Business vehicle finance, answered.
The questions Australian businesses ask us most. Can't see yours? Call 0417 000 316 and ask a specialist.
What is business vehicle finance?
Business vehicle finance is commercial finance used to purchase a vehicle primarily for business purposes. Depending on your circumstances, finance may be structured as a chattel mortgage, commercial hire purchase, finance lease, rent-to-own arrangement or another commercial vehicle finance facility.
What types of business vehicles can I finance?
We can arrange finance for a wide range of new and used business vehicles, including cars, utes, vans, SUVs, 4WDs, light commercial vehicles, light trucks, minibuses, buses and specialised business vehicles.
Who can apply for business vehicle finance?
Eligible Australian ABN holders can apply, including sole traders, self-employed applicants, contractors, partnerships, companies and trusts. The requirements depend on your business history, financial position, credit profile, vehicle and amount being financed.
Can a sole trader get business vehicle finance?
Yes. Sole traders and self-employed ABN holders can apply for business vehicle finance. Depending on your circumstances, low-doc options may also be available without requiring a full set of financial statements.
Can I get vehicle finance with a new ABN?
Potentially. Some lenders consider recently established businesses and new ABNs. Your industry experience, credit profile, business activity, vehicle being purchased and ability to meet the repayments can influence the options available.
How much can I borrow for a business vehicle?
The amount available depends on your business turnover, trading history, credit profile, existing commitments, vehicle and ability to service the finance. We arrange everything from individual business vehicles through to larger fleet purchases.
What business vehicle finance rates are available?
Rates depend on factors including the vehicle, age, loan amount, finance term, business history, documentation and credit profile. We compare suitable options across our panel of 80+ banks and non-bank lenders and negotiate pricing to help secure a competitive rate and structure.
How do I get the cheapest business vehicle finance rate?
Different lenders can price the same vehicle and business very differently. We compare suitable lenders rather than relying on a single bank or dealership finance offer, then negotiate pricing where possible to help secure a competitive overall deal.
Can you beat dealership vehicle finance?
We regularly compete with bank, dealership and broker vehicle finance quotes. If you already have a quote, we can compare the rate, fees, term, balloon and overall finance structure to see whether a better deal is available.
Do you compare more than just the interest rate?
Yes. A low advertised rate doesn't necessarily mean the cheapest finance. We look at the interest rate, fees, loan term, repayments, balloon or residual and overall finance structure so you can properly compare the deal.
How quickly can business vehicle finance be approved?
Straightforward applications may receive same-day pre-approval or approval, with many eligible applications completed within 24-48 hours once the required information is supplied.
Can I get pre-approved before choosing a vehicle?
Yes, subject to eligibility. Business vehicle finance pre-approval can give you an indication of your borrowing position before you start negotiating with dealers or private sellers.
How long does business vehicle finance pre-approval last?
The validity period varies by lender and your circumstances. If your pre-approval expires before you've purchased a vehicle, it may need to be reassessed or updated.
Can I finance a new business vehicle?
Yes. We arrange finance for new cars, utes, vans, SUVs, 4WDs, light trucks, buses and other eligible commercial vehicles.
Can I finance a used business vehicle?
Yes. Used business vehicle finance is available, although the vehicle's age, condition, value and intended use can affect which lenders and terms are available.
Can I finance an older business vehicle?
Potentially. Some lenders have more flexible vehicle-age policies than others. We can assess the vehicle and identify suitable options based on its age, value and your circumstances.
Can I finance a vehicle from a dealership?
Yes. We arrange business vehicle finance for vehicles purchased through dealerships across Australia and can coordinate settlement directly once your finance is approved.
Can I finance a vehicle through a private sale?
Yes, subject to lender requirements. Private-sale vehicle finance may involve additional checks on the vehicle, seller and ownership before settlement.
Can I finance a vehicle bought at auction?
Potentially. Auction vehicle finance can be arranged for eligible purchases, but it's best to organise your finance position before bidding because auction purchases can have short settlement timeframes and may be unconditional.
Can I finance a vehicle anywhere in Australia?
Yes. We arrange business vehicle finance for eligible businesses and vehicle purchases throughout Australia.
Do I need a deposit for business vehicle finance?
Not always. No-deposit and 100% vehicle finance may be available to eligible applicants. Whether a contribution is required depends on the vehicle, purchase price, business circumstances and lender criteria.
Can I finance more than the purchase price of the vehicle?
Potentially, depending on the lender and transaction. Certain eligible costs associated with purchasing the vehicle may be financeable, but this varies between lenders.
Do I need property security for business vehicle finance?
Generally, the vehicle being purchased provides the primary security for asset-backed business vehicle finance, so residential or commercial property security may not be required. Additional security can still be required in some circumstances.
Can I get low-doc business vehicle finance?
Yes, subject to eligibility. Low-doc, lite-doc and streamlined vehicle finance up to $500,000 may be available, potentially reducing the need to provide full financial statements and tax returns.
What documents do I need for business vehicle finance?
Requirements depend on the application. You may need identification, ABN or company details, vehicle information, purchase invoice or contract, business bank statements, BAS, financial statements or other evidence of business income.
Can I get business vehicle finance without financials?
Potentially. Eligible applicants may qualify for low-doc or streamlined finance using alternative information such as ABN and GST history, business bank statements, BAS or accounting information rather than complete financial statements and tax returns.
Can I get business vehicle finance with bad credit?
Potentially. Previous credit problems don't automatically prevent you from obtaining vehicle finance. The nature of the credit issues, how recent they are, your current business performance and the vehicle being purchased can affect the options, rate and terms available.
Can I refinance my existing business vehicle?
Yes, subject to eligibility. Vehicle refinancing may allow you to seek a better rate or repayment structure, change lenders or restructure existing business vehicle debt.
Can I refinance multiple business vehicles?
Potentially. Businesses with several financed vehicles may be able to refinance individual facilities or restructure multiple vehicle loans, depending on the existing contracts, vehicle values and business circumstances.
Can I finance multiple vehicles at once?
Yes. We can assist with finance for multiple business vehicles and fleet purchases, subject to borrowing capacity and lender approval.
Can I finance a fleet of business vehicles?
Yes. Fleet finance can be structured for businesses purchasing or replacing multiple cars, utes, vans, SUVs, light trucks, buses or other commercial vehicles.
Can I finance a company car?
Yes. Business vehicle finance can be used to purchase eligible company cars and other passenger vehicles used for business purposes.
Can I finance a work ute?
Yes. Utes are commonly financed for tradespeople, contractors, construction businesses, agriculture, field services and other Australian businesses.
Can I finance a business van?
Yes. Finance is available for new and used commercial vans, including delivery vans, trade vans, refrigerated vans and specialised business vans.
Can I finance an SUV or 4WD for my business?
Yes, where the vehicle is being acquired for an eligible business purpose. SUVs and 4WDs are commonly financed by businesses requiring passenger capacity, towing capability or travel to worksites and regional locations.
Can I finance a light truck?
Yes. We arrange finance for eligible light trucks used for delivery, trades, removals, landscaping, construction and other commercial purposes.
Can I finance a bus or minibus?
Yes. Finance may be available for buses, minibuses and passenger transport vehicles used by transport operators, tourism businesses, schools, childcare providers, community organisations and other eligible businesses.
Can I finance a specialised business vehicle?
Potentially. We can assess finance for specialised and purpose-built vehicles, including refrigerated vehicles, disability-accessible vehicles, mobile service vans and other commercial vehicles.
What loan terms are available for business vehicle finance?
Business vehicle finance terms can extend up to 7 years for eligible vehicles and applicants. The appropriate term depends on the vehicle's age, finance structure, business circumstances and lender criteria.
Can I have a balloon payment?
Yes, subject to lender criteria. A balloon payment leaves an agreed amount outstanding at the end of the finance term and can reduce regular repayments. A larger balloon also means more remains payable at the end, so it should be structured carefully.
Can I repay business vehicle finance early?
Potentially. Early repayment conditions vary between lenders and products. Some facilities may have early termination, break or payout costs, so these should be considered when comparing finance options.
What is a chattel mortgage?
A chattel mortgage is a common form of business vehicle finance where the business takes ownership of the vehicle and the lender takes security over it until the finance is repaid.
What is commercial hire purchase?
Under a commercial hire purchase arrangement, the financier generally owns the vehicle during the agreement and the customer hires it through regular payments. Ownership generally transfers after the agreed obligations have been satisfied, subject to the contract.
What is a finance lease?
A finance lease allows a business to use a vehicle in exchange for agreed lease payments. The ownership and end-of-term arrangements differ from a chattel mortgage, so the most appropriate structure depends on your business and tax circumstances.
What is rent-to-own vehicle finance?
Rent-to-own provides another way for eligible businesses to access vehicles through agreed rental payments, with the ability to acquire ownership subject to the terms of the arrangement.
Which is better: chattel mortgage, hire purchase or finance lease?
There isn't one structure that's best for every business. The right option depends on ownership preferences, cash flow, accounting and tax treatment, GST position, repayment structure and what you plan to do with the vehicle. Your accountant or tax adviser can advise on the tax treatment for your circumstances.
Can I claim GST on a business vehicle?
GST treatment depends on your business, GST registration, how the vehicle is used and the finance structure. Eligible businesses may be entitled to GST credits, but individual circumstances differ and you should confirm the tax treatment with your accountant or registered tax adviser.
Are business vehicle finance repayments tax deductible?
The tax treatment depends on the finance structure and how the vehicle is used. Interest, depreciation, lease payments and operating expenses can be treated differently, so you should obtain tax advice specific to your business.
Does getting a business vehicle finance quote affect my credit score?
Getting an initial quote with Overdrive does not require an upfront credit check. Where available, we can assess and compare suitable options before submitting a formal credit application. If you decide to proceed, the selected lender may conduct a credit enquiry as part of its assessment.
Why use a business vehicle finance broker instead of dealership finance?
A dealership generally offers finance through its available providers. As a broker, we can compare your application across a broader panel of 80+ banks and non-bank lenders, allowing us to look beyond the finance available at the point of sale and negotiate pricing and structure on your behalf.
Do I deal with the same broker throughout the process?
Yes. With Overdrive Vehicle Finance, you deal directly with Simon Kendrick, Managing Director, from your initial enquiry through to lender negotiations, approval and settlement.
Can you help with my next business vehicle as well?
Yes. Our goal is to become your long-term vehicle finance broker. Whether you're replacing your current vehicle, adding another car or van or growing an established fleet, you continue dealing with the same broker who already understands your business.
Is your business vehicle finance comparison service free?
Yes. Our vehicle finance comparison service is 100% free to you, with no obligation to proceed. We compare suitable options across our lender panel and help coordinate the finance process through to settlement.
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