Frequently Asked Questions

• I'd like a test drive, can I?

  Yes, you can have a test drive. Get in touch with us on 800 10 70 70 (from Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. and on Fridays until 5 p.m.), or by e-mail renting.auto@leaseplan.com and we’ll schedule one.

• Who does the car belong to during the operational leasing contract?

  Although it is the customer who chooses the car that wishes to drive, it is LeasePlan which owns it and, by a payment of a monthly fee, makes it available for use.

• Does an operational leasing contract involve making a down payment?

  As a rule, the LeasePlan offers do not require any down payment.

• What is the minimum and maximum period term of a LeasePlan operational leasing contract?

  The minimum term of an operational leasing contract is 12 months and there is no maximum limit. Generally speaking, contracts last for 48 months. However, the time-frames are flexible and may be adjusted to each person's needs.
  If you need more flexible or short-term rental, you have the Flexiplan available with a duration from 1 month up to a maximum of 12 months, with unlimited mileage and which you may rescind whenever you want without any cost.

• What happens if I travel more or less kilometres than those contracted initially?

  The operational leasing contract specifies a price per kilometre. The kilometre adjustment is always made when a contract ends. The adjustment value is calculated by making a comparison between the kilometres contracted upon contract termination and those traveled on said date. So, the surcharge amount (amount payable per extra km traveled) or deduction (amount receivable per km not traveled) is multiplied by the difference between the kilometres contracted and traveled.

  For example, your contract includes 25.000 kilometres with a duration of 30 months:

  • If, as at the contract termination date, in other words, after 30 months, it is observed that you have traveled a total of 30.000 km, it means 5.000 km more (+20%) than those initially contracted, if the price per extra kilometre is, for example, € 0.05, when multiplying by the difference in kilometres, it would have a cost of € 250 (5.000 km x € 0.05). If the extra kilometres traveled exceeds 25% over and above those initially stipulated, the surcharge cost per extra km increases by 50%.

  • if you travel less kilometres than those initially contracted, you will receive the deduction amount per km not traveled multiplied by the difference in kilometres, up to a maximum of 25% of the kilometres billed. If upon the contract termination date, it is observed that you have traveled a total of 20.000 km, 5.000 km less (-20%) than those initially contracted, if the price per kilometre deducted is, for example, € 0.02, when multiplying by the difference in kilometres, you would receive € 100 (5.000 km x € 0.02).

  These values are provided by way of example, you must always confirm the surcharge and deduction amounts under your contractual conditions.

  However, at any time of the contract, you may request an update of the terms of your contract by way of a recalculation, and adjust the number of kilometres owed to a significant deviation in them, with the respective rectification of the monthly fee amount. As from a deviation of 15% you are recommended to do so as in this way you will avoid any unexpected costs at the end of the contract.

• Can I cancel an operational leasing contract before contract ends?

  Yes, there is always the option of cancelling the LeasePlan operational leasing contract before contracts ends. This option will involve an extra cost regulated in the contract whereby LeasePlan shall apply a 40% penalty to the value of the remaining rents, applied after 12 months of the contract. In other words, the first 12 months must always be paid in full.

  For example, you have contracted the operational leasing of a new car with a duration of 30 months, 25.000 kilometres and a rent of €200 per month. If you wish to end and cancel your contract:

  • 8 months before contract termination, a 40% penalty is applied to the value of the rents yet to fall due. So the calculation would be: € 200 (monthly rent inc. VAT) x 8 months = 1.600 x 0.4 (40% penalty) = € 640. In this case, the penalty for early rescission would be € 640;

  • Once only 10 months have elapsed since the start of the contract, you must assume payment of the two monthly missing to make up the initial 12 months: € 200 (monthly rent inc. VAT) x 2 months = € 400. The 40% penalty calculation is then applied to the missing rents, in this case to the value of the rents pertaining to the remaining 18 months (30 months contracted – 12 initial months = 18 months). And it is applied in the following manner: € 200 (monthly rent inc. VAT) x 18 months (missing) = 3,600 x 0.4 (40% penalty) = € 1.440. Hence, the penalty for cancelling the contract 10 months after its start would be a total of € 400 + € 1,440 = € 1.840.

  In the case of an operational leasing contract for used cars, it is necessary to pay the initial 6 months in full (instead of 12 months in the case of a new car) and a 20% penalty (instead of 40% in the case of a new car) on the value of the rents to fall due.

  In addition to the penalty for early termination, you must also consider any reconditioning costs calculated if the car has suffered any damage, as well as the adjustment to the kilometres to which, in this case, there shall be an adjustment, solely including those kilometres billed and not those initially contracted.

• What should I do at the end of the contract when returning the car to LeasePlan?

  When you return the car, a report shall be drawn up about the general condition of the car and a Returns Form shall be signed by both parties confirming the handing over of the following elements:
  – Keys (main and spare)
  – Road tax document
  – Service history
  – Instructions’ manual

  The aforementioned report shall be drawn up in line with the LeasePlan Reconditioning Manual for commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles which documents, with text and photos, the scope of the damages regarded as acceptable, distinguishing them from those whose repair costs is quantified as they have an impact on the devaluation of the car.

• What should I do to request a replacement car?

  When hired, you should contact the LeasePlan Driver Support Line on 800 20 42 98 and make the respective reservation, and whenever the car is in circulation, the reservation must be requested 48 hours in advance. The replacement car must be picked up and returned to the rent-a-car counter.

• What should I do if I need to change tires, align direction or balance wheels?

  When hired, you must:

  1. Make the appointment directly in one of the workshops approved by LeasePlan for the purpose. List of approved workshops available through 800 20 42 98 or on the website www.leaseplan.pt;

  2. Go to the workshop and identify the car with the LP Card.

• What should I do in case of isolated glass breakage?

  1. Always fill in the Friendly Declaration of Car Accident;

  2. Contact the LeasePlan Driver Support Line through 800 20 42 98;

  3. Deliver the Friendly Declaration of Automobile Accident to the workshop where the repair is scheduled.

• What should I do in case of theft?

  1. In cases of theft, the authorities must be informed and the report must be obtained, which must always accompany the Friendly Declaration;

  2. Contact the LeasePlan Driver Support Line on 800 20 42 98 in Portugal, or +351 21 370 31 23 abroad, for travel assistance and replacement vehicle, if hired;

  3. Mandatory filling in of the Friendly Declaration and sending by fax: +351 21 44610 47;

  4. Send the original to the following address: LeasePlan Portugal Lagoas Park, Edifício 6, 2740-244 Porto Salvo.

• What should I do in case of an accident?

  1. Always fill in the Friendly Declaration of Car Accident;

  2. In the event of immobilisation, contact the LeasePlan Driver Support Line on 800 20 42 98 in Portugal, or +351 21 370 31 23 abroad, for travel assistance and replacement vehicle, if contracted;

  3. Send the statement to the fax: +351 21 446 10 47;

  4. Send the original to the following address: LeasePlan Portugal Lagoas Park, Edifício 6, 2740-244 Porto Salvo.

• What should I do in case of breakdown?

  1. If the car is immobilised or if a fault warning light is activated and the car's instruction manual advises immobilisation;

  2. Contact the LeasePlan Driver Support Line on 800 20 42 98 in Portugal, or +351 21 370 31 23 abroad, for travel assistance and replacement vehicle, if hired.

• What should I do if I need a repair?

  1. Make the appointment by contacting LeasePlan through 800 20 42 98. If the driver is out of the country, contact LeasePlan through +351 211 446 88 94;

  2. Contact LeasePlan to supply the replacement car, if contracted;
     Go to the workshop and identify the car with the LP Card.

• What should I do if I need a MOT inspection?

  1. Make the appointment by contacting LeasePlan through 800 20 42 98;

  2. Contact LeasePlan to supply a replacement car, if contracted;

  3. Go to the workshop and identify the car with the LP Card;

  4. Make sure that the MOT inspection is recorded in the inspection book.

• The additive AdBlue is included in the operational leasing contract?

  This is an optional service which you may include in your contract with the attendant extra cost.

• Can I cancel an operational leasing contract before contract ends?

  Yes, there is always the option of cancelling the LeasePlan operational leasing contract before contracts ends. This option will involve an extra cost regulated in the contract whereby LeasePlan shall apply a 40% penalty to the value of the remaining rents, applied after 12 months of the contract. In other words, the first 12 months must always be paid in full.

  For example, you have contracted the operational leasing of a new car with a duration of 30 months, 25.000 kilometres and a rent of €200 per month. If you wish to end and cancel your contract:

  • 8 months before contract termination, a 40% penalty is applied to the value of the rents yet to fall due. So the calculation would be: € 200 (monthly rent inc. VAT) x 8 months = 1.600 x 0.4 (40% penalty) = € 640. In this case, the penalty for early rescission would be € 640;

  • Once only 10 months have elapsed since the start of the contract, you must assume payment of the two monthly missing to make up the initial 12 months: € 200 (monthly rent inc. VAT) x 2 months = € 400. The 40% penalty calculation is then applied to the missing rents, in this case to the value of the rents pertaining to the remaining 18 months (30 months contracted – 12 initial months = 18 months). And it is applied in the following manner: € 200 (monthly rent inc. VAT) x 18 months (missing) = 3,600 x 0.4 (40% penalty) = € 1.440. Hence, the penalty for cancelling the contract 10 months after its start would be a total of € 400 + € 1,440 = € 1.840.

  In the case of an operational leasing contract for used cars, it is necessary to pay the initial 6 months in full (instead of 12 months in the case of a new car) and a 20% penalty (instead of 40% in the case of a new car) on the value of the rents to fall due.

  In addition to the penalty for early termination, you must also consider any reconditioning costs calculated if the car has suffered any damage, as well as the adjustment to the kilometres to which, in this case, there shall be an adjustment, solely including those kilometres billed and not those initially contracted.

• What happens at the end of the operational leasing contract?

  At the end of the contract you have the following options:
  – Start a new operational leasing contract, returning the car to LeasePlan at the end of the contract;
  – Extend the duration of your contract;
  – Ask to purchase the car from LeasePlan. Three months before the end of the contract, LeasePlan shall inform you of the amount for which you may acquire the car that you have driven.

• What should I do at the end of the contract when returning the car to LeasePlan?

  When you return the car, a report shall be drawn up about the general condition of the car and a Returns Form shall be signed by both parties confirming the handing over of the following elements:
  – Keys (main and spare)
  – Road tax document
  – Service history
  – Instructions’ manual

  The aforementioned report shall be drawn up in line with the LeasePlan Reconditioning Manual for commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles which documents, with text and photos, the scope of the damages regarded as acceptable, distinguishing them from those whose repair costs is quantified as they have an impact on the devaluation of the car.

• At the end of the contract, will I have to pay for any damage to the car, if there is any?

  As a rule, the special offers of LeasePlan already include reconditioning for the sum of € 500 + VAT. In other words, an insurance policy that protects you, upon contract termination, from any costs associated with damage to the car up to a maximum amount of € 500 + VAT. For example, if damage is identified for the sum of € 800, the cost shall be the difference for the sum of € 185. In other words, € 800 in damages - € 615 on protection under the reconditioning insurance (€ 500 + VAT) = €185.

  If you have any queries about the condition of the car, before returning it you may ask for a pre-inspection for an additional cost. This means that an inspection shall be carried out on the car and the damage shall be identified, if there is any. So, you’ll know what to expect when you return the car.

  You also have the option, when signing the operational leasing service, of increasing the reconditioning insurance cover to be more worry-free at the end of the contract.

  If you have not taken out the reconditioning insurance, LeasePlan's policy exempts the customer from any cost in the case of damage estimated at less than € 250. If this amount is exceeded, it shall be liable for the whole cost estimated and not only for the amount that exceeds the € 250 pay-out. For example, when returning the car, if the report refers to damage valued at € 400, the customer must pay the whole €400 and not only the €150 difference.

• What type of damage is deemed to be acceptable when you return the car(s)?

  When you return your car(s), all damage shall be calculated and it may be assessed as acceptable or non-acceptable and may or may not incur extra costs. Find out in further detail about what damage is acceptable in the LeasePlan Reconditioning Manual for commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles.