Car Leasing for Expats in the UK
- Expat-friendly Providers
- Flexible Terms Available
- No UK Credit History Options
If you’re new to the UK, traditional car leasing isn’t always straightforwards. Many of the providers require UK credit history for at least 3 years and proof of address, something that Expats cannot provide.
The great news is that we work with a number of providers who specialise in offer Expat Car Leases, utilising a number of different services, these include:
- Short-Term Car Leases
- Car Subscriptions
- Flexible Car Leasing
- Expat Car Leases
In most cases, the monthly costs are no higher as a UK resident vs. an Expat for the same service, the only difference is that some of the providers charge a higher application or documentation fee. A security deposit may also be required.
The majority of the expat leasing providers can carry out credit checks in your home country, so qualifying for a car lease can be much easier than you think.
Available Leasing Options
Short-Term Car Leasing
These short-term car leases are ideal if you’re staying in the UK for less than a year, but looking for a more stable contract. Offering a range of cars both new and used (provider dependent) vehicles and quick delivery where required.
Positives of Short-Term Car Leasing
- Lower monthly costs than car rental
- Fixed Pricing for the duration
- New or Pre-registered Vehicles
Negatives of Short-Term Car Leasing
- Limited Flexibility, many cannot be extended or reduced
- Higher Initial Rentals
- Limited Choice of Vehicles
Car Subscriptions
Car Subscriptions are an over looked option when it comes to running a car in the UK, but they are ideal for expats who need a car on flexible terms. Many providers offer an ‘all-inclusive’ service where rental, maintenance, servicing, warranty, breakdown cover and road tax is included, some even offer insurance although there are more restrictions for Expat customers.
Positives of Car Subscriptions
- Quick Delivery on in-stock vehicles
- No long-term commitments
- Extremely Expat Friendly
Negatives of Car Subscriptions
- Can be more expensive per month than leasing
- Less ownership-style control
- Some providers swap their cars every 6/12 months
Flexible Car Leasing
Flexible Car Leases are really long-term car rental dressed up, you provide your own insurance and agree to take the vehicle for 1 month plus and you can return the car when you’ve done with it. It is a more flexible alternative to traditional leasing, similar to a car subscription, allowing shorter commitments.
Positives of Flexible Car Leasing
- Minimal Commitment
- Easier Approval
- Great for new arrivals to the UK
Negatives of Flexible Car Leasing
- Higher Monthly Cost
- Limited Vehicle Choice
- Many providers provide Used Vehicles
Contract Hire & Leasing
Car Leases are always best value for the long-term, but as an Expat you may not qualify with the funders without at least 3 years good credit history and 6 months residential stability, even then you may not get accepted. Some providers offer Expat Car Leases over 2, 3 and 4 years but the prices are not as competitive as those you may find on the internet and might still be worth looking at a car subscription service.
Positives of Car Leasing
- Lowest Monthly Cost
- Brand New Cars
- Predictable Payments
Negatives of Car Leasing
- Requires UK Credit History
- Long Commitment with no Flexibility
- Long Lead Times for many of the vehicles
Which Option is Right For You?
Choosing the right option can be difficult and depends on your situation, so lets break this down for you…
Just Arrived in the UK:
Only here for a month to 6 and just arrived in the UK? A Car Subscription or Flexible Car Lease would be your best option, flexibility is key here along with super quick delivery by many of the providers.
Staying 6 to 12 Months:
If you don’t mind commitment, opt for a short-term car lease, need the flexibility a car subscription would be your best package. Easy applications for Expat customers, no UK credit history required and great choice of vehicles.
Long-Term (12 Months Plus):
Depending on your elgibility, a traditional car lease would be the cost effective route. If you don’t quailfy for a 2/3 year car lease, the next best option would be a short-term car lease or a flexible car subscription, with the latter being the vest option if you don’t know how long you’d like to be in the UK.
Not Sure How Long You Will Be In The UK:
If moving to the UK isn’t set in concrete yet, its best to stay flexible. In this case opt for a Flexible Car Lease or a Car Subscription, with the latter providing you with the most cost effective solution.
Expat Car Leasing Providers
Please see below a selection of hand picked providers who specialise in Expat Car Leasing in the UK:
- Cocoon Vehicles Limited
- Cocoon Vehicles Limited Cocoon Vehicles has been offering Expat and Overseas customers help with getting car leases and subscriptions since 2007, they have a fantastic reputation in the marketplace and their goal is to become of one the best car subscription providers in the UK. Family-owned, so no shareholders to report to, you’re guaranteed to get honest and upfront advice from day one
Key Facts:
Additional Information
Application Options
Online or Paper-based
Fees and Charges
Expat Documentation Fee Starts at £495.00+VAT (£594.00 inc VAT)
Insurance
Not included but does provide handy links once you have been approved
Delivery/Collection
Free delivery in England and Wales (based on contract). Collection chargeable
- Flexigo Cars
- Flexigo Cars Flexigo Cars offer Expat-focused car subscriptions available from 1-month, with savings when you commit to 3 months or more. They offer a range of premium cars from Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Volkswagen and Volvo. With nationwide delivery available and a team of humans to back up their high quality service.
Key Facts:
Additional Information
Application Options
Online
Fees and Charges
Documentation Fee for Expats starts at £594.00 inc. VAT
Insurance
You need to provide fully comprehensive insurance cover
Delivery/Collection
Nationwide Delivery available, some vehicles include free delivery.
- Car Leasing for Expats
- Car Leasing for Expats Dedicated Expat Car Leasing service offering both fixed and flexible options that you can arrange before arriving in the UK or once you’re settled. One of the widest range of New and Nearly new vehicles available in the country with some options that include maintenance & servicing. Highly rated company.
Key Facts:
Additional Information
Application Options
Online
Fees and Charges
Differs depending on the chosen vehicle
Insurance
Customer suppliers fully comprehensive insurance
Delivery/Collection
Delivery available, optional airport meet and greet
Conduire UK - VIP Expat Car Leasing
Conduire UK specialises in VIP’s such as professional sports people, footballers, pop stars, actors and more, heading to the UK for work. Offering a range of luxury and premium vehicles from marques that include Aston Martin, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lamborghini, MINI, Rolls-Royce and Volkswagen.
Key Facts:
Additional Information
Application Options
Online or via Print
Fees and Charges
Price on Application
Insurance
Customer must provide their own insurance
Delivery/Collection
Delivery available in the UK
Drive Car Flex
Drive Car Flex offers flexible car leasing with vehicles available and located in Leeds and Yorkshire, ideal for those who are settling in Northern parts of England or Scotland. Drive Car Flex offers a range of vehicles on fixed or flexible contracts that can be delivered to your door.
Key Facts:
Additional Information
Application Options
Online Application available
Fees and Charges
Documentation Fees Applicable which vary from vehicle to vehicle. Delivery is free in England and Wales
Insurance
Fully Comprehensive Insurance must be provided by the hirer
Delivery/Collection
Delivery available in the UK
Expatride
Expatride assists employees and VIP travellers heading to the UK with their rental cars, car leasing, chauffeur requirements, airport transfers and more. Their dedicated team work with a select number of partners based in the UK that specialises in Expat car leasing.
Key Facts:
Additional Information
Application Options
Varies
Fees and Charges
Varies
Insurance
Varies
Delivery/Collection
Delivery available in the UK
Sixt+
Sixt+ offers Expat premium vehicles on a flexible car leasing service in the UK. It is a great way of running a flexible vehicle, especially when compared to car ownership and traditional leasing. Multiple locations available in the UK, including major UK airports.
Key Facts:
Additional Information
Application Options
Online or via the Sixt App
Fees and Charges
Signup Fee of £249.00, Options available for lower insurance excess, tyre and windscreen and personal accident protection.
Insurance
Insurance is included with Sixt+ vehicles
Delivery/Collection
Collection from Sixt sites across the UK
STCL
STCL offers a service for Expats or returning UK residents on their fixed short-term car leasing service. Offering a range of models which are either new, nearly new or pre-registered. They have a streamlined process and excellent customer support enabling you to set-up the facility either in the UK or before you arrive.
Key Facts:
Additional Information
Application Options
Online or via a Paper Application
Fees and Charges
Documentation/Admin Fee is applicable for each vehicle, this varies. Usual Expat fee is from £594.00 inc VAT
Insurance
Customers Own Insurance (COI)
Delivery/Collection
Delivery available in England, Scotland and Wales.
What Makes Car Leasing Difficult for Expats?
Many expats face challenges when trying to lease a car in the UK, including:
- No UK Credit History
- Proof of Address Requirements
- Proof of Employment Requirements
- No UK Bank Account
- Driving Licence Restrictions
Ready to Find the Right Car Leasing Option?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can expats lease a car in the UK?
Yes, but options for leasing a car in the UK can be limited without UK credit history. This is why it is important to look at specilaist providers.
Do I need a UK Licence?
You can often use an international licence or your home country licence, But it is important to keep an eye on the legislation as set out by the DVLA to ensure that you are staying on the right side of the law.
What is the easiest way to get a car as an expat?
Flexible leasing or a car subscription is the easiest way to get a car lease an an expat.
Is car leasing cheaper than renting?
Yes, typically for longer stays, leasing is cheaper than rentals, but rentals offer more flexibility
Do I need proof of address?
Most providers will require your proof of address when staying in the UK, some of the specialist expat providers may ask for alternatives.
How much UK credit history will I need to get a normal car lease?
This can vary depending on the funder, but most car leasing funders like to see at least 3 years worth of good credit as well as 6 months in your current address. It is important that you start as you mean to go on, so when arriving in the UK, get set-up so that you can start working on raising your credit score.