It's time for a well-deserved break, and you're all set for an overseas trip. But, there's a lingering question: Can you take your leased vehicle abroad? The straightforward answer is yes! This comprehensive guide will delve into the details to prepare you for your journey, ensuring you have all the necessary paperwork and knowledge to hit foreign roads with your leased car.
The Intricacies of Leasing and Travelling
Leasing a vehicle has its perks, but it also comes with certain restrictions, especially when you're planning to drive it outside the country. The car you're driving is owned by the finance company, not you, which means you need to get their approval before crossing borders.
Essential Documents for Driving Abroad with a Leased Car
When you venture out of your home country with your leased vehicle, you must have specific paperwork in order. This documentation serves as proof that you're authorised to take the vehicle abroad, and it replaces the original vehicle documentation, which is with the finance company.
VE103 Certificate
The VE103 certificate is the key document you need when driving a leased car abroad. It provides proof that the vehicle can be taken outside the UK.
VE103B Certificate
A VE103B certificate is a crucial document that replaces the original vehicle documentation like the logbook when travelling abroad.
Procuring the VE103 and VE103B Certificates
You can get the VE103B certificate by contacting your finance company. Once requested, the certificate is valid for a total of 12 months, covering overseas travel at any point during that time.
As for the VE103 certificate, you can get it from one of the following:
Requesting Your Certificates
Start the process of requesting your VE103 certificate and letter of authorisation at least 14 days before your intended travel date. Your finance company will likely ask for the following details:
- Your name
- Contact number
- UK address (as displayed on driving licence)
- Departure date from the UK and return date
- Names of any additional drivers on your trip
- Countries to be visited
Keep in mind that charges might apply, as most finance companies charge a fee for providing a VE103 certificate and any associated cover. However, the cost is usually no more than £15.
Duration of the Trip Abroad with a Leased Car
While the VE103 certificate is valid for 12 months, different finance companies may have different restrictions on the amount of time you can drive abroad during that period. Therefore, even if you're covered for 12 months, you might be allowed to take your leased car out of the country for only 60 days within that timeframe. It's best to check with your provider and review your contract for any travel restrictions.
Leased Vehicle Abroad for Business
You're free to take your leased vehicle abroad for business reasons, provided you have the right documentation.
Insurance and Breakdown Cover
Before you head off, ensure you have adequate car insurance coverage for driving abroad. Some finance companies might provide their insurance coverage. Otherwise, you need to contact your insurance provider and check that driving abroad is covered under your policy.
Breakdown cover is another essential. Check if your existing breakdown cover extends to countries outside the UK. If not, arrange for it for the duration of your trip.
The Importance of a UK/GB Sticker
Until 28 September 2021, it was mandatory to have a GB sticker on your car when driving abroad. This has now changed to a UK sticker. This sticker identifies you as a UK driver, and you'll need to display one on your car when travelling abroad (except for the Republic of Ireland).
Country-Specific Requirements for Driving Abroad
Several European countries have their driving laws and guidelines. Make sure to familiarise yourself with the rules of the country you're visiting.
For instance, France requires you to have a high-vis jacket, warning triangle, clean air sticker, breathalyser, and winter tyres (if travelling in winter). On the other hand, Spain requires a UK driving licence, proof of ID (e.g., passport), reflective jackets, VE105B, insurance certificate, headlamp beam deflectors, and two warning triangles. In contrast, the Netherlands requires only headlamp converters and a warning triangle.
Preparing Your Vehicle for a Trip Abroad
Before embarking on your journey, make sure your vehicle is in top-notch condition. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
- Ensure you have enough fuel and money for fuel to reach your destination(s) and know where fuel stations are located en route.
- Check that your oil levels are topped up before you leave.
- Verify that your water levels are okay, and top up your windscreen washer with fluid.
- Make sure all the lights, radio, etc., are working. The country you're travelling to might require you to take a full set of replacement bulbs.
- Check your sat nav is up and running, and input any necessary routes that you know you're going to be driving on.
- Check your tyres' condition, the tread depth, and that they're inflated to the correct level.
Conclusion
With all this information at your disposal, you're more than prepared to take your leased car abroad. Just remember to sort out the paperwork at least two weeks before your trip to give yourself plenty of time.
FAQs
How long can you take a lease car abroad?
Your VE103 form is valid for 12 months. However, your leasing provider might have restrictions on how long you can drive abroad within that timeframe.
Can you take a leased car abroad in the UK?
Absolutely, but you'll need to sort out the correct paperwork first, especially as you don't own the car.