Whether you’re new to salary sacrifice, company cars or leasing in general, we’ve compiled these helpful 5 checks to carry out when you receive your vehicle.
Before getting your salary sacrifice car there are other checks you should make; be sure to understand the scheme, your responsibilities and ensure it’s financially viable for you. Make sure you understand any implications, financial or otherwise, that the scheme may have for you. This article, however, focuses on the 5 checks you need to make upon receiving your vehicle which are as follows:
1. Check registration and specification
Make sure the registration matches the one you’re expecting and that the spec of the car plus additional products and features are all as anticipated and agreed.
2. Check vehicle condition
Review the car thoroughly for damage on both the exterior and interior before signing the handover documents, including:
- Paintwork for dents, scratches or chips.
- Glass for cracks or stone chips.
- Wheels for cracks or bulges, alloy scruffs or dents.
- Light functionality.
- Warning lights.
- Seats and upholstery for scratches, stains or tears.
- Dash and panelling for scratches.
- Infotainment system operation.
- Electronic window functionality.
As part of the vehicle inspection, you might also want to check that you know where the essential controls are and how they operate in your new car. Ensure any damage is noted on the delivery paperwork as once you sign for the vehicle the dealership can no longer accept any liability for damage.
3. Check delivery mileage
The delivery driver should make a note of the delivery mileage on the handover paperwork, however you might also want to check this is accurate and also make a note of this for your own records. This’ll help you keep track of where you are in your mileage allowance during the lease.
4. Check handover documents
The delivery driver will need you to complete the handover documents, add any necessary comments ensuring any damage is documented, and that the delivery mileage is correct. These documents can be paper documents or electronic. Your funder will receive a copy, so make sure it’s as accurate as possible.
5. Check payment dates
Even before delivery you should already be aware of the payment schedule. Your initial rental payment is usually taken within 2 weeks of delivery (if it’s not paid beforehand) then the regular monthly payments will usually be taken a month after delivery, unless otherwise specified. However once you’ve received the vehicle and your lease is live on the funder’s system, the exact payment dates will be able to be confirmed so make a note of when to expect them so you can manage your finances accordingly.
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