Driver Questions
The Promise Car Club is an alternative way to experience the benefits of a new car. Here are a few of the most common questions we're asked by drivers who are considering a Promise car.
What cars can I have on the scheme?
As a club member, you have a fantastic choice of cars. We hold 21 new car franchises and we have preferred suppliers for franchises we ourselves don't hold. So you have thousands of car models to choose from. You are also free to choose a car that suits your lifestyle, so if you fancy a cabriolet or a convertible or a small hatch, you can have it - because you are not restricted by the constraints of the company car plan.
I notice there are some cars that aren't available. Why is this?
There are a few reasons that a car may not be available on Promise. You'll tend to find that higher value cars or cars where maintenance costs are simply too high are not available through the scheme. We've done this for your benefit. Promise is a staff car plan and so we've concentrated on building a scheme where quality mainstream cars are competitively priced.
How long are the Promise agreements?
The length of the Promise agreement can be from 24 months to 36 months.
Is there a mileage allowance?
Yes. Your monthly instalments are calculated based upon an anticipated mileage allowance. You can choose from 10,000 to 20,000 miles a year.
Do I pay Benefit in Kind tax for the vehicle?
Absolutely not. The Promise Car Club is a scheme that allows every member of staff to drive a vehicle and enjoy the same benefits that company car drivers have enjoyed for many years. However, as your employer is not involved in the agreement or its ongoing management, there is no Benefit in Kind tax payable. That's a promise!
How much road tax is included?
Your monthly instalment is fully inclusive of road tax for the duration of your agreement. All communications from DVLA will come to us, and it's up to us to tax your vehicle and send you the new tax disc every year.
Do I have to pay for tyres?
The Promise maintenance agreement provides for the replacement of worn tyres, as required during your agreement. We also take care of puncture repairs, valves and balances. The only situation where you may incur additional cost is if you damage a tyre. Even then, we'll take account of the worn element of the damaged tyre and only recharge an appropriate amount.
Does my agreement include emergency roadside assistance?
Yes. All Promise Car Club agreement (whether maintenance inclusive or exclusive) provide emergency roadside assistance for the duration of the agreement.
Do I have to pay for temporary rental vehicles?
If you've had an accident, our Accist Accident Management service will provide a relief vehicle if you weren't at fault. If you were at fault, we can arrange a hire car for you, but it will be chargeable.
If you've booked a service through our Service-Direct booking system, then we will arrange a courtesy car or a collection service. Alternatively, if your car is off the road for mechanical repairs that are likely to take a little longer, we'll provide a temporary relief vehicle while we get the problem sorted - it may not be the same model, but it helps keeps you mobile at no additional cost to you!
What happens if I write my vehicle off?
If your insurance company decides that a vehicle is a write-off, we will agree a write-off value, which they will pay to us. Your GAP Insurance policy covers any shortfall between the value of the vehicle and your outstanding finance. So, you are completely covered.
Your monthly instalments continue until your vehicle is written off. Then, you start again and choose a brand new car. Unlike Vehicle Replacement Insurance, where your replacement vehicle is a used vehicle, GAP provides closure on any existing agreement, so that you start again with a new car.
Does my agreement include emergency roadside assistance?
Yes. All Promise Car Club agreement (whether maintenance inclusive or exclusive) provide emergency roadside assistance for the duration of the agreement.
What is Accist?
Accist is a complementary service that is provided with every Promise car. It provides expert assistance when you've had an accident plus the benefit of a like for like replacement vehicle, if the accident was not your fault.
All you have to do to is call our Accident Assistance team if you've had an accident. They will help you get back on the road as quickly as possible. If the accident was not your fault, they will also be able to obtain a like for like replacement vehicle for you, at absolutely no additional cost to you.
What happens if I want to end the agreement early?
If your circumstances change and you want to end the Promise agreement early, we would calculate a settlement figure for you. Upon payment of the settlement figure, the agreement ends, and the vehicle is returned to us.
Does my agreement include any Early Termination Insurance?
No. However, we can provide you with a quotation for Early Termination (ET) Insurance should you wish it. In the event that you have to terminate a Promise agreement early, ET insurance will pay your settlement charges. It will not pay for any excess mileage or remedial charges e.g. dents, scratches. Before you order a vehicle, call us for a quote.
Does my agreement include car insurance?
No. It is your responsibility to obtain fully comprehensive insurance for the Promise car. In addition, if you intend to use the vehicle for business purposes, you must make sure you are properly insured.
Are exhaust repairs included in the agreement?
Our Promise maintenance agreement includes the replacement and repair of exhaust systems.
What happens at the end of the agreement?
One of the beauties of The Promise Car Club is that you don't have to make a decision about the car until a few weeks before the agreement ends. You can return the car to us and treat yourself to a new model, or you can ask us for a price to buy the vehicle outright. It's entirely up to you!
What happens if I exceed my mileage allowance?
Your monthly instalment has been calculated on the assumption of a mileage allowance, which you choose. If you exceed this allowance, then you will incur additional charges at the end of your agreement. These are known as 'excess mileage charges'.
What happens if I am under my mileage allowance?
You get money back! With the Promise Car Club, mileage charges are fair. So, if you return a car with more miles than expected, you pay a little more, if you have travelled less than expected, we give you money back.
Will I be charged for damage if I return the vehicle with a scratch?
It is possible that we will charge you for accident damage if you return a vehicle to us with damage at the end of your agreement. However, we are members of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) and we adhere to their guidelines. Their Fair Wear and Tear Guide explains how these charges are calculated, so you can be confident that any charges we raise will be appropriate.
We recommend that you take care of any accident damage before you return your vehicle. That way you can avoid any unexpected repairs.
Are there any hidden charges?
No. We like to deal with our members in a completely transparent manner, so we've tried to make The Promise Car Club agreement as clear as possible. For the sake of clarity, you may incur additional charges if any of the following situations arise:
- if you exceed your mileage allowance
- if you return the vehicle to us with accidental damage
- if you damage a tyre
- if you fail to have your vehicle serviced at the appropriate time
- if you fail to carry out regular vehicle checks and top up lubricants
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