Nationwide Vehicle Contracts provides a guide to customers who are looking for a car leasing company they can trust.
Leasing a car is an increasingly popular option for drivers in the UK who want to avoid the upfront cost of buying a brand-new vehicle.
However, because of this demand, there are now so many car leasing companies to choose from, and finding the right one you can trust can be tricky.
In this blog, we provide a guide to choosing a car leasing company that you can rely on.
Reputation and Reviews
The first port of call when researching for a trustworthy car leasing company is to assess its reputation. Each business has a dedicated 'reviews' section on Google where customers can leave their thoughts after dealing with the company.
Having a look at this can help you understand how a company treats their customers and see if they are willing to take criticism on board. It can also give you a good overview of their transparency to see if they hide any fees/terms and conditions throughout the leasing process.
Furthermore, reading customer reviews can give you an insight into other important areas, such as pricing and customer service. Along with the actual lease car, these are the two areas customers care about the most, so they will be spoken about in reviews.
Potential red flags to look out for:
- Lots of negative reviews
- Lack of transparency with the leasing process
- Not replying to reviews or challenging customers
Range of Vehicles and Services
Another thing to consider when finding a car leasing company is whether they will meet your personal needs. Each company will have varying relationships with dealers/manufacturers while offering additional features such as maintenance contracts.
It's essential you choose a company that offers a range of vehicles because it allows you to be more flexible. The more cars available, the more you can tailor the lease car to your needs while increasing the chances of finding a vehicle within your budget.
You also need to consider each company's additional services, such as maintenance, extensions, and insurance. Choosing a company with plenty of services provides convenience, cost-effectiveness, and peace of mind.
Lease Terms and Conditions
Car leasing is a sizeable financial commitment over a fixed period, so you must fully understand the lease terms and conditions you're signing up for. A leasing contract is also legally binding, so failure to comply could result in legal action, which nobody wants!
Before you sign a lease contract, thoroughly read the contract to ensure you completely understand the terms of the agreement. This will provide valuable information on your legal obligations, the flexibility available, maintenance/servicing, and what to do at the end of the lease.
Failure to understand your car lease agreement could lead to several pitfalls, including:
- Financial loss – Not understanding your terms, such as mileage restrictions and maintenance requirements, could lead to additional fees and unexpected costs.
- Legal action – Failure to comply with your contract terms could lead to legal issues and disputes with the leasing company. This could prove to be costly over a long period of time.
- Penalties and fees – Car leasing agreements often involve penalties for early termination and damages. Not fully understanding your terms could lead to costly fees that impact your budget.
- Limited options – There are various leasing contracts available, and failure to understand what you're choosing could limit your options at the end of your contract. Check out our blog, which explains the different car leasing options.
Customer Service and Support
Customer service is an essential part of the customer experience, so it's important you choose a car leasing company that cares about your needs and is willing to resolve any issues.
A good customer services team is accessible throughout the week to solve any emergencies you might have and is also responsive and promptly addresses any issues you have. This will give you peace of mind and help you trust the company.
In addition to good customer service, online services and tools for customers also provide several benefits. Tools such as a customer portal and online chat support can offer great convenience for customers who want to get an answer immediately and not wait on hold to speak with someone.
Also, online resources enhance communications between customers and the leasing company. They provide direct and rapid communication, leading to faster resolution of issues.
Conclusion
When choosing a car leasing company, there are several factors you need to consider to ensure you're working with a company you can trust.
Research the company by reading online reviews, find a company that offers a range of vehicles and services, and select a company that provides excellent customer service and support.
It's important to do your research and choose a car leasing company best suited to your personal needs. Considering the factors above, you can ensure a positive and stress-free leasing experience.
Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers and offers a range of leasing deals to suit your every need. Check out our leasing deals or ring one of our experts on 0345 811 9595.
We also offer loads of comprehensive car leasing guides to help solve any queries you have about car leasing.
