How much does it cost to lease a car for a month?
There are may companies that now offer a “car lease” for a month, this includes the likes of Hertz, Europcar and Cocoon Vehicles. But is it effectively a car lease or a long term car hire?
There are many reasons people would choose to lease a car for a month, maybe its work commitments, could be an overseas visitor working or even travelling around the United Kingdom but it is possible but how cost effective is it?
Many of the large rental companies offer a group of vehicle, so when you choose a Volkswagen Golf, you may end up with anything from a Fiat Tipo to a Vauxhall Astra, some of the larger firms do offer a guaranteed car but you will be paying for this service.
There are now may firms in the UK that will guarantee the car type, many of these aren’t connected to the larger rental firms, many are independent and can be backed by the major manufacturers.
They do fall under 2 different services, for example there are the new Car Subscriptions, imagine this as a Netflix for a car. Its as simple as signing up to somebody like Drover or Flexigo, selecting a car, collecting it and when you’re finished returning it. The beauty of this is you know exactly what car you are getting.
Long term car hire is another highly sort after keyword when it comes to SEO and people searching for a car lease for a month. Its pretty much the same as a car subscription but dressed a little differently.
So how much does it cost to lease a car for a month?
Depends on the firm you are using and the length of time you need it for. Be careful of those companies with a lower headline rate. You may find the upfront fee’s are quite high, here are some examples below (correct as of 28th January 2019):
Company №1 Based in Sheffield:
Audi A3 Sportback 30 TFSI 116ps SE Tecknik Manual
Although the headline rate is £270.00 you only get 833 miles per month and hidden within the terms and conditions is an additional non-refundable upfront payment, equivalent to 1 month. This then automatically doubles the rental rate and makes it quite expensive.
Company No2 Based in Leeds:
Large Estate Car — Group Only
Headline rate is £519.95 plus VAT for 1 months and includes 1,000 miles per month. Terms and conditions show a documentation fee of £180.00 plus VAT and a non-refundable upfront payment £230.05. Making the vehicle over £1,000 inc. VAT for 1 month.
Company No3. Based in London:
Car Subscription — Ford Fiesta Zetec
Headline rate of £300.83 for 1 month, £20.00 maintenance fee and optional insurance of £78.17. Includes 800 miles and can have up to 2,000 miles included. Refundable deposit of £300 and can be returned after 1 month.
Read the small print before signing
It’s always a good idea to read all of the small print. Short term vehicles always have strict return conditions, they DO NOT need to adhere to the BVRLA Fair, Wear and Tear guide and there is a process should you wish to raise a complaint.
If you like acquiring speeding tickets or parking notices, then be prepared to pay an admin charge should you not pay them and the legal owners of the vehicle have to carry out an exercise to have this put in your own name.
Look out for any additional charges upfront, many of the reputable companies show these on their websites and its clear. Others don’t.
Bad credit or Non-status? Then be wary as these type of long term car hires or car subscriptions will require you to go through a credit check. Some will still accept you on different terms, this could be a higher initial payment, higher documentation fee or even a large refundable deposit.
Overseas visitors to the UK, there are specialist firms out there who offer car leases for you and even EXPATS. These can be really useful and so long as you stick to the rules, they will stand by you.
Companies that offer a 1 month car hire:
These are external links and I do not have any responsibility for the content on these websites:
Cocoon Vehicles: 1 Month Car Hire
Drover: Car Subscriptions
Flexigo: Flexigo Car Subscriptions and Leases
Short Term Leasing: Short Term Car Leases from 1 month
NVG Ltd: Flexi-rent Car Service
Your experience of car leases for 1 month
I’d love to hear your 1 month car lease experiences, drop me a comment below and I will reply to each and everyone.