Taking a Lease Car Abroad

Can you take a lease car abroad?

Yes, you should be able to take your car lease abroad as long as your finance provider gives you permission.

However, as you aren’t the legal owner of the vehicle, there are a few legal steps you need to take to prove you’re allowed to drive it in a different country.

Once you’ve got everything in place, all you need to do is make sure you’re ready to start driving on a different side of the road!

What do you need to drive a lease car abroad?

As you’re not the owner of your lease vehicle, there are a few documents you need to take with you on your trip abroad as proof that you’re legally allowed to be driving it in a different country.

• VE103 vehicle on hire certificate - UK motorists travelling abroad with a vehicle they own must carry the original Vehicle Registration Document (V5C). However, as your vehicle is leased, the finance company will hold the V5C document. Instead, you'll need a ‘vehicle on hire certificate’ - known as a VE103B. This is a recognised alternative to the V5C document and covers you while heading to and returning from the port of embarkation. Your finance provider can issue you a form to complete.
• Written permission - Since the leased vehicle remains the property of the finance company, you might need written permission from them to take the vehicle abroad. This may be in the form of a letter or additional documentation beyond the VE103B. This varies by provider, so check with your company to see if they need to issue you a permission slip.
• Full valid UK driving licence - Make sure you carry your driving licence with you on your trip – especially while actually on the road!
• Any driving permits - Check if you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for the countries you plan to visit. Some countries may require an IDP in addition to your UK driving license.

Your pre-holiday checklist to drive a lease car abroad

1. Get permission from your lender

If you’re planning on taking your vehicle abroad, the first thing you should do is contact your finance company, with whom the vehicle is registered, to see if they allow this. There are usually no issues with driving your lease car in mainland Europe, but there might be restrictions on other countries – so definitely worth checking. We’ve listed a few finance providers below, but if you leased through us and aren’t sure who your agreement is with, please call us on 03330 918 560 or email customerexperience@jurnileasing.co.uk to check.

2. Check company policy

If you have a company vehicle and want to take it abroad with you, review any company policies to make sure you’re allowed to, or whether there’s anything else your employer needs you to take. This step isn’t applicable for personal lease vehicles.

3. Review insurance and breakdown policies

Check with your insurance provider to ensure your policy covers driving abroad. Some policies may have restrictions or require additional coverage for driving outside of the UK. Verify if your breakdown assistance or roadside assistance coverage extends to foreign travel. If not, consider purchasing temporary coverage or an international breakdown policy for peace of mind.

4. Apply for your VE103B

Ask your provider for a VE103B form. You should submit your application at least 14 working days before you travel. It’s valid for 12 months from the date of issue and will cover you for all your foreign travel within that period. The standard cost of this certificate is usually £15. Keep in mind that photocopies are not valid.

5. Check country-specific requirements

Research any specific requirements and regulations for driving in the countries you plan to visit. Some countries require you to carry items such as reflective vests or warning triangles. You should also familiarise yourself with local laws and processes, such as tolls, speed limits, and alcohol restrictions. Make yourself aware of any travel restrictions or requirements due to factors such as the vehicle's make/model, age, or emissions standards. Some cities have Low Emission Zones (LEZs) or congestion charges that may apply to certain vehicles.

6. Fuel, car charging, and vehicle requirements

Familiarise yourself with the types of fuel available in the countries you'll be visiting, as well as any vehicle requirements such as emissions standards or environmental stickers. If you have an electric vehicle, you’ll need to find out where the nearest charging points are in your destination to keep your car topped up on your travels. It’s worth mapping out charging stations along your routes, checking to see what types of chargers are available, and downloading any apps you’ll need to make charging as simple as possible.

7. Inspect your vehicle before setting off

As you would before any long journey, conduct a thorough inspection of the lease vehicle to ensure it's in good condition for the journey before travelling. Pay particular attention to essential components such as tyres, brakes, lights, and fluid levels to minimise your chance of breaking down while traveling unfamiliar roads. You might even want to take precautions to secure your leased vehicle while travelling, such as using secure parking facilities and installing anti-theft devices.

8. The usual travel documents

In addition to vehicle-related documents, remember to pack necessary travel documentation such as passports, visas (if applicable), vehicle insurance documents, and any required permits or registrations for specific countries.

9. Emergency contact information

Keep emergency contact information safe, such as details of your finance company, insurance provider, and any other relevant parties in case of accidents, breakdowns, or other emergencies while abroad.

Follow these steps to comply with regulations and ensure a smooth, legally sound journey when taking your leased vehicle abroad.

Contact your lease finance provider

When thinking about taking your leased vehicle abroad, the first thing you need to do is contact your finance company to ensure they will permit you to do so. Here are some of the main finance companies and their contact details below:

• Ayvens (formerly ALD and LeasePlan): View Ayven’s foreign travel guide to get started.
• Alphabet: Visit Alphabet’s taking your vehicle abroad guide to find out everything you need to know for your trip and order the necessary documents.
• Arval: Apply online with Arval’s portal, or call 03452 665 017.
• Leasys: Call 01753 260 979 for more information. Alternatively, you can email Leasys at fleet.leasysuk@safogroup.co.uk request a VE103 certificate, and include your full name and address as shown on your driving licence, dates of travel, full name and address of any additional drivers, and the country/countries you’ll be visiting.
• Lex Autolease: Apply for European travel documents via the driver portal.
• Mobilize: Call 01753 260 976 or send Mobilize an email on fleet.mobilize@safogroup.co.uk.
• Novuna: Call 03444 632 900 for more information, or order a VE103 certificate from Novuna.
• Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS): Call 03301 008 908 or send VWFS an email at travelabroad@vwfs.co.uk.

Can't see your funder listed? Please call us on 03330 918 560 or email customerexperience@jurnileasing.co.uk for assistance.

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