Vans

Van finance for UK businesses

Reviewed by Luca Scalzo, Director, WFYA Limited · Last reviewed 31 October 2026

Van finance lets your business get the van it needs now and pay for it in monthly instalments over an agreed term, usually two to five years. The two most common options are hire purchase, where the business owns the van after the final payment, and leasing, where the business pays to use the van.

We Finance Your Asset is a credit broker, not a lender. We arrange van finance for UK businesses by introducing your application to lenders on our panel.

Who can apply for van finance?

Limited companies and LLPs in trades, delivery, logistics, food, construction and services.
Businesses adding a van, replacing an old one or building a small fleet.
Newer limited companies, where options are fewer but often still available: see our guide for new limited companies.

How does van finance work?

01
Apply online
Tell us about your business and the van in our application form. It takes a few minutes.
02
We review and approach lenders
Our team checks the details with you and introduces your application to lenders on our panel that finance vans like yours.
03
Decision and payment
If a lender approves, you sign the agreement with the lender and the lender pays the dealer or supplier.

What can van finance cover?

Small and medium panel vans for trades and deliveries.
Large panel vans, Luton and box vans, dropsides and tippers.
Refrigerated and temperature controlled vans for food businesses.
Crew vans, pickups and vans with racking, conversions or specialist bodies.
Electric vans as well as diesel models.
New and used vans from franchised or independent dealers.

We arrange finance from £10,000 up to £1 million, depending on your requirements and circumstances.

Should you choose hire purchase or a lease for a van?

Hire purchase suits businesses that want to own the van and keep it for years. Leasing can suit businesses that change vans often or want the lender to carry the value of the van at the end. VAT and tax relief work differently for each. Our side by side comparison of hire purchase vs finance lease for a company van explains the differences.

What documents do you need to apply for van finance?

Our application form asks for the information lenders need first, so it helps to have it ready:

Your company name and Companies House number.
The director's contact details, date of birth and home address history.
Details of the asset: what it is, its price, the supplier and, for vehicles, the registration and mileage if known.
The deposit you plan to put in and the term you would like.
Your last three months of business bank statements, which you can upload with the form.

Lenders may then ask for more, such as recent accounts, proof of identity or the supplier's invoice, depending on the amount and your business.

How long does van finance take?

It depends on the asset, the lender and how quickly the documents arrive. The lender then makes its own decision; straightforward applications with complete documents move fastest, while larger amounts, used or specialist assets and newer businesses can take longer.

What deposit and term should you expect for van finance?

Most agreements involve some upfront payment, and the amount depends on the lender, the asset and your business. Newer businesses, older or specialist assets and larger amounts may need a bigger deposit. Terms are usually set by the expected working life of the asset. We will tell you what the lenders on our panel ask for once we know your details. We do not quote interest rates on this website because the cost depends on your circumstances: see what affects the cost of asset finance.

Sources

Checked on 31 October 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Can I finance a van through my limited company?

Yes. The agreement is in the company's name and lenders assess the company's accounts, trading history and credit profile. Many lenders also look at the directors and may ask for a personal guarantee.

Can I get van finance for a new business?

Often yes, but there are fewer lenders for businesses with a short trading history and the terms may be different, for example a larger deposit or a director's guarantee. We will tell you honestly what is realistic for your business.

Can I get van finance with bad credit?

A weaker credit history can limit the lenders available and change the terms, but it does not automatically rule you out. We look at your circumstances and, where appropriate, introduce you to lenders on our panel. All finance is subject to status and lender checks.

Can I finance a used van?

Yes. Used vans can be financed on hire purchase or lease. Lenders set limits on the age and mileage of the van at the end of the agreement.

Can I finance a refrigerated van for my food business?

Yes. A refrigerated van is a commercial vehicle like any other for lenders. The fridge unit or conversion can usually be included in the amount financed when it is part of the purchase from the supplier.

Is van hire purchase better than leasing?

Neither is better in every case. Hire purchase means you own the van and can usually claim capital allowances; leasing means lower commitment to the van's future value. Your accountant can confirm which suits your tax position.

Talk to us about your asset

Tell us what you want to finance. Our team reviews every application and comes back to you.

Start your application