Frequently Asked Questions

Kerb weight refers to the weight of a vehicle in standard running condition, including fluids such as oil and coolant, but excluding passengers, cargo, and trailers. When towing, kerb weight is important because UK regulations limit unbraked trailer weight to 750kg or 50% of the vehicle’s kerb weight (whichever is lower). A higher kerb weight can therefore allow a greater unbraked towing limit and generally contributes to improved stability when towing.

No, not at the enquiry stage. We carry out a soft credit check initially, which is not visible to other lenders and has no impact on your credit score. A hard credit search is only performed once you’ve chosen to proceed with a specific finance agreement, so that you can explore your options freely.

Yes. We work with a panel of specialist lenders who consider applications from drivers and business owners with adverse credit, including CCJs, defaults, missed payments, and low credit scores. Each application is assessed individually on affordability and current circumstances, not just your credit score. You may need a higher initial rental, but many applicants who’ve been turned down elsewhere are able to lease through us.

Yes. VanLeasing.com works with lending partners who specialise in new business finance. If your business has been trading for less than 24 months, you can typically still secure a van lease by providing recent business bank statements, proof of registration, and, in some cases, a personal guarantee from a company director. You do not need two years of filed accounts to apply.

Yes – pickups are hard working vans, and all makes and models come with towing capacity. Towing capacity will be anywhere from 2 tonnes to 3.5 tonnes, so it’s essential to think about what you’ll need when choosing your model. Some of the most popular for towing capacity are the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Hilux, with models capable of towing 3.5 tonnes.

Today, pickups offer a much broader range of configurations than they once did, so, whether it’s for business or pleasure, configurations can help with additional space and features. Here are a few of the most popular, but you’ll find much more in our pickup guide.

1. Truckman top
The most popular product is the Truckman hardtop. The hardtop allows the rear deck of a pickup to be converted into a secure, clean, and dry space at the back of the vehicle. The Truckman adds height to the rear deck, allowing it to be better utilised for storage and access.

2. Roller cover
Made from strong but lightweight aluminium, they are easy to use and are designed to increase the practicality of the cargo area of the vehicle. Roller covers offer a robust level of protection from the outdoor elements, so belongings are kept nicely dry and safe inside the vehicle.

3. Soft cover
Not everyone wants the full hard-top, nor can they afford it, so another, more economical way to protect the truck bed is a soft tonneau cover. A soft-top offers a level of protection to your goods, but it doesn’t offer the same resistance as a hard-top.

4. Bedliners
Bedliners are the most effective accessory to protect the back of a Pickup bed from everyday scratches caused by tools and equipment moving around. Not only do they protect the truck’s bed from becoming damaged by whatever cargo it is hauling, but they also help to protect the bed from rust.

The payload will be one of the most important factors for anyone driving a pickup truck and it’s important to know, as you can be fined for overloading. Today, most vehicles will allow you to carry around one tonne of weight, but there is still a difference between makes and models. The Ford Ranger Double Cab takes the number one spot with a payload of 1,200kg – up to 2000kg more than its rivals, popular for those looking to transport as much as possible.

When you’re researching a pickup truck, one of the most important things to consider is cab size. Pickups are offered in a range of cab sizes, and today’s pickups offer a much broader range of configurations than they once did, so, whether it’s for business or pleasure – there’s lots on offer from this multi-purpose vehicle.

1. Standard or Regular Cab
   This is the smallest of the pickup trucks, with 2 large front doors and seating for 2 or 3 people depending on the model.
2. Double Cab
   This pickup with rear seating is a better option if you need to carry extra passengers. This model comes with four doors, the back doors are usually a little smaller than the front.
3. Crew Cab
   This is the most significant pickup, popular because it offers plenty of space to double up as a family vehicle. With four full sized doors and two full rows of seats, it can carry up to five or six people.

The number of passengers you can carry all depends on the cab option you go for. If it’s a regular cab, there will be no back seats, so this will carry a maximum of 3 people. A larger, Double cab comes with an additional row of seating, so can accommodate 5 people – often the back row of seats is accessed from the front doors. Finally, the crew cab is the largest, accommodating up to 6 passengers, with full access from four full sized doors.

Yes, the Ford Ranger offers advanced equipment and technological features that enhance the driving experience and provide convenience, comfort, and safety. While specific features can vary depending on the trim level and model year, here are some examples of the advanced equipment available:

1. Infotainment System
2. Driver-Assistance Technologies
3. Advanced Safety Features
4. Advanced Lighting Systems
5. Connectivity and Convenience

Although Ford may provide other variations of the Ranger, these are the engine options we have available at Van Leasing:

• 2.0 Ecoblue 170 turbo diesel – 33.6 mpg
• 2.0 Ecoblue 205 turbo diesel – 38.18 mpg
• 3.0 EcoBlue 240 v6 turbo diesel – 31.7 mpg
• 3.0 EcoBoost turbo diesel – 26.9 mpg

The Ranger offers a single cab choice, which features a two-door setup with a single row of seating and a larger cargo bed, and a double cab configuration which offers a more spacious and comfortable interior. It features four full-sized doors and a larger rear seating area with full-sized seating for up to five occupants.

When it comes to discussing vans you will often hear long wheelbase (LWB) or short wheelbase (SWB) and these refer to a specification of a van. The wheelbase of any vehicle is the distance between the centre of the front wheels and the centre of the rear wheels. The difference is essentially the length. Long wheelbase vehicles have a clear extension on the end which causes the wheels to be further apart. This is more popular if you need a bigger load area for your tools and equipment.  

If a Short wheelbase provides enough storage for your good, the fact that they are easier to maneuver and can feel a little sportier than a long wheelbase makes them a popular choice 

Either way, it all comes down to a combination of things; the loads and passengers you need to carry, where you’ll be parking your van and where you’re driving it.

We know that fuel is a big monthly expense, however, there are a few simple steps that you can take to reduce fuel consumption and save money.

1. Keep your tyres well inflated: Under inflated tyres increase fuel consumption by around 3%.
2. Reduce the weight you’re carrying: If possible, don’t overload your van as it leads to excess fuel consumption.
3. Watch your speed: Anything about 60mph and fuel economy starts to decline. 
4. Use your gears efficiently; Revving the engine on your van is not good for fuel economy. 
5. Plan your route: Use maps or sat nav to help, but make sure you’re taking the shortest route possible.

For a new business, we’ll typically ask for three to six months of business bank statements, your Companies House certificate or UTR number, a copy of your UK driving licence, and proof of address. If your business is very early stage, a personal guarantee from a director and evidence of contracts or confirmed work may also be requested. There’s no obligation at the enquiry stage.

Yes. Sole traders who haven’t yet filed accounts with HMRC can still apply. Instead of formal accounts, you’ll need to provide recent business bank statements, your UTR number, proof of identity, and proof of address. Evidence of current contracts or confirmed work will strengthen your application.

Diesel vans typically offer higher towing capacities because their engines produce strong torque at low engine speeds, which is crucial when pulling heavy loads. They are also built with drivetrains, cooling systems, and gearboxes designed to handle sustained loads over long distances. Compared to petrol engines, diesels maintain pulling power more efficiently under load, while electric vans, although strong off the line, can be limited by battery capacity, thermal management, and range when towing. As a result, diesel powertrains remain the most practical and widely approved option for frequent or heavy towing across all van sizes.

Some electric vans are not rated to tow because towing places sustained demands on the vehicle’s drivetrain, battery, cooling systems, and chassis that certain electric platforms are not yet designed to handle. In many cases, manufacturers prioritise payload capacity and driving range over towing capability, and adding a towing rating would significantly reduce real-world range or require additional reinforcement and cooling. Where towing is not officially approved, it’s because the vehicle has not been homologated or tested for safe, reliable towing within legal limits.

Yes — you’ve got plenty of freedom to make the van work for you. Things like roof racks, ply lining, seat covers, or even storage solutions and racking kits can usually be fitted, as long as they don’t cause permanent changes to the vehicle. You can even apply temporary graphics or signage if you’d like to display your brand, provided everything is removed before returning the van at the end of your lease.

As this is a vehicle for personal use over business use, you might find yourself wanting to visit other parts of Europe by car. Simply put you can take your lease vehicle outside the country, but you’ll need the right insurance cover, a VE103 certificate (permission to take a leased vehicle abroad), and breakdown cover that includes EU travel. Most funders do allow travel to Europe, but it’s always best to check your agreement or call the funder before making any plans.

Yes — with our personal van lease deals, road tax is included as part of your agreement, so you don’t have to worry about paying it separately. Since most leased vans are brand new, they also come with the full manufacturer’s warranty for added peace of mind. Even if you choose one of our approved used lease vehicles, you’ll still benefit from any remaining manufacturer’s warranty cover.

Yes, you can apply company decals to a leased van—in fact, it’s a great way to promote your business while you’re on the road.

However, it’s important to be aware that some types of leasing agreements require the vehicle to be returned at the end of the term. In these cases, any decals or branding must be professionally removed before the vehicle is handed back.

If you’re planning to brand your van, it’s best to use a reputable supplier who can both apply and remove the decals properly when the time comes.

Absolutely. We specialise in helping customers who have been turned down before.

Unlike some other leasing companies, VanLeasing.com doesn’t rely solely on your credit score to determine your eligibility. We understand that life is complex, and a single number doesn’t define your financial responsibility. Our flexible approach means we consider a variety of factors when assessing your application. While a better credit score can lead to more favorable terms, we’re here to work with you, no matter where your credit score stands.

Most applications receive an initial decision within 24 to 48 hours. Straightforward cases can be approved on the same day. Applications from new businesses or those with complex credit histories may take three to five working days if the lender requests additional documentation. Once approved, delivery of an in-stock van can follow within two weeks.

For most people with adverse credit, leasing works out more affordable. The interest rates on hire purchase or personal loans for applicants with poor credit tend to be significantly higher than the additional cost built into a specialist lease. Leasing avoids the large upfront cost of buying, preserves your working capital, and gives you a brand new vehicle with a full manufacturer’s warranty and fixed monthly payments.

It depends on your circumstances. If your limited company has been trading for less than two years and has a limited financial history, most lenders will ask for a personal guarantee from at least one director. This means the director is personally liable for the lease payments if the company cannot pay. For sole traders, the lease is already in your personal name, so a separate guarantee isn’t needed. Providing a guarantee can improve your chances of approval and may help secure better rates.

Our lending panel considers a range of credit situations, including County Court Judgements (CCJs), defaults, late or missed payments, Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs), debt management plans, thin credit files, and low credit scores. Previous bankruptcy may also be considered depending on when the discharge occurred. Each case is assessed on its individual merits.

The initial rental for new businesses and adverse credit applicants is typically higher than the standard three months upfront. Most agreements in this category require between six and nine months’ initial rental. For example, on a monthly payment of £350, you would pay between £2,100 and £3,150 upfront. The exact figure depends on your credit profile, the vehicle, and which lender you’re placed with.

If you are driving a light commercial vehicle for your business, it pays to know the facts and restrictions. You will probably already be aware that even the strongest of models can struggle with heavy loads. This isn’t just a practical issue though; it’s a legal one. Both the police and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) take an overloaded van very seriously. 

Here’s our guide on average payload by van size: 

Small Van: 665 to 1000kg

Medium van: 750 – 1500kg

Large Van: 1000 – 1750kg

Pickup 4×4: 1050 – 1195kg

All vans are assigned a gross vehicle weight (GVW) limit when they are certified for use. It is a legal requirement for all LCVs to display their gross vehicle weight on the manufacturer’s plate. The plates do however vary in position. The most common one is found inside the front door panel. Let’s take for example the Renault Master MH35 FWD dci 150ps. This van has a gross vehicle weight of 3,500 kg. This means that the maximum weight of the Renault Master including the van, the driver, any passengers, fuel and the load itself must not exceed 3,500 kg. 

This will come down to thinking about your daily needs – what you’re using your van for, how far you’re driving it, and what kinds of goods you need to transport. When it comes to choosing your van you should consider things like; payload requirements, the number of seats needed, the types of journeys you’ll be making, the access you need, the height and length necessary for your goods, and also the ability to configure with the right storage.

You can include servicing with the lease with a maintenance package, and this will ensure the van is maintained to the specific company standards. Otherwise, it’s down to you to make sure your leased van is serviced according to the manufacturer’s requirements throughout your leasing period.

We provide maintained and non-maintained packages so this one is up to you. Some people like the comfort of knowing maintenance is covered, whereas others take the view that a new van might be more reliable and so just sort this out themselves. Either way, we will help you look at the total cost to work out if maintaining is worth it for peace of mind, or if you’re better just doing this yourself.

We know it’s important to you to make sure that you’re covered for any problems you may face during your lease period. All of our new vans come with a manufacturer’s vehicle warranty, there to cover you from any manufacturing or mechanical faults that may happen during your contract. It’s one of the great benefits of leasing, and whilst they can differ from the manufacturer, most warranties will last for around 3 years.

It’s written in vehicle insurance law that your vehicle must be kept insured at all times. As well as being a legal requirement it’s also up to you to keep your vehicle insured on a fully comprehensive motor policy during the period of your agreement with us.

It’s your responsibility to get your own van insurance sorted, and this needs to be on a fully comprehensive basis. When that’s done, you just need to send us a copy of the certificate prior to the vehicle delivery date.

Not really. When we are going through your requirements you will stipulate your mileage requirements, and we then build a contract around that. Generally, this starts at 8ooo miles per annum going up to around 35,000 miles. If you think you need more than that we can still help you but the process might take a little longer.

I’m afraid it’s not possible to test drive the van first. We’ve got lots of information on our website about all makes and models, which should help!

The delivery time is dependent on stock. Luckily we have access to a large number of makes and models, so if it’s in stock you could have your new van delivered to you within two weeks. If we don’t have your chosen van in stock and we need to order it, then delivery is a bit longer. If that’s the case we will let you know a delivery date when we’re going through your requirements with you.

We understand that your circumstances could change during the lease period therefore it is possible to end your contract. Ending your contract early will mean a charge will be incurred and that charge will be worked out based on how long you have left on your contract. Remember though, If you’re finding it difficult to pay the monthly leasing charge, speak to us, as there may be things we can do to help – like extending the contract which could lower monthly payments.

Yes, we offer a short-term lease product with a minimum period of 3 months and a maximum of 18 months. The key thing about short-term van leasing is the flexibility that it offers. Often, businesses aren’t quite sure exactly how long they will need the van and would rather not enter into a long-term contract. Rather than having to use expensive daily rentals, this service offers the flexibility to replace your vehicles more regularly. Find more about our short-term van leasing.

Standard contracts range between 24 and 60 months. It’s up to you to choose the length of time, but as a general rule the longer the contract the lower the monthly rental and vice versa. We also have our short-term leasing product which offers leasing terms ranging from 3 to 18 months and this works well for businesses who aren’t quite sure exactly how long they will need the van for.

An initial payment is an amount you pay upfront and this is then taken off the total cost of the lease. The payment will depend on how much you are able to pay, usually, it’s anywhere from 3 to 9 months worth of payments. Like all lease agreements, the more you are able to pay upfront, the less the monthly payments will be.

At Vanleasing.com we stock vans from every van manufacturer in the UK, giving an almost unlimited choice. Whether our customers need a medium sized van, a larger standard panel van, or something more specialist like a dropside or tipper we will be able to help. Our most popular manufacturers include but aren’t limited to; Ford, Volkswagen, Mercedes, Renault, Citroen, and Peugeot.

Of course you can!

Absolutely! We fully understand that your van is an important symbol of your business and you’ll need to customise it to make it right for you. We actively encourage transforming the look of your van through the use of graphics and vinyl. You’ll also be able to customise your van by adding things like internal shelving and roof racks. If you’re unsure about what you can or can’t do, just ask and we can advise.

Payload is the weight of the load that you are allowed to carry in your van. When it comes to leasing or buying your new van, it will come with a guide on payload specified by the manufacturer. This number includes all of your goods and your passengers. It’s an important one to know, as there are associated fines with carrying more than your payload allowance.

We will require details of the director. If you’re applying on behalf of them, that’s totally fine we will just need to get their details from you.

At www.vanleasing.com we help newly incorporated limited companies, limited liability partnerships or self-employed sole traders.

When you lease a van, there are criteria that you have to meet. This will involve looking at the bank account and director’s information, so can be a concern for businesses that have very little or nothing to show in terms of revenue. All businesses, new or existing will be asked to share their business details, owner details, and bank details along with a full UK driving licence. 

For a start-up business, it’s likely you’ll be asked to provide further information such as a few months of business bank statements, and draft company accounts.

It’s generally to do with when your accounts are lodged on the government run Companies House database. If, for example, you are a Limited Company it will take one full calendar year to produce a set of accounts. Many providers look for two years of lodged accounts before they will count a business as ‘established’, so it’s not until you have been trading for 2-3 years before you are able to shake off the ‘new business’ tag.

Yes you can, you might just be asked to share a little more information. We know that many leasing companies are unable or unwilling to deal with newly incorporated limited companies or self-employed sole traders but we take a different approach by helping companies get off the ground.

Generally, it’s most suited to those who are looking for something longer than an expensive daily hire, but shorter than a long-term leasing contract. Businesses often need a van or multiple vans to see them through until their newly built vehicles are delivered to them, and it’s also popular amongst those who deal with seasonal business peaks or who need to cover temporary employee needs.

There is plenty you can do to make the van your own. Even though it’s a short-term contract, you can still sign-write and get your all-important brand displayed on the van; all we ask is that any graphics and livery are removed before you return the vehicle at the end of the lease. You can add your own racking kits and design your storage space just how you need it.

Only under exceptional circumstances. One of the best bits about long-term van hire is that you can keep the same van for the duration of your lease. We know that vehicle swaps can be a huge inconvenience and if you decide to extend your lease, you’ll simply carry on using the same van.

There are various options available from 84 to 180 days, and many can be extended beyond this if you want to keep it.

The key thing about short-term van leasing is the flexibility that it offers. If your business doesn’t want the commitment of a long-term leasing contract then a shorter length contract will provide the level of flexibility needed.

Leasing is great, but entering into a 2-5 year agreement doesn’t always suit everyone. Short-term leasing options are designed to allow a fixed rate of monthly payments over terms as short as 84 days, and as long as 180 days.

If this is something you’re interested in, talk to us about it at the time of enquiry, as it’s something that can possibly be done prior to delivery. If you want to have these added yourself, during the lease term then that is fine – we understand how important it is to make your van right for you. What we do as however is that any additional modifications like this are removed prior to handing the van back.

Van leasing is where you pay a fixed monthly fee for the use of a van. The vehicle rental agreement is usually for 2, 3 or 4 years and once a contract is agreed upon, a one-off upfront fee is paid, followed by a series of regular monthly payments.