Understanding business car loans and vehicle financing

Businesses have a wide range of loans, purchase and leasing options when it comes to cars. Whether you're acquiring a single company car or an entire fleet, we’re here to explore the different financing options, requirements, and processes so you can make the right choice to get you on the road.

October 2, 2024
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For many businesses, a vehicle is a must have, whether you’re delivering products or travelling to meet clients. Even if you’re not on the road for work, a business car loan or purchasing a vehicle through your company can be an efficient way to buy or lease your means of transport.

Types of business car loans

In the UK, businesses have several options when it comes to financing vehicles. The most common types include:

  1. Hire purchase (HP): This option allows you to spread the cost of the vehicle over time with fixed monthly payments. You own the car outright at the end of the term.
  2. Finance lease: You can lease a vehicle with the option to buy it at the end of the contract. This method offers flexibility and often lower monthly payments, with the added benefit that you can reclaim the VAT on these payments. 
  3. Contract hire: This is essentially long-term rental, where you never own the car but benefit from lower costs and fewer liabilities.
  4. Sale and leaseback: If your business already owns vehicles, this option lets you sell them to a lender and then lease them back, freeing up capital for other uses.
  5. Small business loans: If you’re unsure about the amount you need, or need more flexibility with your capital, a short-term business loan can help you purchase a vehicle while leaving cash on hand for other purposes. 

Depending on your plans for the vehicle and how, as well as how long, you intend to use it, different finance options might suit you.

How to get a business car loan

The process of obtaining a business car loan typically involves the following steps:

  1. Assess your needs: Determine the type and number of vehicles required, and decide whether ownership or leasing is more advantageous.
  2. Check eligibility: Ensure your business meets the lender’s requirements, such as trading history and financial stability.
  3. Compare loan options: Use a business car loan calculator to estimate costs and compare different financing options available in the market.
  4. Submit an application: Provide necessary documents like financial statements and details about the vehicles.
  5. Loan approval and disbursement: If approved, the funds are disbursed either to you or the seller, and you can proceed with purchasing or leasing the vehicles​.

Why use a small business loan to finance your car purchase

While business car loans are tailored for vehicle financing, small business loans like those offered by iwoca can be a flexible alternative. 

  • A small business loan allows you to use the funds for various purposes, including car purchases, without being tied to specific vehicle finance terms. 
  • This can be especially beneficial if you need flexibility in how you allocate the loan or if you want to finance multiple aspects of your business at once.

An iwoca flexi-Loans is designed to help small businesses access funds quickly, with fast application, transparent terms and full control for borrowers.

  • Flexibility: Borrow up to £500,000 for car purchases, working capital, or other business needs, over up to a two year term.
  • Streamlined applications: iwoca provides quick decisions and disbursements, often within 24 hours.
  • No asset requirement: Unlike secured loans, you won’t need to provide collateral, making it easier for businesses with limited assets to access funding.

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Business car loan FAQs

What are the interest rates for a business car loan?

Interest rates for business car loans vary based on factors such as the type of financing, the lender’s terms, and your business’s credit history. 

Secured loans generally offer lower rates compared to unsecured loans. For example, secured business car loans may start at around 3%. 

Can I finance a car through my business? 

Yes, financing a car through your business is a common practice. Businesses can choose from several financing options, including hire purchase agreements, finance leases, and contract hire, depending on whether they prefer to own the vehicle at the end of the term or simply lease it.

Is it cheaper to lease a car through a business? 

Leasing a car through a business is often cheaper upfront compared to buying, as it requires lower monthly payments. Leasing also provides flexibility, as you can upgrade vehicles more frequently and avoid concerns about depreciation​.

Can I get car finance with bad credit? 

Yes, businesses with bad credit can still obtain car finance, although they may face higher interest rates or need to provide additional security, such as a personal guarantee or a larger deposit​.

What business credit score do you need to lease a car? 

The required business credit score to lease a car varies by lender, but generally, a higher credit score increases your chances of approval and securing better terms. Businesses with lower credit scores may still qualify but might face higher interest rates or require additional guarantees​.

Does a business car lease affect your credit? 

Yes, a business car lease can impact your business credit score, as it is a form of borrowing. Regular, on-time payments can help improve your credit rating, while missed payments can have a negative effect​.

Is business car finance cheaper than personal finance? 

Business car finance can be more cost-effective than personal finance, especially when considering tax benefits and the ability to reclaim VAT. Additionally, businesses often receive better rates and terms due to bulk purchases or fleet agreements​.

Can a business claim VAT on car finance payments? 

Yes, businesses can typically claim VAT on car finance payments, especially when the vehicle is used solely for business purposes. However, this depends on the type of vehicle and financing agreement. For instance, VAT can often be reclaimed on lease payments but not on purchase payments​.

Is it better to finance or pay cash for a car for business? 

Whether to finance or pay cash for a business vehicle depends on your company’s cash flow and financial strategy. Financing allows you to preserve cash flow for other business needs, while paying cash avoids interest costs but ties up capital that could be used elsewhere​.

What do I need to apply? 

To apply for a business car loan, you’ll need to provide several key documents, including your business’s financial statements, credit history, and details about the vehicle. Additionally, some lenders may require a business plan or proof of trading history​.

Henry Bell

Henry is an experienced financial writer with 8+ years of expertise covering the financial industry and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).

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