From delivery to your first payment: Here's what to expect when you lease

What happens with delivery and beyond in the leasing process?

The wait is over. Your shiny new lease car is about to hit your driveway, and we can practically hear you buzzing with excitement from here.

But how exactly does that car make it to your door? And what happens after you've finished snapping those all-important "new car day" photos for social media? (Don't forget to tag us @carparisonleasing – we absolutely love seeing your new rides)

These questions pop up all the time in the leasing process, and we get it. There's nothing worse than being left in the dark when you're counting down the days to your new wheels.

But that's exactly why we're here – to put the 'ease' in your next car lease.

So, buckle up as we cruise through everything from delivery day to your first payment.

From insurance essentials to paperwork particulars, we've got the roadmap to your leasing journey right here.

How will your lease car get delivered?

In most cases, your shiny new car will be driven right to your doorstep.

Your dealer will set up this delivery with their choice of courier.

But here's the good news – those delivery miles won't count against your mileage allowance.

Your mileage clock officially starts ticking only after the keys are in your hand.

Prefer your car to arrive without a single extra mile on the clock?

We can arrange for a transporter to bring your new wheels instead. Just chat with one of our friendly Customer Experience Champions before everything is finalised, and they'll sort it for you.

What time will your lease car be delivered to you?

While we'd love to give you an exact time to camp out by your window (we know the feeling), delivery is usually scheduled between 8am – 6pm.

If you've got a Tesla coming your way, they like to march to the beat of their own drum with deliveries typically between 8am – 8pm. How very Tesla of them.

The reason we can't pin down an exact time slot is simple – British traffic has a mind of its own.

But don't worry, your driver will give you a call about an hour before arrival, so you won't be left wondering all day.

How does insurance work for your lease car?

Trying to insure a car that's not yet registered is a bit like trying to insure a unicorn – tricky at best. But there's a simple solution.

The dealer will typically register your car either the day before or the day of delivery. This ensures any warranties kick in as close as possible to when you receive your car.

Once registered, your car's details will be updated in the DVLA database, making it insurance-ready. But you can call your insurance company with your car's details, and they can set up your policy to activate on delivery day.

If you lease a pre-reg car, there should be no issues with arranging insurance as the dealer will have registered it in advance.

However, this can mean your warranty runs out before your lease ends. But fear not. Just ask your sales executive about our RAC extended warranty. This’ll keep you covered for your entire lease.

Remember, you'll need fully comprehensive insurance, and the person named on the lease agreement must be the main driver on the insurance policy. You can have other drivers named on your policy.

When is your first payment due when you lease?

The first payment on your lease is called the initial rental.

Typically, this payment will be taken 10-14 days after your car has been delivered – giving you plenty of time to enjoy that new car smell before your bank account feels the pinch.

Here's the behind-the-scenes process: 24-48 hours after delivery, the dealer sends all the paperwork to our team at Carparison HQ (though this might take longer if they used a third-party delivery service).

We then check everything with a fine-tooth comb before sending it off to the funder for processing.

Then your initial rental will be taken from your account, at which point the lease is set live.

Can I get my V5 for my lease car?

Since your lease car isn't technically yours, the V5 registration document isn't automatically sent to you.

But there are plenty of times you might need it – planning a European road trip? Taking a ferry? You'll need that V5 in hand. Parking permits? Once again, you’ll need your V5.

The good news is getting a copy is simpler than finding a parking space on a busy Saturday afternoon. Just contact your funder directly once your deal is set live and you can request a copy.

Easy as pie – or should we say, easy as finding the perfect playlist for your first proper drive in your new car.

Can you put your private plates on your lease car?

Absolutely. If you've got a cherished plate that's been following you from car to car, your lease vehicle can proudly wear it too.

You'll just need to contact your funder to get their permission before making the switch.

Once you've made the transfer, it's also helpful to let us know that you've put the plates on your car. This keeps everyone in the loop and ensures we're all on the same page.

Communication is key, as they say – and we're here to help make the process as smooth as possible.

Can you install a tracker on your lease car?

Thinking about adding a tracker to your lease vehicle? Here's what you need to know.

If you're leasing a high-value car, your insurance provider might require you to install a tracker – it's a common condition for luxury or performance vehicles.

The good news? Many manufacturers fit trackers as standard equipment on premium models.

You can easily check the manufacturer's website to see if your chosen model already comes with this feature built in.

Still not sure? Your dedicated Leasing Consultant is just a phone call away and will be happy to steer you in the right direction.

If you do need to get a tracker fitted, you won't need to notify the funder as it's not considered a permanent modification.

Just remember you'll need to have it professionally removed before handing the car back at the end of your lease.

How does roadside assistance and breakdown cover work?

When it comes to roadside assistance and breakdown cover, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Different manufacturers offer different levels of protection.

Typically, new vehicles come with 12 months of manufacturer-backed breakdown cover as standard. However, the specific benefits can vary significantly.

Some manufacturers include comprehensive packages with home start assistance, while others offer more basic coverage.

To find out exactly what's included with your vehicle, we recommend checking the manufacturer's website for the most up-to-date information.

If you have any questions about your specific breakdown cover, your Leasing Consultant will be happy to help you navigate the details.

Additionally, if you've taken out a maintenance package with your lease, you'll already have breakdown cover that includes Home Start assistance – giving you extra peace of mind without having to worry about manufacturer coverage limits.

We’re here to help

Throughout your leasing journey, we're just one call away – ready and raring to help you hit the road with confidence.

If you experience any issues during delivery, make sure this is included on the delivery note. Better yet, give us a call while the delivery driver is still with you, and we'll help resolve any concerns on the spot.

For vehicle issues after delivery:

• Contact your local dealer as your first port of call for most vehicle-related problems
• For urgent breakdowns, reach out to your breakdown provider immediately
• If you've purchased a maintenance package through us, contact your maintenance provider (check your policy for any exceptions)

If you need help with your finance agreement, your funder should be your first contact.

Not sure who to call? Don't worry: we're just a phone call away and always happy to point you in the right direction.

Putting the 'ease' in your car lease experience is what we do best.

Keys to success: Your leasing journey complete

And there you have it, the full roadmap from delivery day to those first few weeks with your shiny new lease car. We hope this guide helps put your mind at ease about what happens and when.

Leasing should be exciting, not confusing.

That's why we're committed to making every step of your journey as smooth as possible, from that first quote right through to delivery day and beyond.

Remember, our friendly team is always here to help if you have any questions about your delivery or what happens afterwards. We're just a phone call away

So, sit back, relax, and get ready to enjoy that new car smell.