Contract Hire

Can we provide you with a contract hire service to meet your business’s vehicle contract hire needs? Yes, of course we can.

And we’ll make sure that you’re provided with the right contract hire deal for your business. Whether that’s just for sole vehicle contract hire or for larger fleet contract hire deals, with our specialist knowledge of the business contract hire sector, we make sure that our customers are matched to the right vehicle and the very best contract hire deal available.

Business contract hire specialists

We take pride in being first choice for so many business contract hire leases across the UK. Not only do we constantly scour the marketplace to bring our customers the very best contract hire deals, we have access to a wide range of finance providers, which ensures that we source the right contract hire deal at the best price for you.

And it doesn’t stop there either. From your initial enquiry, our dedicated business account managers will be with you at every step of the way throughout your contract hire agreement. From arranging the free delivery of your contract hire vehicle (throughout the UK mainland), to the ongoing management of your fleet, with just one point of contact you can look forward to a completely hassle-free contract hire experience.

To begin with, here's a guide to contract hire

Here are a few key facts associated with contract hire to get you started:

Why do businesses choose to contract hire a vehicle?

Contract hire takes all of the hassle out of leasing company vehicles. In a contract hire agreement you pay regular fixed monthly rental payments that cover all risks such as capital acquisition, cost of depreciation, road fund licence, roadside assistance and final disposal. It all adds up to reduced internal administration and businesses are able to plan their fleet costs more accurately. And because you’re not actually purchasing the vehicle it will not appear on your balance sheet. This means that the vehicle will appear as a business expense.

With contract hire, do I own the vehicle?

The vehicle is yours to drive for the duration of the contract but vehicle ownership is retained by the finance company. That means you don’t have to worry about vehicle depreciation and there’s no need to dispose of the vehicle at the end of a contract. It’s also a way of driving a brand new car every few years.

OK, so how do I configure a contract hire payment plan (contract profile)?

It’s simple. Contract hire requires a minimum initial cash outlay, usually equal to 3 rental payments in advance, followed by equal monthly payments that are subject to VAT at the prevailing rate. Contract hire agreements are usually between 24 and 48 months.

What sort of term can I choose for my contract hire?

Theoretically, any period is possible. Most business contract hire customers tend to opt for 24, 36 or 48 monthly payments.

I’m interested, but how does mileage affect my contract hire payments?

The amount that you pay depends on the amount of mileage you do per annum. Most of the prices you’ll see quoted on this website are for 10000, 20000 or 30000 miles per annum but we do cater for more (and less). As an added benefit, with Windmill Leasing you can be secure in the knowledge that contract hire mileage can be amended mid contract. If you do run over your agreed mileage at the end of your term, an excess mileage based on a pence per mile (ppm) agreed at the start of the contract will be charged at the end of an agreement.

So I’m in total control of my costs?

That’s right. When you contract hire a vehicle with Windmill Leasing, you have maximum control of the total cost of running a vehicle, especially when opting for a maintenance package (see below for more information).

What is a maintenance package?

When you add a maintenance package into your contract hire deal, you’re covered for the manufacturer’s recommended routine services, maintenance and repair, tyres, batteries, exhausts and the road fund licence renewal for the duration of the agreement.

Whose responsibility is it to insure a contract hire vehicle?

All contract hire customers must prove that their vehicles are covered on a fully comprehensive basis with adequate cover to ensure that the vehicle is insured for all scenarios in which it is used.

Whose responsibility is it to ensure a contract hire vehicle is taxed?

The vehicle will be taxed throughout the term of your agreement. You will receive a renewed tax disk through the post.

I heard that VAT was reclaimable in contract hire?

Absolutely right! In a contract hire agreement, 50% of the VAT is reclaimable on the finance element and 100% of the VAT is reclaimable on the maintenance.

Should I go green with my contract hire?

It’s an option that many businesses are exploring because of the tax and Corporate Social Resposibility (CSR) benefits. But it really depends what’s right for you. Check our Eco Leasing page for more information on this.

What happens at the end of a contract hire agreement?

At the end of the agreed period of time for the contract, the vehicle is simply collected and then resold, leaving you with the option to take out a new contract on another vehicle if you so wish. Alternatively you may be able to extend the agreement or purchase the vehicle subject to certain terms and conditions.

Are there any penalties for wear and tear?

At the end of every lease period vehicles are expected to meet certain minimum standards, comencerate with the age and mileage of the vehicle. These requirements are widely known as fair wear and tear standards. More information about this can be found on the Fair Wear & Tear Guide PDF.

We did say business contract hire specialists…

While we’d love to provide the whole of the UK with these special contract hire rates, we’re only available for businesses looking to contract hire vehicles.

We have taken every measure to ensure this page provides you with a good foundation of information about contract hire. However, you are advised to read through the small print of the contract before signing any contract hire agreement.

Find me a contract hire deal today!

With pleasure! You might like to search this website where all of the prices are right up to date and then submit your enquiry. If you’re short on time, try our Quick Quote tool. However, to get the best understanding of your needs you can call us on 01527 571610 or request a call back and we’ll get back to you.

KNOW WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR? GET A QUICK QUOTE NOW!