Moving to a new country can be a daunting experience, with a multitude of tasks to complete before you’re fully settled. As an expat in the UK, one particular aspect worthy of your attention is car hire and leasing. While public transport in the UK is excellent, having a vehicle can lend you the freedom to explore the country at your own pace.
This guide will delve into the procedures, requirements, and best options available, setting you firmly on the path to a successful car hire or lease experience.
Short-Term Options: Car Hire
For short-term needs, car hire (rental), can be a viable and flexible option. Renting a car is straightforward, with numerous providers offering varying options:
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Known for their exceptional customer service, Enterprise provides a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs. Check their options here.
- Hertz: With more than 85 years of experience in car hire services, Hertz offers competitive pricing and varied choices. Explore their offerings here.
- Avis: A leading name in the car rental industry, Avis has numerous pick-up locations scattered across the UK. Visit Avis for more information.
- Thrifty: Thrifty is renowned for its affordable rates and great service. Browse their options here.
- Europcar: With a commitment to deliver a hassle-free rental experience, Europcar has a wide array of cars to choose from. Check them out here.
- Sixt: Offering high-quality vehicles at low rental prices, Sixt is a good option for budget-conscious renters. Visit Sixt for more details.
Administrative Requirements and Restrictions
Hiring a car in the UK requires:
- A valid driver’s licence: If your licence isn’t in English, an International Driving Permit is needed.
- Passport or identification.
- Credit or debit card for payment: The main driver must be the cardholder.
Age restrictions apply to hiring a car in the UK. Most companies require drivers to be at least 23 years old and have a full driving licence for at least a year.
Long-Term Options: Car Leasing
For those staying a while, leasing a car offers a more affordable option than buying a car outright. Top providers include:
- Nationwide Vehicle Contracts: They offer a vast range of vehicles and lease options. Check them out here.
- Select Car Leasing: Known for its competitive pricing and excellent customer support. Visit their site here.
- LeaseCar UK: They provide a seamless leasing experience with their wide selection of cars. Learn more here.
- First Vehicle Leasing: Offering excellent customer service and competitive pricing, they’ve been a trusted provider for over 20 years. Visit them here.
- Hippo Leasing: Hippo stands out as an easy and affordable leasing option for those looking for a no-deposit option or anyone with bad credit. Check their options here.
- OSV: OSV promises an impartial and transparent lease experience. Find them here.
- Motorlet: Offering a large range of makes and models, Motorlet ensures you get a deal that suits you. Visit their site here.
- Octopus Electric Vehicles: For those looking to lease electric vehicles, Octopus is a great choice. Visit them here.
- LeaseLoco: The UK’s biggest car leasing comparison site, LeaseLoco lets you find the best leasing deals. Browse their offerings here.
Lease Terms and Deposits
Leasing a car typically involves entering into a contractual agreement for a specified period, usually ranging from 24 to 60 months. The lease terms and payment structure depend on the chosen provider and the specific vehicle make and model.
A leasing contract typically stipulates an initial payment, which functions as a deposit. This payment often correlates to a set number of monthly payments, typically 3, 6, 9 or 12 months, and reduces the remaining lease payments throughout the contract. In some cases, providers may offer no-deposit lease deals, making the leasing agreement more accessible.
It’s essential to weigh up lease terms and deposit options. A larger initial payment may reduce your monthly costs, but a no-deposit lease may be preferable for those looking to avoid a large upfront expenditure.
Administrative Requirements and Restrictions
Leasing has more strict requirements than renting. Besides having a valid driver’s licence and identification, credit checks are performed to ensure your financial capability.
Key Considerations
To ensure a smooth and satisfactory experience:
- Insurance: Most car hire and leasing companies offer their own insurance, which should be included in the rental price. You can also take out optional insurance to cover other risks.
- Fuel Policy: Understand whether you need to return the hire car with a full tank or pay for the fuel upfront.
- Mileage Limitations: This is especially crucial for leasing, as exceeding mileage limits can incur significant costs.
Simplifying the Process
To make the process easy for you, Klippa has partnered with a car-finding company that specialises in locating lease cars for people relocating to the UK from overseas.
They will:
- Find the exact car you want
- Provide you with the option of paying cash, leasing, or financing
- Provide expert and helpful advice on the best car for you
- Get you a car at the right price and within your budget
- Prepare the car for your arrival
- Allow you to concentrate on your move
You won’t have to:
- Go anywhere near a car dealer
- Worry about the quality of the vehicle you’ve found
- Pay too much for the car
- Be persuaded by a dealer to buy the wrong vehicle
- Take time out of work to find your car
- Travel long distances to see a car that turns out to be inadequate
Final Thoughts
As an expat in the UK, both car hire and leasing offer valid alternatives to buying a car. Understanding the requirements and restrictions is important, but the key is to perform thorough research and choose the option that suits your needs best.
Speak to one of our experts or send a message today and find out how we can add value to your relocation programme.
