Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the regular questions we have been asked from clients
- Can I purchase the vehicle at the end?
- What happens if I want to come out of the contract early?
- My circumstances have changed I now need to amend the agreed mileage part way through a contract. Can I do this?
- Can new companies use the services of Autodrive Options?
- Can I source the car myself?
- Who pays for the running costs?
- Are all the leases based on 10,000 miles per year and over 3 years?
- What about insurance?
- Do I have to collect the car?
- Are all your lease cars new?
- What happens if I can no longer afford the payments?
- Can I put a personal number plate on the car?
- How will my monthly payments be collected?
- How can the car leasing companies afford to offer such low priced special offers?
- Why do some more expensive models sometimes cost less per month than lower value cars
- How much Vat off the rental can I claim back under contract hire?
- What happens if my vehicle is damaged before I return it?
Can I purchase the vehicle at the end?
The car or van cannot be sold to the company or business that re-claims the VAT on the lease payments. It CAN be sold to any 3rd party, ie an employee, a client, a relative or friend.
What happens if I want to come out of the contract early?
The contract can be terminated at any time, although there may be penalties. Any charges incurred will depend on the date of termination, the contract term and any payments that have already been made.
My circumstances have changed, I now need to amend the agreed mileage part way through a contract. Can I do this?
This should not be a problem. Autodrive will arrange an alternative agreement. This will usually mean recalculating the monthly payments. We will do this free of charge as many times as required up to six months from the end of the contract.
Can new companies use the services of Autodrive Options?
Yes, subject to standard checks. Simply send us your current UK business bank account details and business plan.
Can I source the car myself?
Yes, we have the ability to purchase the vehicle from any UK dealer although if your preferred dealer does not match our standard discount terms then rental values may differ. It may also limit your vehicle choice to their stock.
Who pays for the running costs?
You can opt for a fully inclusive maintenance package for all the servicing, any mechanical repairs and tyres. You will then only be responsible for the insurance and fuelling the car.
If you elect not to take a maintenance package that’s fine ! all Contract Hire vehicles come with the road fund license included for the duration of the contract and with a full manufacturers warranty. The general maintenance of the vehicle would then be your responsibility.
Are all the leases based on 10,000 miles per year and over 3 years?
No, the lease can be tailored to meet your exact needs. It can be up to 5 years and 50'000 miles per year if required (total mileage not to exceed 150'000)
What about insurance?
You must comprehensively insure the vehicle. We advise that you also take out GAP insurance which covers any potential shortfall between the contractual amount outstanding and the price paid by an insurance company in the event of the vehicle being written off.
Do I have to collect the car?
No, wherever you are in the UK AutoDrive will arrange delivery of the vehicle. We do ask for seven days notice in writing for collections. If you have an vehicle supplied by AutoDrive you can arrange collection by contacting us on 01706 665 998 or emailing info@autodriveoptions.com
Are all your lease cars new?
NO ! we also supply a range of nearly new vehicles although our superior purchasing power very often allows us to supply new cars at the same or less than a used one.
What happens if I can no longer afford the payments?
You must inform the finance company and discuss the matter with them.
Can I put a personal number plate on the car?
This is normally easy to arrange. Be careful with contract hire or any agreements where the vehicle is registered in the name of the finance company.
Make sure that you have their agreement and their confirmation in writing that they will transfer the number back to you and advise you of any charges to be incurred at the end of the agreement
How will my monthly payments be collected?
All monthly finance or rental payments are collected through the DD scheme.
How can the car leasing companies afford to offer such low priced special offers?
Surely most of these cars would depreciate more in value per month than the monthly rentals payable? Due to the bulk purchases that the car leasing companies make, large discounts are often given thus reducing the initial cost and therefore monthly rentals payable. These savings are simply passed onto the customers, but you have to be quick because the deals don't last long before they’re replaced.
Why do some more expensive models sometimes cost less per month than lower value cars
The monthly rentals payable are calculated considering many factors. These include the purchase price, the mileage agreed and the future predicted value of the vehicle (residual value). If the residual value of certain cars is far higher by % than other cars in its class, despite the fact that the purchase price maybe higher - the monthly rentals may be lower.
How much VAT can I claim back under contract hire?
100% if solely for business use and 50% of the cost of hiring the car and all of the VAT on the services, maintenance and management of the car. For vans VAT is fully recoverable, subject to normal rules. However we recommend you check with your own financial adviser for accurate VAT reclaims.
What happens if my vehicle is damaged before I return it?
The lease vehicle will be assessed at the end of the contract for any damage and if it is not deemed to be fair wear and tear, you may be liable for the repair bill. The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association publish guidelines which reputable car dealers use to determine these costs.
