What is van leasing – It is having ability to pay for your van over an a period time suitable for both parties. This normally ranges from 3 – 5 years, but you can take a shorter term lease to suit your needs, normally 30 days or more. Most finance companies will offer the choice of Leasing your new commercial vehicle, or contract Hire.
The main advantage of Van Contract hire over commercial van leasing is that at the end of the contract, you can just hand the vehicle back to the finance company, and subject to any wear and tear, you will receive no further charges.
There are also numerous taxation advantages, with regard to both types of finance, and consulting your accountant or van specialist will let you know what is the best option for your personal circumstances.
With contract hire, you also have the option of fixed price servicing, so that you never have to pay for a service or tyres on the vehicle, as everything is included in your monthly rental + maintenance figure. If you do not opt to take the services, VAT is recoverable on any services that you have done to the vehicle.
If you are VAT registered, then a portion of the VAT can be claimed back.
Van finance – this option is ideal if you wish to show the vehicle as an asset on your company balance sheet and handle the administration of the vehicle yourself.
The other option for your business if you are already an owner is Purchase and leaseback – which is selling the van to the finance company and leasing it back at an agreed rate. The main advantage is that you are able to convert your vehicle into an immediate lump sum injection for your business.