Search
Close this search box.
Sign up for our weekly Newsletter

Look for BVRLA accreditation when using car brokers

There are many car leasing brokers in the market. But which ones can you be sure to trust? Look for those with BVRLA-accreditation, says the BVRLA
98B_BVRLABrokersOK246x155
Leasing brokers: advice to small business owners

Share

20 January 2009

Small business directors in a meeting with a car leasing broker
Leasing brokers: advice to small business owners

By John Lewis, chief executive, BVRLA

Stockbroker, mortgage broker, insurance broker, leasing broker – there are many types of middleman that make a living from giving people help and advice with financial products and services.

Practitioners need to be customer friendly, have a thorough knowledge of what they are selling, and be good at explaining complex financial matters in layman’s terms.

Brokers also need to inspire trust. In these credit crunch-afflicted times customers and suppliers are looking for reassurance: that they can rely on the person or company they are dealing with; and that they operate to some sort of standard.

Contract hire companies are increasingly relying on car leasing brokers as a vital sales channel, particularly in the SME (Small- and Medium-Enterprise) sector.

The best way for leasing brokers to establish, measure and maintain standards is through some form of accreditation: British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) membership provides this. Belonging to a long established trade association, recognised by the government, provides an extra degree of credibility with customers. And introduces the broker to a range of networking possibilities with other members.

Membership also provides some more tangible benefits. Leasing broker members can take advantage of the association’s free legal helpline, information portal and a range of training courses and seminars.

BVRLA standards for leasing brokers

But it is not just a question of signing up and enjoying the fruits of membership. To be considered, a leasing broker has to:

  • operate from commercial premises;
  • provide references from at least two contract hire companies that they are working with; and
  • supply evidence that they are a financially stable business.

Candidates are then inspected by an independent UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) quality assurance inspector. They will give their business processes a thorough examination.

Among other things, they will be looking for proof that the broker has a Consumer Credit Act licence; abides by the Data Protection Act; and provides adequate training for staff. This inspection will be repeated, on a random basis, for each year they remain a member.

Members must also agree to abide by the association’s code of conduct, which sets out standards of good practice. Sticking to the code should ensure that every customer enjoys a high level of service, but our members are also required to operate a prompt and efficient customer complaint procedure.

If a customer still isn’t happy with the way they have been treated, the BVRLA provides a conciliation service to assist in settling any unresolved dispute.

Read more on car leasing brokers

To access more information about the BVRLA, visit www.bvrla.co.uk

You can read more about brokers in our Advice Centre article What is a car leasing broker?

Share this article

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Reddit
Email

Want more motoring news?

Sign up here for our free weekly serving of motoring.

Sign up here for our free weekly serving of motoring.

Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton is an award-winning journalist and the founder of Business Car Manager (now renamed Business Motoring). Ralph writes extensively about the car and van leasing industry as well as wider fleet and company car issues. A former editor of What Car?, Ralph is a vastly experienced writer and editor and has been writing about the automotive sector for over 35 years.

Latest news

Top