Car leasing when you're starting a new job or on probation

What this page covers

For people starting a new job, on probation or not, who need a car now without a long commitment, and employers getting a new starter on the road. A flexi lease is a fixed-price rent-and-return lease on terms from 6 months, with no balloon payment: hand back at the end. It is a consumer-hire product assessed individually, subject to status.

This guide focuses on the start-date gap. If you want the full side-by-side with contract hire, read our comparison guide.

If you're the new starter

The problem is often timing. A 36-month lease is a big commitment while a job is still on trial. Terms from 6 months let you plan around probation and decide what comes next once you have passed. At the end, extend, change vehicle or hand back: you choose then, not on day one.

One thing to be clear about before you sign: a six-month term is still a fixed commitment. Leaving a job early does not end the agreement by itself, so if there is a real chance the role will not work out, talk to us before you sign and we will explain the exit terms under the agreement.

You may not have a payslip yet. An offer letter or signed employment contract may help — tell us what you have and ask us. Starting work and getting paid rarely happen on the same day. These situations may sound familiar:

If you're the employer

You need a new hire on the road from week one, but a 36-month contract-hire term feels premature before probation is passed. A business flexi lease on a shorter term can cover that window. Once they pass, we can discuss moving to a longer term or a different vehicle.

Explore business leasing and how flexi lease compares with contract hire. Who signs, what paperwork your business provides and whether the car can be taken in the employee's name are questions we will talk through with you. Start with the role, expected mileage and start date.

How a 6-month term maps to a probation period

Flexi lease terms run from 6 months. A 3-month probation fits inside a 6-month term with room to decide; a 6-month probation lines up with it. If probation is extended, talk to us about extending the lease. We would need to discuss what is possible and the quote at that point.

Terms under 12 months use a 1.5-month initial rental; terms of 12 months or more use a 3-month initial rental. Allow for that upfront payment when planning your budget. Monthly payments are fixed for the term.

What we'll ask for

We may ask for the following to understand your circumstances and assess affordability. The relevant documents depend on your situation:

• Proof of identity — for example a passport
• Proof of address — a recent utility bill or bank statement
• Recent bank statements — typically three months; tell us if you have less
• Income evidence such as payslips, where you have them
• Your signed contract or offer letter, which may help while payslips are still to come — ask us
• For employers, business details and who the vehicle is for

Soft credit check via Creditsafe at quote stage — your permission required for any hard search. Read the full soft-check explanation.

Between your old job and your first payslip? Gather what you have and call us. We will tell you what else we need.

When something else might suit better

If the role is permanent, the need is long-term and your budget is settled, contract hire is usually cheaper per month. Read the full comparison before deciding. If owning the car is the goal, explore Rent to Buy; a flexi lease has no purchase option.

If you only need a car for a few weeks, a flexi lease from 6 months is not the tool. Match the commitment to the need.

What affects the price

The vehicle, term, mileage and initial rental shape your quote. A larger initial rental changes the monthly figure but does not buy approval. Affordability is assessed against income and outgoings.

Think about the commute and any travel during the working day when estimating mileage. Choose a budget that leaves room for your regular commitments while you settle into the role.

Frequently asked questions