Vehicle Maintenance Questions and Answers, we have tried to cover some of the most commonly asked questions regarding vehicle maintenance. The answers are provided for your benefit and are there as generalizations. Should you decide to opt for a maintenance contract you should check the terms and conditions that apply. We hope you find the answers to your questions in the sections below.
What Happens If My Vehicle Breaks Down?
Breakdown cover usually comes free with a contract hire package. It can be bought independently but there is little need for this if it is already part of the package.
What Happens If My Contract Hire Vehicle Suffers Wear and Tear?
Normal wear and tear is expected. You, the vehicle user have a responsibility to take good care of the vehicle and most leasing companies adhere to the BVRLA fair wear and tear guidelines when assessing damage. Any damage beyond normal wear and tear will be charged because it will affect the value of the vehicle when the leasing company sells it. See the BVRLA guide to fare wear and tear
What Happens If My Contract Hire Vehicle Needs Servicing?
If you have opted to include Maintenance with your contract hire vehicle then life should become quite straight forward. Any work related to servicing and maintenance is carried out at the leasing companies approved garage or dealer. The work is approved, signed off and the leasing company takes care of the costs. The approved supplier deals directly with the leasing company. Who A vehicle needs servicing and maintenance?
What Happens If My Vehicle Has A Damaged Windscreen?
If windscreen needs repairing or replacing windscreen then the work will be carried out by a pre-approved leasing company supplier. Usually one phone call is what it takes.
What Happens If My Vehicle Needs Tyres, Exhausts or a Battery?
Tyres are sometimes included in a maintenance agreement. There are various forms of cover and you need to check on what is covered before signing an agreement. Sometimes accidental damage is included such as damage due to nails or glass. Again check this point when you are considering what to do.
If a tyre needs replacing due to wear the leasing company has a pre-set tread depth at which they will change the tyres for you. Sometimes the leasing company's supplier will provide a mobile tyre service for your convenience.
Items such as batteries and exhausts are covered by your maintenance agreement. As a general rule a maintenance agreement takes care of your day to day running costs and allows you or your company to set out a realistic vehicle budget.
What Happens If I Need A Replacement Vehicle?
A replacement vehicle can be included in a maintenance agreement. If it is it will apply in certain circumstances. Vehicle theft isn't usually covered by a maintenance agreement. That is usually covered by your vehicle insurance. Most leasing companies will often have an agreement with a vehicle hire company for your convenience.
What Happens If The Vehicle Needs A New Road Fund License?
Road Fund Licenses are usually included in a vehicle maintenance contract. But it is important to check before signing any agreement. The tax discs are usually sent out annually in the month before the renewal date.
What Happens If The Vehicle Needs An MOT?
If a vehicle needs an MOT inspection then leasing company will usually give you some advanced warning. The leasing company will have pre-approved suppliers who will carry out your MOT for you. Once the certificate is issued it is sent to the leasing company and a new tax disc can be issued.
What Happens If The Vehicle Is Involved In An Accident?
If your vehicle is involved in an accident you must call your leasing company straight away. You must also inform your insurance company that the vehicle belongs to your leasing provider. Your leasing company will usually handle all of the insurance matters for you.
What Happens If The Vehicle Is Written Off?
The insurance payout can be less than the write down value of the vehicle. The difference will be invoiced to you. To avoid this shortfall you can take out Gap Cover Insurance. To understand Gap Insurance please refer to the Gap Insurance page on this website.
What Happens If I Receive A Parking Notice or Traffic Offence?
You are expected to pay all fines promptly. Should this not be the case and the fine goes unpaid then the Police or Local Authority will contact the owner of the vehicle which is the leasing company. The notice is then forwarded on to you. An administration charge is usually applied in the instances where this occurs. In the event that these fines are still not paid then the leasing company will usually pay them on your behalf then re-charge either the individual or the company whose responsibility it is. An administration fee will normally be added should this occur.
What If I Have More Questions?
If you have anymore questions about vehicle maintenance please enquire with one of the leasing suppliers featured on the UK Leasing and Contract Hire website. We are sure they will be happy to help you.