Comparison site helps companies find the best car and van deal

An innovative new vehicle contract hire price comparison website has been launched specifically to help SMEs source company cars and vans more efficiently.

comparecontracthire.com is the brainchild of ex-Lex sales director Robert Wastell. He identified the lack of Small to Medium Enterprises’ (SMEs) buying power and direct access to competitive leasing providers when it came to sourcing and acquiring company cars and vans.

At the heart of the website is a live quote engine which provides SMEs with a range of monthly prices on over 5,000 cars and vans, from some of the UK’s leading contract hire providers. Wastell believes the SME proposition with its live quoting engine is unique in the marketplace.

Companies such as Arval, Hitachi Capital, Masterlease, Fiat Auto Contracts and Alfa Romeo Contract Hire are already supporting the site, ensuring SMEs receive a good source of competitive quotes and a quality service across the UK. Wastell is also talking to other major suppliers about joining the site in the coming months.

The launch has come at just the right time for SMEs as they come under greater pressure from a weakening economy and rising vehicle running costs.

All suppliers provide their pricing through comparecontracthire.com on two, three or four year contracts inclusive or exclusive of vehicle maintenance covering 10,000 or 20,000 miles per annum.

Website visitors simply enter their vehicle into the quote engine and the length and mileage of their preferred contract and within seconds they are given quotes from the panel of contract hire suppliers. There is also no need to register personal details before quotes can be generated.

SMEs can also generate quotes based on their preferred monthly budget or look at the Special Offers that are being promoted by the suppliers. This is particularly helpful if they are unsure of which make and model to choose but want to see their best options.

Once the company has decided on a vehicle and price a contact form can be completed and is sent through to the relevant supplier who will then handle the order.

“Often when SMEs need a new car or van they haven’t got the time or opportunity to get the best deal from a quality supplier or choose the correct finance method,” said Wastell.

“They often receive poor advice and end up with a vehicle costing them more than they can afford on a finance product that isn’t right for their needs. We are only offering contract hire as it’s an easy and simple product for companies from a budgeting perspective and can provide a vehicle for a fixed all inclusive monthly rate,” he added.

The comparecontracthire.com site aims to inform smaller companies about how contract hire works and its financial and administrative benefits. The site also offers guidance and has useful links to other areas associated with running a vehicle including fuel costs, CO2 emissions, daily rental, accident management and Duty of Care.