Frequently Asked Questions

What is Car Leasing?

Car leasing is a cost-effective alternative to buying a vehicle. It is similar to renting a car, in that you have the use of a specific car for an agreed length of time and pay a set cost. 

However, when leasing a car, you have a much more comprehensive range of vehicles, models, and specs to choose from, and the car is new at the point that it is delivered to you. The terms of the leasing contract are tailored to your needs, including the length of the contract (usually between 2 and 5 years), your estimated mileage and how your payments are structured. 

After your lease term, you return the vehicle, and it is checked over for damage beyond any agreed wear and tear. Your payments then stop, and you are free to start a new lease if you choose to. 

What are the Benefits of personal car leasing?

Cost-effectiveness is one of the main benefits of car leasing. However, it is also about hassle-free enjoyment and peace of mind. Other benefits of personal car leasing include: 

·      Driving a brand-new car and upgrading at the end of your lease period. 

·      Enjoying the latest safety features, technology, and interior design improvements.  

·      Avoiding the expenses and issues related to older cars

·      Cost-effectiveness – a car lease generally offers lower upfront costs and lower monthly instalments than purchasing a new car. 

·      Access to a greater range of vehicles. 

·      Finding you can actually afford an upgraded version of the vehicle that you were considering. 

·      No big or unexpected bills. Your instalments are set, and your vehicle lease includes your road tax and manufacturer warranty. 

·      Cars generally lose up to 60% of their value in the first three years. That means that you sell your vehicle at a much-reduced price compared to what you paid for it. When you lease, this isn't an issue. You stop paying and start a new lease at the end of the contract. 

·      You don't have the hassle of finding a buyer and then searching for a new, affordable vehicle. 

How popular is car leasing in the UK?

Car leasing is quickly becoming more popular in the UK. It is estimated that over 1.6 million vehicles in the UK are personal lease vehicles. 

Are car leasing and Personal Contract Hire the same?

Car leasing and personal contract hire are the same. Leasing or contract hire can be thought of as long-term renting – usually for up to five years. You pay an initial deposit and then make fixed monthly payments for the length of the lease. At the end of the term, you hand back the vehicle and decide whether to upgrade to a new car. 

I can't find the exact car or van that I want to lease, what do I do?

At Express Vehicle Contracts, we have access to a wide range of vehicle makes and models. If you cannot find what you are looking for on the website, then get in touch with us on 0121 427 9477 or via email at sales@expressvehiclecontracts.co.uk, and we will assist you. 

Do you offer every vehicle on the market?

We lease an extensive range of vehicle makes and models, including all leading vehicle manufacturers. Overall, we have over 10,000 trim options to choose from. 

Are all your vehicles brand new?

Every vehicle we offer lease deals on is brand new unless otherwise stated. We may occasionally provide offers on pre-registered vehicles. These are vehicles that must be registered by a specified date to qualify for special deals. However, these cars are still brand new.

What is the vehicle leasing process?

Our car leasing process can be explained in 6 steps:

1: Choose your car from our extensive range and decide on any available optional extras. 

2: Place your order with our team. As soon as your credit approval is received, our sales team will order your vehicle. 

3: Sign your documents. We will send you several important documents that need to be signed and returned to us as soon as possible. This is all done through our customer portal. 

4: Take delivery of your vehicle. As soon as your car is in stock or ready to go, we will let you know and will deliver to your door, keeping you updated every step of the way. 

Step 5: Enjoy your car, knowing that we are just at the end of the phone if you have any questions or concerns. 

Step 6: If you've enjoyed leasing, then now is the time to choose your next vehicle. We will get in touch before the end of your lease and give you plenty of time to select and order your next lease car.  

How old do I need to be to lease a car?

Car leasing requires a financial agreement, and therefore you need to be at least 18 years old. There are some cases where you can sign your agreement at 17 years old, but this would need to be discussed individually with the team. 

I've just passed my driving test; can I still lease a car?

As long as you possess a full driver's license, are 18 years old or over, and can prove your creditworthiness, you are eligible for a car lease. There is no minimum amount of time that you need to have held your license for. 

What ID do I need to lease a car?

You will need proof of identity, usually your driving licence or passport, and proof of residency. Depending on your circumstances and credit score, you may be required to provide supplemental information. 

Why are personal and business car leasing rates different?

The primary reason why there is a difference in rates is due to businesses needing to pay VAT. This is reflected in the lease rate shown. Occasionally there are special business rates available on some vehicles, but generally, the only difference is VAT.

Will you check my credit history?

Yes. We need to have a clear picture of your current financial circumstances and your past payment record. These allow us to assess your risk level. Credit checks are quick and easy, and you can apply to an independent company to see a copy of your credit file in advance so that there are no surprises. 

Once the credit check is complete, our finance partners will offer you the right deal for your situation. Having a poor credit rating will not automatically stop you from being able to lease a vehicle; however, it does make finding finance more difficult.

Can I still lease a car if my credit score isn't great?

A poor credit rating does not automatically stop you from leasing a vehicle, but it may make finding the right finance deal more difficult. You may need to use a finance company that specialises in poor credit scores. Your leasing consultant can explain things in more detail. If you want to talk to us about your credit rating or have any concerns, then call us on 0121 427 9477 or email us at sales@expressvehiclecontracts.co.uk. 

Do I need to be employed to lease a car?

No, not necessarily. However, you must be able to afford the repayments, which means having a regular source of income. This may be disability allowance, pension, other benefits, or self-employment, as well as from wages or salary. You will need to prove that you can make the payments for the term of the lease. 

How much is the initial lease deposit?

The exact deposit or initial payment depends on the finance package that you agree. Your payments are tailored to you. The higher the initial payment or deposit is, the lower your ongoing fees will be. We can work with you to adjust the initial amount and ongoing plan to best suit your needs.