Fixed Monthly Maintenance for Complete Peace of Mind
Running a business vehicle involves far more than simply paying the monthly lease rental. Every vehicle will require regular servicing, replacement tyres, routine maintenance and, occasionally, unexpected repairs. While these costs are part of vehicle ownership and leasing, they can be difficult to predict and budget for, particularly for businesses operating multiple vehicles or covering high annual mileages.
A Vehicle Maintenance Package allows you to spread many of these costs into one fixed monthly payment alongside your lease agreement. Rather than worrying about unexpected repair invoices or arranging servicing yourself, your maintenance provider manages much of the process on your behalf through an approved network of repairers.
Whether you're leasing a company car, a commercial van or an entire fleet, adding maintenance can help simplify vehicle management, improve budgeting and reduce the risk of unexpected running costs throughout your agreement.
At Commercial Vehicle Contracts, we offer both maintained and non-maintained lease options, allowing you to choose the solution that best suits your business.
What Is a Vehicle Maintenance Package?
A Vehicle Maintenance Package is an optional service that can be added to many Business Contract Hire (BCH) and Finance Lease agreements.
Instead of paying separately whenever your vehicle needs servicing, replacement tyres or mechanical repairs caused by normal wear and tear, these costs are covered by a fixed monthly maintenance fee.
This type of agreement is commonly referred to as a Funder Maintained Lease because the finance provider arranges and pays for the approved maintenance work covered under your agreement.
For many businesses, this removes much of the uncertainty surrounding vehicle running costs, making budgeting simpler while helping to ensure vehicles remain safe, reliable and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's servicing schedule.
If you decide not to include maintenance, your agreement becomes a Customer Maintained Lease, meaning you're responsible for arranging and paying for all servicing, maintenance and repairs yourself.
Business Contract Hire vs Finance Lease agreements
For UK limited companies, Business Contract Hire (BCH) and Finance Lease are the most popular options:
- Business Contract Hire – Fixed monthly payments; return the van at the end of the contract with no further obligations.
- Finance Lease – Lower monthly payments; at the end of the term, you sell the vehicle to a third party and use the proceeds to pay the balloon payment. If the vehicle sells for more than the balloon payment, your business keeps the difference.
Both options allow your company to drive a new van without ownership, but the key difference is the handling at the end of the lease.
Why Choose a Maintained Lease?
Unexpected repair costs can quickly disrupt both your budget and your business operations.
A punctured tyre, worn brake components or an unexpected mechanical fault can result in significant bills, particularly if your vehicles cover high annual mileages.
By choosing a maintained lease, many of these costs are included within one predictable monthly payment, helping businesses avoid large one-off repair invoices.
Maintenance also reduces the administrative burden of managing vehicle servicing, allowing you to focus on running your business while experienced maintenance providers coordinate much of the work.
Whether you operate a single company vehicle or manage an entire fleet, maintenance can provide valuable reassurance that your vehicles are being looked after professionally throughout the lease.
What's Included in a Vehicle Maintenance Package?
While exact cover may vary slightly depending on your finance provider, a maintained lease typically includes the following.
Manufacturer-Recommended Servicing
Regular servicing is one of the most important aspects of vehicle maintenance.
Your vehicle will be serviced according to the manufacturer's recommended service intervals, based on either time or mileage. This helps maximise reliability, maintain performance and ensure servicing requirements are met throughout your lease.
Keeping your vehicle correctly serviced also helps preserve the manufacturer's warranty where applicable.
MOT Testing
If your lease runs long enough for your vehicle to require an MOT, the cost of the test is included within the maintenance agreement.
The MOT helps ensure your vehicle continues to meet the UK's legal roadworthiness and safety standards.
Mechanical Repairs
Maintenance packages generally cover repairs resulting from normal mechanical wear and tear.
This may include repairs or replacement of components such as braking systems, suspension parts, steering components and many other mechanical items that naturally wear over time during everyday use.
Because repairs are carried out through approved repair centres, you can have confidence that work is completed to a high professional standard using appropriate replacement parts.
Tyre Replacement
Tyres are one of the most common maintenance costs for both cars and commercial vehicles.
Your maintenance agreement typically includes replacement tyres when required due to fair wear or accidental damage, subject to your maintenance provider's terms and conditions.
Approved suppliers generally fit premium or equivalent quality tyres suitable for your vehicle.
Tyres are normally replaced once the tread reaches approximately 2mm across the central three-quarters of the tread width, providing an additional safety margin above the UK legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm.
Regular tyre inspections also help maintain optimum fuel efficiency, vehicle handling and braking performance.
Battery Replacement
Vehicle batteries naturally deteriorate over time.
Should your battery require replacement due to normal wear during your lease, it is typically covered under the maintenance agreement.
Exhaust Repairs
For petrol and diesel vehicles, exhaust systems are generally included where repairs or replacement become necessary due to normal wear and tear.
Breakdown Assistance
Many maintained lease agreements include comprehensive roadside assistance.
Where possible, roadside technicians will attempt to repair the vehicle immediately to get you back on your journey. If this isn't possible, recovery arrangements will be made to an approved repair centre.
For businesses that rely heavily on their vehicles every day, this support can prove invaluable in reducing disruption.
Road Tax
Vehicle Excise Duty (Road Tax) is included throughout your lease agreement, so you won't need to arrange annual renewals yourself.
Optional Replacement Vehicle
Some maintenance providers offer the option of a temporary replacement vehicle while your leased vehicle is being repaired or serviced.
Availability varies between providers and may be available for an additional monthly charge, depending on your agreement.
If minimising vehicle downtime is essential for your business, it's worth discussing this option before your lease begins.
What's Not Included?
Vehicle maintenance packages are designed to cover routine servicing and repairs arising from normal use.
However, there are certain situations and items that are not normally covered.
These typically include:
- Accident damage
- Driver negligence or misuse
- Deliberate damage or vandalism
- Theft or stolen items
- Missing accessories or vehicle equipment
- Glass and windscreen replacement
- Fuel contamination or misfuelling
- Lubricant and fluid top-ups between scheduled services, including AdBlue® where applicable
- Cosmetic damage outside normal fair wear and tear guidelines
If you're ever unsure whether a repair is covered, your maintenance provider will be able to advise before any work is carried out.
Maintained Lease vs Customer Maintained Lease
When arranging your business lease, you'll normally be offered two maintenance options.
Funder Maintained Lease
With a funder-maintained agreement, your monthly payment includes the cost of routine servicing, maintenance and many repairs caused by normal wear and tear.
This option gives businesses greater certainty over their running costs while reducing administration and helping to minimise unexpected repair bills.
Many fleet operators choose maintained agreements because they simplify vehicle management across multiple vehicles.
Customer Maintained Lease
With a customer-maintained agreement, your lease rental covers the vehicle itself together with Road Tax.
You remain responsible for arranging and paying for:
- Routine servicing
- MOT testing
- Replacement tyres
- Mechanical repairs
- General maintenance
- Unexpected repair costs
- Breakdown expenses where applicable
Some businesses prefer this option because they operate their own workshops, have negotiated servicing agreements or simply prefer to manage maintenance independently.
While the monthly lease rental is usually lower, it's important to budget for future servicing and repair costs yourself.
| Feature | Maintained Lease | Customer Maintained Lease |
|---|---|---|
| Routine Servicing | ✓ Included | ✗ Customer Pays |
| MOT Tests | ✓ Included | ✗ Customer Pays |
| Tyre Replacement | ✓ Included (subject to terms) | ✗ Customer Pays |
| Mechanical Repairs | ✓ Covered (wear and tear) | ✗ Customer Pays |
| Breakdown Assistance | ✓ Usually Included | Depends on your own cover |
| Monthly Cost | Slightly Higher | Lower |
| Unexpected Repair Bills | Reduced | Customer Responsible |
| Budgeting | Fixed Monthly Costs | Variable Running Costs |
How Does a Maintained Lease Work?
The process is designed to be as straightforward as possible.
Once your lease begins, you'll receive details of your maintenance provider together with contact information for arranging servicing and repairs.
Whenever your vehicle requires scheduled servicing, maintenance or an approved repair:
- Contact the maintenance provider.
- They'll arrange an appointment with an authorised repair centre or dealership.
- The vehicle will be inspected.
- Any approved work covered by your agreement will be authorised.
- Once completed, you'll simply collect your vehicle and continue your journey.
Using approved repairers helps ensure repairs are carried out to manufacturer standards while maintaining your vehicle's service history.
Does a Maintenance Package Replace the Manufacturer's Warranty?
No.
A maintenance package and a manufacturer's warranty are two separate forms of protection that work alongside each other.
A maintenance package covers routine servicing, maintenance and many repairs resulting from normal wear and tear throughout your lease.
A manufacturer's warranty, however, protects against defects in materials or workmanship that arise during the warranty period.
The monthly cost of a maintenance package varies depending on several factors.
These include:
- Vehicle type
- Manufacturer
- Annual mileage
- Length of the lease
- Expected wear and tear
- Tyre usage
- Vehicle size and weight
For example, a large commercial van covering 30,000 miles per year will generally require more tyres, servicing and maintenance than a small company car travelling 8,000 miles annually.
Longer lease agreements will also naturally include additional servicing requirements.
For this reason, maintenance costs are calculated individually for every quotation.
At Commercial Vehicle Contracts, we'll always provide quotations both with and without maintenance, allowing you to compare the monthly costs before making your decision.
Is a Vehicle Maintenance Package Worth It?
For many businesses, the answer is yes.
While adding a maintenance package will increase your monthly lease payment slightly, it can provide valuable protection against many of the costs associated with running a vehicle.
Servicing, replacement tyres and mechanical repairs can quickly become expensive if you're paying for them individually. By spreading these costs into one fixed monthly payment, you'll know exactly what your maintenance costs are for the duration of your agreement, making budgeting far easier.
A maintained lease is particularly popular with businesses that:
- Operate company cars or commercial vans on a daily basis
- Cover higher annual mileages
- Manage multiple vehicles or entire fleets
- Want predictable monthly motoring costs
- Prefer to avoid unexpected repair invoices
- Don't have the time or resources to organise vehicle servicing themselves
For businesses that rely on their vehicles to generate income, reducing the risk of unexpected downtime can often outweigh the additional monthly cost of maintenance.
Vehicle Maintenance for Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles generally require less routine maintenance than petrol or diesel vehicles because they have fewer moving parts.
For example, electric vehicles don't require oil changes, timing belts or exhaust systems, and regenerative braking can reduce wear on brake components.
However, electric vehicles still require regular servicing to ensure they remain safe, reliable and operate efficiently.
Depending on the manufacturer, routine servicing may include inspections of:
- High-voltage electrical systems
- Battery cooling systems
- Suspension components
- Steering systems
- Brake components
- Tyres
- Cabin filters
- Air conditioning systems
- Windscreen wipers and washer systems
As more businesses transition towards electric vehicles, maintenance packages continue to provide a convenient way of managing these ongoing servicing requirements while helping businesses plan their vehicle operating costs more effectively.
Common Vehicle Repairs Covered by Maintenance
Every vehicle experiences normal wear over time.
Although exact cover varies between finance providers, maintenance agreements commonly include repairs or replacement of components that naturally wear during everyday driving.
These may include:
- Brake pads
- Brake discs
- Brake shoes
- Suspension components
- Shock absorbers
- Steering components
- Wheel bearings
- Vehicle batteries
- Exhaust components (where applicable)
- Drive belts
- Replacement tyres
- Mechanical wear-and-tear repairs
By covering many of these items, a maintained lease helps reduce the likelihood of unexpected repair bills during your agreement.
Benefits of a Maintained Lease
Choosing a maintained lease offers much more than simply paying for servicing.
It provides businesses with greater financial certainty while reducing administration and helping keep vehicles operating at their best.
Fixed Monthly Costs
One of the biggest advantages is predictable budgeting.
Instead of worrying about large servicing invoices or expensive replacement tyres, maintenance costs are spread across fixed monthly payments alongside your lease rental.
This makes financial planning much simpler, particularly for businesses operating several vehicles.
Protection Against Unexpected Repair Bills
Unexpected repairs can occur at any time.
Replacing tyres, brake components or vehicle batteries can quickly become costly if you're paying for each repair individually.
A maintenance package helps protect your business from many of these unexpected expenses by including eligible repairs within your agreement.
Reduced Administrative Burden
Managing vehicle servicing, repairs and maintenance appointments takes time.
With a maintained agreement, much of this administration is handled through the maintenance provider's approved network, allowing you to spend less time organising repairs and more time focusing on your business.
Professional Repairs by Approved Technicians
Your vehicle will be serviced and repaired by trained technicians using approved repair centres.
This helps ensure work is completed to a high standard while following manufacturer servicing requirements.
Reduced Vehicle Downtime
Well-maintained vehicles are less likely to experience unexpected mechanical problems.
Regular servicing also helps identify potential issues before they become more serious, reducing the likelihood of lengthy repairs that could affect your business operations.
Better Fleet Management
For businesses operating multiple vehicles, maintenance packages simplify fleet management considerably.
Instead of managing separate servicing schedules and repair invoices for every vehicle, maintenance is consolidated into one predictable monthly cost, making budgeting and administration far easier.
Improved Vehicle Reliability
Routine servicing helps ensure your vehicle continues operating safely and efficiently throughout your lease.
Maintaining your vehicle according to the manufacturer's servicing schedule can also help maximise performance, improve fuel efficiency and reduce unnecessary wear on key components.
Potential VAT Benefits
If you're VAT registered and use your vehicles for business purposes, you may be able to reclaim 100% of the VAT charged on the maintenance element of your lease agreement, subject to HMRC rules and your individual tax circumstances.
As tax rules vary depending on how vehicles are used, we always recommend seeking professional accounting advice if you're unsure about your eligibility.
Maintained Lease vs Paying for Repairs Yourself
Some businesses choose to arrange servicing and repairs independently.
While this can result in a slightly lower monthly lease payment, it's important to remember that you're also taking on all future maintenance costs yourself.
If your vehicle requires replacement tyres, brake repairs or other mechanical work during the agreement, you'll need to pay these costs as they arise.
A maintained lease spreads many of these costs into manageable monthly payments, helping businesses avoid unexpected financial surprises while making budgeting much easier.
Ultimately, the right option depends on how your business operates, your annual mileage and whether you prefer fixed monthly costs or greater flexibility.
Maintenance vs Warranty: The key differences
| Feature | Maintenance Package | Manufacturer Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Covers wear & tear? | ✔ Yes | ✘ No |
| Covers manufacturing defects? | ✔ Sometimes (depending on fault) | ✔ Yes |
| Includes tyres? | ✔ Yes (premium brand replacements) | ✘ No |
| Includes MOT? | ✔ Yes | ✘ No |
| Includes servicing? | ✔ Yes | ✘ No |
| Breakdown cover? | ✔ Often included | ✔ Usually included |
| Costs | Monthly fee | Included in vehicle price |
| Duration | Duration of lease | Typically 3–5 years |
| Responsibility for booking? | Shared | Driver |
Why Businesses Choose Commercial Vehicle Contracts
At Commercial Vehicle Contracts, we understand that every business has different vehicle requirements.
With more than 25 years of industry experience, FCA authorisation, BVRLA membership and a 4.9-star Trustpilot rating, we've helped businesses across the UK find the right vehicle leasing solution with honest advice and outstanding customer service.
Whether you're leasing a single company car, a commercial van or managing an entire fleet, we'll help you choose the most suitable agreement for your needs.
When you lease with us, you'll benefit from:
-
- Competitive business lease prices
- Optional vehicle maintenance packages
- Flexible contract lengths and annual mileage options
- Nationwide mainland UK delivery
- Road Tax included
- A seamless, all-inclusive service: Our lease process is designed to be straightforward, saving you both time and money. We manage everything to get you driving your new van quickly and efficiently.
-
- 24/7 customer portal: Manage your lease easily online, track orders, check vehicle details, and contact your account manager anytime.
-
- Dedicated account management: Expert support throughout your lease term.
-
- Tax efficiency: VAT reclaim and capital allowance benefits.
-
- Bespoke customisation: Tailored vehicle conversions designed to suit your exact business needs.
-
- Expert craftsmanship and conversions: High-quality builds using durable materials for long-lasting performance.
As proud members of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), we uphold the highest standards of service and professionalism. Plus, with our Price Promise, you can be confident you’re getting the best deal available. Rest assured, we are also authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), ensuring transparency and trust in every transaction.
We'll always provide transparent quotations with and without maintenance, allowing you to compare your options and make an informed decision.
Our goal is simple: to make business vehicle leasing as straightforward, cost-effective and hassle-free as possible.
Need professional guidance?
Ready to enhance your business with a brand-new company car or fleet vehicle? Don't hesitate. Our team is standing by to answer all your questions and help you find the perfect plan for your needs.
