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Driving a car in the UK may seem intimidating to foreigners. Not only do people drive on the left, but the car leasing process may also appear daunting to newcomers.
As with everything in life, preparation is the key to success!
By following our 5-Step process, the car leasing process will be much easier to navigate!
1. Have Your Documents Ready!
The good news is that there are leasing companies in the UK who are specialized in assisting foreign professionals with financing their vehicles. To move forward, you will need to provide them with the following documents:
2. Driver’s License Rules in the UK
Expats may use their foreign driver’s license for three years after arrival in the UK. Foreigners using their existing driver’s license can do so for a three-year period after their arrival. However, after three years you need to exchange your license for a UK driver’s license.
How to Exchange Your Foreign Driver’s License to a UK Driver’s License
To exchange your license, you must have a permanent address in Britain and have lived there at least 185 days of the last year.
Please check the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) for the most recent information.
the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
Preparation before driving in the UK
Perhaps the most obvious difference when it comes to driving in the UK is that people drive on the left side of the road. Driving laws include only passing cars on the right and observing road marks indicating where you’re forbidden to pass other cars. Before driving in the UK, it is a good idea to read the UK Highway code at
the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
Note: Information may not be up to date. Please check official government information for the latest laws and regulations.
3. Know What You Want and Your Budget
How long do you need the car?
Car leasing in the UK typically starts at 24 months. However, talk to your lease provider about short-term lease solutions if your assignment is shorter.
What is your budget?
The first thing any car leasing specialist will ask you is “what is your budget?” For this reason, it’s good to have an idea of what you are willing to spend on your monthly car payments.
When do you need the car?
Usually, the more flexible you are with your car selection, the faster you can obtain your lease. Many times, vehicle providers have popular cars in stock that could be available on short notice. On the other hand, if you opt for a factory-ordered vehicle of a make not common in the UK, you could be in for a long wait.
Delivery times vary considerably on new cars, and you want to be out in good time to ensure that you can get the car you want at your desired time. The usual process time is one to two weeks if the car is available in stock.
4. The Terms and Conditions
Typical lease/payment terms
Payment due at delivery is usually the following:
Auto Insurance
Insurance is usually paid for separately in the UK. Make sure to read the print in small to make sure you and the passengers are covered in case of an accident. Also, find out how much you’re expected to pay in the event of an accident or damage to the car.
Terminating the lease early
If you have to return your vehicle earlier than expected, the lease agreement will state exactly how any remaining payments or penalties are calculated. So be sure to consider the termination terms when comparing offers.
Vehicle registration
The leasing company will handle the vehicle registration as part of their service.
5. Expat Specialized Car Leasing Company
A company that can assist is ExpatRide International. They have experience with assisting expats across the globe and service many Fortune 1000 companies’ employees in the UK.
ExpatRide can assist with most vehicle makes and models available in the UK, such as: Audi, BMW, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, SEAT, Škoda, Suzuki, Volkswagen, and Volvo.
They service all areas of the UK such as London, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, Sheffield, Bradford, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Manchester, Bristol, Kirklees, Fife, Wirral, North Lanarkshire, Wakefield, Cardiff, Dudley, Wigan, East Riding, South Lanarkshire, Coventry, Belfast, Leicester, Sunderland, Sandwell, Doncaster, and the list goes on and the list goes on…
Need assistance with leasing a car? Let ExpatRide lead the way
Contact us at CARS@ExpatRide.com for more information or visit https://www.expatride.com/countries/expat-car-leasing-united-kingdom/
We can assist you in all of the United Kingdom:
We cover all of the United Kingdom from London in the South East, to Aberdeen in Scotland and Swansea in Wales, Northern Ireland, we can arrange delivery to your home or place of work to suit.
No matter what county or country in the U.K. you are relocating to, contact us for your car needs:
All major cities and all smaller cities, we’ll be there for you: London, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, Sheffield, Bradford, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Manchester, Bristol, Kirklees, Fife, Wirral, North Lanarkshire, Wakefield, Cardiff, Dudley, Wigan, East Riding, South Lanarkshire, Coventry, Belfast, Leicester, Sunderland, Sandwell, Doncaster, and the list goes on…
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