What happens at the end of your contract, and how soon should you start looking for a new deal? We go through the process to help you learn what happens.
In this guide, we’ll look at what happens when you get close to the end of your contract, and what you need to prepare as you get ready to hand your car back to the finance company.
3 Months Before
When you get to the end of your contract, you’ll have to hand the car back at which point you’ll most likely be looking to start up a new contract hire agreement as soon as possible. With most factory-build cars taking approximately 12 weeks to deliver, we recommend looking for new offers around 3 months before the end of your contract - this should give you enough time to find the car you’re looking for and organise any paperwork that’s required to get everything ready for when your car arrives.
To see our latest offers, and to search for a new offer, click here.
1-2 Months Before
The finance company will contact you before the end date of your contract to remind you that your vehicle is due for return. Their collection company will contact you to make arrangements to inspect the vehicle and collect it.
Day of Inspection & Collection
You will need to ensure that all documentation is available with the inspection and returned with the vehicle. Here’s a list of the documentation you will need:
The finance company also asks that you sign a formal report of the vehicle's condition. If the car has sustained any damage beyond fair wear and tear, including missing items or documentation, a charge will be incurred (for information on fair wear and tear, you can refer to the BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear guidelines, or click here to read our guide on Fines & Charges.).
For each mile covered by the vehicle over the agreed annual mileage, or the maximum total mileage, you will need to pay the finance company the excess mileage charge shown in your contract hire agreement. Click here to read our guide on excess mileage.
What if I want to purchase the vehicle after my contract ends?
You can see our guide on asking to purchase your contract hire vehicle by clicking here.
REMEMBER
The finance company will want your car back on the agreed date. If you haven’t ordered a new car, you may be left without means of transport. Ensure you’ve looked for a new deal before it’s too close to the end of your contract.
To see our latest offers, and to search for a new offer, click here.