Car lease with no deposit: Is it possible?

Can you lease a car without an initial deposit? Traditional leasing methods all require deposits before you can drive, but a subscription with Onto gives you access to the latest electric cars - with no deposit. 

In general, it's not possible to lease an electric car without paying a deposit. Whether you’re financing your electric car through a personal contract purchase, personal contract hire, or hire purchase, you won’t be able to start driving until you’ve paid the required deposit.

An electric car subscription with Onto is the only way to access the latest electric cars without paying a deposit. Instead, you’ll only pay an all-inclusive monthly fee for as long as you keep the car.

Summary

  • Every type of car lease requires an initial deposit.
  • No deposit is required to book your electric car when you have an Onto subscription.

How much is a car lease deposit?

The initial deposit you pay to lease a car will depend on the value of the car and the type of lease you choose. The deposits for a hire purchase and personal contract purchase tend to be higher than those for personal contract hire, and more expensive cars will also require high deposits.

Hire purchase

Generally, hire purchase deposits are around 10% of the car’s value. Some drivers may choose to pay a higher deposit for lower monthly payments, but most pay around 10%.

Personal contract purchase (PCP)

Personal contract purchase deposits also tend to be around 10% of the car’s value, but unlike hire purchase, there isn’t much benefit to putting down an even larger deposit.

Personal contract hire (PCH)

While hire purchase and personal contract purchase deposits are based on a car’s value, personal contract hire deposits are usually three to six months of your monthly lease payment.

Woman opening the driver's door of a Fiat 500 hatchback

Electric car subscriptions with no deposit

Onto make it easy to drive an electric car without paying a deposit. Simply go to our cars page, choose your preferred car and book it in a few minutes. 

You won’t have to pay any deposit when you sign up, and you’ll only begin making monthly payments when you book your first electric car. Plus, your all-inclusive subscription comes with insurance, maintenance, and plenty of free public charging options - everything you need to get on the road quickly and stay on it safely.

Related articles

  • What’s the best car to lease in London?: Whether you commute into the city every day, head out of town at the weekends, or spend your free time going much further afield, we explore some of the top electric cars to consider.
  • Are car leases all inclusive?: What does a car lease include? Learn how leasing leaves arranging most aspects of driving to you, while a subscription with Onto offers you an all-inclusive experience.
  • Car Leasing: Hire purchase vs subscription: Should you choose hire purchase or a subscription service for your new electric car? Learn more about each option with our comprehensive guide.

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