How to Apply for a Car Lease – A Step-by-Step Guide

Thinking about leasing your next car but not sure where to start? Don’t worry – applying for a lease is way easier than you might think, and we’re here to guide you through it.

From choosing your car to getting approved, here’s how the process works in plain English – no jargon, no stress.

1. Choose your car

Before anything else, you’ll want to figure out what kind of car suits your lifestyle, budget, and needs.

Do you need something small for city driving? Something bigger for the family? Or maybe an electric car to cut running costs? Whether you’ve got a specific model in mind or don’t know where to start, our team is always happy to help.

💡 Not sure what car is right for you? Check out our car choosing guide

2. Get your documents ready

While the application is pretty straightforward, it helps to have a few things on hand – just in case the finance provider needs them:

• Proof of ID (like a driving licence or passport)

• Proof of address (a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 3 months)

• Proof of income (like payslips or tax returns if self-employed)

Having these ready can make the process smoother and help speed up approval.

3. Complete your online lease application

Once you've picked a car and you're ready to go, we’ll send you a secure link to your lease application form.

Here’s what you’ll be asked to fill in:

• Personal details: Full name, date of birth, marital status, nationality, contact info, and sometimes how many dependents you have

• Address history: Usually the last 3–5 years of UK addresses, plus how long you lived at each and whether you owned or rented

• Employment history: Again, usually 3–5 years, including job titles, employer details, and time in role

• Bank details: Sort code, account number, bank name, and how long you’ve had the account

• Income & outgoings: Your income, mortgage/rent payments, credit commitments, and other regular expenses – this helps the finance provider assess affordability

If you’re unsure about anything, our team can walk you through it. No pressure.

4. Credit check time

Once your application is submitted, the leasing company will run a credit check to confirm you’re eligible for finance. This is standard for any lease, and your score helps them decide whether to approve your application.

💡 Want to understand more about credit checks? We’ve got a full guide for that.

5. Review & sign your lease agreement

If your application’s approved – nice one! 🎉

Next, you’ll receive your lease agreement via email. This includes all the key details:

• Monthly payments

• Contract length and mileage allowance

• What’s included (road tax, warranty, maintenance if selected)

• Any fees or terms

Give it a proper read, and if you’ve got questions, we’re happy to go through it with you. Once you’re happy, sign and send it back.

6. Stay in the loop

If your car is in stock, you’ll probably be looking at a fairly speedy delivery. If you’ve gone for a factory order, we’ll keep you updated with:

• Your build week

• When the car’s shipped

• When it lands in the UK

• When it’s ready for delivery

You won’t need to chase us – we’ll keep you posted every step of the way.

7. Get ready for delivery

Before your car arrives, make sure you’ve got your fully comprehensive insurance sorted and your initial payment ready to go. In most cases, your first payment will be taken by direct debit 10–14 days after delivery – so there’s no up-front faff.

We’ll confirm your delivery date and get the final bits sorted.

8. Take delivery of your new car

We’ll deliver your car to an address that suits you – home, work, or anywhere else in the UK.

On the day, check the car over with the delivery driver to make sure everything’s perfect. You’ll sign the delivery note, and then… you’re off!

9. What happens at the end of the lease?

When your lease ends, you’ve got a few options:

• Return the car and walk away

• Start a new lease and upgrade to something fresh

• Extend your lease (if the finance company allows)

• Buy the car (some finance providers offer this – ask us if you’re interested)

We’ll be in touch before your contract ends to talk through what’s next.

Questions we get asked a lot...

Q: What if my application is declined?
No worries – we’ll talk through why and look at other options. Sometimes it’s as simple as a small document tweak.

Q: Can I improve my chances of being approved?
Yes – make sure your info is accurate, your credit history is healthy, and your outgoings are under control.

Q: Do I have to be the main driver?
Not always. You can be a named driver on the insurance policy as long as the leaseholder is still included.

Ready to get started?

Leasing really is a straightforward way to drive a brand-new car – and we’re here to make it even easier. If you're ready to apply or want help finding the perfect deal, just get in touch.

Some of the questions we get asked...