What to expect from your lease vehicle delivery

You've ordered your lease car - here's what to expect from delivery

Whether you're a newbie to leasing or just need a refresher before your next lease car arrives, we're here to help. After all, we're here to put the 'ease' in your next car lease.

We work with numerous dealers across the UK, each with their own delivery process, so what happens next can vary. But fear not - one of our Customer Experience Champions will be with you every step of the way to explain exactly how your vehicle will arrive.

So, what can you expect? Let's break it down.

Before delivery

Before your car arrives, we'll need a few details to make sure delivery day runs as smoothly as possible.

Think of it like prepping for a Deliveroo order (but, you know, for a car). We'll need to know what kind of property the car is being delivered to, whether there are any parking restrictions nearby, and if there's anything else we should flag to the delivery driver.

Got a tricky driveway? Live in a block of flats? Just let us know, and we'll make sure the delivery team is clued up before they set off.

The last thing anyone wants is your driver circling the block like they're trying to find the last parking space in a Tesco car park on a Saturday.

 We also need to know who’s signing for it, so we can be sure we’re handing over to the correct person.

The pre-delivery inspection (PDI) and valet

Before your car leaves the dealership, it'll go through a pre-delivery inspection (PDI) to make sure everything's in prime condition.

This isn't just a quick once-over. They’ll check that all the electrics work, the tyres are properly inflated, fluids are topped up, and everything from the wing mirrors to the boot is functioning exactly as it should.

Once the PDI is complete, your car will get the full spa treatment with a deep clean inside and out.

And of course, who doesn't love that new car smell? It's basically the automotive equivalent of opening a fresh pack of Pringles. Once you pop... well, you know the rest.

Dispatch

When your car's all prepped and ready to roll, it'll be moved to the dealership's dispatch area.

This is where the final touches happen – another wipe down (because you can never be too clean), a last check to make sure everything's perfect, and the all-important quality control sign-off.

Think of it as the backstage area before your car makes its grand entrance to your driveway.

Delivery day: What to expect

Once everything's confirmed and your car is ready, our Customer Experience team will be in touch to arrange a delivery date that works for you.

The dealership will then follow up to finalise the details and make sure any special arrangements you've requested are locked in.

This is the usual process, but some manufacturers manage their own deliveries so you’d be dealing with them directly.

Now, here's the bit everyone asks about: delivery times.

Unfortunately, we can't give you a specific time slot (British traffic has a mind of its own). However, your driver will give you a call when they're a few hours away, so you're not left twiddling your thumbs all day.

Your delivery pack

When your car arrives, you'll receive a delivery pack that includes your delivery note. This is the all-important document that records:

• Your delivery mileage
• The condition of the vehicle
• Details about who received it

Before you sign anything, take your time to inspect the car thoroughly. Walk around it, check for any marks or damage, peer inside, and make sure you're happy with what you see.

This is really important: Anything you're not happy with needs to be noted on the delivery note before you sign. If you spot a scratch, a scuff, or anything that doesn't look right, get it written down. If it's not on the delivery note, it'll be tricky to sort out later.

You'll also want to take a photo of the odometer reading with your phone. This gives you timestamped evidence of your delivery mileage.

The delivery miles accrued during transit won't count towards your mileage allowance, so your contracted mileage officially starts from the reading on the odometer when the keys are handed over.

Getting familiar with your new car

We know how important it is that you feel confident and comfortable with your new wheels before the delivery driver heads off.

Your delivery driver should take the time to walk you through the basics – how to adjust the seats, where the lights are, how to pair your phone, and anything else you're curious about.

If there’s something they’re not sure on (not every driver is a car guru), don't worry. We've got your back. Just give us a call, and we'll point you towards the right support resources.

We have to be honest though: this part is dealership-dependent, and we can't guarantee every driver will offer a tutorial.

But we won't leave you in the dark. If you need help, you can always contact us directly.

Driver return

Once the handover is complete and you've signed the delivery note, the driver will make their way back to their base.

The dealership will arrange their return journey – whether that's via public transport or being collected by a colleague.

You are entitled to take as long as you need to inspect the car, regardless of the driver’s plans to return to their base.

Each handover is a little different

Every dealership has their own process for delivery, but the key steps remain the same: PDI, valet, dispatch, and handover.

What matters most is that you feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. The dealers will work with you to make sure you're happy with everything before you drive off into the sunset (or, more realistically, to Tesco).

And remember – if you spot any issues during delivery, make sure they're noted on the delivery note. Better yet, give us a call while the driver's still with you, and we'll try to help sort things out on the spot.

That's what we're here for – to make sure your leasing experience is as smooth and straightforward as possible.

FAQs for your lease delivery

How does a lease car get delivered?

In most cases, your car will be driven directly to your doorstep by a delivery driver from the dealership.

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 and you've taken a photo of the odometer reading.

Prefer your car to arrive without a single extra mile on the clock? Sometimes we can arrange for a transporter to bring your new wheels instead. Just chat with one of our Customer Experience Champions before everything's finalised, and they'll see what they can do, but it will incur extra costs.

Delivery typically takes place Monday to Friday during normal working hours (8am – 6pm). Weekend delivery may be possible during high-volume months like March and September, depending on dealer availability – just ask your Customer Experience Champion whether a Saturday slot is possible when booking delivery.

We can’t give you an exact window for delivery, but you will be contacted on the day when the delivery agent is about an hour away.

What to check when a lease car is delivered?

This is one of the most important parts of the delivery process, so take your time and don't feel rushed.

Before you sign the delivery note, check:

• Exterior condition – Walk around the car and look for scratches, dents, scuffs, or any paintwork issues
• Interior condition – Check the seats, dashboard, carpets, and trim for marks or damage
• Glass and mirrors – Make sure there are no chips or cracks in the windscreen, windows, or mirrors
• Wheels and tyres – Check for kerb damage, scratches on alloys, and that tyres look in good condition
• Lights and electrics – Test that all lights work (headlights, indicators, brake lights) and check the infotainment system powers on
• Boot and storage areas – Make sure everything's clean and undamaged
• Odometer reading – Take a photo with your phone for timestamped proof of delivery mileage
• Charging cables – If you’ve ordered an EV, double check it has come with charging cables 

Record everything on the delivery note.

If you spot anything you're not happy with – even something small like a tiny scratch – make sure it's written on the delivery note before you sign. If it's not documented at delivery, it'll be difficult to sort out later.

The delivery driver should give you plenty of time to inspect the car thoroughly. Don't feel pressured to rush through this step. It's your right to check everything carefully.

If you spot any issues, you can give us a call while the driver is still with you. We'll help resolve any concerns and make sure everything's documented properly.