Don’t fear fair wear & tear! Vanparison explains why leasing works for tradespeople
Worried about leasing a van because of the Fair Wear and Tear Policy? You shouldn’t be. Leasing gives you the latest vans with modern tech and efficiency at a lower cost. Rather than a large upfront cost, you pay manageable monthly instalments.
The best part? You’re only paying for the van’s value at the end of your contract, after depreciation. At the end of your contract, simply return the van and upgrade. Maximum value, minimum hassle. But what happens when your van inevitably picks up some scrapes along the way? That’s where the Fair Wear and Tear Policy comes in.
Fair wear & tear: what it really means
You’ve probably heard of this policy before, and no, it’s not as scary as it sounds. It’s a set of guidelines that funders follow, outlining what level of wear is considered acceptable when you return your van – and what might incur additional charges. These guidelines protect you too, ensuring transparency and preventing unexpected charges at the end.
A van isn’t just transport; it’s a mobile toolbox, workshop, and sometimes office. Builders, plumbers, electricians—your van is central to your livelihood, which means it’s going to take a few knocks. Worksites aren’t spotless, and neither will your van be. The Fair Wear and Tear Policy acknowledges this.
A few dings from loading materials? Normal. A couple of scratches from tools? Expected. A huge dent from reversing into a bollard? That might cost you. By following the policy, you’ll know exactly what kind of damage is acceptable and what could result in a repair fee, so there are no surprises when you hand the van back.
Ply lining: the built-in armour
Wouldn’t it be handy if your van had built-in protection? Well, it does. When you lease a van, it comes ply lined as standard, adding an extra layer of defence to the inside of your vehicle.
- Heavy tools? No problem. Ply lining prevents internal damage.
- Shifting cargo? Sorted. The lining absorbs impact.
If you’re on a finance lease, keeping wear and tear to a minimum means a better resale value. But we’ll get into this more in the next section. Your van needs to be practical, not pristine—but a bit of protection can go a long way.
Your van, your reputation
On a finance lease? A well-kept van boosts resale value. The better the condition, the more you can get back when the contract ends. But it’s not just about resale. It’s about your business.
Research from Lex Autolease shows nearly nine out of 10 consumers believe tradespeople should care more about their vans. 63% of customers said poor van condition would stop them from rehiring, while 40% associate neglected vans with bad service or being “ripped off.”
On the other hand, a well-maintained van signals reliability, with 38% of customers linking newer vans to professionalism. Your van doesn’t need to be perfect, but a little care goes a long way – for both your reputation and resale value.
Even better? Add sign-writing to your lease van. Why not make the most of your time stuck in traffic by advertising your business? Just make sure it can be safely removed at the end of the lease without causing damage.
Tool storage: more protection, more security
Want extra protection? Consider adding tool storage. Racking keeps everything organised – no more rummaging for that one specific screw mid-job. Plus, keeping everything in place prevents unnecessary damage to your van’s interior (and stops your gear from sliding around every time you turn or brake).
Even better? Tool stores. Security is a big concern when your livelihood is stored in the back of your van. Many tool stores come with built-in locking mechanisms, giving you peace of mind that your expensive kit is safe from prying hands. Just remember that anything installed to your lease van can’t cause permanent damage and must be removed before you hand it back at the end of your contract.
Leasing: the smart choice for tradespeople
We may be biased, but leasing just makes sense—especially for your business. Here’s why:
- Lower upfront costs – Free up cash for your business.
- Latest vans with cutting-edge tech & security – Stay ahead of the game.
- Tax benefits – Many businesses can reclaim VAT on lease payments.
Vans are built to work hard. Just like you. They’re tough, durable, and made to withstand the demands of the job. And so is the Fair Wear and Tear Policy. So, whether you’re navigating a muddy site, transporting heavy tools, or just going about your daily graft, leasing lets you focus on the job at hand—without sweating the small stuff. Because let’s face it, builders are businessmen too.
For more information on any of the issues covered in this article use the appropriate link below:
BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Guide | Wear and tear guide | Carparison
6 top tips for sign writing a lease van | Vanparison
The Best Accessories to Add Your Van Lease | Vanparison
10 ways to keep your van safe and secure | Vanparison
