Vehicle finance for UK businesses: compare trusted funding options fast

Summary: If your company needs vans, HGVs, specialist vehicles or a fleet upgrade, Fast Business Loans connects you—fast and free—to experienced vehicle finance brokers and lenders who specialise in commercial vehicle funding. We’re an introducer, not a lender: submit a short enquiry and we’ll match your business to the best providers for your situation. Submitting an enquiry won’t affect your credit score. Get Started – Free Eligibility Check.

How Fast Business Loans helps you secure vehicle finance

Fast Business Loans connects UK limited companies and SMEs seeking vehicle finance with specialist brokers and lenders. We do not lend money or give regulated financial advice. Instead, we:

• Match your enquiry to lenders and brokers who specialise in commercial vehicle funding (vans, HGVs, minibuses, plant and specialist vehicles).
• Provide a fast, free and no‑obligation eligibility check so you can compare options quickly.
• Arrange for selected partners to contact you with tailored quotes and next steps—saving you time and repeated paperwork.

Get Started – Free Eligibility Check

What is business vehicle finance and why it matters

Business vehicle finance is a way to acquire or refinance commercial vehicles without tying up large amounts of working capital. Common structures include hire purchase (HP), finance lease, operating lease/contract hire and fleet refinancing. Each serves different needs—ownership, short-term use, balance sheet treatment and tax/VAT treatment vary by product.

Use cases:

• One-off van purchase to replace an aging vehicle
• Large fleet upgrade: new HGVs, minibuses or specialised delivery vehicles
• Refinancing existing fleet to free up capital
• Financing electric vans or specialist plant for sustainability upgrades

Important: this page is for information only and does not constitute financial advice. Fast Business Loans acts as an introducer to brokers and lenders.

Check your options in under 2 minutes

Vehicle finance options available through our broker network

Hire Purchase & Finance Lease

Hire Purchase (HP) lets you own the vehicle after making agreed payments and any final optional balloon payment. Finance lease is similar but legal ownership stays with the funder; you get the economic benefits. Suits businesses that want eventual ownership or predictable monthly payments. Typical deposit: 0–20% depending on credit and vehicle. VAT treatment varies—often VAT is reclaimable for VAT‑registered businesses.

Operating Lease & Contract Hire

Operating leases and contract hire are rental-style agreements where the funder retains ownership and the business pays a monthly rental for the contract term. Ideal for businesses prioritising off‑balance-sheet usage, fixed monthly costs and fleet management. Mileage and maintenance packages are common—check excess mileage charges.

Refinance & Equity Release on Existing Fleets

Refinancing existing vehicle finance or releasing equity from owned fleets can free working capital quickly. This option suits businesses looking to consolidate finance, reduce monthly payments or fund growth without new lending. Terms and eligibility vary widely by lender.

Note: Specific product features, rates and terms are set by lenders. The examples above are illustrative only.

Who we work with: industries & vehicle types

We connect businesses across a broad range of industries to vehicle finance specialists. Typical sectors include transport & logistics, construction, facilities services, retail delivery, catering, utilities and field services.

Vehicle types we regularly help finance:

• Small and medium vans (panel vans, LWB, SWB)
• Large commercial vehicles and HGVs
• Specialist vehicles (tippers, refrigerated units, refuse vehicles)
• Minibuses and passenger transport
• Electric and low-emission commercial vehicles
• Plant and light construction equipment (when financed alongside vehicles)

Eligibility snapshot: what lenders typically look for

Each lender has different criteria, but common factors include:

• Minimum transaction value: typically £10,000 and above.
• Trading history and company turnover—many lenders prefer established SMEs, though some panel lenders consider newer businesses with strong projections.
• Credit profile for the business and directors; commercial credit checks can apply later in the process.
• Vehicle type, age and intended use—newer vehicles attract better rates.
• Deposit or initial rental level and proposed term.

Submitting an enquiry here will not affect your credit score. Partner lenders may perform credit checks if you decide to proceed with an application. Free Eligibility Check – No Credit Footprint

Step-by-step: from enquiry to keys

1. Submit a short enquiry form with basic business details and vehicle requirements (under 2 minutes).
2. We match your enquiry to the most suitable brokers or lenders on our panel and arrange initial contact—typically within hours during business days.
3. The broker/lender discusses options, requests documentation (see examples below), and provides indicative quotes.
4. Choose an option and consent to any lender credit checks; formal approval and finance documents are issued.
5. Payout and delivery: once paperwork is signed and conditions met, funding is released and you take possession as agreed.

Typical timelines: initial broker contact within hours; formal approval and payout commonly from 48 hours up to 7–14 days depending on vehicle sourcing, valuations and paperwork.

Common documents lenders request: company accounts, VAT returns, bank statements, proof of identity for directors, vehicle quotation/invoice, and mileage history for used fleets.

Costs, rates and repayment factors explained

Rates are influenced by many variables:

• Vehicle age and residual value (new vehicles usually get better rates).
• Loan-to-value and deposit amount.
• Term length—longer terms reduce monthly payments but can increase overall cost.
• Credit profile of the business and directors.
• Asset class—specialist or high-risk vehicles can attract higher pricing.

Illustrative ranges (for guidance only): APR or equivalent finance costs vary widely—compare quotes. Deposit expectations often range from 0–20% depending on lender and risk. Always review the full finance illustration; lender terms prevail.

Benefits of using an introducer vs going direct

Using Fast Business Loans to connect with specialist brokers can save time and increase the likelihood of a suitable match:

• Access to specialist panels who understand your sector and vehicle type.
• Faster matching—one short form connects you to multiple relevant providers.
• Less time filling repeated forms; brokers handle detailed paperwork and negotiations.
• Improved chance of tailored terms from lenders who focus on commercial vehicle finance.

Submitting an enquiry is free and carries no obligation. Request Your Broker Match

EV and low-emission vehicle finance

Electric vans and low-emission vehicles are increasingly important for fleets. Many lenders and brokers on our panel offer specialist EV finance products and can advise on:

• Total cost of ownership comparisons (fuel vs electricity, maintenance savings)
• Available grants or incentives and VAT considerations
• Funding for chargers alongside vehicles

Brokers can highlight lenders experienced in EV residual values and provide options designed to future‑proof your fleet.

Client success snapshots

Example anonymised outcomes (illustrative):

• Logistics company replaced 12 diesel vans with EVs using an operating lease with maintenance included—monthly cost predictable and lower running costs.
• Construction firm refinanced a mixed fleet to release working capital for a contract—single consolidated monthly payment improved cashflow.

These examples illustrate how matching to the right lender or broker can deliver practical business benefits. Results will vary by circumstance.

Your responsibilities & fair treatment

As a borrower you should:

• Provide accurate information in your enquiry and to any lender or broker.
• Understand affordability, terms and potential consequences of missed payments (including vehicle repossession).
• Ask questions and request full finance illustrations before committing.

Our partners are expected to treat customers fairly and transparently. If you need further independent advice, consider consulting a suitably qualified advisor.

Start your vehicle finance enquiry

Ready to compare options? Complete a short enquiry and we’ll match you to the best lenders and brokers for your business needs. It takes less than two minutes and won’t affect your credit score. Get Quote Now

Frequently asked questions

Are you a lender or broker?

No. Fast Business Loans is an introducer that matches businesses with specialist vehicle finance brokers and lenders. We do not provide lending or regulated financial advice.

How fast can I get vehicle finance approval?

Initial contact is often within a few hours. Formal approval and payout depend on lender checks, vehicle sourcing and documentation; many cases complete in 48 hours–10 days, though complex fleets may take longer.

Can businesses with credit blips apply?

Yes. Because we match you to multiple brokers and lenders, some providers specialise in non-standard credit. Submit an enquiry to see which partners might consider your case.

Do I need a deposit for vehicle finance?

Deposit requirements vary by product and lender—some offers require no deposit, others may request up to 20% or more for certain vehicles. Your broker will explain options and trade-offs.

What documents will lenders ask for?

Typical requests: company accounts, bank statements, proof of ID for directors, vehicle quotes, and VAT registration details if applicable.

Can I finance electric vehicles or specialist plant?

Yes. Many panel lenders specialise in EVs and specialist plant finance. Brokers can also advise on grants and residual value assumptions for EVs.

Will my enquiry impact my credit score?

No—submitting an enquiry through Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lender credit checks may be run later with your permission.

How do repayments work and what happens at term end?

Repayments depend on the product: HP may end with ownership after final payment; leases typically return the vehicle unless a purchase option is agreed. Always confirm the contract end options before signing.

Are there mileage or usage restrictions?

Operating leases and some contract hire agreements often include mileage limits and wear-and-tear policies. Check contract terms for excess mileage charges.

What fees should I be aware of?

Possible fees include administration, documentation, early settlement charges and maintenance staff costs if included in the contract. Brokers will present the finance illustration showing fees.

Disclaimer & transparency statement

Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects UK businesses with lenders and brokers. We do not provide lending or regulated financial advice. Information on this page is for guidance only; lender terms and eligibility will vary. Submitting an enquiry does not constitute an application and will not affect your credit score. For full company and complaints information, please contact our support team.

Useful link: Learn more about our vehicle funding services and how they work at our dedicated vehicle finance information page: vehicle finance.

Get Started – Free Eligibility Check

Content produced by the Vehicle Finance Specialist Team – Fast Business Loans. Last updated: 2025-11-02. For support call our team or email support@fastbusinessloans.net.

– What types of vehicle finance can you help me compare?
We match UK businesses to brokers and lenders for hire purchase (HP), finance lease, operating lease/contract hire, and fleet refinance/equity release.

– Are you a lender and is my enquiry an application?
Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender, and your enquiry is simply to match you with suitable providers—not a finance application.

– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No, our free eligibility check leaves no credit footprint, and lenders only run checks later if you choose to proceed.

– How quickly can I get vehicle finance approved and funded?
You’ll typically hear from a broker within hours, with many approvals and payouts completed in 48 hours to 10 days (complex fleets may take longer).

– What’s the minimum finance amount and do you work with start-ups?
Most vehicle finance starts from around £10,000, with established SMEs preferred but some panel lenders considering newer businesses.

– Do I need a deposit, and how much?
Deposit requirements vary by lender and product, ranging from 0% to around 20% depending on risk and vehicle type.

– Can I finance electric vans, HGVs or specialist vehicles?
Yes—our panel covers EVs, HGVs, minibuses and specialist vehicles, and brokers can advise on grants, VAT and residual values.

– What documents will lenders usually need?
Expect requests for company accounts, bank statements, director ID, VAT details (if applicable), and a vehicle quote/invoice.

– What happens at the end of the agreement (HP vs lease)?
With HP you typically own the vehicle after the final payment, while leases usually return the vehicle unless a purchase option is agreed.

– What costs and fees should I expect?
Rates depend on vehicle age, deposit, term and credit profile, and you’ll receive a full illustration showing any admin, documentation, mileage/maintenance and early settlement charges before you commit.