To make leasing a van or pickup truck a simple and hassle-free process we've put together a comprehensive selection of frequently asked questions on a wide range of topics including:
If we haven't answered your question here, please get in touch by phone on 01442 838 192, or by email at customerservice@autorama.co.uk.
Before You Lease
Is It Possible To View Or Test Drive The Vehicle?
It is not usually possible to view a vehicle before proceeding with your finance application. However, we have lots of videos and images so you can get a feel for the vehicle before you lease and if you’re really keen to view, please do get in touch to see if we can arrange something.
Can New Drivers Lease A Van?
New drivers are able to lease vehicles from Vanarama; however, we do require that you have a full UK driving licence.
Are All Vehicles Brand New?
All of our leasing range are new UK registered vehicles which are supplied by dealerships that we have strong long-term relationships with to ensure their service levels are the highest. We may occasionally have special offers on pre-registered vehicles which can be discussed with your Account Manager.
Am I Eligible For Van Leasing Finance?
Your eligibility for credit depends on a variety of things, however, a full credit check will be required before you can lease a vehicle.
Lease Contracts
What Van Leasing Contract Terms Are Available?
Our leasing contracts run from 2 to 5 years.
Can I upgrade my vehicle to a new agreement early?
Upgrading your vehicle early is possible with Vanarama, however, your existing agreement will have to be settled. Get in touch today to find out more.
My Agreement Comes To An End Very Soon, What Do I Do?
Our team will be in touch a few months before the end of your contract to discuss your options. If you would prefer to contact us sooner, we will be happy to help.
Who Is The Van Or Pickup Truck Registered To?
This depends on the type of finance product you choose to lease your vehicle with.
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With Contract Hire agreements, the vehicle remains the property of the Funder, and will be registered to them.
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With Finance Lease agreements, you do not own the vehicle but whatever equity is in the vehicle at contract end is yours.
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With Contract Purchase agreements, you own the vehicle at the end of the contract and, in most cases, the vehicle will be registered in your name c/o the relevant Funder.
What Kind Of Insurance Do I Need On My Vehicle?
You need fully comprehensive insurance on your vehicle for the duration of the contract; this is part of the contract with the finance company.
Can I End My Contract Early?
Yes, you can end a contract early; we will be able to obtain a settlement/termination figure for you from the finance company.
For more information on everything to do with leasing, take a look at our guide to how van leasing works.
Vehicle Mileage
Is My Mileage Relevant To The Van Lease Contract?
Yes, your estimated mileage is used to calculate your monthly rentals/payments based on the estimated residual value of the vehicle at the end of the contract.
Is There A Limit To The Mileage I Can Drive In A Year?
Most finance companies limit mileage allowances to 50,000 per annum. Most of Vanarama's funders will not allow a vehicle to be handed back at the end of a lease agreement with more than 180,000 miles.
What Happens If I Exceed My Agreed Mileage?
If you have a Finance Lease agreement & exceed your stated mileage you may face negative equity at the end of the agreement or excess mileage charges on a Contract Hire agreement, so it is always best to overestimate your mileage.
If your mileage changes it's best to let us know as soon as possible. If you have a Contract Hire agreement, we can get a quote for you to increase the mileage.
What Do I Do If My Mileage Changes?
We understand that circumstances change, & doing more mileage means you're hopefully doing more business! As soon as you know this is likely to change please contact us & we can discuss your options with you.
Finance Options & Information
Will I Have To Pass A Credit Check To Lease A Van?
Yes, you will need to be approved for finance by one of our finance partners when you lease a van. We work with the top 5 finance companies in the UK so will do our best to match your credit profile to the most suitable lender.
When Do I Need To Pay My Initial Rental/Payment?
The first payment for your vehicle is your initial rental (deposit). This will be taken from your bank account by direct debit 7 to 10 days after delivery. Depending on your funder, this may come out on the same day as your first monthly payment.
Do You Take Smaller Deposits And/Or A Vehicle As Part-Exchange?
The size of your initial deposit depends on the type of finance agreement you intend to take. It is also possible to part-exchange a vehicle.
When Will My Monthly Rentals/Payments Start?
Future rentals/payments are taken monthly thereafter.
Do You Charge An Arrangement Fee?
No, we charge no admin or arrangement fees.
Who Do I Pay My Arranged Monthly Rentals To?
Your rentals are paid to the finance company. Vanarama acts as a broker, not a lender, which means that the money goes to the funder chosen for your finance application.
Can I Change My Bank Details?
Yes. This can be done directly with the leasing company, UNLESS you have changed your company type / legal status i.e. changed from being a sole trader to a Limited Company. Please call us if that is the case as we will need to transfer the agreement to the new company.
Delivery
How Quickly Can I Get My Vehicle?
Most of our vehicles are in stock so can be delivered within 2 weeks. If you need a vehicle quicker, just let us know & we would do our best to get one to you as soon as possible. If the vehicle you require is not in stock we will advise you of a lead time at the time of your enquiry.
Where Does My Leased Vehicle Come From?
Vehicles are provided by our main dealer partners from around the UK.
How Will My Van Or Pickup Truck Be Delivered?
Your vehicle will be delivered free of charge, direct to a place of your choosing, anywhere in the mainland UK. In most cases vehicles will be delivered to you by road & will have delivery mileage when it arrives. This mileage is not counted towards your contract mileage.
What Happens If I'm Not Happy With My Vehicle When It Arrives?
If for some reason you are not happy with any aspect of your vehicle, such as a mistake with the specification or anything else for that matter, we promise to put this right to your satisfaction as quickly as possible. Please note it on the delivery note when you sign for the vehicle & let us know as soon as possible so we can rectify the situation.
Vehicle Customisation
Can I Put My Private Plate On My Van?
Yes. It is possible to put your plate onto the vehicle. As the V5 (registration Certificate) is with the leasing company, they need the relevant documentation to complete the transfer. Please call us & we can guide you through the simple process.
Can I Sign Write The Vehicle?
Sign writing your commercial vehicle is one of the best ways to get your business noticed. We recommend using the vinyl type as it is easier to remove. If the vehicle is on a contract hire agreement this should be removed before returning the vehicle to avoid being charged. Take a look at our top tips for sign writing.
Do Any Of Your Vehicles Come Fitted With A Tow Bar, Or Can One Be Fitted?
Our vans do not come fitted tow bars as standard, however, you can have them fitted prior to delivery. The cost of the tow bar can be built into your contract or can be paid for separately.
Vehicle Maintenance
Are all mechanical faults & services included in the monthly leasing rentals?
All vehicles are new & come with a standard manufacturer's warranty – typically between 3 & 5 years. If you have any issues in the warranty period, these will often be covered, but we always recommend checking this before the vehicle is booked in with the dealer.
With most of our lease agreements, you have the option to include a maintenance package for an additional low monthly fee. This will cover you for tyres, routine maintenance, servicing & any MOTs that fall within the contract duration.
What happens if my vehicle develops a fault or I break down?
All vehicles come with a manufacturer's warranty which is usually for 3 years from registration. This will cover major mechanical components, but excludes wear & tear items. All manufacturers also include 12 months of breakdown cover as standard (details found in the book pack in your vehicle).
Do I need to get the vehicle serviced?
Yes, the vehicle needs to be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines, usually once a year. Please refer to your service book to check your vehicle's service intervals. If you have a Contract Hire agreement which includes maintenance, you will need to book your vehicle in via the lease company's booking number.
Do I have to service the vehicle at a main dealer?
When it comes to getting a leased vehicle serviced, there is no requirement to use a main dealer so long as the garage is VAT registered & they use genuine parts. Regarding frequency of servicing, a full service history will be helpful when it comes to you or the finance company selling the vehicle at the end of your contract.
What if there is damage to my vehicle?
You don't need to report it to us or the leasing company. Just contact your insurance company to have the repair done, or use an authorised repairer to fix the damage. Please remember that, if you do not repair any damage that it will affect the value of your vehicle. You may face damage charges if you have a Contract Hire agreement, or negative equity if you have a Finance Lease agreement.
VAT, Tax & Insurance
Are the monthly rentals inclusive of VAT or not?
The monthly rentals for Vans quoted on our website exclude VAT, this is due to the advertisements being for business leases.
Do I have to be VAT registered?
You do not have to be VAT registered to lease any of the vehicles offered by Vanarama. There are a variety of lease agreement types available.
I'm now VAT registered. How do I claim the VAT on my rentals back?
Now that you are VAT registered, you can claim up to 100% of your VAT back when you complete your VAT return. Your accountant or advisor can help you with this.
How do I get the vehicle taxed every year?
The finance company will tax the vehicle on your behalf. If you have a Contract Hire agreement this is included in your contract. If you have a Finance Lease agreement this is charged to you & you will receive an invoice to pay. Take a look at our comprehensive van tax guide.
You can check the status of the tax on your vehicle here: www.vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk.
Do the lease rentals include insurance?
No, insurance needs to be arranged separately.
Customer Service
What if I need to make a complaint?
The most important thing is to talk to us as soon as you can – Our Customer Support team is dedicated to resolving any problems or issues you may have, & they will be happy to help.
What if I have got a better quote from another company?
Please email the written quote to enquiries@autorama.co.uk & we will be happy to look at it. We can usually beat any competitor quote, & in the rare event that we can't we will send you £100 to thank you for considering us*. All of our customers are covered under our unique Price Promise.
*Terms and conditions apply.
What happens if my circumstances change & I need to cancel my order?
We understand that things can change! As part of our Price Promise, we guarantee to give you a no quibble refund up to 30 days after delivery.
What happens if I get a parking ticket or speeding fine?
This will be sent to you from the finance company along with an invoice for any fine incurred (administration fee which is around £35). You should pay this as quickly as possible to ensure the fine does not increase by the authority issuing it.
What if I need another vehicle?
Please give us a call & we'd be happy to discuss a quote for a new vehicle. We supply all makes & models of vans, cars & pickups.
Can I take my vehicle abroad?
Leased vehicles can be driven abroad. To do this, you need to contact your finance company & request a VE103B form which will allow you to do so.
I've been involved in an accident, what do I do?
In the first instance please notify your insurance company. Give them the name of the finance company you are with so they can make necessary arrangements & notify the relevant parties.
I need to get a parking permit for the vehicle. What documents do I need & how do I get them?
You will require a copy of the V5 (registration Certificate) & a letter from the leasing company. You can request these by contacting us.
What Happens If I Can't Afford My Monthly Payments Anymore?
The most important thing is to talk to us as soon as you can – please don't ignore the issue. Please call us as soon as possible & we can talk over the situation with you & the leasing company to find a solution.
