Estimate the total and effective monthly cost of a UK car lease, including upfront rental, fees, running extras and excess mileage.
This is a planning estimate. Check the agreement for payment timing, VAT, mileage rules, damage charges, maintenance exclusions and early-termination terms.
How to use the Car Lease Cost Calculator UK
Enter the monthly rental, initial rental and contract term. Add any one-off fees and optional monthly costs. If you expect to exceed the annual mileage allowance, enter the expected mileage and the contract’s excess-mileage rate.
How the lease cost is calculated
| Cost | Calculation |
|---|---|
| Lease rentals | Monthly payment × contract months |
| Running extras | (Maintenance + other monthly costs) × contract months |
| Excess mileage | Excess annual miles × contract years × charge per mile |
| Total contract cost | Initial rental + rentals + fees + extras + estimated excess mileage |
| Effective monthly cost | Total contract cost ÷ contract months |
Initial rental and monthly payment
The initial rental is usually larger than the regular monthly payment. It is part of the lease cost rather than a refundable deposit unless the agreement clearly says otherwise. Compare offers using the total payable or effective monthly cost, not only the advertised monthly figure.
Mileage and return conditions
Personal Contract Hire normally includes an agreed mileage allowance. Exceeding it can create an additional charge when the vehicle is returned. Condition and fair-wear rules can also affect the final cost. MoneyHelper explains that PCH monthly costs depend on factors including the vehicle, upfront fees and mileage allowance; read its guide to leasing a car with Personal Contract Hire.
Compare the wider cost of driving
Compare lease payments with borrowing through the Car Finance Calculator UK. If documents or accessories need delivery, use the Postage Calculator UK. Estimate regular travel spending with the Fuel Cost Calculator UK. More tools are available on the United Kingdom Calculator homepage.
Frequently asked questions
Is the initial rental refundable?
Usually it forms part of the lease payments and is not refundable, but the exact agreement terms control.
Does this calculator include a balloon payment?
No. It is designed for lease or PCH costs. PCP agreements with an optional final payment should be assessed separately.
How is excess mileage estimated?
Expected miles above the annual allowance are multiplied by the contract duration and the excess-mileage rate.
Are maintenance and insurance always included?
No. Inclusion varies by agreement. Enter costs separately when they are not included in the quoted rental.
Will I own the car at the end?
Under a typical Personal Contract Hire agreement, the vehicle is returned rather than owned by the customer.