Chauffeur finance application checklist

Business and identity

Have the legal and trading names, business structure, company number where applicable and details of the relevant directors or partners ready. Identity, address and credit-check requirements depend on the case and lender. Ask what searches are proposed, whether they affect personal or business credit files, and at what stage before agreeing to proceed. Do not put identity documents or private addresses in the initial message.

Trading evidence

Most recent filed accounts, plus management accounts if the year end is more than a few months old. Business bank statements for recent months show regular income and how the account is managed. Unusual items, such as one-off large receipts or a period of low trading, are better explained up front.

Licences and insurance

Operator licence, vehicle licences and driver licences, with expiry dates, plus current fleet insurance. Licensing differs between England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and London, so note which authority licenses you.

Existing finance

A simple table: lender, vehicle, monthly payment, months remaining. Include any business loans and director guarantees. Omissions found later slow things down and undermine trust.

Make the records tell a consistent story

Check the trading name on accounts, statements, supplier quotes and licences. Explain legitimate differences, such as a trading name used by a limited company, rather than leaving the broker to guess which entity earns the income and would take the agreement. Use dated documents and label whether figures are filed accounts, current management information or a forecast.

Note unusual receipts or temporary disruption in plain language and distinguish repeat contract income from one-off work. If an account is awaiting payment, say so; an unpaid invoice and money received are not interchangeable evidence. Clear explanations are more useful than a presentation that hides uncertainty.

Identify the purchase and any linked disposal

Supply the proposed vehicle’s specification, seller, price and expected availability. For a used car, include mileage and history where available, without presenting the V5C as proof of ownership. Explain how the vehicle fits the licensing policy and what evidence is still outstanding.

If you plan to replace a financed vehicle, distinguish its valuation from the lender’s settlement figure and explain any expected shortfall. Mark quotes and valuations with their dates. A deposit already paid to a supplier is not the same as a lender approving the purchase, and a broker should know about that commitment early.

Keep the first enquiry brief and share evidence carefully

Start with the business, the proposed purchase and the issue you want help resolving. You do not need to paste bank statements, passport details, account numbers or passenger information into this public enquiry form. Ask the broker how to supply any subsequently requested evidence securely, and only share what is needed for the stated purpose. Never send banking passwords or verification codes.

What happens with this information

Your enquiry comes to Sorbus, not a lender. A broker discusses the business and reviews evidence. If a proposal looks suitable, and only with your agreement, it goes to selected lenders from our panel. Any offer and its terms are the lender’s decision.

What happens after you enquire

1. 1

   Enquiry

   You tell Sorbus about the business and the vehicles. It is not an application, and no lender sees it.

2. 2

   Discussion and evidence review

   A broker talks it through and reviews accounts, bookings, licences and vehicle details.

3. 3

   Lender proposal, only if appropriate

   If it looks suitable, and only with your agreement, we approach selected lenders from our panel (not the whole market). Any decision is the lender’s.