usually ranges from 2 to 5 years. An initial rental payment is commonly required at the start of the contract. This initial deposit can vary and may be equivalent to 1, 3, 6, 9, or 12 monthly payments. Importantly, the size of your initial deposit directly impacts your subsequent monthly payments: a larger initial deposit will generally reduce the monthly payment amount, although the total sum paid over the lifetime of the contract will typically remain the same.
Vehicle leasing offers several benefits, making it an attractive option for many individuals and businesses. Here are some of the key advantages of leasing a vehicle:
Lower Monthly Payments: Monthly lease payments are typically lower than monthly loan payments when purchasing a new vehicle. This can free up your budget for other expenses or allow you to lease a more expensive or higher-end vehicle for the same monthly cost.
Lower Upfront Costs: Lease agreements often require a lower upfront down payment, making it more accessible for individuals who may not have a significant amount of cash on hand.
Newer Vehicles: Leasing allows you to drive a brand-new vehicle with the latest features, technology, and safety enhancements. You can enjoy the benefits of a new car without the long-term commitment.
Warranty Coverage: New vehicles are typically covered by manufacturer warranties, and during the lease term, the vehicle is usually under warranty. This means that many repair and maintenance costs are often covered, providing peace of mind.
Fewer Repair Costs: Since you're driving a new vehicle during the most trouble-free years of its life, you'll likely encounter fewer unexpected repair expenses.
Flexibility: At the end of the lease term, you have options. You can return the vehicle and lease a new one, purchase the leased vehicle at its predetermined residual value, or explore other alternatives depending on the terms of your lease agreement.
Mileage Options: Leasing contracts typically include mileage options, allowing you to choose a plan that suits your driving habits.
Tax Benefits for Businesses: Businesses can often deduct lease payments as a business expense, potentially reducing taxable income.
No Long-Term Commitment: Leasing terms are usually shorter (2 to 5 years) than traditional car loans, which means you have the opportunity to drive a new vehicle more frequently and adapt to changing needs or preferences.
Less Depreciation Risk: With a lease, you're not responsible for the vehicle's future resale value. Depreciation risk falls on the leasing company, not you.
While vehicle leasing offers many benefits, it's important to consider your individual financial situation, driving habits, and preferences before deciding whether leasing or buying is the right choice for you. Leasing terms and conditions can vary, so it's crucial to read and understand your lease agreement thoroughly.
Yes, we offer every make and model in the market with all the possible trim and colour options. If, for some reason, you can't find exactly what you are looking for then don't hesitate to contact us on 0800 096 6488 or email us at website@v4b.co.uk
Whether you're a business looking for a fleet of 30 vans or looking for a small city car on a personal lease, V4B are here to help, after all, we've been doing it for over 30 years. We have lots of brand new deals added daily from all manufacturers. Browse our stock offers here.
We know that if you're new to leasing the process can be daunting at first but it's much easier than you might think. Let us break it down into 6 simple steps.
You'll submit a full finance application, once this is approved by the funder of your chosen deal we'll order your vehicle.
Take delivery of your brand new vehicle direct to your door.
Enjoy many happy miles in your brand new car or van and we'll be on hand to answer any questions.
If you have anymore questions about the order process of your next new lease vehicle give us a call on 0800 096 6488 and our team will be happy to help.
In the United Kingdom, the minimum age to lease a car is typically 18 years old. However, it's important to note that age alone may not be the only factor considered by leasing companies or dealerships. They often assess other criteria as well, such as your credit history and financial stability.
To lease a car in the UK, you'll generally need:
No, your payments must come from the bank account (via Direct Debit) that has been submitted as part of the finance application.
You may need to provide several forms of identification and documentation to complete the leasing process. While specific requirements may vary depending on the leasing company and their policies, here are the most common forms of ID and documents you may need:
Driver's License: You will need a valid UK driver's license, and it should be the same category as the vehicle you intend to lease (e.g., a full car license for leasing a car).
Proof of Identity: A valid passport or UK driver's license is often required to confirm your identity.
Proof of Address: Leasing companies usually require proof of your current address. This can be in the form of a recent utility bill (e.g., gas, electricity, water), a bank statement, or a council tax bill. Make sure the document is up-to-date and includes your name and current address.
Proof of Income: You may need to provide evidence of your income, such as recent payslips or bank statements, to demonstrate your ability to make monthly lease payments.
Bank Details: You'll typically need to provide your bank account details for setting up direct debit payments for your monthly lease instalments.
Additional Documentation: Depending on the leasing company's policies, you may be asked for additional documentation or information to complete the lease application process.
Being prepared with the necessary identification and documents will help streamline the leasing process and ensure a smooth experience.
Calculating the amount of annual mileage you will need for your leased car is an important step in the leasing process. It's essential to estimate your mileage accurately to avoid exceeding the mileage limit and incurring additional charges at the end of the lease. Here's how to work out your annual mileage:
Review Your Driving History: Start by looking at your recent driving history. Check your past year's mileage, if available, on your current vehicle's odometer or by reviewing service records. This can serve as a baseline for your estimate.
Daily Commute: Calculate the daily mileage for your regular commute to work or other routine destinations. Multiply this by the number of workdays in a typical week, and then by the number of weeks in a year.
Weekend and Recreational Driving: Consider any additional driving you do on weekends or for recreational purposes, such as shopping, leisure activities, or family outings. Estimate the average mileage for these activities per week and then multiply it by the number of weeks in a year.
Special Occasions and Trips: Take into account any special occasions, vacations, or long trips you plan to make during the year. Estimate the mileage for these events and add it to your total.
Unforeseen or Irregular Trips: Remember to account for unexpected or irregular trips, such as medical appointments, emergencies, or visits to friends and family. It's a good idea to add a buffer for unforeseen mileage.
Annual Total: Add up all these mileage estimates to get your annual mileage projection.
Adjust for Variability: Keep in mind that your annual mileage can vary from year to year. If you anticipate a significant change in your driving habits (e.g. a new job, moving to a different location, or changes in family circumstances), adjust your estimate accordingly.
Compare to Lease Terms: Choose a mileage limit that comfortably accommodates your estimated annual driving while avoiding excess charges.
Remember that it's better to overestimate your mileage needs slightly to avoid unexpected charges at the end of your lease.
Keep in mind that exceeding your mileage limit can result in per-mileage charges, which can be expensive. It's essential to plan carefully to avoid these additional costs during your lease term.
You can have a car delivered in less than a week but these would be cars that are in stock. They have already been built and so have fixed specification that can't be modified.
If you have specific preferences for your vehicle, such as colour or specifications, and we cannot locate the desired vehicle from a manufacturer or dealership, you may need to consider placing a factory order - which, due to COVID and the microchip shortage, has a much more varied timescale.
These are called "payment profiles". For example, 3+23 means 3 monthly rentals that are paid in the first month followed by 23 monthly rentals. The initial rental can be increased to 9, for example, to reduce the amount of the remaining 23 monthly rentals.
The total amount payable over the whole term of the contract will be roughly the same, no matter how much you pay upfront. It all depends on your personal preference and can help make the monthly rentals more manageable.
Vehicle leasing, whether personal or business, provides a flexible alternative to ownership.
Personal leasing (PCH) suits individual drivers, offering lower upfront costs and fixed monthly payments.
In contrast, business leasing (BCH) caters to companies, providing potential tax savings and improved cash flow.
Both options offer distinct end-of-lease choices and address excess mileage charges.
Explore our leasing options at V4B for a tailored experience, whether for personal convenience or tax-efficient fleet management.
We've made a comprehensive guide to explain the differences between personal and business leasing.
The duration of the lease can vary, but it tends to be between 24 to 36 months. However, lease terms can be shorter or longer depending on the leasing company and the specific terms negotiated.
Shorter leases do allow you to upgrade your car more frequently, but on the other hand a longer lease will tend to result in lower monthly payments. The duration of a lease is ultimately determined by the preferences and requirements of the driver.
A mileage limit or cap is a requirement in your lease agreement that defines the maximum number of miles that can be driven during the lease term without incurring additional charges.
This limit is determined at the start of the lease, so it's crucial to accurately set it, considering all your planned journeys in the vehicle. Exceeding the specified mileage limit can result in extra fees at the end of the lease.
Going over the agreed mileage limit in your lease agreement will result in additional charges. Excess mileage chargers can vary for every lease agreement, but you should be made aware of them when you are selecting your mileage limit.
This is why it is crucial to accurately set your mileage limit, considering all your planned journeys in the vehicle.
Leasing offers numerous benefits tailored to individual preferences.
Leasing allows you to save big on upfront cost as it requires a lower initial payment compared to the lump sum of money required when buying a car.
Additionally, most leased vehicles remain under warranty throughout the agreement, resulting in potential savings on unforeseen car repairs.
Lastly a major benefit people find with vehicle leasing is being able to upgrade your car every couple of years allowing you to drive the latest vehicles out there.
When returning a vehicle, it is crucial to maintain the validity of its MOT (Ministry of Transport) certification. The MOT is a mandatory inspection for vehicles aged three years or older, designed to ensure that they meet the necessary safety and environmental standards.
If you are leasing a brand-new car for a period of two years, you are exempt from the MOT requirement during that lease term. Since the MOT is obligatory only for vehicles aged three years or older, a newly leased vehicle does not fall within this category during the initial two-year period. However, it becomes crucial to keep track of the vehicle's age and plan for the MOT inspection once it reaches the three-year threshold.
This exemption during the lease period is advantageous for lessees, as it alleviates the responsibility of undergoing the MOT process within the first two years of acquiring a new vehicle. Nonetheless, it is important to stay informed about the MOT requirements and schedule the inspection accordingly as the vehicle ages, ensuring compliance with the necessary regulations when the time comes for its renewal.
As your car lease comes to an end, the company will coordinate the collection of the vehicle, requiring you to simply hand over the key.
A thorough check for damages will be conducted, and if the car is in good condition, no extra charges will apply.
To prevent additional charges, it is recommended to address any body damage to the vehicle before the lease concludes.
Unresolved damages diminish the car's value, leading to charges upon return. Taking proactive measures to rectify any issues prior to the end of the lease is advised.
Though terminating your lease agreement ahead of schedule is an option, it typically comes with substantial cancellation fees.
The details of these charges vary among lease contracts, and the specific fees for early cancellation are explicitly outlined within the terms of your agreement.
Extending your vehicle lease is possible, but it depends on the terms of your agreement with the leasing company.
If you're considering an extension, it's advisable to contact the leasing company well before the lease expires to discuss options and associated costs. Keep in mind that extension possibilities vary, so direct communication with the leasing company is key for accurate and personalised information.
It's important to note that when your lease agreement runs out, you don't own the car – the leasing company does.
Returning the car is the usual deal. There is an occasional option to purchase the vehicle, but that all depends on the leasing company.