Clear guidance, honestly explained

Bank transfer — safe, quick and easy. You will receive an invoice from Whippet Vehicles or our nominated supplying dealer with bank details, and we can provide details on letterhead if required. It is company policy that we cannot take cash or card payments.

It helps us book your delivery in quicker if we know payment has been made. We advise using the vehicle registration number as your payment reference.

It depends on the finance type. Hire Purchase on a new van typically needs a 20% deposit (equal to the current VAT rate), which you can reclaim if VAT registered. For finance lease and contract hire you can pay as little as one payment up front, though a larger initial rental lowers your monthly cost and can help approval.

Not directly. If you own a vehicle outright and want to release that capital towards an initial deposit, we advise using companies such as We Buy Any Car or Motorway.

If the vehicle was purchased outright or on Hire Purchase, the notice is sent to the address on the V5C. If it is leased, the finance provider will notify you or the relevant authority of your details. A funder administration fee may apply.

An initial rental is the up-front payment on Contract Hire and Finance Lease agreements. It is paid either before delivery or within 10 working days of taking delivery, depending on the finance company.

A balloon payment is a final instalment used to reduce your monthly cost. It is equal to the vehicle’s predicted residual value — what it is worth at the end of your contract based on age and projected mileage.

Applications can be as quick as 24 hours but may take up to 72 hours depending on the time of year and funder. It can take longer if additional proofs are required or the application is not straightforward.

No — the payment date is usually a few days after the delivery date of the vehicle.

Missed payments may result in extra interest charges. Failing to keep up with payments may result in the vehicle being repossessed and will affect your credit score negatively.

Potentially, yes. We can introduce you to a number of funders who specialise in different areas. It may take longer to process, further proofs may be requested and the rate may be higher to reflect the risk, which affects monthly payments.

Each finance company has its own criteria. In general, you need sufficient income for the monthly payments, a full valid driving licence, to be at least 18, and normally a minimum three-year UK address history.

We recommend arranging your replacement vehicle around two months before the agreement ends so the arrival and collection can be aligned. Contract Hire agreements do not usually include an option to purchase; be prepared for any excess-mileage or condition charges at return.

At the end of a Finance Lease the vehicle is normally sold to an unconnected third party or returned for disposal, and you may be liable if its sale value is below the estimated residual value. With Hire Purchase, title passes to you once all monthly instalments and the option-to-purchase fee have been paid.

If you purchase outright or via Hire Purchase, title transfers to you unless otherwise stated. If financed via Contract Hire or Finance Lease, ownership stays with the finance house.

Yes. If funded, you must notify the finance company. Note that roadside assistance can operate differently in other countries, so it is worth reading up before you leave.

Yes — livery and signage is an effective way to promote your business. If leased, it must be removed before return, so use hard-wearing but easy-to-peel materials to keep the vehicle in its original condition.

If purchased, you can do as you wish provided it stays road legal — but be careful not to void any manufacturer warranty. If the vehicle is funded, you must make the finance company aware of any changes.

Yes. Tell the finance company about relevant equipment on a funded vehicle. A private plate can normally be applied once the vehicle is registered, although an administration fee and processing time may apply.

We can discuss opening a credit facility with suitable funders for multi-vehicle requirements. Get in touch and we can explain the available options.

Very. Your mileage estimate is used to calculate your monthly payments against the estimated residual value of the vehicle at the end of the contract.

Over your mileage, you pay a pence-per-mile charge stipulated in your contract. Under your mileage, you are not reimbursed. This is why it is important to set your contract mileage as accurately as possible at the start.

Once ready and paid for, your vehicle is driven to you from the nominated dealer preparation centre. Delivery is arranged by the nominated dealer, often via third-party logistics, on weekdays between 8am and 6pm, with a courtesy call before arrival.

Collection is not normally available. Once ready and paid for, the supplying dealer arranges delivery, usually using its own driver or a logistics provider. Deliveries are on weekdays between 8am and 6pm and we ask for a courtesy call before arrival.

If on finance you must keep making payments at all times. All new vehicles come with a manufacturer warranty and at least one year of complimentary roadside assistance. It is your responsibility to keep the vehicle serviced and maintained to manufacturer guidelines.