Once associated with films of the United States, it is becoming more commonplace for school buses and minibuses to be seen on the roads around the UK.
They offer many advantages, such as better attendance for students, multiple uses for the schools and of course, they can also save the school money over purchasing the vehicle outright.
But how exactly do you go bout successfully leasing a minibus for your school for the long term? Here is a straightforward guide to follow.
Choosing A Leasing Company
Leasing a school minibus is different from hiring one for outings to the local leisure centre. You need to ensure that the company that you are aiming to lease from has a good reputation with leasing to schools, and of course, can lease a vehicle that meets your needs.
When choosing a leasing company for your minibus, be sure to check reviews online, or even send emails around to other schools to enquire where they are leasing their minibus from and what their experience has been like.
Maintenance Included
It may be extra per month, but the majority of companies that offer minibus leasing also offer maintenance as an option. This is important, as it ensures that if the bus you are leasing becomes damaged or has a fault, the maintenance and repair are included in the cost. In the majority of cases, it will also ensure that your school is promptly provided with a replacement bus or buses. So, be sure that the leasing company that you choose can offer maintenance of the buses that it is leasing you. This should also include the yearly MOT.
Monthly Fees
As obvious as it sounds, be sure to check the monthly fees, especially if you are looking to lease long-term. If you are entering into a contract and are paying a set price each month, at some point it is likely that the monthly fee will increase. This can come as a shock, but it is common and is seen as comparable to an introductory offer. So, always ask questions and be sure that you are crystal clear on all the costs that come with leasing a minibus.
Contract Length
Most companies that lease minibuses can offer contracts that go up to and over 5 years if required. However, as mentioned before, it is worth checking the monthly fees for each year of the contract, as they may increase.
It’s also worth checking that your minibus will be covered for damages, breakdown and so on for the duration of the contract and that the costs do not change for this. Also, be sure to enquire about cancelling a contract and the potential fees that this may incur.
VAT
In the UK, VAT is charged when you purchase or hire a minibus for your school. However, it is worth noting that it is fully reclaimable through the schools’ VAT return at the end of the financial year – just always be sure to check the VAT on the type of minibus you are leasing.
