FAQs for SMEs
Got questions?
We've compiled some questions and answers which are often asked by SME owners. Check these out below.
We'd also encourage you to contact us and an SME specialist will be happy to assist.
How much of the day to day management of a vehicle or a fleet can you take away from me?
Some customers simply tell us their plans and vehicle needs and we do the rest, even down to speaking directly with their drivers.
With registrations, safety certificates, fuel cards, infringements, tolls, manufacturer recalls, service intervals and accidents, there are so many things to contend with even we have to work hard to keep on top of them. We have an infrastructure, a system and skilled staff dedicated to taking care of your vehicles.
So, if you or your workforce need to be mobile, why would you do it yourself when you have a business to run or services to provide?
What happens if I need to extend the term?
By choosing an operating lease, we have flexibility in our lease terms.
Before the end of your contract, you'll have an opportunity to decide whether you want to replace the vehicle or extend the contract. If you would like to hold onto the vehicle because the kilometres are low or you're undecided, we'll recalculate your rental and reduce your ongoing cost over the extended life of the lease.
What happens if I need to return the vehicle early?
Let's say you tell us you want the vehicle for 36 months and you decide after only 22 months you don't need it. We'll calculate the difference between what you've alreday paid and the amounts if the lease had been for 22 months and you simply pay us the difference. You are no worse off than if you'd told us you only wanted the vehicle for 22 months from day 1 of the contract or indeed if you bought the vehicle outright.
If I have an accident do I have to sort it out?
Having an accident can be traumatic event, time consuming and often costly, as your company vehicle is off the road. Simply make one phone call to our Accident Management Team and we'll take care of everything - from advising the driver on the scene and handling all the necessary documentation, to the repair process and handing the keys back to the driver.
We even liaise with the insurancer and arrange the repair estimates as well as manage the repairer, to ensure the downtime and inconvenience is kept to an absolute minimum.
If the vehicle breaks down what am I covered for?
If you have a fully maintained operating lease or have added Accident/Breakdown to your contract, all you need to do is call our breakdown number and we will arrange for someone to come out to either repair your vehicle on the roadside or tow it to a repairer, who can get you on your way again.
If the vehicle has to stay at the garage, we can arrange for you to carry on to your destination or return home. Should you need a temporary vehicle, we can provide that too!
I use the vehicle as a tool of the job so what condition are you expecting it to be returned in?
The condition of a returned vehicle can vary and we understand that a level of wear and tear occurs throughout the working life of a vehicle. So, we allow for this based on what the vehicle is being used for and on what roads it is travelling.
Please refer to our Fair Wear and Tear guides under resources for details on what is considered fair in wear and tear.
What costs can be included in a Fully Maintained Operating Lease?
A Fully Maintained Operating Lease can include maintenance costs, (both scheduled servicing and any unscheduled repairs), registration renewal, tyre replacements, comprehensive insurance, accident management, roadside assistance, fuel, etag management and replacement vehicles in the event of breakdown. Alternatively, the lease can be customised to your preferences by including only the services you want.
Is there a minimum number of vehicles to be eligible for Operating Leases?
No, there is no minimum fleet size required to be eligible for an Operating Lease. Our customers range in size from sole traders with one vehicle to some of the largest publicly listed companies in Australia with fleets of over 1,000 vehicles.
Our SME team are specialists in the needs of businesses with the need for between 1 - 20 vehicles.
If the vehicle breaks down, what am I covered for?
If you have an fully maintained operating lease or have fleet managment as part of your contract, all you have to do is call OneCall, our service and maintenance team, and we will arrange for someone to come out to either repair your vehicle on the roadside or tow it to an agent who can get you on your way again.
If the vehicle has to stay at the garage we can arrange for you to carry on to your destination or return home. Should you need a temporary vehicle we provide you a temporary vehicle service to keep you mobile.
What’s the best way to transition my vehicles to operating leases?
A transition to leasing can be achieved either via a Sale and Leaseback, where we purchase your current vehicles from you (based on their remaining life) and lease them back on operating leases, or a more gradual roll on/roll off strategy. Alternatively, if your in need of new vehicles we can help to source these and negotiate great rates with dealers on your behalf, leveraging our national network and huge buying power.
Does it matter where my business is based?
FleetPartners currently services customers all over Australia and New Zealand. Regardless of whether your business is located in the heart of one of our major cities or in a regional location, we can confidently meet your needs.