Help Centre
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about vehicle subscriptions, short-term leasing and how Company Car Rentals works.
Is company-car-rentals.co.uk a rental company itself?
No. We're an independent comparison hub. Every agreement, price and set of terms is provided directly by one of our partner companies: Cocoon Vehicles Ltd, Flexigo Cars, Drive Car Flex, Londons Short-Term Cars and Short-Term-Leasing Ltd.
What's the shortest agreement I can get?
Vehicle, car and van subscriptions are available from one month upward. Short-term leasing typically starts from around 5 months, with 6 and 12 month contracts the most popular. Use the Vehicle Finder to see which is recommended for you.
What's the difference between a subscription and a short-term lease?
A subscription is usually a rolling monthly agreement that often includes insurance and maintenance. A short-term lease is normally a fixed-term contract at a fixed rate, where insurance is sometimes arranged separately. Use the Vehicle Finder tool to see which is recommended for your situation.
Do you cover vans as well as cars?
Yes – see our dedicated Van Subscriptions page, or select "Van" in the Vehicle Finder tool.
Which locations do you cover?
We have 13 flagship location guides (York, Leeds, Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, Manchester, London, Oxford, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Newcastle upon Tyne), plus over 60 further UK towns and cities, dedicated Scotland and Wales pages, and 15 major UK airports. See our full Locations hub for the complete list.
How do UTM links and partner referrals work on this site?
Links to our partners include UTM tracking parameters so we can see which pages and content are helping people find the right agreement. Clicking a partner link takes you to that partner's own website to complete your enquiry or booking.
What is a vehicle subscription?
A vehicle subscription is a rolling monthly agreement that usually includes the vehicle, servicing, maintenance and breakdown cover in one payment, with no long-term commitment. Insurance is arranged separately.
How is a subscription different from leasing?
Subscriptions are typically rolling month-to-month, while short-term leasing is a fixed-term agreement (usually from around 5 months). Use our Vehicle Finder above to see which fits your situation.
What is the minimum term?
Minimum terms vary by partner but our network generally supports agreements from one month upward.
Do vehicle subscriptions include insurance?
No – none of our partners currently bundle insurance into their subscription pricing. We'd recommend getting a quote from Einsure.uk alongside your subscription (see the note above).
Can I subscribe to a van as well as a car?
Yes – see our dedicated Car Subscriptions and Van Subscriptions pages, or use the Vehicle Finder tool to compare both.
How much does a car subscription cost per month?
Pricing depends on the vehicle, contract length and partner – use the Vehicle Finder tool above to get matched with live options from our partner network.
Do I need my own car insurance?
Yes – none of our partners currently bundle insurance into their car subscription pricing, so you'll need to arrange this yourself. We'd recommend getting a quote from Einsure.uk (see the note above).
Can I subscribe for just one month?
Yes, one-month-plus is the model this hub is built around. Some partners also offer longer fixed terms if you know your dates.
Do all your partners offer car subscriptions?
Yes – car subscriptions are offered by all five of our partners: Cocoon Vehicles, Flexigo Cars, Drive Car Flex, Londons Short-Term Cars and Short-Term-Leasing Ltd.
What's the difference between a car subscription and short-term leasing?
A subscription is usually rolling month-to-month; a short-term lease is normally a fixed-term contract, typically starting from around 5 months. See our Short-Term Leasing page for details.
What size vans are available?
Our partner network covers small vans, medium vans, large vans, Luton vans and pickups – use the Vehicle Finder tool above and choose "Van" to see the options.
Can a business subscribe to multiple vans?
Yes, most partners can support single-van and multi-van business subscriptions – contact the relevant partner directly to discuss fleet-style requirements.
Is van subscription cheaper than a short-term lease?
It depends on the term and vehicle. Subscriptions bundle more into the monthly cost, while short-term leases are typically better if you know a fixed contract length. Compare both via the Vehicle Finder.
Do I need a specific licence for a large van?
Most panel vans are drivable on a standard car licence, but Luton vans and larger models may have weight restrictions – always confirm licence requirements with the partner before booking.
Does a van subscription include insurance?
No – insurance isn't bundled into our partners' van subscription pricing, whether for personal or business use. See the note above for our recommended insurance route via Einsure.uk.
What's the shortest short-term lease term available?
Short-term leasing on our partner network typically starts from around 5 months. If you need a vehicle for less time than that, a car or van subscription (from one month) is usually the better option.
What's the most popular length for a short-term lease?
6-month and 12-month contracts are by far the most popular lengths across our partner network, though terms are typically available anywhere from 5 up to 18 months.
Do I arrange my own insurance on a short-term lease?
This varies by partner – some short-term leases include insurance, others don't. Always check before signing.
Can I extend a short-term lease?
Many partners allow extensions subject to availability – speak to the partner directly ahead of your end date.
Is short-term leasing available for businesses?
Yes, our partner network supports both personal and business short-term leasing agreements.
How long is a typical contract hire agreement?
Contract hire agreements are usually 2, 3 or 4 years, considerably longer than the 5-to-18-month terms of our Short-Term Leasing page.
Is contract hire cheaper than short-term leasing?
Per month, often yes – the cost is spread over a longer commitment. If you don't yet know you need a vehicle for that long, our Short-Term Leasing page may be a better starting point.
Can I end a contract hire agreement early?
Early termination is usually possible but can carry charges – always check the specific partner's terms before signing.
Do all of your partners offer contract hire?
Yes – all five of our partners can broker 2, 3 and 4 year car and van contract hire alongside their short-term subscriptions and leasing products.
What is findacarlease.co.uk?
It's an independent car and van leasing broker we work with, matching your enquiry to relevant dealers and funders across the wider leasing market – a useful option if you want to compare beyond our five core partners.
What's the difference between daily rental and a subscription?
Daily rental is priced and booked by the day for short trips; subscriptions and short-term leases on this hub are built around agreements of one month or more. If you need a vehicle for a month or longer, our Car Subscriptions or Short-Term Leasing pages will usually work out better value.
Do all our partners offer daily rental?
Not all – daily rental sits outside the core one-month-plus focus of this hub, so availability varies by partner. Confirm directly before booking.
Can I extend a daily rental if my plans change?
Many providers allow extensions subject to availability, but you should confirm this with the partner before your original booking ends.
Is a deposit required?
This varies by provider and vehicle – check the specific partner's terms.
What's the difference between this page and Van Subscriptions?
Van Subscriptions covers the flexible, rolling monthly plan specifically. This page is the wider overview, including fixed-term short-term leasing, longer contract hire and daily rental for vans.
What size vans are available?
Small vans, medium vans, large vans, Luton vans and pickups – select "Van" in the Vehicle Finder below to filter by body type.
Do I need a special licence for a large van?
Most panel vans are drivable on a standard car licence, but Luton vans and larger models may have weight restrictions – always confirm with the partner before booking.
Can a business account for multiple vans across different agreement types?
Yes in principle – contact the relevant partner directly to discuss a mixed fleet of subscription, leased and daily-hire vans.
Do you cover courier and delivery drivers?
Yes – self-employed drivers and small operators working for or alongside networks like Evri, Amazon and DPD, as well as independent local courier companies such as GT Couriers and Derby Sameday Couriers, can use our partner network for flexible van subscriptions or short-term van leases. Mileage requirements for courier work tend to be high, so flag this when you enquire so the partner can recommend a suitable mileage allowance.
Do I need to install a home charger for an EV subscription?
It depends on your usage and the provider's requirements – some drivers rely entirely on public charging. Check with the specific partner before subscribing.
Is a plug-in hybrid different from a full hybrid?
Yes – a plug-in hybrid can be charged externally and driven on electric power alone for a limited range, while a full hybrid charges itself and can't be plugged in. Both are selectable in the Vehicle Finder below.
Are EV subscriptions more expensive than petrol?
Pricing varies by vehicle and partner – often the monthly cost is offset by lower running/fuel costs. Compare live options via the Vehicle Finder.
Can I get an electric van?
Yes, electric vans are increasingly available – select "Van" and "Electric" in the Vehicle Finder to check current options.
What is Salary Sacrifice and how does it relate to EVs?
Salary Sacrifice is an employer-run scheme where staff give up part of their gross salary in exchange for an electric or plug-in hybrid car, saving on Income Tax and National Insurance. Our partner Cocoon Vehicles runs a dedicated scheme – see our Salary Sacrifice page for details.
Can I get an EV on Salary Sacrifice instead of a subscription?
Yes – Cocoon Vehicles' Salary Sacrifice scheme is available alongside flexible and short-term contracts, as well as traditional 2/3/4 year terms, which is unusual in the salary sacrifice market. See our Salary Sacrifice page for how it compares to a personal subscription.
How much can I save with an EV compared to petrol?
Running costs (fuel/electricity, servicing, and often tax) are typically lower for EVs, though the exact saving depends on the vehicle, mileage and whether you go via a personal subscription or an employer Salary Sacrifice scheme, which adds Income Tax and National Insurance savings on top.
Do I need a driveway or home charger to subscribe to an EV?
It helps, but it's not essential – many drivers rely on public or workplace charging. If you do have off-street parking, a home charger install is worth considering separately from your vehicle agreement.
Is breakdown cover included in every agreement?
It's common on subscriptions but not universal, and short-term leases and contract hire may handle it differently – always confirm what's included before signing.
What happens if my vehicle needs a repair mid-contract?
This depends on the partner – some provide a replacement vehicle, others arrange repair with your vehicle off the road for the duration. Ask before you commit.
Who do I contact if something goes wrong?
Your agreement is with the partner company directly, so any driver support issue should go to them first – keep their contact details to hand once you've signed up.
Does this hub provide driver support directly?
No – Company Car Rentals is a comparison hub. Driver support, breakdown cover and replacement vehicles are provided by the partner you contract with, not by us directly.
Do all five partners offer fleet funding?
No – of our five partners, Cocoon Vehicles is the one with a dedicated fleet funding/long-term lease sourcing service. The other four are subscription and short-term leasing specialists first.
What does Cocoon Vehicles' fleet funding service actually do?
It's a sourcing service: you provide your vehicle requirements and Cocoon Vehicles searches a panel of 12+ funders (including Alphabet, Alphera, Novuna, MBFS and VWFS) to find competitive 2/3/4 year contract hire pricing for your business.
What's the difference between fleet funding and contract hire?
On this hub, "Contract Hire" covers the 2/3/4 year fixed lease itself; "Fleet Funding" refers to the broader sourcing/finance service (like Cocoon Vehicles' multi-funder comparison) that helps a business arrange that lease across multiple providers at once.
Can I start with a subscription and move to fleet funding later?
Yes, that's a common path – many businesses use a subscription or short-term lease via our partner network while needs are uncertain, then approach Cocoon Vehicles for fleet funding once requirements are established.
Do all five partners offer fleet management?
No – Cocoon Vehicles is the partner in our network with a dedicated business fleet sourcing and management service. The other four partners focus on individual subscriptions and short-term leases.
What does Cocoon Vehicles' fleet management service cover?
It covers sourcing flexible and fixed vehicles for businesses of any size, from 1 vehicle to 100 or more, plus extras like consolidated invoicing for 10+ vehicle accounts and a dedicated Van Finder service.
Is fleet management the same as fleet funding?
They overlap: fleet funding (see our Fleet Funding page) focuses specifically on sourcing the finance/lease for vehicles, while fleet management is the wider service of sourcing and administering a mixed fleet of flexible and fixed vehicles.
Can fleet management cover subscription vehicles too?
Yes – Cocoon Vehicles' fleet service is specifically built to mix subscription (flexible) vehicles with fixed leases within the same business fleet.
Who offers salary sacrifice in your partner network?
Cocoon Vehicles is the partner in our network with a dedicated salary sacrifice scheme, run via its own site at salarysacrifice.cocoonvehicles.co.uk in partnership with Ezoo.
Who is eligible for salary sacrifice?
For a salary sacrifice car subscription you generally need to be aged 25-75; for salary sacrifice leasing you need to be 21 or over. You'll also need to be a UK resident with a valid UK or EU licence and no motoring offences in the last 3 years, and have been employed for at least 6 months.
Does salary sacrifice affect my mortgage or credit applications?
It can – because your gross salary is reduced on paper, some mortgage or credit applications may be affected. Your salary after the sacrifice must still remain above minimum wage.
Will I need a credit check?
No personal credit check is typically required, since the scheme is arranged through your employer rather than as a personal credit agreement.
Can I take a hybrid car on salary sacrifice, not just electric?
Yes, plug-in hybrids are available on salary sacrifice, though the tax savings are usually smaller than for a fully electric vehicle.
What happens if I leave my job while on a salary sacrifice scheme?
You may be required to return the vehicle or pay early termination charges, depending on the scheme – some options offer protection against this. Check your employer's specific policy.
What type of new businesses can apply?
Limited companies, sole traders, partnerships, LLPs, PLCs, charities, embassies and VAT-registered businesses can all apply, via our partner Cocoon Vehicles.
What information will I need to provide?
As a minimum, expect to provide company details (name, address, company number, turnover), signing directors' details and driving licence/passport, a recent utility bill, and 3 months of business bank statements.
Will I need a credit check?
Yes – credit checks are carried out on all applications to comply with FCA and anti-money-laundering requirements.
How many vehicles can a new start-up business take?
This depends on the credit limit and terms set by the underwriter, who may also restrict how many vehicles you can hold at any one time.
Can couriers apply for van subscriptions?
Yes – couriers can typically access van subscriptions (with a suitable mileage allowance), though they are not usually eligible for short-term van leases.
Can a foreign national lease a car in the UK?
Yes – via our partner Cocoon Vehicles' short-term car leases and flexible car subscriptions, which can be arranged before you arrive in the UK or once you've settled in.
Do I need a UK bank account?
You'll generally need a UK bank account (or an account like Revolut or Wise) to set up Direct Debit payments, though initial payments from US/Canadian customers can be taken by card.
Will I need to pay a deposit?
Most overseas/expat applicants are asked for a refundable deposit, held on account and adjusted for any excess mileage or damage when the vehicle is returned.
Does the monthly price change for overseas workers?
The vehicle rental itself doesn't change, but a higher documentation fee (from around £495 + VAT) typically applies, reflecting the extra underwriting involved.
What documents will I need?
Typically a passport, driving licence, proof of residency, proof of employment and proof of funds – exact requirements depend on individual circumstances.
What if I'm already in the UK but have a credit history gap?
Cocoon Vehicles regularly helps people who've returned to the UK after working abroad and have a gap in their UK credit and address history – short-term leasing and subscriptions can bridge this until longer-term finance becomes available.
What is flexible car leasing?
It's a rolling agreement – also called flexi-rent or a flexible car contract – that combines the benefits of daily rental and traditional leasing without the long-term commitment of either. Vehicles are typically available from one month upward.
Is flexible car leasing the same as a car subscription?
They're very closely related and the terms are often used interchangeably. On this hub we use "Car Subscriptions" for the simplest rolling monthly product and "Flexible Car Leasing" for the wider flexi-lease/flexi-rent category, which can offer a broader vehicle choice and higher mileage allowances with some providers.
How quickly can a flexible lease be delivered?
In-stock vehicles can sometimes be delivered within days where a credit line is already in place, though this varies by partner and vehicle.
Do all five partners offer flexible car leasing?
Yes – flexible car leasing is offered by all five of our partners, making it one of the best like-for-like ways to compare them.
What mileage allowance can I get?
This varies by partner and vehicle, but some providers offer allowances up to 6,000 miles per month – well above typical short-term daily rental limits.