Explore how leasing with maintenance works, what it covers and whether it’s the right choice for you.
Signing up for a car leasing agreement with maintenance can help to add extra peace of mind to your time with a leased vehicle. It’s a fixed cost added to a leasing agreement that can help to cover the cost of routine servicing and maintenance, as well as some other costs.
Getting a maintenance package with a leased car can be a great idea for some drivers, while others might choose an alternative option. Which one could be right for you, though? In this article, we’re going to be looking at everything you need to know about leasing with maintenance.
The two types of vehicle leasing contracts
There are two primary types of vehicle leasing contracts when talking about maintenance. The first is driver-maintained and, as the name suggests, this agreement sees the customer responsible for all servicing, MOTs, replacement tyres and repairs.
The other option is lease provider-maintained. With this option, the leasing company will arrange and pay for various maintenance items, with coverage differing between suppliers.
What is typically included in a maintenance package?
While maintenance packages can differ between leasing providers, there are usually some key areas which are covered by all.
Routine servicing
A maintenance package could include routine servicing. This could be a minor servicing, covering oil changes and the replacement of certain filters. It could also cover a major service which is a more in-depth mechanical check-over that inspects key suspension components for wear, flushes the coolant system and can include checks of belts or timing chains.
The type of service included in your maintenance package will be outlined in your initial leasing agreement, so check this to see what will work for you.
Mechanical repairs/replacements
A maintenance package also covers the replacement of parts when they wear out. This could include standard items such as brake pads and discs, as well as the replacement of oil and other fluids. The replacement of more ‘regular’ items such as windscreen wipers should also be included.
MOT
If your car is over three years old, it’ll also require an MOT each year. This legally required examination makes sure that your car is roadworthy and is conducted by a certified MOT tester. A yearly MOT test will also be included in your maintenance package, though given that an MOT is only required for vehicles over three years old, it’s unlikely that many people leasing a new vehicle will need to worry about this.
Tyres
Tyres are a fundamental part of keeping your car safe and replacing them when damaged or low on tread is essential. In the UK, the legal tread depth limit is 1.6mm, though most specialists recommend changing them well before they hit this point. Maintenance packages will usually cover the cost of replacement tyres.
Breakdown
A maintenance package will usually include breakdown cover so that you can easily get assistance in the event of a mechanical issue. This will traditionally cover the period of the lease, but it may differ between agreements - so make sure that you double-check the details. It may not cover European countries if you plan on taking the vehicle abroad, too, in which instance you’ll have to organise a separate breakdown cover policy.
What is not typically covered?
Some car-related costs are not covered by a lease maintenance package. These can include.
Insurance
Insurance is a core motoring expense but one that isn’t covered by a leasing maintenance agreement. To legally drive a leased vehicle on the road, you’ll need insurance cover, so this will have to be sorted by the driver.
Remember, too, that most leasing providers require a fully comprehensive insurance policy to cover any car that they have issued. It means that drivers won’t be able to simply take out a third-party or lower rate of insurance coverage for the leased car.
Fuel
Fuel costs won’t be covered in a maintenance policy for a leased vehicle. You’ll either have to pay for this yourself or, if the car is being used for business, expense this separately.
AdBlue
AdBlue is an additive for diesel vehicles which helps to reduce emissions. On most diesel vehicles, AdBlue is stored in a separate tank and has to be topped up when it runs low. On average, you can expect to use around 1 litres of AdBlue for every 350 miles travelled.
Vehicles requiring AdBlue will display a warning when it needs topping up and this is something that you’ll need to arrange yourself. AdBlue can be purchased from most petrol stations and auto stores, though some garages will be able to top it up for you if you’re not confident of doing it yourself.
Accidental damage
If you’re involved in an instance of accidental damage - such as a car-park prang or a kerbed alloy wheel - then the leasing provider won’t cover the cost, even if you have a maintenance package in place.
Of course, if it’s a larger incident, then your insurance company will need to be notified, and you’ll have to claim in the usual way.
Glass/windscreens
The replacement of a windscreen or other glass elements of the car isn’t usually covered in a leasing maintenance agreement. However, some insurance companies do include this as part of their cover, so it could be worth checking this when you arrange it.
Missing items
A maintenance agreement won’t cover any items which are lost or left behind during the use of the car. If a break-in or theft has occurred, then you’ll have to contact your insurance provider.
Misuse
A leasing provider won’t cover the costs generated through misuse of a vehicle. This could include parking fines or speeding charges, as well as the cost of putting the wrong fuel in the car.
Is a maintenance package worth the cost?
Though a maintenance package might bring an additional cost to go alongside fuel and insurance, it can be a worthwhile investment for drivers who want a hassle-free leasing experience with additional peace-of-mind.
Conclusion
A lease agreement with a maintenance package could help to take some of worries away from motoring. While it will bring an additional cost, a maintenance package will cover many key motoring expenses and could make the whole leasing experience more relaxing overall.
While a maintenance package will bring an additional cost, it could help to bring added peace-of-mind for a number of key motoring expenses.
Think leasing is for you? Check out our current range of lease deals here at AA Lease.
AA Lease is provided by Wessex Fleet Solutions Limited. AA Financial Services Limited introduces you to Wessex Fleet Solutions Limited and is acting as a credit broker and not a lender. AA Financial Services Limited receives a commission from Wessex Fleet Solutions Limited, which can vary based on the lender and vehicle selected. By placing an order to lease a vehicle, you consent to the commission being paid and acknowledge AA Financial Services Limited is not acting impartially.
Most leasing providers would advise that you take out a maintenance package at the very start of your agreement. While it might be possible to add it later, this could incur additional costs for drawing up a new contract or agreement.
It depends on the leasing provider, so it’s worth checking with them beforehand to see what their policy is on adding maintenance at a later date.
If you need to get your lease car serviced and it has a maintenance package, you’ll need to contact your lease provider. It may have issued a dedicated number to call, or even an online service to help arrange this. From there, you’ll be provided with an approved local mechanic or dealership that will complete the service. Make sure that the car’s service book is stamped upon completion of the work.
If tyres are covered in your maintenance package, then they’ll be replaced for a like-for-like model. Some providers even have a mobile tyre fitting service which can come out to your home and replace the tyre there. However, check your leasing agreement to see what applies to you.