Frequently Asked Questions

Eco-friendly, cost-efficient vans designed for modern, sustainable driving.

Admin & Vehicle Use Admin & Vehicle Use

The practicalities—documents, credit checks, modifications, driving abroad, additional drivers, and general admin.

Can I add racking or ply‑lining to a van?

Usually possible with permission. Permanent modifications may affect return condition or charges - confirm with your broker/funder before fitting.

Can I fit accessories like tow bars, roof racks or signwriting?

Often yes with the funder's written consent. Fitting must be reversible and professionally done. You may have to return the vehicle to standard or pay for rectification.

Can I take the vehicle abroad?

Generally yes with the funder's permission and the right paperwork (e.g., VE103). You'll need insurance valid in the countries you visit.

Can multiple drivers use the vehicle?

Yes, provided they're insured. For business leases, named employees can drive subject to insurance. For personal leases, household or named drivers are allowed if insured.

Can you supply vehicles with adaptations (e.g., hand controls)?

Adaptations are possible on many vehicles, but must be approved by the funder and fitted professionally. Lead times may be longer and costs may apply.

Do you take part-exchange vehicles?

Some brokers will appraise part-exchanges via partners, but it's not always offered. You can sell privately or to a car-buying service if needed.

How do I make a complaint?

Contact the broker first to resolve quickly. If you're unsatisfied, you can escalate in line with their published complaints procedure. Many brokers follow the BVRLA code of conduct and may offer ADR routes.

Is there a cooling‑off period?

Consumer regulated agreements arranged at distance usually include a cooling‑off period. Business agreements often don't. Always read your order and finance documents.

Who is my agreement with - broker or finance company?

Your finance agreement is with the funder (funder). The broker helps source deals and manage your order and support.

Will the vehicle have telematics or be tracked?

Some vehicles and funders use telematics for servicing or compliance. Any tracking must follow privacy law and be disclosed - ask if this matters to you.

Will you run a soft or hard credit search?

Brokers may run an initial soft search with permission; funders usually run a hard search when you proceed. You'll be told before any search is made.

Costs & Payments Costs & Payments

Understand initial rentals, monthly rentals, VAT, maintenance options, and what drives the price you pay.

Are lease rentals tax‑deductible?

For businesses, rentals are typically treated as an allowable expense. Accounting treatment depends on product type and usage - seek professional advice.

Are there admin or processing fees?

Brokers and/or funders may charge documentation or processing fees; these will be disclosed before you order and in your agreement.

Can I include maintenance? What’s covered?

Most funders offer optional maintenance covering servicing, routine wear items (e.g., tyres), and MOTs when applicable. Exact inclusions vary - check your plan.

Can I reclaim VAT on maintenance?

Businesses can usually reclaim 100% of the VAT on qualifying maintenance packages for cars and vans, subject to normal VAT rules.

Can my business reclaim VAT on lease payments?

For cars, businesses can usually reclaim 50% of the VAT on finance rentals if there's any private use (potentially 100% only if exclusively business use). Maintenance VAT is generally 100% reclaimable. Vans used for business can often allow 100% VAT recovery - always check with your accountant.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

Most car lease deals require an initial rental (sometimes called a deposit), but this is flexible and can be adjusted to suit your budget.

Is road tax (VED) included?

On Contract Hire, the funder usually includes VED for the full term (subject to policy). On other products, VED may be your responsibility - check your agreement.

What costs are included in my lease?

Your monthly payments usually cover the cost of the vehicle, manufacturer warranty, and road tax. Optional maintenance packages can be added to cover servicing and tyres.

What determines my monthly rental?

Vehicle price and discount, term length, annual mileage, initial rental, expected residual value, interest rates and whether maintenance is included.

What happens if I can’t make a payment?

Missing payments could result in penalties or repossession of the van. Always contact your lender immediately if you’re struggling to pay.

Electric & Clean Air Zones Electric & Clean Air Zones

Key points for EV and hybrid leasing, charging and range basics, and how ULEZ/CAZ rules may affect you.

Are EVs and hybrids available to lease?

Yes - EVs, hybrids and plug-in hybrids are widely available for both cars and vans. Lead times and grants or incentives can vary over time.

Is there a Plug‑in Van Grant (PIVG)?

Yes - the UK Plug‑in Van & Truck Grant offers a discount on eligible new electric vans and trucks. Grant levels and eligibility may change - your broker/funder can confirm the current position.

What is a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) and will I be charged?

CAZs are areas where high-emission vehicles may be charged. If your vehicle meets the zone's emissions standard you won't be charged. Standards vary by city and vehicle type - check before you travel.

Will my vehicle be charged to enter a Clean Air Zone or ULEZ?

If it meets the zone's minimum emissions standard you won’t be charged. Check your number plate against the specific city's checker before travelling.

Finance Choices Finance Choices

Compare Contract Hire, Finance Lease, Hire Purchase and Lease Purchase, and when each might fit your needs.

Can businesses claim VAT back on van finance?

Yes, depending on the agreement type. Finance leases and operating leases often allow VAT reclaims if the business is VAT-registered.

Can I get van finance with bad credit?

Yes, but you may face higher interest rates and stricter terms.

Is business car leasing tax-efficient?

Yes. Businesses can reclaim VAT and may also benefit from corporation tax savings, particularly when leasing low-emission or electric vehicles.

Is van finance better than buying outright?

It depends. Buying outright avoids interest and fees, but finance spreads the cost and preserves cash flow. Businesses often prefer finance for tax benefits and flexibility.

What is Contract Hire (BCH/PCH)?

Contract Hire is a hire-style agreement with fixed term and mileage. You pay monthly rentals and return the vehicle at the end, subject to mileage and fair wear & tear. Road tax is typically included; maintenance is optional.

What is Hire Purchase (HP)?

HP spreads the cost over fixed payments; once you've paid all instalments (and any option-to-purchase fee), you own the vehicle. There's no mileage limit, but you're responsible for depreciation and resale value.

What is Lease Purchase (LP)?

Lease Purchase is similar to HP but often uses a larger final 'balloon' payment to lower monthly costs. Title usually passes once all payments - including the final balloon - are made.

Which finance product should I choose?

It depends on whether you want ownership at the end (HP/LP) or simply to use and return the vehicle (Contract Hire). For vans, Finance Lease can suit certain commercial use cases. Consider mileage, usage, cashflow and tax treatment, and take independent advice if unsure.

Leasing Basics Leasing Basics

Get a quick overview of how vehicle leasing works, who it suits, and what to expect from your agreement.

Can I get a lease with poor or limited credit history?

It may be possible, but approval isn't guaranteed. Funders assess affordability and credit risk. You may be asked for a higher initial rental or a guarantor. New businesses may need additional documents.

Do I own the car or van on a lease?

On Contract Hire and most lease products you never own the vehicle - the funder owns it. On Finance Lease you don't own it during the term, but you typically dispose of it at the end. On Hire Purchase or Lease Purchase, you usually own the vehicle once all payments (and any balloon) are made.

How long do van finance terms usually last?

Most agreements range from 2 to 5 years.

What contract lengths are available?

Typical terms are 24-60 months. Shorter or longer terms can exist but are less common. Availability can depend on the funder and vehicle.

What documents are needed for a business application?

Typically: company details, director/partner details, bank details, ID (e.g., passport/driver's licence), and sometimes recent accounts or bank statements. Sole traders may need proof of address and trading history.

What documents are needed for a personal application?

Usually: full name and address history, employment and income details, bank details, and ID (e.g., driving licence). Funders may run affordability checks.

What is 'initial rental' or 'deposit'?

It’s the first payment on your lease, often shown as a multiple of the monthly rental (e.g., 3, 6 or 9 months). It’s not a refundable deposit and forms part of the total cost.

What is vehicle leasing and how does it work?

Leasing lets you use a new or nearly-new vehicle for a fixed term and mileage in exchange for monthly rentals. You don't own the vehicle (except with ownership-style products like Hire Purchase). At the end of a hire-style lease you usually return the vehicle, subject to mileage and fair wear & tear. Maintenance can be added as an optional package.

What’s the difference between business and personal leasing?

Business leasing is for companies, sole traders and partnerships and is priced excluding VAT (which may be reclaimable subject to rules). Personal leasing is for private individuals and includes VAT in the quoted rentals.

What’s the difference between stock and factory-order vehicles?

Stock vehicles exist in the UK and can arrive quickly, though options are fixed. Factory orders are built to spec but take longer and may be subject to manufacturer lead-time changes.

Will applying affect my credit score?

Funders typically carry out a credit check. This may be a hard search which can impact your score. Brokers may perform a soft search first with your permission.

Maintenance & Insurance Maintenance & Insurance

What’s included with maintenance, servicing and breakdown cover, and the insurance you’ll need throughout the term.

Am I liable for windscreens and tyres?

These are usually your responsibility unless you've taken a maintenance package that includes them. Windscreen cover is typically part of your insurance - check your policy.

Do I have to service at a main dealer?

Follow the servicing requirements in your agreement. Many funders accept manufacturer-approved independent garages that use OEM-equivalent parts and update the digital service history.

Do I need fully comprehensive insurance?

Yes - funders typically require fully comprehensive cover for the duration of the agreement, with the funder noted as the owner/lessor where applicable.

Is breakdown cover included?

New vehicles often include manufacturer roadside assistance for an initial period. Maintenance packages can also include breakdown cover - check your plan.

What happens if I damage the car?

You’re expected to return the vehicle in good condition, allowing for fair wear and tear. Any excessive damage may result in additional charges.

What happens if the vehicle is written off or stolen?

Your insurer settles with the funder. There can be a shortfall between insurance payout and the remaining liability - GAP insurance can help cover this difference.

Where should repairs be carried out?

Use approved repairers and keep invoices. Poor-quality, non-approved repairs can incur end-of-contract charges.

Who arranges servicing and MOTs?

If you have maintenance included, follow the funder's booking process. Without maintenance, you organise servicing at approved garages and keep within the manufacturer schedule. MOTs are required at 3 years for vehicles.

Mileage & End of Contract Mileage & End of Contract

How mileage allowances, fair wear & tear and the end-of-contract process work, including extensions or early termination.

Are mileage limits always included in van finance?

Not always. PCP and lease deals usually include mileage restrictions, while hire purchase agreements generally do not.

Can I choose my mileage allowance?

Yes. You agree on a mileage limit at the start of your contract. Going over the agreed mileage may result in an additional charge per mile.

Can I end my lease early?

Early termination is sometimes possible but can be expensive. Costs vary by funder and time remaining. Speak to your broker before stopping payments.

Can I extend my lease?

Some funders offer formal or informal extensions. Terms, mileage and price are at the funder's discretion.

Do I own the car at the end of a lease?

No. With contract hire agreements, you return the car at the end of the term. Some lease products may offer an option to purchase, but standard car leasing does not include ownership.

What counts as fair wear & tear?

Fair wear & tear is age and mileage-related deterioration accepted at return. Damage beyond this (dents, deep scratches, cracked glass etc.) may incur charges. UK funders follow the BVRLA Fair Wear & Tear standard.

What happens at the end of a Contract Hire agreement?

The funder will arrange inspection and collection. You return the vehicle, and any excess mileage or damage charges are billed in line with BVRLA standards.

What if I exceed my mileage allowance?

Excess mileage is charged at a pence-per-mile rate stated in your agreement. If your usage changes mid-term, you may be able to request a mileage amendment (subject to funder approval).

Ordering Process Ordering Process

How to choose a vehicle, place an order, typical lead times, delivery, and what happens next.

Can I collect instead of delivery?

Some funders/dealers allow collection by appointment. Availability varies - ask during ordering.

Can I lease a used or nearly‑new van?

Some funders offer used or nearly‑new options, typically on Finance Lease or Contract Hire with age/mileage constraints. Warranty and maintenance cover will vary.

How long does delivery take?

In-stock vehicles can often be delivered within a few weeks, while factory orders can take months depending on build slots, options and logistics.

Is delivery included?

UK mainland delivery is commonly included for new vehicles, typically driven delivery. Enclosed transport or specific timing may incur extra costs.

Vortex Vans Vortex Vans

Frequently asked questions about Vortex Van conversions.

Can I choose my own spec?

Yes. Use our online Specification Chooser to build your Vortex your way — selecting your wheels, splitters, spoilers, side styling, and interior. Alternatively, call our team and we'll guide you through the options.

Can I convert a van I already own?

Yes — we've carried out conversions on existing customer vehicles before and are happy to discuss this. That said, most of our Vortex builds are on new vans, so if you're also in the market for a new Transit Custom, we can handle both the vehicle and the conversion in one place. Get in touch and we'll talk through your options.

Do you offer finance or leasing on Vortex vans?

Yes. Vortex Vans are available on business contract hire and other finance options. Speak to our team for a personalised quote.

How long does a Vortex conversion take?

Most Vortex conversions are completed within around 4 weeks from the point of order. Get in touch early if you have a specific deadline in mind.

What is Vortex Vans?

Vortex Vans is the specialist conversion brand of Crusader Vehicles Limited. We convert Ford Transit Customs into bespoke, sporty vehicles - available in three editions: Vortex Edition, Vortex Premium, and Vortex GT.

What van is the Vortex conversion based on?

All three Vortex editions are built on the Ford Transit Custom, available in standard wheelbase (L1), long wheelbase (L2), PHEV, and double cab configurations.

Where are you based and do you deliver?

We're based in Buxted, East Sussex. We offer free delivery across mainland UK.

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