Hire purchase (HP) is a popular financing option that allows you to buy a car without paying the entire purchase price upfront. Instead, the cost of the vehicle is divided into regular instalment payments over a fixed period.
Over the years, Hire Purchase car finance has helped motorists finance their favourite vehicles when buying them outright wasn’t an option. Nowadays, cars have become a necessity for our everyday lives, and car finance products such as Hire Purchase have made household cars more accessible to the masses.
While Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) is arguably the most popular car financing option, HP has been around for a while. So, if you’re in the market for a new car but don’t have the funds to make a full upfront payment, Hire Purchase may be a financing option worth considering.
In this blog post, we will explore what Hire Purchase entails when purchasing a car. How it works, what happens at the end of a Hire Purchase agreement, and the advantages and disadvantages.
- What is Hire Purchase
- Advantages
- Disadvantages
- How Hire Purchase Works
- What Happens at the End of a Hire Purchase Agreement
- Is Hire Purchase Right For You
- How Much Does Hire Purchase Cost
- The Benefits of Using a Finance Broker
What Is Hire Purchase
As mentioned, Hire Purchase (also called just HP) allows you to buy a car through regular monthly payments rather than outright paying the total vehicle cost.
HP is a popular choice compared to other car finance options because there are no annual mileage restrictions, and you own the vehicle at the end of the finance agreement.
It involves paying an upfront deposit of the car’s selling price, usually 10% or higher. The remaining balance of the car’s selling price, plus the interest charged, is the dividend into regular monthly instalments. When taking out an HP agreement, you can choose the term length, with the most common agreement term being two to four years.
The interest you are charged is based on several factors, with your credit score being one of the most important. Certain HP agreements may have an ‘option to purchase fee’ or ‘admin fee’ before you own the vehicle. Your lender will discuss this with you before proceeding with the agreement. This purchase fee can range from £1 to a couple of hundred Pounds, with some HP agreements not including them.
We have gone into more detail on how much Hire Purchase costs below.
In addition, you gain immediate possession and use of the car while the ownership remains with the finance company until you have made the final payment.
✅ Advantages
- Affordability: By spreading out the cost of the car over monthly instalments, makes car ownership more affordable and accessible, especially for those who don’t have the funds for a lump sum payment.
- Immediate Ownership: While the finance company holds legal ownership until the final payment, you have full use of the car throughout the HP agreement.
- Flexible Loan Terms: HP agreements often come with flexible loan terms, allowing you to choose a repayment period that suits your financial situation. Longer terms result in lower monthly payments, while shorter terms will enable you to pay off the car more quickly.
- Fixed Interest Rates: HP agreements typically come with fixed interest rates, meaning your monthly payments remain consistent throughout the loan term. Consistent monthly payments help with better budgeting and planning.
❌ Disadvantages
- Higher Overall Cost: Due to the interest charges over the loan term, the total amount paid for the car through Hire Purchase is usually higher compared to making a cash purchase.
- Ownership Limitations: Until you make the final payment, the finance company retains legal ownership of the car. If you default on payments, the finance company may repossess the vehicle.
- Potential for Negative Equity: There is a possibility of negative equity depending on the car’s depreciation rate and the loan term. Negative equity occurs when the outstanding loan balance exceeds the car’s value. This can present challenges if you sell or trade in the vehicle before fully repaying the loan.
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How Hire Purchase Works
The process of using Hire Purchase to buy a car involves the following steps:
- Choosing the car you want to buy: You choose the car you want to purchase.
- Down Payment: A down payment is typically required when entering a Hire Purchase agreement. The down payment is usually a percentage of the total purchase price and is paid upfront. This initial payment reduces the amount you need to finance and can be negotiated with the seller or finance company.
- Monthly Instalments: The remaining balance is divided into equal monthly instalments after the down payment. These instalments include the principal amount and the interest charges, spread out over the agreed-upon loan term. The interest rate can vary, so comparing offers from different lenders to secure the most favourable terms is essential.
- Ownership Transfer: Throughout the Hire Purchase agreement, legal ownership of the car remains with the finance company. However, as you make your monthly payments, you have full use and possession of the vehicle. Once you have completed all the payments, including any additional fees or charges, ownership of the car is transferred to you.
What Happens at the End of a Hire Purchase Agreement
What makes HP a straightforward finance agreement is that you own the vehicle outright at the end of the agreement. As long as you have paid all the monthly instalments and any purchase fee, you are the vehicle’s legal owner.
You then have a couple of options:
- Enjoy using the car without the worry of paying monthly.
- Sell the vehicle.
- Trade in the car against a potential upgrade and use this as a deposit for your subsequent finance agreement.
Is Hire Purchase Finance Right For You
If you want to own your car at the end of the finance term, with no yearly mileage restrictions whilst paying off the finance, then HP is right for you.
It is essential to consider all your car finance options, and we have broken down all the options for you.
Car Finance Explained →
How Much Does Hire Purchase Cost
Several factors determine the cost of a HP car finance agreement.
1. The Car’s Purchase Price
The total cost of the car is a significant factor in calculating the HP agreement’s expense. The higher the purchase price, the more you will need to finance, resulting in higher monthly payments and potentially more interest charges over the loan term.
2. Your Deposit Amount
The initial down payment you make towards the car purchase affects the overall cost of the HP agreement. A larger down payment reduces the amount you need to finance, resulting in lower monthly instalments and potentially lower interest charges. Conversely, a smaller down payment increases the loan amount and raises the overall cost.
3. Loan Term
The length of the Hire Purchase agreement, commonly expressed in months, impacts the cost. A longer loan term generally means lower monthly payments but higher overall interest charges. On the other hand, a shorter loan term may result in higher monthly payments but reduced interest expenses.
4. Interest Rate
The rate assigned to the HP agreement significantly affects the cost and can be considered the most important factor. Lenders determine the interest rate by various factors such as market conditions, creditworthiness, and the lender’s policies. A higher interest rate leads to higher interest charges over the loan term, increasing the overall cost of the agreement.
5. Additional Fees
Some HP agreements may include additional fees, such as administration fees, documentation fees, option to purchase fees or early repayment charges. These fees can add to the overall cost of the agreement, so it’s essential to review the terms and conditions and factor them into your calculations.
6. Your Credit Score
Your credit score and credit history play a crucial role in determining the interest rate offered by lenders. A higher credit score generally results in a lower interest rate, reducing the overall cost of the Hire Purchase agreement. Conversely, a lower credit score may lead to a higher interest rate, increasing the total expense.
7. Negotiation
It’s worth noting that the cost of an HP agreement is not set in stone. There may be room for negotiation, especially regarding the interest rate and fees. It’s advisable to shop around, compare offers from different lenders, and negotiate for better terms to reduce the overall cost of the agreement potentially.
To assess your affordability of a Hire Purchase agreement, it’s crucial to consider all these factors collectively. Calculate the total amount payable over the loan term, including interest charges and fees, and evaluate whether the monthly payments fit within your budget. By understanding what determines the cost of an HP agreement, you can make an informed decision and select a financing option that aligns with your financial goals and capabilities.
Find out how much you could finance using our free online car finance calculator →
The Benefits of Using a Finance Broker
Applying for Hire Purchase through a car finance broker can offer several benefits compared to approaching lenders directly. Here are some advantages of using a car finance broker for Hire Purchase:
1. Access to Multiple Lenders
Car finance brokers work with multiple lenders, which means they can access a wide range of finance options and help you find the most suitable terms and competitive interest rates. Instead of approaching each lender individually, a broker can streamline the process by presenting you with multiple offers.
2. Expert Guidance and Support
Car finance brokers are experienced professionals who understand the intricacies of the loan application process. They can provide expert guidance and support throughout the process, helping you navigate through paperwork, explain complex terms, and answer your questions. Their expertise can save you time and effort while ensuring you make informed decisions.
3. Tailored Solutions
A car finance broker takes the time to understand your specific financial situation, needs, and preferences. They can then search for loan options that align with your requirements. Considering factors such as your credit score, income, and budget can help you find a Hire Purchase agreement that suits your circumstances. This personalized approach increases the chances of securing a loan that fits your needs.
4. Time and Effort Savings
Instead of spending hours researching different lenders and comparing loan terms, a car finance broker can do the legwork for you. They have established relationships with various lenders and can quickly identify the most suitable options based on your criteria. This saves you time and effort, allowing you to focus on other car-buying aspects.
5. Negotiation on Your Behalf
Car finance brokers are skilled negotiators who can leverage their relationships with lenders to secure favourable terms on your behalf. They can negotiate interest rates, loan terms, and fees to obtain better loan conditions than you could achieve. This can result in cost savings over the loan term and increase the overall affordability of the Hire Purchase agreement.
6. Assistance with Complex Situations
A car finance broker can be beneficial if you have a unique financial situation or credit challenges. They have experience working with clients with bad credit, limited credit history, or other complexities. A broker can guide you in presenting your case to lenders, increasing the likelihood of approval and finding a suitable Hire Purchase solution.
7. Seamless Application Process
Applying for Hire Purchase through a car finance broker streamlines the application process. They handle the paperwork, documentation, and communication with lenders, ensuring everything is completed accurately and efficiently. This reduces the chances of errors or delays that could impact your loan approval.
Conclusion
Hire Purchase is a popular financing option for individuals looking to purchase a car without making a full upfront payment. Understanding how Hire Purchase works and what happens at the end of the agreement is crucial in making an informed decision. Consider the advantages of affordability, immediate ownership, and flexible loan terms, as well as the disadvantages of higher overall cost, ownership limitations, and potential negative equity. By carefully evaluating your financial situation and comparing offers from different finance companies, you can determine if Hire Purchase is the right choice for your car buying needs.
Try our free online car finance calculator to see how much you could finance, or contact us and let us save you time, money and effort getting you the car of your dreams.
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