Hiring a car abroad isn't for everyone. There's the unfamiliar controls, the unfamiliar steering wheel that's now on the passenger side of the vehicle, not to mention the driving on the opposite side of the road.
So, it's no surprise that you might be wondering whether you can take your trusty leased vehicle abroad.
The ultimate answer is yes. Car leasing lets you do just that.
However, there are a few (easy!) hoops you have to jump through first.
What Paperwork is Required to Drive my Lease Car Abroad?
Boring bureaucracy, we know . . . but when you take a leased vehicle from the UK over to Europe (whether for business or for personal use), you've got to have the right paperwork handy.
Specifically, what you need is a VE103 certificate and a VE103B certificate.
A VE103 certificate is designed to provide proof that the vehicle can be taken outside the UK, whilst a VE103B certificate is intended to replace the original vehicle documentation (vehicle logbook, etc) when travelling abroad. Remember, the finance company owns the car, not you. So you need the right documentation to show that you have permission to drive the vehicle.
Not having the right documentation with you when travelling abroad can present huge problems if challenged by border security or other authorities, and there's plenty of horror stories about drivers being stranded for days on end whilst waiting for the necessary paperwork to arrive.
Where do I get a VE103 and VE103B certificate?
To get hold of a VE103B certificate, you'll need to request it by contacting your finance company. The certificate will then be valid for a total of 12 months, covering you for overseas travel at any point during that time. In addition to this, you'll also need to ask your lease company for written permission to prove you are allowed to take your vehicle out of the country.
As for the VE103 certificate, you can get hold of that from one of the following:
How Long Will It Take?
Just be aware that your finance company will need some time to process the request, so you're best-advised to request your VE103 certificate and letter of authorisation at least 14 days before the date on which you plan to travel. And your finance company will probably ask for the following details from you:
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Driver name
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Telephone number
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UK address (as displayed on driving licence)
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The date you plan to leave the UK and the date of return
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The names of any additional drivers on your trip
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Countries to be visited
Also, charges might apply, as the average finance company tends to charge a fee for providing a VE103 certificate and any associated cover. The price can vary, but not to worry, it's usually no more than £15.
How Long Can I Keep The Car Abroad?
Technically, the VE103 certificate is valid for 12 months. However, different finance companies may have different rules on the maximum amount of time you can drive abroad during that period.
So even though you're covered for driving abroad for 12 months, you might only be allowed to take your car out of the country for 60 days within that timeframe. As we say, it can depend on the individual company, so best get in touch with your provider and/or check your contract for any travel restrictions.
Can I Take My Lease Vehicle Abroad for Business?
Certainly can.
There's no difference when it comes to the reason for your trip. Just make sure that you have the right paperwork, and you're good to go.
Check your Breakdown and Motor Insurance
It's important to check that you have car insurance cover when driving abroad. Some finance companies may want to provide you with their own choice of insurance cover. Otherwise, you'll need to make a call to your own insurance provider and make sure that driving abroad is covered as part of your policy.
Breakdown cover is another essential. You'll need to check if your existing breakdown cover extends to countries outside the UK. If not, that's something you'll have to arrange for the duration of the trip.
UK/GB Sticker
It used to be the case that you needed a GB sticker on your lease car (or any car) when driving abroad, but from 28 September 2021, that's now changed to a UK sticker.
And it's not just for decoration.
The purpose of this is to identify you as a UK driver, and with the exception of the Republic of Ireland, you'll need to display one on your car if travelling abroad. So if you have an old GB sticker, cover or remove it before you travel to the EU. However, GB number plates will still be valid within the EU as long as you display a UK sticker on the rear of your lease vehicle.
In the government's words, the reason for the change is to symbolise the unity of the nation, and it's part of a wider move towards using consistent terminology across government. It's also more inclusive of people in Northern Ireland, who are part of the UK but not the island of Great Britain.
What Else Do I Need to Take to Drive Abroad?
It all depends on which European countries you are travelling to, and most will have different guidelines and local laws than others. As always, nothing beats a bit of good old preparation, so best read up on the driving laws of the country that you're going to.
For example, France requires you to have the following:
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High-vis jacket
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Warning triangle
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Clean air sticker
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Breathalyser
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Winter tyres (if travelling in winter)
Meanwhile, Spain (always a popular holiday destination for Brits) requires:
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Valid UK driving licence
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Proof of ID (e.g passport)
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Reflective jackets
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VE105B
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Insurance certificate
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Headlamp beam deflectors
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Warning triangle x2
Whereas in the Netherlands, all you're required to have are headlamp converters and a warning triangle. Easy-going bunch, the Dutch!
Before You Travel/Other Top Tips
Most of these should be common sense before departing on any big trip, but just in case . . .
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Petrol (or diesel) – It should go without saying, but ensure that you have enough fuel and money for fuel to reach your chosen destination(s). It might also help to know where relevant fuel stations are located en route, but signs should keep you right.
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Oil – Another car essential. Having your oil levels topped up before you leave is vitally important.
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Water – Check that the water levels are okay, and top up your windscreen washer with fluid.
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Electricals – Make sure all the lights, radio etc. are working. The country to which you are travelling might also require you to take a full set of replacement bulbs, so best checking that as well.
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Sat Nav – Unless you plan on getting lost, it's a good idea to check that your sat nav is up and running, whilst also inputting any necessary routes that you know you're going to be driving on. Of course, sat navs do have their limitations, so a road map or two could come in handy as well.
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Rubber – Last but definitely not least, check how your tyres are holding up, the tread depth, and that they're inflated to the correct level. The last thing you want in an unfamiliar place is a flat tyre.
Summary
So, with all that information, you're now more than ready for taking your lease car overseas. You'll be hitting the beach in no time!
Just remember, it's best to sort out the paperwork at least 14 days before your trip is due to begin, to give yourself plenty of time.
FAQs
How long can you take a lease car abroad?
Your VE103 form is technically valid for 12 months. However, your leasing provider might have restrictions on how long you can drive abroad for within that timeframe.
Can you take a lease car abroad UK?
Absolutely, but you'll need to sort out the right paperwork first, especially as you don't own the car.