It's easy to assume that you can't make any modifications to something you don't actually own, like a leased vehicle. It's one of the many myths of leasing. Fortunately, myths were made to be busted. With our top tips, we're here to tell you that you can make such modifications to your leased van. Within reason. If you need help finding the the right van for you, take a look at our Which Van Type guide.
For sure, personalising leased vans is a common practice for customers on business leasing van contracts, which is why you'll see more company-branded vans than plain white vans out on the roads. That being said, it's far from a free-for-all. There's limits to optional extras like modifications, and companies require you to remove them when you return the van at the end of your lease agreement. Not many leasing companies are going to appreciate a nine-foot logo that wasn't there before!
It's worth noting what modification(s) you want to make before you actually put pen to paper and sign a leasing agreement. Your leasing provider might be able to include any modification specifically in your lease contract. Needless to say, full comprehensive insurance cover is required as you'll usually need to report these changes to your insurer.
Can I Sign-write a Leased Van?
You'd be mad not to. Sign-writing is highly beneficial for promoting your business brand out in the open with clear advertising. A recent study by the signage company 3M demonstrated that if you're driving around the city, three thousand people will take notice of your specially-branded van each hour (three thousand!). Essentially, you'll be a moving advert. Just imagine that you're stuck in traffic: the occupant(s) of the car behind will have nothing to do but gaze into the imprinted letters spelling out your company name on the rear of your lease van and . . . bingo, that's one or two potential customers right there!
If you want to sign-write, your cheapest option is magnetic signs, typically at a cost of around £150. Having a vinyl fitted only takes several hours, and you can take them off yourself at your own pleasure. Be sure to get them put on professionally by a reputable garage. Stencil signwriting is another alternative and is the best option if you want the same information printed on all panels of your van.
When deciding exactly what you want the writing to say, avoid typos and colour clashes and make sure that your website, logo and any relevant contact details are clearly visible. Oh, and try not to pack in too much information. You want to make it easy to read from a distance, so less is more here. Before giving the go-ahead for any sign-write, ask for a preview of how the signage is going to appear. You don't want to be stuck with something you don't like.
Same as getting the sign-writing professionally installed, you should get it removed professionally as well to prevent any damage occurring and landing a potentially large fee. Any lease company will tell you the same. Personal DIY efforts often don't end well and marks and grazes created in such a way probably won't be covered by the usually-generous fair wear and tear policy. Whilst every leasing and finance provider may have slight variations on what they consider to be fair wear and tear, it's best not to chance it. So long as there are no permanent marks left by the sign-writing when you return the van, you're good to go.
Can I Vinyl-wrap a Leased Van?
Definitely. If you're not looking to simply add a few vinyl letters and logos, the bigger and bolder technique of adhesive vinyl-wrapping is a much more 'out there' alternative. You can choose to vinyl-wrap the entire vehicle with a full wrap or just opt for a partial wrap on the back and sides. Full vinyl wraps for a large van cost somewhere in the region of £3,000. As before, just make sure the design isn't too overwhelming, and definitely contact your finance company first to get permission.
The majority of vinyl-wrap films can be removed up to five years after installation. Removal after ten years will almost certainly result in paintwork damage, but that shouldn't be a concern if you're leasing your van for the typical three or four-year term.
Modifications for Van Security
Modern vans like the Nissan NV300 and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter are very secure and often come with in-built security features like lockouts, immobilizers and basic alarms, but certain additional security features can be added with permission from your finance company. Getting a good lock fitted is the surest way of keeping your van safe from theft.
It's worth nothing that this will mean a higher cost in terms of insurance premiums. However, think of the cost to you and your business if you don't make such modifications and your van is broken into and goods taken. Plus, you'll have to make a claim to your insurance company.
So, with that thought in mind, let's take a look at the main types of lock you can invest in.
Deadlock
Deadlocks go on the van door and the connecting body panel. They work by throwing a bolt into a receiving bracket fitted to the van's internal bodywork. Thieves will find it difficult to pick a deadlock as there's no spring on the locking mechanism.
An external key controls deadlocks, creating an additional secure locking point to the vehicle door. Unfortunately, this means you will have to lock the doors again with each use.
Slam Lock
Slam locks prevent human error in the event that you forget to lock your van doors whilst stepping away from the vehicle. You can use a key or digital remote to unlock it. Since thieves can easily acquire a copy of the digital remote, you're probably better off using a key.
Catalytic Converter Lock
Catalytic converters are sometimes targeted by thieves for the precious metals contained in the particulate filters, so this lock is designed to prevent theft and tampering by being fitted around a van's catalytic converter or, in the case of diesel vans, a diesel particulate filter.
The catalytic lock is made up of a marine-grade stainless steel cage surrounding the converter. Two stainless steel security ropes are securely attached to the cage and connected to the van's underside. There is a wide range available and for different prices, so be sure to scour the market for the ideal one. Most insurers require you to have one that is Thatcham-approved.
GPS Tracker
You could also think about installing a GPS tracker. Most modern vans already come with an alarm and immobiliser, but an advanced system like a tracking device can provide an extra layer of defence. In the event of your van being stolen, an advanced tracking system will be able to pinpoint its exact location to you or your finance provider. After that, the police should be able to retrieve it.
Because it reduces the chance of your van being stolen and your insurance company having to pay out a large claim, installing a tracker can lower your insurance premiums.
Other Permitted Modifications
Dash Camera
Dash cams come in incredibly handy for providing proof in the case of accidents and insurance claims.
Or for filming YouTube videos . . .
Ply Lining
Most vans come with ply lining already, but you are authorised to change things up in that department if you so wish.
Privacy Glass
Otherwise known as 'tinted windows', privacy glass can be installed on the rear windows or side windows as an optional extra.
Private Registration Plates
Unlike some other modifications, private registration plates can only be added after your van has been delivered. You'll need to keep the DVLA and your insurance company in the loop if you decide to do this.
Be warned. Having a new plate made can be a lengthy process. Not only will you need to buy one from the DVLA and take the proof to a registered number plate supplier, you'll then have to get permission from your lease company.
Remapping
Remapping is a way to improve a van's fuel economy and performance by modifying its onboard Engine Control Unit.
Roof Rack
Roof racking is something that you can install yourself, as the process is relatively simple.
Tow Bar
Yep, you can also get a tow bar fitted. Your lease provider might be able to install it before delivering your van, so best to let them know as early as possible.
Will My Premiums Be Affected?
Yes.
Van customisations like vinyl-wrapping definitely count as modifications for insurance purposes so you should always double-check and call your insurance company in the first instance. Depending on the exact provider, your insurance premium could then be adjusted.
Exactly how your premiums change can sometimes be a complex affair and dependent on other things that you use the van for – for example, using it to store your tools overnight. On the plus side, because vans with logos are stolen less often, you could end up with lower premiums.
What Modifications Am I Not Allowed?
The deciding factor usually comes down to whether the modification can be removed at the end of the lease. Some things that aren’t allowed in most cases include: changing the paintwork; signwriting directly onto the paintwork (unless you can remove it); or mounting anything to the dashboard or interior that would create holes or damage the trim.
As always, there's one magic rule for determining whether a certain modification is allowed . . . speak to your leasing company!
Leasing with LeaseLoco
It's our priority here at LeaseLoco to make it easy for you to find your brand new van lease deal without having to worry about things like dealer finance. Using the filters on our search page, you can search and compare the hottest van lease deals on the market right now. Once you’ve found your perfect deal and have gone through the leasing application and process with our leasing partners, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and wait for your new van to be delivered.
FAQs
Can I Fit an Alarm to a Lease Van?
Yep, not a problem. Not only will the blaring noise deter thieves from breaking in, it'll also give them less time to rummage around should they actually choose to do so. Besides improving security, an alarm system will also lower your insurance premiums. It's worth checking with your finance company first to make sure that it's not in violation of your lease agreement.
Can I Put Rims on a Lease Van?
Generally, alloy wheels are permitted on a lease vehicle, but there will be dimension restrictions as the new wheels must match the dimensions of the existing wheels. This is to ensure that the ride experience remains unchanged. To save yourself the hassle, many vans do come with alloy wheels already.
Can I Put up a Racking System in a Lease Van?
Yes, so long as it doesn't damage the interior or load spaces.
Racking helps create an organised space and stops items moving around when the van is in motion. However, avoid fixing racking to the floor. This can leave holes or permanent marks which would be in breach of your lease agreement, in which case you'd have to pay for any repairs yourself.
As always, it's best to contact your lease provider about any modifications you'd like to make to a leased vehicle.