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What Is Rent to Own Car Finance?

Rent to own car programs give you a way to get a car without the usual car loan. With these car programs, you rent the car for a period of time. At the end of the rental term, you have the option to own the car. These own car programs are set up for people who may not get approved for regular auto loans.

This is a good option if you:

  • Have a low credit score or poor credit score
  • Are self-employed or get benefits
  • Can’t pay a large deposit at the start
  • Need lease payments that fit your financial situation

How Does Rent to Own Work?

Step What Happens
1 Fill in a short online form (soft credit check only)
2 Get offers matched to your car payments budget
3 Choose a car from approved UK car dealers
4 Start driving with fixed weekly payments
5 Option to purchase the car at the end of the lease period

Key Features of Rent to Own Car Finance

  • No deposit required – You can enter without paying anything at the start.
  • Bad credit accepted – If you have bad credit or a tough financial situation, you still get a second chance.
  • Soft searches only – The checks will not hurt your credit report.
  • Flexible ownership of the vehicle – At the end of the lease or at the end of the lease term, you can choose to buy or return the car.
  • Great prices on EVs, hybrids, and used cars.
  • Nationwide coverage – This is available across the UK.
  • Backed by FCA-regulated brokers – These car programs are fair and open.

Rent to Own vs Leasing vs Traditional Financing

Feature Rent to Own Car Leasing Traditional Car Loan
Deposit Required No Usually Yes Yes (10%+ typical)
Credit Check Soft only Hard check Hard check
Ownership Optional at end No Yes
Ideal For Low credit score Good credit, frequent switchers Buyers ready to commit
Contract Flexibility High Medium Low
Payment Type Weekly or monthly Monthly lease payments Monthly loan payments
Ownership of the car Yes (if chosen) No Yes

What to Look Out for in Rent to Own Contracts

Before you sign any own contract, be sure to:

  • Know when the end of the lease period is, and find out if there will be a purchase price at the end.
  • Check if the lease deal covers roadside assistance or if service comes with it.
  • Ask about late payments or if you get out of the lease early, to see if there will be any penalties.
  • Make sure you know if the contract lets you get ownership of the vehicle or not.
  • Go over all the fees, so you do not miss hidden charges or lose money because of the lease period’s depreciation fees.
What to Look Out for in Rent to Own Contracts

Always take time to read the small print. We show only clear deals with fixed terms.

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Insurance & Proof of Identity

When using a rent to own program, you’ll need:

  • You will need to give proof of identity, like a UK driving licence or passport.
  • You must also have a UK address and a car insurance policy before you can collect the car.

Some brokers give bundled car insurance or help you get quotes. You might have to show proof of insurance before the handover. The cover should include comprehensive insurance for the whole lease period.

Real-Life Examples: Rent to Own Success Stories

Case Study: Lee from Birmingham

"I had a low credit score after I got a default. I could not get a traditional auto loan because of this. I decided to use Free Price Compare to apply. I was approved in just one day. Now I drive a Kia Niro EV with weekly payments that I can manage."

Case Study: Amina from Manchester

"I am self-employed and have found that some leasing companies can be tough to talk to. Rent to own gave me the peace of mind I needed. I am close to finishing the contract now and plan to buy the car outright."

Am I Eligible for Rent to Own?

To apply, you must:

  • You need to be at least 18 years old.
  • You have to get a steady income. This can come from wages, your own work, or from benefits.
  • You must have a UK driving licence that is valid.
  • You should live in the UK.

There is no set score you must have. Rent to own is made for people that the credit bureaus have missed. It is a good choice for those who want more flexible car programs.

Rent to Own Cars – Example Vehicles

Car Model Type From (Weekly) Range (WLTP)
Skoda Enyaq iV 60 Electric £135 256 miles
Kia e-Niro 2 Electric £135 282 miles
Toyota bZ4X Pure Electric £199 317 miles
Volkswagen ID.4 Pro Match Electric £276 349 miles
Mercedes EQA 250+ Electric £275 346 miles
Ford Explorer Premium Electric £276 374 miles
Kia Niro EV Electric £215 285 miles
BMW i5 eDrive 40 Sport Edition Electric £439 384 miles

Prices are correct as of 31/07/2025. There may be times when some are not available. Terms apply.

Can I Get a Rent to Own Car with Bad Credit

Can I Get a Rent to Own Car with Bad Credit?

Yes, for sure. These car programs are often something that people use if they:

  • If you have a record of late payments or have defaulted before
  • If you do not get approved for traditional financing
  • If you need to get a vehicle quickly for work or your family

Approval is given based on what you can afford, not just what is in your file. You do not need a credit card or a big deposit for this.

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Compare Rent to Buy Cars Online

Whether you are looking for your own car programs, car programs that let you rent to buy, or want a lease-to-own plan, Free Price Compare can help. It will show you deals that fit your budget and the way you live. With the help of this site, you can find the best offer for you.

  • No deposit
  • Lower monthly payments
  • Terms are clear
  • You get access to great prices on electric and petrol vehicles

Why Choose Free Price Compare?

  • Get access to brokers like Zuto, and CarFinance 247.
  • Compare quotes with no effect on your credit score.
  • There are flexible own car programs to fit every financial situation.
  • You can choose to pay weekly or monthly.
  • Trusted by more than 4000 UK drivers.

FAQs About Rent to Own Car Finance

You will need to have comprehensive car insurance set up before you get your car. There are some partners who can help you get a quote for it. The vehicle needs to be covered by insurance for the whole lease period.

Always read the end of the contract. Look at the purchase price, how many miles you can drive, there may be extra fees, and what it costs if you leave early. Make sure you feel good about all the terms before you sign.

Yes! Many people with poor credit can and do finish rent to own contracts. Now, they have their own cars. You can see our case studies above.

Some brokers let you do this, but you may have to pay an early exit fee. Always read the contract terms before you sign.

Yes, there are many cars that can be used for private hire. This includes those you can drive for Uber and Bolt. If you want to know which models you can use, ask for more details about the cars that qualify.

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Page last updated on: 01/08/2025

Page reviewed by: Andrea Troy

Zuto is a credit broker, not a lender. Our rates start from 8.9% APR. The rate you are offered will depend on your individual circumstances. Representative Example: Borrowing £8,000 over 60 months with a representative APR of 19.0% the amount payable would be £201 a month, with a total cost of credit of £4,064 and a total amount payable of £12,064.

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