Car leasing maintenance
When you lease a car or van you will be asked if you want to take out a maintenance agreement as part of your contract. This guide gives you the detail on what a maintenance agreement is, why people might choose to take one, what’s included and excluded, as well as the potential costs involved.
What is car maintenance?
A maintenance package is an optional additional monthly cost that covers you for servicing, replacement tyres and all costs associated with mechanical and electrical repairs, including bulbs, batteries, exhausts and more. Maintenance packages are available to both business and personal leasing customers on all cars and vans.
Why choose to include a maintenance package?
There are a number of reasons why people may choose to take out a maintenance package, or maintenance agreement, along with their leasing contract. Some of the potential benefits are outlined below.
- Peace of mind. Should the vehicle need any unforeseen repairs, you know you’re covered. Any scheduled services or MOTs are also included in the monthly cost.
- Spread the cost. As you pay for maintenance on a monthly basis, the cost is spread so you can avoid any large bills.
- Uninterrupted motoring. If you’ve included the options to have a replacement vehicle whilst your vehicle is being repaired, there won’t be any inconvenience.
- Quality service. Your vehicle will be repaired at an approved garage by qualified technicians.
What does car maintenance include?
A maintenance agreement is provided by the finance company that supplies the finance for your car. Every finance company has its own maintenance agreement, so what’s included or excluded may differ slightly, although the vast majority of inclusions and exclusions will be the same. The points of difference are usually around whether replacement tyres are included or not.
You will receive a full detailed breakdown of what’s included and excluded in your agreement before deciding to go ahead with the plan. It’s important to note that maintenance does not include the cost of any damage repairs.
Inclusions
- Mechanical and electrical repairs or replacements, including associated parts and labour due to fair wear and tear
- Bulbs, batteries, exhausts, cam belts, wiper blades, alternators & starter motors
- MOT tests and all servicing
- Breakdown cover
- Unlimited premium branded tyre replacements including valve and balance
- Free mobile tyre fitting service at a convenient location for you by appointment
- No recharges for punctures or damaged tyres (dependent upon finance provider)
Exclusions
- Windscreen repairs and / or glass replacement
- Routine top ups of fluids e.g. engine oil or washer fluid
- Repairs or replacements due to driver error or driver induced faults and accident damage
- Missing or broken items e.g. bent aerials, missing hub caps
- Repairs as a result of accidental damage, vandalism, misuse, theft, frost damage, or fuel contamination
Booking in for a service, MOT or repairs
When you take out your leasing and maintenance contract, you’ll receive a maintenance contact number from the finance company. Just call this number and you can book the vehicle into a local approved garage. Most maintenance packages also come with free vehicle collection and delivery, and if you’ve included a courtesy car option, this can be delivered to you when your vehicle is taken away for repair – simple!
How much does car maintenance cost?
Maintenance package costs vary and are dependent on the vehicle you choose, the type of contract you take and your expected annual mileage. The more miles you do, the more the wear and tear, which will result in a higher maintenance cost.
Once you’ve found the vehicle you’re interested in, contact the vehicle leasing team who will provide you with a quote including and excluding maintenance so you can easily compare. Alternatively, you can add this option online to view the price change.
Is a maintenance package right for me?
We tend to find that motorists who do a high annual mileage would benefit from a maintenance package. This is because parts tend to burn out more quickly the more mileage you do. We also find that a maintenance agreement is very popular for business leasing customers who don’t want to pay out for unexpected repairs, or have their vehicle off the road for any longer than absolutely necessary.