Leasing involves hiring a vehicle for a long period of time (usually several years). Leasing a vehicle is an attractive alternative to buying one, offering flexibility, predictable costs, and access to a new car without the long-term commitment of ownership. Caura has partnered with Lex Autolease, one of the UK’s largest vehicle leasing companies, allowing Lex Autolease customers to manage their lease in the Caura app.

In this guide, we’ll explore how Lex Autolease works, from starting your lease to managing it using Caura and preparing for the end of your agreement.

What Is Car Leasing?

Before we dive into the specifics of Lex Autolease, it’s important to understand the fundamentals of how leasing a car works. Leasing involves paying a monthly fee to use a vehicle for a fixed period, typically between two and four years. Instead of owning the car, you return it to the leasing company at the end of the agreement.

Here’s what’s included in a typical car leasing arrangement:

1. Initial Rental: A lump sum payment made at the start of the lease, often equivalent to 3, 6, or 9 monthly payments.

2. Monthly Payments: Fixed payments spread across the lease term, covering the vehicle’s depreciation and usage.

3. Mileage Allowance: A maximum mileage limit for the lease term, with charges for exceeding it.

4. Vehicle Return: At the end of the lease, the car is returned in line with fair wear and tear guidelines.

Leasing allows you to drive a new vehicle with lower upfront costs compared to purchasing, and you’re not burdened by the depreciation or resale process.

‍

Who are Lex Autolease

Lex Autolease is a vehicle leasing business, it is a fully owned subsidiary of Lloyds Banking Group, one of the largest banks in the UK.

Lex Autolease Limited are registered in England and Wales under company number 1090741 and have their registered office at 25 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7HN.

They are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under registration number 723570 for credit-related regulated activities and insurance mediation.

‍

How Does Lex Autolease Work?

Lex Autolease provides both personal and business leasing options. Whether you’re looking to lease a single car for personal use or manage an entire company fleet, Lex Autolease offers flexible packages to suit your needs.

Key Features of Lex Autolease

• Access to a wide range of over 4000 vehicles, from compact cars to luxury models.

• Competitive leasing rates with tailored options based on contract length and mileage.

• Optional maintenance packages for convenience and peace of mind.

• No need to worry about the resale value of your car.

• Easy to budget with fixed monthly payments.

• View and manage your Lex lease details in Caura, and access special offers exclusively for you in-app.

‍

Starting Your Lease with Lex Autolease

The leasing process with Lex Autolease follows these steps:

1. Selecting a Vehicle

Explore an extensive range of cars to find the right fit. Whether you need a family car, an eco-friendly hybrid, or a premium executive vehicle, their inventory covers a variety of makes and models.

2. Getting a Quote

Use the Lex Autolease website to generate a personalised quote based on your preferred contract length, mileage allowance, and maintenance options. Adjusting these variables can help you find the most cost-effective deal.

3. Credit Application

Submit your application for credit approval. Lex Autolease will assess your financial circumstances to ensure affordability before proceeding.

4. Agreement and Delivery

Once approved, you’ll sign the lease agreement, which outlines all terms and conditions. After this, the vehicle is prepared and delivered to your chosen location.

5. Manage your lease with Caura

Download the Caura app and input your reg plate. Your lease will be available for you to manage in app. You will be able to access features you’d normally find within the Lex Manage My Vehicle (MMV) portal, all within Caura, wherever you are.

‍

Managing Your Lease using Caura

After your lease starts, managing it is straightforward with Caura. Just download the app and input your reg plate to link your lease agreement. You’ll able to:

• View contract details, including payment schedules and mileage limits.

• Easily access the Lex Autolease login portal to update your contact and payment information, as well as arrange tyre services or schedule a vehicle inspection.

• Use all the helpful features of Caura – from getting key reminders, to being able to manage all your car admin like comparing insurance quotes, booking MOT/servicing, and paying for tolls and city charges, all in one place.

• View special renewal offers and reserve a brand new vehicle in-app!

Having all your lease information in one place makes it easier to stay on top of your agreement and avoid potential charges. You can download Caura here.


‍

Maintenance and Tyre Services

Maintenance is a critical part of leasing, as you’re responsible for returning the vehicle in good condition. Lex Autolease offers optional maintenance packages to cover:

1. Routine Servicing: Regular checks and servicing to keep the vehicle in top condition.

2. Repairs: Coverage for issues caused by regular usage, excluding driver negligence.

3. Tyres: Tyres are replaced when their tread depth falls below 2mm or if they’re damaged. Lex Autolease partners with Kwik Fit for tyre services, ensuring professional repairs or replacements.

If you’ve opted for a maintenance package, you can schedule these services through Caura, your MMV account or by contacting Lex Autolease’s service team.

Fair Wear and Tear Guidelines

When leasing with Lex Autolease, it’s essential to understand the concept of fair wear and tear. This refers to the acceptable deterioration of a vehicle over time due to normal use, as defined by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) guidelines.

Examples of Fair Wear and Tear

• Exterior: Minor scratches or stone chips that don’t expose metal or cause rust.

• Interior: Light staining or wear on seat fabric.

• Tyres: Normal wear within legal tread limits.

Damage That May Incur Charges

• Large dents or scratches that penetrate the paintwork.

• Tears, burns, or heavy staining on upholstery.

• Tyres with tread depth below the legal minimum of 1.6mm.

You can read more about fair wear and tear here.
‍

Renewing your Lease

Before the end of your lease, you’ll be able to view your renewal offers in Caura.

You’ll be able to select your new vehicle and customise your initial rental and contract duration.

You can be pre-approved for finance, all in app in just a few easy steps. Download here.

The End-of-Lease Process

As your lease term nears its end, you’ll need to prepare for the vehicle’s return. Following these steps can help ensure a smooth handover and avoid additional costs. Before the end of your lease, you’ll be able to view your renewal offers in Caura.

1. Pre-Return Inspection

Around 10–12 weeks before your lease ends, inspect the car for any damage outside the fair wear and tear guidelines. Addressing issues like scratches, dents, or tyre wear before the return date can save you from incurring extra charges.

2. Repairs

If necessary, arrange for repairs using approved service providers. Keep receipts and records to demonstrate the work was completed professionally. You should also make sure you’ve had all of your scheduled services.

3. Final Mileage Check

Ensure the mileage is within the agreed limit. Excess mileage charges can be costly, so review your agreement to understand the per-mile penalty.

4. Vehicle Return

Lex Autolease will arrange for the car to be collected. During the handover, the vehicle will undergo an inspection to assess its condition and mileage.

5. Settlement of Charges

If any damage or excess mileage fees are identified, Lex Autolease will provide a detailed breakdown of the costs. Paying these promptly ensures a smooth closure to your lease.

Additional Considerations for Lex Autolease Customers

Optional Maintenance Packages

Opting for a maintenance package from Lex Autolease can make managing your lease simpler and more predictable. These packages cover servicing, repairs, and tyres, reducing the risk of unexpected expenses.

Early Termination

If you need to end your lease early, contact Lex Autolease to understand your options. You can request this from the Caura app.

Conclusion

Leasing with Lex Autolease offers a convenient and flexible way to drive a new car without the long-term financial commitment of ownership. From selecting a vehicle to managing your lease and preparing for the end of your agreement, Caura can help you to manage your Lex Autolease agreement.

‍