Once you order a brand new lease vehicle, it's pretty much a waiting game from there.
But how long will it take? Who's going to deliver it? Can you choose when it arrives?
All questions which could be running through your mind.
And we've got the answers.
How Long Will Delivery Take?
A vehicle isn't a pint of milk. It's going to take some time.
If you've ordered an in-stock lease vehicle, the estimated delivery date will normally be after a minimum of 2 weeks.
If you've ordered a factory order lease vehicle, the estimated delivery date will normally be after a minimum of 8 weeks.
Can I Make Delivery Faster or Choose When My Vehicle Gets Delivered?
Yes and no.
If you request a certain date within the estimated delivery times listed above, then there's every chance that your provider may consider it, though it can depend on whether or not it fits into the delivery driver's schedule.
As for making the delivery process "faster" (for example, getting a factory order in just 2 or 3 weeks), that's a little more tricky.
You can of course put the request in to your leasing company, but remember, they're very much influenced by wider automotive industry trends – the same trends which determine the estimated delivery dates in the first place.
In the event of any unlikely delays, rest assured that you will be kept firmly in the loop.
How Will My Vehicle Get Here?
It will either be driven straight to your home address or place of work (so long as it is on the British mainland) by a designated driver from the supplier, or it could be delivered to you on the back of a truck or lorry.
What If It Gets Damaged On the Way?
If you do a spot a bit of damage either to the bodywork or the interior, let the delivery driver know so that it gets documented.
Oh, and you're best taking some photos just in case.
What Will Happen On the Day?
You'll likely be provided with a delivery timeslot, and this will normally be on a working day within normal working hours.
The delivery driver will contact you at least several hours before they are due to arrive, so keep an eye out for any calls or messages.
If you're really lucky, you may even be given an app to receive real-time updates on the vehicle's location and its expected arrival time.
The driver will likely show you some of the features of the vehicle and demonstrate how they work.
Signing the Delivery Note
Yep, just a tiny bit of paperwork before you can get behind the wheel.
The main purpose of the delivery note is to record that you have formally acknowledged receipt of the vehicle and are satisfied with its condition.
Check that the vehicle registration number and registration details are the same as what's on your paperwork and that the vehicle specification matches what you ordered. Also check that the vehicle handbook and locking wheel nut etc., are all in the glovebox.
Will the Delivery Mileage Count Towards My Total?
Thankfully, no.
Any miles racked up by the delivery driver will not count towards your contractual annual mileage. So at the end of your lease, these "delivery miles" will simply be subtracted from the total.
You'll know how much the delivery mileage is because the delivery driver will have recorded it at the time, but it's still worth taking a note of it yourself by checking the vehicle's odometer.
Can Someone Else Accept Delivery On My Behalf?
Business Lease (Business Contract Hire) Customers – Only the director of the company can sign for the vehicle upon delivery.
Personal Lease (Personal Contract Hire) Customers – Only the primary driver/leaseholder can sign for the vehicle upon delivery.
What Does PDI Mean and Why is it Important?
The PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) is a final check carried out on the vehicle by the dealer, so that you can be sure you're getting a fully-functioning new set of wheels and not a lemon.
It'll be carried out prior to your vehicle's delivery, and should all go well, it'll then be dispatched straight to you.
There will be a record that the lease vehicle has passed all of the relevant safety checks and quality control measures. The PDI will also usually mean that all of the fluid levels have been checked and topped up – so another thing that you won't have to worry about for some time.
What Could Delay My Delivery?
Like we say, delays aren't a regular occurrence, but if there is one, it could be due to any of the following reasons:
Model demand: In some cases, more popular cars mean longer waiting times
Additional spec: When you add extras or optional equipment to the vehicle (towbar, roof racks, etc.), these require time to get fitted
Time of year: The automotive industry can get quite seasonal sometimes. For example, certain manufacturers could have production cycles where particular models are only produced during certain times of the year
Factory location: Some vehicles are built in factories overseas, and shipping them obviously takes time. The further away the factory is, the longer the delivery time might be
Is My Deposit Taken After Delivery?
Your deposit or initial rental payment is usually taken around the time of delivery or in the weeks immediately after, though different leasing companies may have different practices around this.
Your regular monthly payments will start a month after delivery.
Summary
Taking delivery of your new lease car or van will normally be a smooth process, but you should still check over the vehicle before you sign the delivery note. And although you can't "speed up" the delivery as such, you do often have some flexibility when it comes to the date, depending on the company.
Of course, you'll need to have a fully comprehensive insurance policy in place before you get behind the wheel.
FAQs
How do lease cars get delivered?
Your lease vehicle will either be delivered to you as a "transported delivery" on the back of a lorry or truck, or it could be driven straight to you by a designated driver from the relevant provider.
What should I do if I'm not going to be at home on the day of delivery?
If you don't think that you're going to be at home on the day of delivery, we would recommend contacting the leasing company at least several days before the delivery date. This should give them enough time to rearrange, but it's ultimately down to them whether or not they choose to do so.
Can I cancel my car lease before delivery?
You can, though depending on the leasing company, you may still have to pay a cancellation fee.
How many sets of keys will I get?
Nobody is immune to losing something, which is why you will normally be given 2 full sets of keys with your vehicle.
Will I need ID on the delivery day?
Your passport or driver's license will normally be sufficient, though the delivery driver could also request more details.
What if I am in Northern Ireland?
Unfortunately, delivery is generally only to the British mainland. Certain leasing companies may specialise in leasing for Northern Ireland, but unfortunately we are unable to confirm which ones those are.