Step-by-step guide to leasing

A quick guide to walk you through the six simple steps of car leasing - from start to finish

Leasing is like hiring, only you get a brand-new car for a longer period. And when you lease, you’ll be surprised at what you could afford to drive when you’re not buying.

  • Say goodbye to depreciation concerns.
  • Leasing plans start from 12 months to four years and can be tailored just for you.
  • Plans involve an initial one-off payment, followed by smaller, fixed monthly payments.
  • Arrange your own insurance and you're ready to hit the road!

Step 1. Choose your lease plan

When choosing a plan, there are 3 things to bear in mind that affect the price:

Car leasing plan: Upfront, length, mileage diagram

The flexible upfront payment is a multiple of the monthly rental amount. And the larger the upfront payment you can afford, the smaller your monthly rental will be.

The website lets you easily change the plan length, mileage and upfront payment terms to see what plans suit you best.

Step 2. Make an enquiry

  • Browse the website and find your car
  • Submit a free enquiry by email or over the phone with no obligation
  • Discuss your vehicle and lease deal with our partner via our chat area or over the phone

Step 3. Apply for finance

After finding a lease plan that suits you and receiving a quotation, you may need to provide the following documentation as part of the application:

Proof of address

This information will also be used by the finance provider to perform a credit check. This will assess if you are eligible for the vehicle you have enquired about. It may help to use a credit check service beforehand to check your suitability.

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Step 4. Get your shiny new car delivered

Most car leasing deals include free delivery to a UK mainland address of your choice at a time that is convenient to you.

Handing over new car

The lease provider will be in touch every step of the way. When the vehicle arrives, there'll be a comprehensive handover so you can check out your new set of wheels and ask any questions about the vehicle.

What's covered?

  • Vehicle Excise Duty:

    Vehicle Excise Duty, commonly referred to as road tax, should be included in the lease agreement. But always check.

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  • Warranty:

    All new lease cars will come with the standard manufacturer warranty. As lease agreements are only for a few years, the car is likely to be will be under warranty for the entirety of the contract.

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  • Delivery:

    The majority of car leasing deals include free delivery to a UK mainland address of your choice.

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What's not covered/optional?

  • Maintenance:

    Lease agreements do not include maintenance as standard, but you can often include a maintenance package with your lease, which will generally cover the annual service, plus wear and tear items. This may vary, so always check the small print.

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  • Insurance:

    It is your responsibility to arrange insurance from the day of delivery as insurance is not included. All lease vehicles must also be insured on a fully comprehensive insurance policy.

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Step 5. Keeping your car serviced and maintained

Throughout your contract, it's important you keep your vehicle maintained to an acceptable standard at the appropriate intervals - typically a full car service is highly recommended every 12 months or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Depending on the manufacturer, you may need to have the vehicle serviced at an authorised dealership.

Step 6. End of contract - start your next exciting leasing journey

Man at side of leased car

At the end of the contract, simply arrange for the car to be picked up. A representative of the leasing company will check its mileage and general condition. Once that's been agreed, you hand the keys back and are free to do whatever you please.

But what about end-of-contract charges?

Provided you look after the car and stick to your mileage limits and responsibilities, you will not incur any charges. Any end-of-lease charges simply reflect the loss of value in the vehicle when it's returned in a poorer condition than originally contracted or has damage that does not constitute fair wear and tear and requires repair.

We promise to make leasing simple, fair and enjoyable. Where applicable, all our advertising partners are members of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) and are obliged under the Code of Conduct to trade fairly and responsibly in all dealings with their customers.

Here's some end-of-contract tips:

  • You should return the vehicle in a safe and roadworthy condition, with all the appropriate documentation, spare keys and equipment.
  • You should service the vehicle according to the manufacturers' service schedule. The book should be stamped at the time of service to keep the history of the car.
  • Before the car is returned, clean it properly to allow a thorough inspection.
  • Read the BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Guide to learn what's acceptable and what's not.

Fair wear and tear occurs when normal usage causes deterioration to a vehicle. It is not to be confused with damage which occurs as a result of a specific event or series of events such as impact, inappropriate stowing of items, harsh-treatment, negligent acts or omissionsBVRLA.

It really is that simple

Start your leasing journey now by choosing your car and lease plan

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