Of course you can take your lease car abroad. There are just a few steps you need to take first to make sure your trip goes as smooth as possible. Don't worry, follow our steps and you will be on your way in no time!
Planning your holiday abroad is stressful enough as it is, without worrying about making sure you have all of the necessary documentation for your car. You have already checked the passports a dozen times; searched your inbox endlessly for the travel insurance; made sure you have actually booked the right dates. Why add more to this? So Pendle Vehicle Contracts have taken the stress out of your hands (literally, someone has sat here and wrote this stressing, making sure they have not missed anything!) by compiling this step-by-step guide to taking your lease car or van abroad.
1. Get in touch with the Finance Funder to acquire the right documentation
By all means, feel free to contact us first if you are unsure or do not remember who your Finance Funder is. A member of our team will not only be able to confirm this for you but also advise you the best contact number to ring. We strongly advise contacting the Finance Funder well in advance to avoid any delays. As the Funder is the legal owner of the vehicle, it is mandatory to seek their permission prior to travelling. When you are the owner of the vehicle, it is required that you carry a copy of the V5C (log book) when travelling abroad. However, on a lease vehicle the funder will send you a cover letter stating the permission and/or a VE103B Form. These are the only things that will suffice apart from a V5C and they may look like the one below. Without the right permission and documentation, not only may you be prevented from travelling but you may also incur fines or even have the vehicle seized. You must also have a full UK Driving Licence.
Admin fees may apply from the Funder to arrange this.
2. Having the right Motor Insurance and Breakdown Cover
Give your insurer a call and advise them of the country/countries that you are travelling to and find out what level of cover you have. Just because you may have fully comp insurance in the UK, do not assume that you will have the same level of cover abroad. It is not uncommon for insurance companies to lower your level of cover to the basic/standard level for European travel. This is the same for company cars too; check with your employer to make sure the company policy covers you for travel abroad. Whilst some lease agreements include a form of breakdown cover, again check whether or not this covers you abroad. If it does not, then it is important that you arrange your own cover for the duration of your trip.
3. Know the laws of the country
- Displaying a GB Sticker - If your number plate does not already have one displayed, then it is required that you display a GB clearly at all times. The requirements for the stick are: at least 80mm high and each letter 10mm wide. Letters must be on black on a white back ground.
- If you are travelling to France there are several additional things to consider -
CRIT'Air- this is an emission standard in place in Paris, Lyon and Grenoble. The law requires all drivers to display a Clean Air sticker on their windscreen. This identifies the emission levels of said vehicle.
A Breathalyser Kit with 2 Test Tubes - French law requires all drivers to carry a Breathalyser kit.
Children sitting in the front seats - French Law prevents children under the age of 10 sitting in the front of the car.
- Carrying a safety kit in your vehicle - most European countries require you to have a safety kit in your car; this should be comprised of a full first aid kit, high visibility jacket, fire extinguisher, orange warning triangle, headlight beam reflectors along with spare bulbs. Check the boots of your lease car or van, as sometimes cars come with a pack containing much of the things stated in this list.
- Having winter tyres or snow chains if you are travelling in winter - again, many European countries require you to have either snow chains or appropriate winter tyres if you are travelling during winter months.
So there are some of our top tips on top of the legal requirements for taking your lease car or lease van off on your travels with you. To summarise: You must have a Full UK Driving Licence, along with the appropriate insurance and breakdown cover. Make sure you know the local laws and your car is complete with any safety equipment and badges required for the country you are heading to, but also the countries you will pass through. The RAC have also compiled a list with 20 Top Tips which we suggest you give a read over as well. If you have any more questions, please give us a call on 01277 549 500 or email sales@pendlelease.co.uk
Happy Holidays!
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