Frequently Asked Questions

This depends on the type of contract taken but usually you can either hand the car back, extend the contract or purchase the vehicle from the finance company (dependent upon the funder).

We offer free UK mainland delivery to home or work. Collection depends on the type of contract taken. For contract hire or personal contract hire and contract purchase or personal contract purchase the finance company will collect the vehicle at the end of the contract unless you are purchasing the vehicle.

All vehicles include at least 12 months breakdown cover from the manufacturer although most manufacturers now offer 3 years cover free of charge. Within the car or van book pack there will be an emergency number to contact day or night.

Leasing is like renting the car, you make monthly payments to use the car but return it at the end of the contract. Buying involves owning the car outright, either upfront or via finance. Leasing often comes with lower monthly costs, no worries about depreciation, and the ability to upgrade more often.

Want to explore this in more detail? Read our full guide on leasing vs buying.

Leasing is a great option if you want a new car every few years, lower monthly payments, and fewer maintenance worries. It’s ideal for people who don’t want the long-term commitment or hassle of selling a car later.

Want to learn more? Read our full article on why leasing might be right for you.

When your vehicle is ready, our team will contact you to arrange a convenient delivery date. On the day, the car will be delivered directly to your chosen address, free of charge. The driver will hand over the keys and, where possible, walk you through the basic controls and features. If the vehicle is being driven to you (rather than transported), it may arrive with some mileage, which is completely normal.

Want to know what to expect and how to prepare? Read our full article on vehicle delivery.

Minor wear like small stone chips or light scuffs is expected. Damage beyond that, such as dents, deep scratches, or torn interiors, may result in end-of-lease charges. We follow BVRLA’s fair wear and tear guidelines.

Yes. If you exceed your agreed mileage allowance, you’ll be charged a per-mile fee, which is stated in your contract. It’s often a few pence per mile.

Absolutely. We offer a wide range of electric and hybrid lease deals. They're increasingly popular thanks to lower running costs and environmental benefits. See our deals on hybrid and electric cars.

The cost depends on the make and model, contract length, mileage allowance, and initial payment. Monthly lease deals can start from under £200 and go up based on your preferences.

Your monthly lease payment typically includes the cost of the vehicle’s depreciation over the lease term, road tax (also known as Vehicle Excise Duty), and the leasing provider’s margin. You may also have the option to include a maintenance package for servicing, tyres, and MOTs. Insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

At Silverstone Leasing, we pride ourselves on transparency — there are no hidden fees. All charges, including your monthly payments, initial payment, and any optional extras (like maintenance packages), are clearly outlined in your agreement before you commit. The only additional costs you may incur are for excess mileage, damage beyond fair wear and tear, or early termination of the agreement. We’ll always explain these in advance so there are no surprises. 

Car insurance is usually not included in a standard car lease. You must arrange a comprehensive insurance policy when leasing a vehicle. The finance provider typically requires this cover to protect the car throughout the lease term.

However, there are exceptions. Some leasing companies, including Silverstone Leasing, offer "lease and insurance" packages (sometimes referred to as "fuel and go" or "all-in-one" deals). These packages bundle the lease cost with insurance, maintenance, breakdown cover, and sometimes even servicing, making monthly budgeting easier and providing extra peace of mind.

Please ask us if you’re interested in a lease that includes insurance. 

Leasing with bad credit can be more challenging, but it’s not impossible. Some leasing providers specialise in helping customers with lower credit scores. You may need to pay a larger initial payment or accept a more limited vehicle selection. A stable income and clean payment history can improve your chances.

You’ll usually need to provide proof of ID (like a driving licence), proof of address, and proof of income (such as payslips or bank statements). Businesses may also need to supply financial accounts or VAT registration details.

The application process can be completed in as little as 1–2 working days, depending on how quickly documents are submitted and the credit check is approved. In some cases, it may take longer if additional information is required.

Once you apply, a credit check is carried out. If approved, we’ll confirm your vehicle, set up your contract, and agree on a delivery date. Our team will keep you updated throughout the process.

Yes, business customers can lease multiple vehicles as part of a fleet or individually. Whether you need two cars or twenty vans, we can tailor a package to suit your company’s needs, including consistent branding, flexible terms, and maintenance options.

Absolutely. We offer a wide range of commercial vehicles for business lease, including small vans, large panel vans, and pickups. Van leasing is ideal for sole traders and companies that want to avoid the upfront cost of buying, with flexible terms and fixed monthly payments. See our range.

Personal leasing (PCH) is for individuals, while business leasing (BCH) is for companies and sole traders. Business leases may include VAT benefits and flexible terms suited to fleets.

Would you like to explore both in more detail? Read our articles on personal leasing and business leasing to learn more.

On a £30,000 salary, a monthly leasing budget of £200–£300 gives you access to a great selection of new vehicles. Popular and budget-friendly options include the Kia Ceed, Vauxhall Corsa, and Citroën C3, which offer low running costs and stylish everyday practicality. You can also explore the Volkswagen Polo or the fun and efficient Suzuki Swift for added variety. Leasing with Silverstone means fixed monthly payments, no depreciation worries, and nationwide delivery included.

The 90% rule in leasing refers to a guideline sometimes used in accounting or finance (particularly in capital lease classifications under older standards), but in UK personal or business vehicle leasing, it is not a standard or relevant rule. However, people often confuse it with how much of a vehicle’s value is covered during a lease term, or whether the lease payments cover at least 90% of the vehicle’s value, which is more common in finance lease scenarios.

For most customers leasing through providers like Silverstone Leasing, this rule does not apply in a typical contract hire or personal contract hire (PCH) agreement. These lease types are structured to rent the vehicle for a set term (usually 2 to 4 years) with fixed monthly payments, and you hand the car back at the end with no ownership.

If you're considering leasing a car for personal use, you can explore popular options like:

• Vauxhall leasing

• Kia leasing

• Volkswagen leasing

Or, if you're a business looking at leasing options:

• Ford vans

• Mercedes-Benz vans

In short, the 90% rule is not something you need to worry about when using Silverstone Leasing for personal or business leasing. Instead, focus on the monthly rental, contract length, mileage allowance, and whether you want maintenance included.

To get the best value on a car lease, start by choosing budget-friendly models such as the Kia Picanto or Ceed, Vauxhall Corsa, or Citroën C3. Keep monthly costs low by selecting a longer lease term (36–48 months), limiting your annual mileage, and avoiding optional extras. In-stock and special offer vehicles also tend to come with lower rates, so always check what’s available now.

Electric cars like the MG4 EV and Hyundai Kona Electric can also be surprisingly affordable, especially for business users. At Silverstone Leasing, we work with leading funders to offer exclusive discounts across a wide range of vehicles, helping you find the cheapest lease deal that suits your needs.

The shortest standard term to lease a car is 24 months (2 years), but some providers offer short-term lease options from as little as 6 to 12 months. At Silverstone Leasing, we provide a range of flexible lease solutions, including short-term contracts on selected models, ideal for those who need a car temporarily or want more flexibility.

If you're looking for a shorter commitment, ask us about our Fuel & Go leasing or in-stock short-term deals, which include maintenance and can be tailored to your specific needs.

With a £70,000 salary in the UK, your net monthly income is typically around £4,000 to £4,300, depending on tax and deductions. A general rule is to spend no more than 15% of your monthly income on a car lease, giving you a comfortable budget of around £600 per month.

This opens the door to premium and performance models. Through Silverstone Leasing, you could lease high-spec vehicles such as:

• BMW 3 Series

• Audi A5 or Q5

• Tesla Model 3 or Model Y

• Mercedes-Benz C-Class or GLC

• Jaguar F-PACE

You could also consider electric or hybrid options through a salary sacrifice scheme, offering tax savings and reduced Benefit-in-Kind for business drivers. At this level, you’re able to choose from a wide range of executive, performance, and luxury vehicles — with flexible terms and optional maintenance packages to match your lifestyle.

The 50/30/20 rule is a simple budgeting guideline that helps you manage your money by dividing your after-tax income into three categories:

• 50% for needs – essentials like rent or mortgage, food, utilities, transport, and insurance

• 30% for wants – lifestyle choices such as dining out, holidays, entertainment, and subscriptions

• 20% for savings and debt repayment – savings, investments, or paying down credit cards and loans

If you're planning to lease a car, the cost should ideally fall within the 50% ‘needs’ category, as transport is considered essential. At Silverstone Leasing, our wide range of lease deals can help you find a vehicle that fits comfortably within your monthly budget while keeping your finances balanced.

Yes, van leasing is often worth it, especially for businesses or self-employed individuals who want a new vehicle without a large upfront cost. Leasing allows you to drive a brand-new van with fixed monthly payments, full manufacturer warranty, and optional maintenance packages — helping you manage cash flow and avoid unexpected repair bills.

Whether you're looking for a compact city van or a large panel van, leasing gives you flexibility to upgrade every few years and ensures you’re always driving a reliable, fuel-efficient vehicle. Plus, van leasing is tax-efficient for businesses, with VAT reclaimable on monthly rentals and potential tax deductions.

At Silverstone Leasing, we offer a wide range of options including:

• Ford Transit

• Volkswagen Transporter

• Vauxhall Vivaro

• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Whether you need one van or a fleet, leasing is a smart, scalable solution that gives you more control over your costs.

Van leasing can be highly tax-efficient, but whether it's 100% tax deductible depends on the type of lease and your VAT status.

For business contract hire (leasing):

• Monthly lease payments can usually be offset against taxable profits, meaning they are tax deductible as a business expense.

• If the van is used exclusively for business, then up to 100% of the VAT on the lease payments can also be reclaimed (if you're VAT-registered).

• If there's private use, only 50% of the VAT is reclaimable on the finance element.

For finance lease or hire purchase, different rules apply, and the van may be treated as a capital asset with writing down allowances.

At Silverstone Leasing, we help sole traders, limited companies, and partnerships choose the right lease option to maximise tax benefits while staying compliant. Always check with your accountant to confirm how the rules apply to your business setup.