Can start‑ups get van or truck finance through UK Business Loans without two years’ accounts?

Short answer: Yes — many start‑ups can obtain van or truck finance even if they don’t have two years’ filed accounts. Lenders will instead assess alternative evidence (bank statements, contracts, management accounts, director experience and deposit) and may offer hire purchase, finance lease, operating lease or secured business loans subject to their criteria. UK Business Loans is an introducer/lead matcher — we do not lend money or give regulated financial advice. Complete a Free Eligibility Check to be matched to lenders and brokers who may consider your case: Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

Quick summary: what you need to know

• Can start‑ups be considered? — Yes, many specialist lenders and brokers consider start‑ups where there is credible alternative evidence of trading and cashflow.
• Vehicle types — vans, light commercial vehicles (LCVs), small trucks and small fleets are commonly financed.
• Typical finance routes — hire purchase (HP), finance lease, operating lease/contract hire, secured business loan and chattel mortgage.
• Key lender criteria — director’s credit profile, management accounts or forecasts, ongoing contracts or purchase orders, deposit and vehicle details.
• Minimum deal size — UK Business Loans typically arranges vehicle finance from around £10,000 and upwards.

Want a tailored answer for your business? Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now.

How lenders view start‑ups without two years’ accounts

Lenders use two years’ filed accounts as a strong signal of stability and predictable cashflow. Without them, applicants are treated as higher risk — but that does not mean finance is impossible. Specialist start‑up lenders and broker networks routinely underwrite using alternative evidence.

Risk factors and what lenders assess

• Director experience and CV — proven experience in the trade reduces perceived risk.
• Personal credit score — director(s) credit history is often checked and can be decisive.
• Bank statements — 3–6 months of business bank statements to show income and outgoings.
• Contracts and purchase orders — signed contracts, delivery agreements or regular work can substitute for accounts.
• Management accounts / forecasts — recent management accounts or a 12‑month cashflow forecast help demonstrate affordability.

Why two years’ accounts help — and what replaces them

Two years’ accounts reduce lender uncertainty. When those aren’t available, lenders look for tangible evidence that your start‑up will generate the cash to meet repayments. Acceptable alternatives commonly include:

• Recent bank statements (3–6 months)
• VAT returns (if registered)
• Signed contracts or recurring invoices
• Management accounts or accountant-prepared forecasts
• Proof of deposit and trade references

Lender tiers: mainstream banks usually require accounts; specialist lenders, finance houses and broker panels are more flexible and can structure deals for early‑stage businesses.

Vehicle finance options for start‑ups without two years’ accounts

Start‑ups commonly use the following methods. Each has pros, cons and typical requirements.

Hire Purchase (HP)

HP spreads the vehicle cost into fixed monthly payments and transfers ownership after the final payment. Pros: predictable payments and ownership at term end. Typical requirements: deposit (often 10–25%), director personal guarantee may be requested, 2–5 year terms. Lenders may accept bank statements and contracts instead of historic accounts.

Finance Lease

Leasing provides the use of the vehicle for an agreed term; ownership usually remains with the funder. Pros: lower upfront cost vs buying, tax and VAT benefits for some businesses. Cons: no ownership at term end unless a purchase option is exercised. Start‑ups often secure finance lease with larger deposit or stronger director credit.

Operating Lease / Contract Hire

Operating leases are more like long rentals and can be attractive for VAT-registered businesses and those wanting predictable costs including maintenance. Lenders often prefer established businesses but brokers can place start‑ups with specialist providers when contracts/backlogs support the application.

Secured Business Loan / Asset Finance

Loans secured on the vehicle (or other assets) can fund outright purchase. Lenders look at director credit, deposit and projected cashflow. Terms and rates vary widely; loans are useful if you want to own the vehicle immediately.

Fleet & multi‑unit deals

If you need multiple vehicles, specialist fleet brokers can often structure deals for start‑ups if you can demonstrate upcoming contracts or recurring revenue.

Typical deal features across options: deposit 0–30% (commonly 10–25% for start‑ups), terms 24–60 months, and higher APRs may apply where trading history is limited. For a personalised match, Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

What lenders typically ask for when you don’t have two years’ accounts

When you lack two years’ filed accounts, lenders usually request a combination of the following (ranked by frequency):

• 3–6 months of business bank statements
• Proof of business activity — invoices, purchase orders, signed contracts
• Management accounts or a 12‑month cashflow forecast
• VAT returns (where applicable)
• Director CV and personal credit report
• Proof of deposit and source of funds
• Vehicle details — age, mileage, intended use

Additional lender conditions may include a personal guarantee, higher deposit, or a shorter term. Preparing clear documentation and a concise business case improves your chances. For help matching to lenders who accept alternative evidence, Free Eligibility Check.

Typical rates, deposits and terms for start‑up vehicle finance (indicative)

• Indicative APR ranges: mid‑teens up to 30%+ for higher risk / limited evidence deals — subject to lender underwriting.
• Deposits: 0–30% typical; many start‑ups offer 10–25% to secure better terms.
• Terms: commonly 24–60 months depending on vehicle type and product.
• Other costs: administration fees, documentation charges, maintenance packages and early repayment fees may apply.

These are indicative ranges only. UK Business Loans does not set rates — matched lenders/brokers provide quotes after assessing your details. Submit an enquiry for tailored quotes: Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

How UK Business Loans helps start‑ups

1. Complete a short, confidential enquiry (takes around 2 minutes).
2. We match your case to appropriate lenders and brokers experienced in start‑up vehicle finance.
3. You receive no‑obligation quotes and a clear summary of next steps.
4. If you accept an offer you liaise directly with the chosen lender/broker to complete the application and funding.

Benefits: speed, access to specialist lenders, confidentiality and a free matching service. Note: UK Business Loans is an introducer/lead matcher — we do not lend money or provide regulated financial advice. To begin, Start Your Enquiry — Free Eligibility Check. Privacy note: your details are only shared with selected partners to obtain quotes; submitting an enquiry will not affect your credit score.

Real‑world examples (anonymised)

Example A: A new delivery start‑up secured a 3‑year hire purchase for a new van after providing 15% deposit, 4 months of bank statements and a signed regional delivery contract. The director provided a CV and agreed a personal guarantee.

Example B: A small ecommerce start‑up leased a single van under a finance lease by showing recurring supplier invoices, VAT registration and a 12‑month cashflow forecast. The broker sourced a lender that accepted the alternative evidence and offered a competitive monthly payment.

Common objections & how to improve your application

• “I have poor personal credit” — specialist lenders and brokers may still help, but expect higher rates or a personal guarantee.
• “I only have a small deposit” — possible, but a larger deposit improves pricing and approval chances.
• “Will I need a personal guarantee?” — often yes for start‑ups, particularly if the company has limited trading history.
• “Will enquiry affect my credit score?” — submitting your enquiry through UK Business Loans does not affect your credit score; individual lenders may carry out checks later in the process.

Practical tips to improve success:

• Prepare 3–6 months of bank statements and any invoices or signed contracts.
• Provide a concise 12‑month cashflow forecast or management accounts.
• Consider offering a larger deposit or shorter term to reduce lender risk.
• Clean up personal credit where possible before applying.

How to get started with UK Business Loans

What you’ll be asked for in the Quick Enquiry:

• Business name and company number (if limited)
• Months trading / brief description
• Vehicle type & estimated value
• Deposit available
• Contact details

It’s free, confidential and no obligation. We will only share your details with selected lenders/brokers who can provide quotes. Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

FAQs

Want personalised help? Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now.

Author & compliance

Content Manager, UK Business Loans
Content Manager with 6+ years’ experience matching UK SMEs and start‑ups to vehicle finance lenders and brokers. See our About and Partners pages for more on who we work with.

UK Business Loans is an introducer/lead matcher — not a lender and not authorised to provide regulated financial advice. We connect businesses to trusted lenders and brokers who may provide quotes. All offers are subject to lender eligibility, affordability checks and terms. By submitting an enquiry you consent to us sharing your details with selected partners for the purpose of obtaining finance quotes. Your enquiry will not affect your credit score. Read our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

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Related guidance: read more about specialist vehicle finance options and how they work.

1. Can start‑ups get van or truck finance in the UK without two years’ filed accounts?
Yes — many specialist lenders and brokers will consider start‑ups using alternative evidence such as bank statements, contracts, VAT returns, forecasts and a deposit.

2. What vehicle finance options are available to start‑ups (vans, LCVs, small trucks)?
Common options include hire purchase, finance lease, operating lease/contract hire, secured business loans and chattel mortgage, plus specialist fleet deals for multiple units.

3. What documents do lenders accept instead of two years’ accounts?
Typical alternatives are 3–6 months of business bank statements, signed contracts or purchase orders, VAT returns, management accounts or a 12‑month cashflow forecast, director CV and proof of deposit.

4. Will submitting an enquiry via UK Business Loans affect my credit score?
No — completing the quick enquiry to be matched with lenders/brokers does not affect your credit score; individual lenders may carry out checks only if you proceed.

5. Is UK Business Loans a lender and do you charge to match me with finance providers?
No — UK Business Loans is a free introducer/lead matcher that connects you to FCA‑regulated brokers and lenders and does not lend or provide regulated financial advice.

6. How much deposit and what interest rates should start‑ups expect for vehicle finance?
Deposits typically range 0–30% (commonly 10–25% for start‑ups) and indicative APRs can range from mid‑teens to 30%+ depending on lender, credit and evidence provided.

7. Will I be asked to provide a personal guarantee for start‑up vehicle finance?
Often yes — many lenders request a personal guarantee for early‑stage businesses or where the company has limited trading history or weaker credit.

8. How quickly will lenders or brokers respond after I submit a quick enquiry?
You can usually expect contact within hours and personalised quotes shortly after matched lenders/brokers review your details.

9. Can I get vehicle or business finance if I have poor personal or business credit?
Yes — some specialist lenders on our panel work with imperfect credit profiles, though approval may require higher rates, larger deposits or additional security.

10. Is the quick enquiry form an application and what happens to my information?
The quick enquiry is not a formal application — it’s confidential information used to match you with suitable lenders/brokers who will contact you to discuss options and carry out any formal checks.