Lease Car UK Options and Benefits

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Leasing a car in the UK can be a great option for those who want a new set of wheels without the long-term financial commitment of owning a car outright.

In the UK, you can lease a car for as little as £100-£200 per month, depending on the type of vehicle and the length of the lease.

Leasing a car also offers a wide range of benefits, including lower monthly payments compared to financing a car purchase, and the ability to drive a brand new car every few years.

You can choose from a variety of lease car options, including personal contract hire (PCH), business contract hire, and contract purchase, each with its own set of benefits and requirements.

Finding the Best Deals

If you're looking for the best deals on a lease car, it's essential to do your research. With so many personal car leasing companies operating in the UK, it's crucial to find one that suits your needs.

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You can start by comparing offers using personal car leasing comparison services and tools, such as Parkers, WhatCar?, LeasingOptions, and Leasing.com. These websites allow you to research and compare different deals before making a decision.

Researching thoroughly can save you hundreds or thousands of pounds. Some of the top PCH providers in the UK include OSV, Contract Cars, and Leasing.com.

Benefits of a Vehicle

Leasing a vehicle can be a great way to own a car without breaking the bank. An average new car PCP deposit is around 10-15% of the car's list price, which can be a significant upfront cost.

You can pay as little as one monthly payment up front with a leasing deal, which can be a huge advantage over PCP deals. This means you can drive a new car without having to worry about a large deposit.

Leasing a car also means you can drive a more premium vehicle than you would if buying outright. You might be able to get a more prestige brand car or an upgraded model when you lease your vehicle instead of buying it.

Credit: youtube.com, Car Finance Explained (UK) - BUY VS LEASE - 5 Ways to SAVE MONEY.

With a leasing deal, you can get a modern, up-to-date vehicle all the time. You simply bring it back at the end of the term before driving off with a brand-spanking-new one.

Leasing a car also means you can have access to a comprehensive maintenance package. This can cover the costs of repairs and maintenance, including regular servicing, so you can drive your car without worrying about the costs.

Benefits of Business

Business car leasing is an excellent option for businesses of all sizes, saving you time and money while giving you peace of mind that your vehicles are safe, comfortable, and of great value.

Low initial rentals and more affordable car lease monthly rentals make leasing a brilliant cost-saving option for businesses of all kinds.

A business car lease gives you fixed monthly costs, allowing you to accurately forecast and monitor cash flow for your fleet and your business vehicles.

Photo of Five Cars Parked
Credit: pexels.com, Photo of Five Cars Parked

You can claim a car lease tax deduction, which includes up to 50% of the VAT on your monthly lease payments, provided your vehicles have only been used for business purposes.

VAT applies to consumer goods and tends to sit between 15% and 20%, meaning you can claim a discount of up to 20% on your lease payments.

However, if your company vehicles are used in a personal capacity, you'll only be able to claim 50% of the VAT on your lease payments back.

Find Best Deals

Finding the best deals on car leasing can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can save hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

To start, it's essential to research thoroughly, as the time spent comparing offers can make a significant difference. According to Example 2, good places to look for personal car leasing comparison services and tools include Parkers, WhatCar?, LeasingOptions, Leasing.com, Cars2Buy, and AutoLeaseCompare.

Credit: youtube.com, Cost comparison apps do more than find deals

These websites allow you to compare offers before delving into specific details on deposits and mileage agreements. By doing so, you can get a better understanding of the market and make an informed decision.

If you're looking for a reputable personal car leasing company, check if they are a BVRLA leasing broker and SAF Approved, as this will give you some reassurance (Example 3). Some top PCH providers in the UK include OSV, Contract Cars, Leasing.com, First Vehicle Leasing, and Allcar Leasing.

To make the process even smoother, consider using a car leasing comparison service like LeaseCar (Example 4). They offer a user-friendly platform where you can browse their catalogue of vehicles, customise your options, and get an instant idea of the leasing package that suits you best.

Before making a decision, make sure you're looking at PCH offers, not BCH (business contract hire), which is only available to business customers (Example 5). Be careful when entering your details, particularly the annual mileage, as it can significantly impact your potential costs.

Here are some of the top car leasing operators to consider:

  • Leasing.com
  • Select Car Leasing
  • Carparison
  • DreamLease
  • LeaseCar
  • VIP Gateway
  • LeaseLoco
  • LeaseTree
  • Hippo Leasing
  • Rivervale Leasing
  • Auto Trader
  • LeasePlan
  • Zen Auto

Keep in mind that most of these companies are brokers, not providers, so they'll help you find the best deal for your needs.

Costs and Savings

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Leasing a car can be a great way to drive a brand new vehicle without breaking the bank. You can expect to pay a deposit and a monthly payment, which can vary depending on the make and model of the car.

The deposit can range from £960 for a Vauxhall Corsa to £2849 for a BMW i4.

Monthly payments also vary, with some cars costing as little as £254 for a Vauxhall Corsa, while others can cost up to £852 for a BMW i4.

You can also save money by leasing an electric car, with some deals offering significant savings. For example, leasing a Cupra Born can save you £3046 compared to other options.

Here's a breakdown of the costs and savings for some popular lease car options:

By choosing the right lease deal, you can drive a brand new car for a price that suits your budget.

Lease Car Options

Lease car options can be a bit confusing, but don't worry, we've got you covered. Personal contract purchase (PCP) agreements give you the option to purchase the car fully at the end of the term, with slightly higher monthly costs and a larger optional lump sum at the end of the term.

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There are several types of personal car leasing options to consider. Personal contract hire (PCH) and business contract hire (BCH) contracts allow you to return the car at the end of the term, while PCP agreements let you purchase the car if you choose to pay the balloon payment.

If you're looking for deals, you can compare offers on Moneyshake, which could help you find the best possible leasing rates available.

Select

Select is a well-established provider of lease cars, having delivered over 50,000 cars in around 16 years of trading.

They also have an impressive 21,000 five-star Trustpilot reviews, which is a testament to their customer satisfaction.

Their website is user-friendly, providing all the usual information about each car, including a review in both short and detailed form.

Select's sample search brought up a few choices at very competitive prices, making it a great option to consider.

One of the benefits of using Select is their price-match service, which pays out £50 in Amazon vouchers if customers find a comparable deal at a better price elsewhere.

If you're interested in learning more about car leasing, Select's website has a wealth of information, including a section on whether car leasing is right for you.

  • More car leasing news, information and advice at The Car Expert

PCP Agreements

Credit: youtube.com, PCP or LEASING EXPLAINED : Car finance, What is right for you?

PCP agreements are another way to spread the cost of a new vehicle over an extended period of time.

They're not technically a lease, but rather a type of financing that allows you to purchase the car fully at the end of the term.

PCP agreements have slightly higher monthly costs compared to other lease options.

A larger optional lump sum, known as a balloon payment, is typically required at the end of the term.

If you choose to pay the balloon payment, you take over ownership of the vehicle and it's yours to own at the end of the term.

If you choose not to pay the balloon payment, you simply return the car at the end of the term.

Electric Vehicles

Leasing an electric car is a great way to save money on a brand new vehicle for a price that is hard to find elsewhere. Our cheapest electric lease is currently the SEAT MII Electric Hatchback, which is a fantastic option for those looking to go green.

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Electric cars are shaping the not-too-distant driving future, and now is the time to get involved. You can lease an electric car with confidence knowing that your EV has been selected from the top offers.

The benefits of leasing an electric car are numerous, including cheap, inexpensive monthly finance plans, reduced running costs due to the low-maintenance electric motor, and no vehicle depreciation. This means you can drive a brand new car every 2-4 years without having to worry about depreciation.

Here are some of the top electric lease deals available in the UK:

With an electric lease, you'll be able to reap the benefits of low running costs, superb range, and high-quality technology all for a low monthly price.

Contract and Insurance

A leasing contract doesn't include car insurance, so you'll need to arrange a fully comprehensive policy to cover your vehicle.

Car insurance is essential to protect you and your vehicle in case of an accident. You'll be responsible for insuring your leased vehicle under a comprehensive policy that covers repairs, even if the accident is your fault.

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Some leasing companies offer additional insurance packages, such as Total Cover, which provides comprehensive cover and peace of mind on the road. This package includes third-party liability, own damage protection, glass damage protection, and more.

Here are some key features of a comprehensive insurance policy for a leased vehicle:

  • Third-party liability to protect you in case of damage to other vehicles or injury to other road users.
  • Own damage protection covers the cost of repairs to your vehicle in the event of an accident, fire or theft.
  • Glass damage protection for the repair and replacement of glass on your vehicle, including the windscreen, windows, and mirrors.
  • No financial gap on your vehicle in the event of a write-off - you’ll have a new car and be able to pick up your payments as before.
  • Guaranteed maintenance cover.
  • Breakdown assistance, including a replacement vehicle for the first 48 hours.
  • Accident management with a fast and efficient claims service.

Contract Insurance Coverage

Leasing a car typically doesn't include car insurance, so you'll need to arrange your own comprehensive policy. This is because leasing companies require the vehicle to be insured under a fully comprehensive policy.

Comprehensive insurance is the most complete and all-encompassing cover for you and your vehicle. It covers repairs to your car, even if an accident is your fault.

There are a few things to be mindful of when insuring a leased vehicle. You're not the legal owner of the car, so you'll need to consider different insurance options.

Here are some key things to look for in a leased vehicle insurance package:

  • Third-party liability to protect you in case of damage to other vehicles or injury to other road users.
  • Own damage protection covers the cost of repairs to your vehicle in the event of an accident, fire or theft.
  • Glass damage protection for the repair and replacement of glass on your vehicle, including the windscreen, windows, and mirrors.
  • No financial gap on your vehicle in the event of a write-off - you’ll have a new car and be able to pick up your payments as before.
  • Guaranteed maintenance cover.
  • Breakdown assistance, including a replacement vehicle for the first 48 hours.
  • Accident management with a fast and efficient claims service.

Missing a Payment Consequences

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Missing a payment can affect your credit score and make it harder to arrange finance in the future.

You'll likely incur a late payment fee if you pay it soon after the due date. This should be the end of the matter.

If you're struggling to afford your monthly payments, it's better to talk to the finance company than to fall behind. They might be able to extend the contract to reduce each payment.

The finance company has the right to repossess the car if you keep missing payments.

Contract Hire

Contract hire is a type of leasing arrangement that's perfect for those who want to drive a new car without committing to owning it outright. With personal contract hire (PCH) and business contract hire (BCH), you'll never own the vehicle, but you will enjoy lower monthly rental costs compared to other leasing options.

The lease term is the key to this type of contract, as it dictates the length of time you'll be renting the vehicle. You'll pay a fixed monthly rental cost, which can be considerably lower than other leasing arrangements.

At the end of the lease term, you simply return the vehicle to the lessor, with no option or obligation to purchase it. This means no balloon payments or additional costs to worry about.

Maintenance and Breakdown

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You're responsible for covering any maintenance costs, such as servicing, which come up during the course of your lease contract, as well as any repair costs.

Most car leasing agreements do not include maintenance as standard, but many companies offer an optional maintenance package that will include it for an extra monthly fee.

These packages can offer peace of mind and make budgeting easier, and can sometimes be tailored to what you need, including servicing, repairs, new tyres and batteries, exhausts, breakdown recovery and MOT testing.

A good maintenance package can catch any issues well in advance and prevent costly repairs, and can also help protect you from the costs associated with repairs and part replacements.

LeaseCar's maintenance packages can be applied to any of their regular lease plans for a small additional amount every month, and can include scheduled servicing for all car makes and models, repairs and replacements for any mechanical or electrical parts, and more.

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Here are some of the benefits of LeaseCar's maintenance packages:

  • Scheduled servicing for all car makes and models.
  • Repairs and replacements for any mechanical or electrical parts.
  • Repair and replacements for wear and tear damage, including parts and labour.
  • Replacements and repairs for bulbs, batteries, exhausts, cam belts, wiper blades, alternators, and starter motors.
  • MOT tests.
  • Tyre replacements using premium branded tyres.
  • Free mobile tyre-fitting appointment services.

They also offer comprehensive breakdown cover to all of their customers, helping you feel confident and safe wherever you go, with an average attendance time of 45 minutes and onward travel provided by them.

Insuring and Financing

Leasing a car in the UK requires careful consideration of insurance and financing options. Car insurance is not included in a leasing contract, so you'll need to arrange a fully comprehensive policy to protect yourself and your vehicle.

Leasing companies typically require third-party insurance, which only pays for the repair of the other party's vehicle, not your own. You'll want to opt for comprehensive insurance to ensure you're fully covered in the event of an accident.

You'll also need to consider the type of insurance package that suits your needs, such as Total Care, which includes third-party liability, own damage protection, and other benefits.

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Here are some key things to keep in mind when insuring a leased vehicle:

  • Leasing companies demand comprehensive insurance to cover you and your vehicle.
  • Total Care insurance packages, like the one offered by LeaseCar, provide comprehensive cover and peace of mind.

If you're considering finance leasing, be aware that the vehicle remains the property of the leasing provider, and you'll make a final balloon payment at the end of the term based on the anticipated resale value of the vehicle.

VIP Gateway

VIP Gateway is a Manchester-based leasing broker with customers all across the UK.

They claim to have customers on their ninth or even tenth vehicles, showing their ambition to provide top-notch service.

The company's website features a colourful menu highlighting special offers, in-stock vehicles, electric cars, short-term leasing, used leasing offers, prestige vehicles, and more.

VIP Gateway boasts a range of testimonials from famous customers, including Manchester-based football stars and celebrities.

By partnering with commercial partners, VIP Gateway offers exclusive deals on their products and services.

Insuring Your

Insuring your leased vehicle is a must, as it's not included in the leasing contract. Leasing companies require you to arrange a fully comprehensive policy to protect yourself and your vehicle.

Credit: youtube.com, How Does Insurance Work?

Car insurance for a leased vehicle is not the same as for a owned vehicle. You're not the legal owner, so you need to consider the specific requirements for insuring a leased car.

Leasing companies like LeaseCar offer a Total Cover package to give customers peace of mind and comprehensive cover on the road. This package includes third-party liability, own damage protection, and more.

Here are the key features of the Total Cover package:

  • Third-party liability to protect you in case of damage to other vehicles or injury to other road users.
  • Own damage protection covers the cost of repairs to your vehicle in the event of an accident, fire or theft.
  • Glass damage protection for the repair and replacement of glass on your vehicle, including the windscreen, windows, and mirrors.
  • No financial gap on your vehicle in the event of a write-off - you’ll have a new car and be able to pick up your payments as before.
  • Guaranteed maintenance cover.
  • Breakdown assistance, including a replacement vehicle for the first 48 hours.
  • Accident management with a fast and efficient claims service.

Total Care allows you to have a comprehensive insurance package that protects you and other drivers from expensive issues on the road. The cost of Total Care insurance is also added to the regular monthly rental of your vehicle, so you can manage all of your vehicle costs in one simple package.

Finance

Finance options can be a bit confusing, but let's break it down.

Finance Leasing allows you to pay lower monthly rentals, plus a final balloon payment at the end of the term, based on the anticipated resale value of the vehicle.

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If the leasing company makes a profit on the sale of the vehicle, you may get money back, but if they make a loss, you'll have a larger payment to contribute at the end of the lease.

Paying a higher deposit can significantly lower your monthly payments, and it's non-refundable, so you'll need to factor that into your budget.

Personal Contract Hire generally requires a smaller first payment, as you're not paying towards owning the vehicle in the future.

No-deposit car leasing is becoming more popular, but you'll need an excellent credit rating score to qualify, and it means higher monthly payments across the term of your personal car lease.

The total amount you'll pay stays the same regardless of your deposit, but paying a larger amount upfront simply means there will be less to pay for the remainder of your contract.

What Are the Disadvantages of?

Leasing a car can be a great option, but it's essential to consider the potential downsides. If you find yourself not needing a car during your lease period, terminating the lease early can be expensive, with some companies demanding all outstanding payments.

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You'll have to adhere to certain conditions when leasing a car, which can be restrictive for some people or businesses. For instance, leased cars often come with mileage restrictions, and you may not be allowed to make any changes or customizations to the vehicle.

If you don't follow the rules of the lease, you can face hefty penalties when you return the vehicle. This includes liability for any damage, which can be a significant concern.

Here are some key disadvantages of leasing a car to keep in mind:

  • The mileage of your car per year.
  • The mileage of your car over the course of the lease.
  • No changes or customisation to the appearance of the vehicle (decals, sprays, wraps etc.).
  • Not being allowed to take the vehicle out of the country.

If you're a business looking at car leasing, there are some additional factors to consider. For instance, you won't have the option to build equity with a leased car, and you'll need to pay for fully comprehensive insurance cover. Additionally, you may face excess mileage charges if you go over the agreed-upon mileage.

Paying Off and Ending

You can't end a car leasing agreement early with a Personal Contract Hire (PCH) and must pay off the total lease costs in full.

If you're struggling with your payments, it's worth speaking to the finance company straight away as they may offer you lower payments over a longer lease.

They may be willing to work with you to find a solution, so don't hesitate to reach out.

Return

A close-up view of a 'Closed' sign on a door, displaying a return time.
Credit: pexels.com, A close-up view of a 'Closed' sign on a door, displaying a return time.

If you're planning to return your leased car, LeaseLoco can help you navigate the process.

The site allows you to compare deals and find a better value, which can be a lifesaver when it's time to return your vehicle.

You can use LeaseLoco's score system to analyze the value of your lease deal and see if you can do better.

For example, you might be able to lease an Audi A6 for the price of an A4.

LeaseLoco keeps business and personal schemes separate, making it easier to find the right option for you.

The site's 'dream garage' feature can also help you keep track of the price movements of your desired cars, with notifications when the price drops.

Paying Off a Contract Early

Paying off a contract early can be a good option if you're able to afford it.

With Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), you can pay an additional cost to end the contract earlier than planned if your financial circumstances change.

Paying off the total lease costs in full is the only way to end a Personal Contract Hire (PCH) early.

It's worth speaking to the finance company straight away if you start to struggle, as they may offer you lower payments over a longer lease.

Teresa Halvorson

Senior Writer

Teresa Halvorson is a skilled writer with a passion for financial journalism. Her expertise lies in breaking down complex topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content. With a keen eye for detail, Teresa has successfully covered a range of article categories, including currency exchange rates and foreign exchange rates.

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