Vehicle finance for UK businesses — summary

Quick answer: Fast Business Loans connects UK companies seeking business vehicle finance (vans, trucks, fleets, specialist vehicles and EVs) with brokers and lenders who can provide and tailor hire purchase, lease, fleet and specialist funding. We’re an introducer, not a lender — complete a short enquiry for a free eligibility check and we’ll match you with providers who may be able to help. Start your enquiry: Get Quote Now.

Why consider vehicle finance now?

Vehicles are vital for many businesses — logistics, contracting, care and passenger transport. Rising vehicle costs, tighter cashflow, Clean Air Zone rules and the shift to electric vehicles mean many companies need flexible funding to upgrade or expand fleets without large upfront capital outlays.

• Keep cash working in the business — spread cost with monthly payments.
• Replace ageing vehicles to reduce downtime and operating costs.
• Move to low-emission or electric fleets to meet compliance and sustainability goals.
• Scale quickly — add vehicles as commercial demands increase.

How Fast Business Loans helps you secure vehicle finance

We don’t lend. Instead we connect your business to lenders and brokers who specialise in commercial vehicle funding. Our role is to save you time and increase the chances of a suitable match by introducing your enquiry to partners who understand your sector.

Typical four-step process:

1. Complete a short enquiry — basic business details and the type/amount of vehicle finance required.
2. We confidentially match your enquiry to selected brokers/lenders.
3. Partners contact you with options or to request documents.
4. You review and decide — there’s no obligation to proceed.

Ready to be matched? Free Eligibility Check.

Vehicle finance options we can introduce

Hire Purchase (HP) & Conditional Sale

Hire Purchase lets you spread the cost and typically results in ownership after the final payment. Good for businesses wanting to own the vehicle at term-end.

• Typical terms: 1–5 years (depends on vehicle type).
• Deposit: sometimes required, but lenders vary.
• Ideal for: businesses that want predictable payments and eventual ownership.

Finance Lease & Operating Lease

Finance lease suits businesses that want long-term use of an asset without immediate ownership. Operating leases (contract hire) often include maintenance and allow frequent upgrading.

• Finance lease: off-balance vs on-balance depends on accounting rules and lease structure.
• Operating lease: lower initial cost, typically no purchase at the end.
• Ideal for: companies prioritising cashflow or regular vehicle replacement cycles.

Contract hire & fleet solutions

Contract hire is popular for multi-vehicle fleets. Monthly payments often include maintenance, tyres and breakdown cover for a fixed term.

• Useful for predictable budgeting and rapid fleet expansion.
• Terms tailored for mileage and replacement cycles.

Refinance, balloon payments & equity release

If you have existing finance with a large balloon or want to release equity from owned vehicles, lenders can provide refinance or refinancing packages.

Specialist solutions

Funding is available for refrigerated vehicles, conversions, HGVs, minibuses and electric vehicle conversions. Specialist lenders work with bespoke vehicle suppliers and upfitters.

Note: Actual rates, deposit levels and term lengths depend on the lender and your business circumstances.

Who we help

We introduce vehicle finance enquiries for limited companies, partnerships and growing SMEs across sectors such as:

• Logistics & couriers
• Trades & contractors
• Construction & plant hire
• Care providers & passenger transport
• Agriculture & farming
• Retail & delivery businesses

Minimum values we typically place with partners start at around £10,000 and go up for multi-vehicle or fleet arrangements.

Eligibility snapshot: what lenders typically look for

Lenders assess a combination of business and asset factors. Common criteria include:

• Trading history and annual turnover
• Credit profile of the business and directors
• Existing liabilities and affordability
• Vehicle type, age and intended use
• Deposit level and term requested

Completing our enquiry is a no‑impact way to check likely options; lenders only perform full credit checks with your consent at application stage.

Step‑by‑step: your vehicle finance enquiry

1. Complete the short form: basic details and finance need (takes under 2 minutes).
2. Confidential review: we assess which partners suit your request.
3. Match & contact: selected brokers/lenders will get in touch to discuss options and possibly request documents.
4. Compare & decide: review quotes and terms — you choose whether to proceed.

Start the process: Get Started — Free Eligibility Check.

Benefits of using Fast Business Loans for vehicle finance

• Save time: one short form can put you in front of multiple specialist providers.
• Better matches: we aim to introduce you to brokers/lenders who understand your vehicle type and sector.
• Range of solutions: single van to multi-vehicle fleets above £10K.
• Sustainability support: access to partners experienced with EV finance and charging infrastructure funding.
• No fee to you: our introduction service is free and without obligation.

Vehicle finance cost considerations

Work through these items when comparing quotes:

• Interest rate (fixed/variable) and APR where provided.
• Fees — arrangement fees, documentation fees, early settlement charges.
• Residual/balloon payments and their impact on monthly cost.
• VAT treatment — depends on vehicle and finance type.
• Tax, accounting and capital allowance implications — speak with your accountant for bespoke guidance.

Sustainable & electric vehicle funding

Many lenders and brokers now specialise in EV funding and packages that include chargers and infrastructure. If your business is moving to electric or low-emission vehicles, tell us in your enquiry and we’ll seek partners with green finance experience.

Learn more about vehicle finance for electric and commercial vehicles via our partners’ resources on vehicle finance.

Case study snapshots (anonymised)

Courier fleet upgrade: a regional courier replaced five diesel vans with low-emission models using hire purchase — predictable monthly costs and ownership at term-end reduced operating disruption.

Construction firm: financed two tippers via finance lease, keeping balance sheet flexibility and scheduling replacements to match project cycles.

Outcomes vary. These examples illustrate typical uses — your terms will depend on lender assessment.

Vehicle finance FAQs

Is Fast Business Loans a lender?

No. We introduce businesses to lenders and brokers who may provide vehicle finance.

What vehicles can be financed?

Vans, HGVs, minibuses, specialist conversions, refrigerated vehicles, and electric fleets — subject to lender criteria.

How quickly can I get a quote?

After your enquiry you’ll often hear from partners within hours during business hours; full approval times depend on the lender and required documents.

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No — submitting our enquiry does not impact your credit file. Lenders may perform checks later with your consent.

Do I need a deposit?

Some products require a deposit, others do not — it depends on the lender, vehicle and your circumstances.

Are personal guarantees required?

Some lenders request director guarantees for larger facilities; this is determined by the provider and the deal structure.

What documents should I have ready?

Business bank statements, accounts or management accounts, vehicle specification and supplier quote (if purchasing), and ID for directors may be requested.

Ready to start? — get a free eligibility check

Complete a short, secure enquiry and we’ll match your business to specialist vehicle finance brokers and lenders who can discuss options. It’s free and there’s no obligation. Get Started — Free Eligibility Check.

Important disclaimer

Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender or financial advisor. Finance is subject to status, affordability checks and the provider’s terms and conditions. We introduce businesses to third‑party lenders and brokers; those providers set rates, fees and terms. Completing an enquiry does not guarantee approval.