5 things to check when leasing a van

There are lots of benefits to leasing a van. But if you haven’t leased a van before, it can be hard to know where to start and what questions to ask.

We’ll explore the things you should consider when leasing a van, how to check if van leasing is right for you and any other specific details you might need to know. All of this should help you make an informed decision about the best way to obtain a van for your business.

Should I Lease a Van?

Whether you’re a business looking to add to your existing fleet or a sole trader considering a van lease deal for the first time, you’ll likely ask yourself if van leasing is the right next step. This is understandable, as van financing is a serious investment for any business.

First, consider how your business would function without using a van and if it’s necessary for trade. This will impact how urgently you need a newer van and the in stock van deals available. Then consider how you’d like to finance it and if you prefer ownership. Leasing can be a cost-effective way of sourcing a brand-new van, but deciding on a van lease will ultimately depend on your business needs.

When is the Best Time to Lease a Van?

Taking the above into account, the best time to lease a van will again depend on your business requirements. If you’re self-employed and looking to replace your only van, consider how quickly you need it and how much you’re prepared to pay, as lead times and special offers on different models will vary.

If you’re keen to increase the size of your existing fleet, the best time to do this could be when business growth plans have been met, and you can justify an increased number of lease vans. There’s never a wrong time to start thinking about a van lease, but if you’d like to know more and see if now is the right time to lease a van, contact the Synergy team.

The 5 things to Check when Leasing a Van

The next step is to outline your specific leasing requirements. Let’s consider what you should check to make sure a lease van can meet your needs.

1. Type of Lease Van

A good place to start is by determining the type of van you should lease. If you need something versatile that’s great in urban areas, consider looking at electric vans. If you regularly carry larger, heavier loads and need something with a specialist platform, look at luton vans and tipper/dropside vans.

The size of the van you need is worth considering too, as this can affect the amount of additional features you’re able to specify. Think about the non-standard features you might need to run your business and if they can be fitted to a small van, medium van or large van.

The most common features businesses look to fit include:

• internal racking systems to help secure and transport loads safely
• installing ply lining to the walls and floor of a van – a more durable surface that helps protect and insulate cargo
• extra security features (e.g. GPS tracker, deadlock, alarm system) to ensure equipment is protected and stored securely
• commercial refrigeration and cooling systems to keep perishable items fresh.

2. Van Payload

A van’s payload refers to the maximum weight it can carry legally. It’s calculated by combining the van’s weight with the weight of passengers and any other specialist equipment. We’d suggest taking time to look at a van’s payload and how it will be used day-to-day. This can be a crucial step to ensuring you lease the right van and have access to the right amount of payload when required.

Try to strike a balance between payload capacity and usability, as leasing a van that is too big or too small will make a van driver’s working day more difficult.

3. Passengers

When leasing a van, the number of passengers you’ll be transporting is an important factor. If you’re a sole trader applying for vehicle finance and work independently, a standard panel van will likely suit your needs. Most van lease deals can carry three people as standard.

However, as a business grows, the number of passengers you need to transport can fluctuate. Consider a crew van or double-cab pickup if you want to balance load capacity with extra passenger space. If your priority is maximising passenger space, take a look at the minibus lease deals available.

4. Condition and Mileage Charges

When looking for a van lease deal, you’ll need to pay close attention to any mileage limits set out as part of the agreement. Going over an agreed mileage can result in an additional charge at the end of the lease.

You will also need to think about the BVRLA’s Fair Wear and Tear Guide. Consider the condition it must be returned at the end of the lease agreement, particularly if your business is labour intensive and transports heavy-duty materials. Understanding both of these charges will allow you to adjust your leasing requirements and concentrate on high-mileage and heavy-wear leasing deals.

5. Finance and Leasing Options

There are several ways to finance a lease van, including contract hire, finance lease, and hire purchase. Each comes with its own range of benefits, so check out our guide to the different van finance options.

Get in touch with Synergy and let our dedicated team help with your leasing requirements. They can match your business to the best van finance lease deal possible.