Short-Term Car Leases
A fixed short-term lease is built for businesses that know exactly how long they need a vehicle — with a clear initial rental, a set contract length, and no ongoing flexibility to worry about.
Fixed contract length
Typically 6–18 months, agreed up front so budgeting is simple.
Initial rental
Most short-term leases require an initial rental, shown on every vehicle card before you enquire.
Maintenance optional
Rental, manufacturer breakdown assistance and road tax are included; maintenance can be added.
Lower initial available on request
Ask for a lower initial rental quote — this raises the ongoing monthly price in exchange.
How a fixed short-term lease works
Short-term leases suit businesses with a known, defined need — bridging a gap before a long-term fleet order arrives, covering a fixed-length project, or providing a car for a new employee during a settling-in period before moving them onto a longer agreement.
Contracts are fixed for the agreed term. Some short-term contracts do not include the ability to extend, so it’s worth confirming flexibility requirements with us before you commit — if there’s any chance your needs may change, our flexible car leasing may be a better fit.
What’s included
Maintenance is optional and can be added to your agreement. Short-term leases typically carry a higher initial rental than subscriptions; you can request a lower initial rental quote, which in turn raises the monthly price — we’ll show both options where available.
- —Rental
- —Manufacturer breakdown assistance
- —Road tax
Typical use cases
Short-term leases are popular for covering a new employee’s probation period before switching them to a long-term company car, running sales incentive schemes, providing a temporary "boss’s car" while a company vehicle is off the road, and bridging any gap in fleet supply.
Need a vehicle for 1 month or a little longer?
Beyond fixed-term leasing, our car and van subscriptions and flexible leases are available from just 1 month — with the best value typically kicking in from 3 months plus, and 5 working days' notice to hand back once you no longer need the vehicle.
Which contract type fits your fleet?
A quick, structural comparison for fleet managers weighing subscription flexibility against fixed-term cost certainty — every option draws from the same live UK stock.
| Subscription | Flexible Lease | Fixed Short-Term Lease | Long-Term Hire | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical term | 1 month, best value from 3 months+ | 1 month up to 3 years | Fixed 6–18 months | Up to 3 years |
| Notice to return | 5 working days* | 5 working days* | Fixed end date | Fixed end date |
| Initial rental | Usually none | Usually none | Typically required | Depends on contract chosen |
| What's included | Maintenance, servicing, road tax, warranty, breakdown | Maintenance, servicing, road tax, warranty, breakdown | Breakdown & road tax — maintenance optional | Varies by contract type chosen |
| Best suited to | Trials, seasonal peaks, new starters | Needs that may change during the term | A known, fixed-length requirement | Predictable long-term fleet planning |
| Where to start | Car Subscriptions / Van Subscriptions | Flexible Car Leasing | Short-Term Car Leases | Long-Term Car Hire |
*Subject to vehicle availability and any seasonal blackout periods.
Short-Term Car Leases — FAQs
What initial rental should I expect?
This varies by vehicle and contract length and is shown on the vehicle card before you enquire. A lower initial rental can usually be requested in exchange for a higher monthly payment.
Can I extend a short-term lease?
Some contracts allow extension and some do not — this is confirmed at quote stage so there are no surprises at the end of the term.
Is maintenance included?
Maintenance is optional on short-term leases (unlike subscriptions, where it’s always included) and can be added for an additional cost.
What are the vehicle return standards?
Vehicles should be returned in fair condition in line with our published return standards, which cover acceptable wear and tear.
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