Can I get vehicle or fleet finance for deliveries and catering vans?
The short answer, what you can finance, and the main options
Yes — established UK businesses can usually access vehicle or fleet finance for delivery vans, refrigerated vans, and catering or street-food trucks. Funding is typically available for new and used vehicles, plus many conversions and specialist fittings. Best Business Loans connects you with relevant UK lenders or brokers who can consider your profile and purpose.
Common finance types for commercial vans include Hire Purchase, Finance Lease, and Operating Lease/Contract Hire. Each option treats ownership, balloon payments, mileage, and VAT differently. The right route depends on your accounting approach, cash flow preferences, and how long you plan to keep the vans.
What can be financed is often wider than you think. Lenders may cover base vehicles, refrigeration kits, racking and shelving, hot-hold units, serving hatches, coffee machines, branding, and some conversion costs. Funding can also support multiple vans under a single facility if you are building a small fleet.
Typical finance options explained
- Hire Purchase (HP): Spread the cost and own the van at the end once all payments and option-to-purchase fee are made.
- Finance Lease: Rent the asset over a term with rentals usually offsettable against taxable profits, with options at term end.
- Operating Lease/Contract Hire: Pay to use the van with agreed mileage and return it at the end, avoiding resale risk.
- Asset Refinance: Release value from vans you already own to improve cash flow or fund upgrades.
What vehicles and equipment are commonly fundable?
- Delivery vans, panel vans, and electric vans for urban drops and ULEZ compliance.
- Refrigerated vans for chilled or frozen distribution.
- Catering vans and food trucks, including coffee vans, pizza trucks, and mobile kitchens.
- Conversions, fittings, and branding where supported by lender policy.
Important note
Best Business Loans does not offer finance directly. We introduce you to suitable providers based on your profile and needs. Approval and terms are always set by the lender or broker we connect you with.
Eligibility, what lenders look for, and documents to have ready
Lenders assess commercial vehicle finance on business stability, affordability, and asset suitability. They will look at your time trading, turnover trends, debt levels, and cash generation. For specialist catering or refrigerated vans, they may also review the equipment spec and supplier invoices.
As a guide, established limited companies and LLPs with 12+ months of trading have more options. If you are adding vans to an existing fleet, fleet performance and utilisation will matter. Where credit is lighter, lenders may request a deposit, additional security, or a director’s guarantee.
We currently help established UK businesses, not start-ups, sole traders, franchises, or property-related finance. If you are trading in hospitality or food production, you may also find our practical overview helpful at Food Industry Loans.
Key eligibility signals lenders consider
- Business type and sector, with clear use-case for vans or fleet growth.
- Time trading, profit trajectory, and bank statement cash flows.
- Credit profile, existing commitments, and any CCJs or arrears.
- Vehicle age, mileage, and conversion quality — especially for used or specialist assets.
- Deposit size and VAT treatment where relevant.
Documents that help speed up decisions
- Latest filed accounts and recent management figures if available.
- Last three to six months of business bank statements.
- Vehicle quote, pro-forma invoice, or conversion specification.
- Proof of address and ID for directors, and VAT number if registered.
- Fleet asset list and finance schedule if you are refinancing or expanding.
For catering vans and food trucks
Include the full build spec, supplier details, equipment list, and any warranties. Funding can sometimes be staged to the coachbuilder for bespoke conversions. Provide evidence of trading demand, such as event bookings, venue partnerships, or recurring contracts if available.
Costs, terms, tax treatment, and sustainability considerations
Commercial vehicle finance costs vary by asset, profile, and product type. Strong, profitable businesses can unlock more competitive rates and broader terms. Higher-risk profiles or very specialist builds may see higher pricing and a larger initial payment.
Terms commonly range from 24 to 60 months, with some options beyond for fleets. Hire Purchase may include a small option-to-purchase fee to acquire title at the end. Finance Lease and Contract Hire offer different tax treatments, with rentals typically deductible against profits subject to your accountant’s advice.
VAT treatment depends on the product and the asset. Many businesses reclaim VAT on qualifying vans used wholly for business, but rules on cars and mixed use are more complex. Always verify VAT handling, capital allowances, and lease deductibility with your accountant before you commit.
Budgeting, deposits, and balloons
- Deposits can be 0–20% or more depending on risk, asset, and policy.
- Balloon payments may reduce monthly costs but require planning for the final lump sum or refinance.
- Predictable rentals help manage cash flow, maintenance, and insurance cycles.
ULEZ, EVs, and green upgrades
- Electric and low-emission vans may support environmental goals and access to clean-air zones.
- Some lenders actively support EV adoption and charging infrastructure, subject to credit and asset criteria.
- Consider whole-life cost: fuel or electricity, maintenance, tyres, compliance, and residual value.
Compliance reminder
All figures, rates, and terms depend on your circumstances and lender assessment. Late or missed payments can affect your credit and may lead to repossession of the financed vehicle. Seek independent tax advice to confirm the best structure for your business.
Single van vs fleet facilities, and how Best Business Loans helps
If you only need one or two vans for deliveries or catering, a straightforward HP or lease can be a quick way to deploy assets. Where you plan to add vehicles over time, a fleet facility or credit line can simplify procurement. It can reduce repeated paperwork and help you deploy vans as contracts grow.
Fleet finance can also enable mixed assets across refrigeration, high-roof panel vans, and bespoke food trucks. Lenders may agree residual value assumptions for certain models or set mileage parameters. This can support total cost of ownership planning and predictable budgeting.
Best Business Loans uses AI-driven matching to introduce you to lenders and brokers who actively work with delivery, logistics, and food-service operators. We do not provide loans directly, quotes are not offers of finance, and approvals are always subject to status and underwriting. You stay in control and choose whether to proceed with any option presented.
How our matching works
- Complete a Quick Quote in minutes with your business details and vehicle needs.
- Our system analyses your profile and shortlists relevant providers.
- We connect you with those partners so you can discuss terms and documents.
- You compare options, negotiate where appropriate, and decide your next step.
Typical timeline and next steps
- Initial feedback can be fast once the basics are clear.
- Standard vans may be funded within days of approval and document completion.
- Bespoke conversions may involve staged payments direct to approved builders.
Ready to get started?
Submit your Quick Quote for a no-obligation eligibility check. It is free to enquire, and we only share your details with relevant finance professionals for this purpose.
FAQs for delivery vans, refrigerated vehicles, and catering trucks
Below are concise answers to common questions our users ask about vehicle and fleet finance. These are general insights and not financial advice. Final terms, costs, and structures depend on your circumstances and lender policies.
Can I include the conversion and catering equipment in the finance? Yes, many lenders can roll approved conversion costs and fixed catering equipment into the agreement. Provide a detailed quote and supplier details for assessment.
Can I finance a used refrigerated van? Yes, subject to age, mileage, and the condition of the chiller unit. Lenders often require proof of service history and may limit terms for older vehicles.
Do I need a deposit?
Zero-deposit options exist for strong profiles and mainstream vans, but a deposit can help approval. Specialist builds often require higher initial outlay or staged payments. Your deposit level will affect monthly rentals and lender choice.
Hire Purchase vs Lease — which is better for vans?
HP suits businesses wanting ownership at term end and predictable amortisation. Lease or Contract Hire can keep rentals lower and off-balance-sheet depending on policy and accounting standards. Confirm tax and accounting treatment with your adviser.
Can I get finance with weaker credit?
Adverse credit does not automatically rule you out, but options may be limited and pricing higher. A larger deposit, newer asset, or director guarantee can improve confidence. Be ready to share clear bank statements and explain any historic issues.
Can I add several vans under one facility?
Yes, fleet facilities and credit lines can support multiple vehicles and staggered drawdowns. This cuts admin and speeds future additions. Usage, mileage, and maintenance planning become important to keep total costs in check.
What about VAT and tax?
Many businesses can reclaim VAT on qualifying commercial vans used wholly for business. Lease rentals are usually deductible, and HP may allow capital allowances, subject to advice. Always verify treatment for your situation with a qualified accountant.
How fast can I take delivery?
For in-stock standard vans, funding can complete within a few working days once approved. Conversions require build time and staged funding control. Start early if you need vans aligned to seasonal peaks or event calendars.
Clear, fair, and not misleading — our compliance approach
We aim to ensure our information is clear, fair, and not misleading, reflecting UK advertising standards and FCA expectations. Best Business Loans is an independent introducer and does not provide loans directly. Finance is subject to status, credit checks, affordability, and terms and conditions set by the lender or broker.
Key takeaways
- Yes, you can finance delivery vans, refrigerated vans, and catering trucks via HP, Lease, or Contract Hire.
- Funding can include conversions and equipment where lender policy allows.
- Eligibility hinges on trading profile, affordability, and vehicle quality.
- We introduce you to relevant lenders and brokers — you decide what fits best.
- Start with a Quick Quote for fast, no-obligation matching.
About Best Business Loans
BestBusinessLoans.ai helps established UK businesses explore finance options using AI matching and a trusted network of providers. We do not promise the lowest rate, but we aim to connect you with relevant partners quickly. Updated October 2025.
What to prepare before your Quick Quote
- Vehicle or conversion quote, ideally with specification and lead time.
- Trading summary, recent bank statements, and the latest year-end accounts.
- Target monthly budget and preferred term (e.g., 36–60 months).
- Any sustainability or ULEZ requirements for urban deliveries.
Important disclosures
We do not provide financial advice. Any finance agreement will be between you and the lender or broker we introduce. Missing payments may impact your credit rating and could result in the vehicle being repossessed.