Frequently asked questions

Selected vehicles start from one month, though most of our fleet runs on 3, 6, 9 or 12 month terms. Anything under three months tends to suit a subscription better than a fixed lease — the initial payment on a very short fixed contract can otherwise look disproportionate.

Vehicles carrying a GL or GPC supplier reference are our in-stock fleet and can typically be delivered in 3 to 5 working days once your order and payment are in place — sooner still if credit is already approved. Pre-order vehicles depend on the supplying fleet's own schedule, and we always tell you the real lead time before you commit, not an optimistic one.

Every agreement carries an initial payment, usually one to three months' rental paid up front rather than a deposit held on account. A separate refundable deposit is sometimes also required — that depends on status and is set by the underwriters, not by us. Both figures appear clearly on your quotation before anything is signed.

No, and that's deliberate: arranging your own fully comprehensive cover keeps control of the policy, the excess and your no-claims history with you. If your usual insurer is awkward about short-term or subscription agreements, we can point you towards a broker who writes this kind of cover routinely.

We collect the vehicle — no sale to negotiate, no residual risk sitting with you. Short-term vehicles are checked against our own return standards rather than the BVRLA fair wear and tear standard, unless the vehicle has been kept beyond 18 months, at which point BVRLA fair wear and tear applies. We operate to the BVRLA code of conduct throughout.

Usually, yes. Subscriptions and flexible leases roll on past the minimum term, and you can keep the same car until it turns three years old — no mid-contract swap forced on you. A fixed short-term lease can often be extended or re-contracted subject to availability, so talk to us before the end date, not after it.

Yes. All our vehicles are prepared and dispatched from Derby, York or Leeds, and we arrange delivery into central London and every borough. Delivery charges depend on postcode and are confirmed in writing before you commit — congestion charge, ULEZ and any clean air zone costs are then down to you as the driver.

Yes. London Short Term Cars is a trading style of Cocoon Vehicles Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for credit-related regulated activities, and we handle personal data under UK GDPR regardless of where in the world you're applying from.

No. Leasing and subscription agreements never end in ownership — that's fundamentally what makes them cheaper per month than a purchase product. If you want the option to own, you need PCP or hire purchase, which we don't offer.

Breakdown assistance is included on all our agreements. You call the number in the vehicle pack and it's dealt with. On commercial vehicles this includes commercial recovery, which matters when a van is loaded.

Usually yes, with prior written permission and often a VE103 certificate confirming you're authorised to take a hired vehicle out of the country. Ask us well before you travel, not the week before.

Yes. Additional drivers must be named on your insurance policy and meet the agreement's driver criteria. Tell us and tell your insurer before they drive.

Damage is an insurance matter. Repairs must be carried out to manufacturer standards — don't use an unapproved repairer, because a substandard repair will be recharged at the end of the agreement.

Delivery charges vary by postcode and are confirmed in writing before you commit. Collection at the end of the agreement is arranged the same way.

On a subscription, often yes. On a fixed lease it's usually possible to re-quote, though it may change the monthly figure. Tell us as soon as you realise you've got it wrong — it's much cheaper than accruing excess mileage.

Both, depending on the vehicle. Some come from our own fleet at Cocoon Vehicles; others are sourced from funders and supplying fleets. Either way you deal with us throughout.