Frequently Asked Questions

We are a family business that genuinely cares about delivering a first class experience for our clients.  We have over 25 years experience in the Motor Industry, and that experience allows us to have an old fashioned conversation with our customers, where we can listen to their needs, and suggest the best options for them moving forward, with some suggestions on how to get more value for money and a better vehicle than they thought possible within budget.

The fact we are a small business and want to deliver a very personal experience does not mean that we only have a small offering.  We are Partnered with all of the major Leasing Companies, and have very strong Terms across the majority of Manufacturers, to ensure that our Business and Personal Leasing Customers get the best deals available.

We are also fully FCA Authorised and Regulated, this ensures all activity is conducted in the best interests of our clients.  We are also members of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), an organisation that ensures all of its members adhere to the highest standards when engaging with customers, by providing training and frameworks to worth within for its members.

So let us take the hassle away, and be comforted that you are in safe hands

Personal Contract Hire, often called Personal Leasing, is a very simple way of running a new car with minimal stress and hassle!  The client has virtually all makes and models available to them, and can very often benefit from the "bulk discounts" that the Lease Companies negotiate, which are significantly more attractive than an individual would normally get. 

Advantages of Personal Contract Hire Include -

• Flexible terms - contracts can have a variety of initial rentals, and the length of the contract can be between 24 and 60 months
• Maintenance can be included, covering all routine Servicing and Tyre requirements for the duration of the lease
• There are no worries about depreciation.  We are in very uncertain times with new powertrains, ever changing legislation, and challenges in the economy.  Leasing takes away all of the residual value risks that would be associated with buying a vehicle
• Road Tax is also included for the duration of the contract :)

Disadvantages of PCH include - 

• You do not own the vehicle and the vehicle would need to be returned at the end of the lease period.
• Wear and tear is your responsibility - damage to the vehicle must be fixed by the person leasing the vehicle to avoid extra charges.
• Poor credit history could mean you don’t get approved - monthly payments are the same each month so if your wage is flexible, this might not be right for you. 
• If you exceed the mileage set on your leasing contract, excess charges will be added.

The client must ensure that the vehicle is fully insured during the period of the lease.  It is also the client's responsibility to ensure the car is Serviced and MOT'd, although a Maintained Contract would cover the cost of this.

Business Contract Hire, or Business Leasing as it is often called, is a very popular way for businesses to run the vehicles they need to maximise the efficiencies of their companies, meaning they can concentrate on the job in hand. 

The benefits of Business Contract Hire Include - 

• Enjoy the "Bulk Discounts" that brokers and lease companies are able to negotiate, normally far in excess of the deals companies would get from Manufacturers and Dealers if they tried to buy vehicles
• Manage the cash flow of the business, with fixed monthly payments and no depreciation risk, the organisation can concentrate on the things that matter most
• Elements of the rental payments can be offset against the businesses profits, reducing corporation tax.  VAT registered businesses can also claim back 50% of the VAT on cars and 100% of the VAT on Commercial Vehicles
• Maintenance Contracts can be included in the rentals, covering all routine servicing, tyres and breakdowns for the duration of the lease.  Drivers of Company vehicles can organise Servicing and Tyres with minimal effort
• Road Tax is included for the duration of the Contract 

The disadvantages of BCH include - 

• Leasing a car or van involves regular payments over a fixed term. Before committing to a lease, consider your company's budget and factor in other costs such as insurance and maintenance. 
• Make sure you fully understand the terms and conditions of the lease agreement - the duration of the lease, penalties for exceeding mileage limits, and any restrictions on vehicle usage. Pay close attention to the fine print, including fees for early termination or excessive wear and tear.
• While some leases agreements include maintenance packages, others require businesses to cover these costs separately. If you don't have the resources to handle maintenance and repairs, outsourcing to a third party may be required. 
• It's important to be aware of any tax implications. In some cases, leasing expenses can be deducted as a business expense, but the rules and regulations vary depending on your jurisdiction. It is recommended to consult with a tax professional to understand the tax implications of leasing a car for your business. 

The job of managing company vehicles generally falls to the Accounts Department to look after, and it is always a headache!  We can take away the stress of looking for the best deals, we can deal with your drivers directly if they are looking for new Company Cars.  We are here to make life easier!

We aim to make this very easy!!  We would always prefer a quick conversation with our clients to ensure that they are looking at the right vehicle for their needs, and possibly to suggest some alternatives that may be better for them!  However, we can do everything online and by email if that is the clients preference.

• Simply find the vehicle that you want on our site
• Ask for a quote, if its on "standard" terms we will send that to you automatically
• If you like the look of the numbers, we can send you our Order and Proposal forms, these can even be filled out on your mobile.  
• That information is passed confidentially to the best funder for that vehicle
• We get your car ordered and keep you informed of the timescales along the way
• It is delivered to your preferred address
• Easy!!

Yes, all cars and vans supplied by Automotive Scotland include free delivery to anywhere within mainland United Kingdom.  And at the end of your term the vehicle is also collected for free.

Most new vehicles come with at least three years warranty.

If your lease is less than or equal to three years, you should be covered by the manufactures warranty for your whole lease. Warranties typically only include non-consumable parts so wouldn't include brakes or tyres. 

Manufacturer's warranties may vary, so always check before signing your lease agreement.

Servicing is not included with the price of the vehicle, however you can choose to include Maintenance - covering all routine Servicing and Tyre requirements for the duration of the lease.

Yes - you are required by law to be fully comprehensive for your lease vehicle. Insurance is not included in the price of the lease, and should be sourced and purchased independently. 

An Initial Payment is the payment made at the start of your agreement - usually calculated at either 1, 3, 6, or 9 times your monthly amount.

This then affects how much your monthly payments will be over the course of your lease. The more you pay up front, the less your monthly payments will be. It is usually payable shortly after your car has been delivered. 

Fair wear and tear occurs when normal usage causes deterioration to a vehicle. It is not to be confused with damage, which occurs as a result of a specific event or series of events such as impact, inappropriate stowing of items, harsh-treatment, negligent acts or omissions.

Please see the BVRLA resource for further information. 

Read our guide on Taking Care Of Your Lease Vehicle. 

This depends on the type of contract taken but usually you hand the car back at the end of the terms, and an agent will collect it from you.  You can often extend the contract, or some funders may allow you to purchase the vehicle if you have become very fond of it!

All vehicles include at least 12 months breakdown cover from the manufacturer although most manufacturers now offer 3 years cover fee of charge. Within the car or van book pack there will be an emergency number to contact day or night.

Each contract has an excess mileage cost which is made very clear on the quotation and funder paperwork.  This is typically between 5p and 15p a mile, and is paid once the contact has ended.  So in the 5p scenario, for every 1000 miles over the agreed mileage, it will cost the driver £50.

Many Funders allow you to "re contract" the mileage, if you feel that the agreed mileage is no longer going to be appropriate.  This typically can happen 6 months after the start of the agreement and up to 6 months before the end of the agreement.  And the monthly payment will change to reflect this change.

Please read our guide on Excess Mileage. 

The funder owns the car for the duration of the lease and at the end of the lease, although there can be options to purchase the vehicle