3 things you need to know when taking an Expat Car Lease in the UK
Since my article on 5 ways to get a car lease as an Expat in the UK, my personal inbox has been extremely busy with all sorts of different questions with regards to taking and Expat Car Lease.
So I’m going to use this article to cover the most asked questions with regards to car leasing in the UK as an Expat.
What is an Expat Car Lease?
With someone who has no credit history in the UK, its extremely difficult or expensive to get accepted for a traditional car lease deal, however, there are a handful of providers in the UK that will help you.
But there are a few things you need to know before you go ahead for that car lease and here are the 3 most important ones.
Rules on driving in the UK with a foreign licence
If you have a driving licence issued outside of the United Kingdom and you plan to work or live here for 12 months or more, then you really need to understand the rules.
Your entitlement to drive in the UK on an overseas licence can be pretty complex depending what country your current licence is registered to.
If you’ve got an exchangeable international driving licence, you’re allowed to drive in the UK for up to 12 months. Once the 12 months is up, you’d then be required to exchange your licence for a UK licence with having to take a driving test.
If you licence falls into a “non-exchangeable” country, then you will be allowed to drive in the UK for up to 12 months you would then need to apply for a provisional licence and sit and pass both a theory and practical driving test.
Car Insurance for Expats
It can be difficult to find a company that offers both insurance for an Expat and for a lease vehicle, but you do have a few options.
Many of the customers who have come from places like America or Australia, have actually arranged UK car insurance using a provider from their home countries.
Others have used UK companies such as Axa, Admiral and Swift. Although it is really important that you have adhered to the driving licence rules across.
Depending on the insurance company you use, you may also be able to transfer your no claims discount across.
Expat Car Leasing Prices
As we’ve already mentioned, if you haven’t got a credit score in the UK as you’re coming across from another country, traditional car leasing routes will not be available to you.
However, a handful of companies will be willing and specialise in Expat Car Leasing. They will require additional information and documents:
- Proof that you have employment or income in the UK
- Employer reference and copies of the contract
- A UK Bank Account
- Bank Statements for your home country bank account
- Copy of driving licence
- Proof of UK residency
They may also ask for other documents to support your application.
Many of the Expat Car Leasing companies will supply a vehicle on a short-term car lease, these are ideal as if it doesn’t work out for you in the UK, there are less termination charges to pay.
Some may ask for a higher initial rental to those advertised or even a refundable deposit. A documentation may also be applicable due to the amount of work provided when making an application.
Expat Car Leasing Companies
Here is a list of Expat Car Leasing companies that should be able to help you with your requirements:
- Car Leases for Expats
- Cocoon Vehicles — Expat Car Leases
- Short-Term Leasing Ltd — Expat Car Leases
- Expat Ride — UK