Which documents are required to get a quick equipment finance quote?

Summary: To get a fast equipment finance quote from UK Business Loans you’ll typically need a supplier quote/invoice for the equipment, recent business bank statements (usually 3 months), company registration and recent management or statutory accounts, ID and proof of address for directors, and (where relevant) VAT details or a cashflow forecast. Preparing these documents before you start speeds the matching process and improves the quality and speed of quotes. Ready to start? Get Quote Now.

What this page covers (quick)

This page explains the specific documents commonly requested for an equipment finance quote, why each document matters, the difference by company and finance product, common pitfalls, and practical tips so you can get matched and quoted as quickly as possible. Use the checklist below to prepare documents before completing our short enquiry form — it takes around two minutes. Free Eligibility Check.

Why lenders and brokers ask for documents

Lenders and brokers need evidence to verify identity, confirm the business exists and is trading, understand cashflow and repayment ability, and to assess the asset being financed. Documents help underwriters and specialist asset finance teams decide which product suits your deal (hire purchase, finance lease, chattel mortgage or vendor finance), whether any deposit or security is needed, and what pricing and terms to offer. Supplying clear, up-to-date paperwork reduces follow-up questions and shortens turnaround time.

At-a-glance documents checklist

The table below shows the documents most often requested — grouped by Required, Usually helpful and Sometimes requested. Have these ready to get a fast, accurate reply.

Required (for most quick quotes)	Usually helpful (speed / better terms)	Sometimes requested (depending on product)
Supplier quote or invoice — detailed cost, model, serial numbers if available Business bank statements — typically last 3 months (business account) Company registration number and basic Companies House details (for limited companies) Recent accounts — management accounts or statutory accounts (last 1–2 years) Photo ID for directors — passport or UK driving licence Proof of address for directors — utility bill/council tax within 3 months	VAT registration or VAT returns (if the business is VAT registered) Cashflow forecast or business plan — for larger purchases or early-stage businesses Credit explanations — short notes if there are CCJs, defaults or recent insolvency events Photos / condition report for used or specialist equipment	Deposit evidence (bank transfer screenshot or cleared funds) for hire purchase Property security docs (rare for chattel mortgages) — if the lender requires additional security Customs / shipping documents for imported equipment Asset valuation report — for very high-value or specialised equipment

Quick note: UK Business Loans arranges finance starting from around £10,000 in value. We match you with lenders and brokers who can quote on equipment finance. Get Quote Now.

Documents by company and product type

Limited companies (typical)

• Companies House number and confirmation of registered address.
• Latest statutory accounts (last 1–2 years) or management accounts if accounts are not filed recently.
• Business bank statements (3 months) showing trading and cashflow.
• Director ID and proof of address.
• Supplier quote/invoice for the equipment, showing price, model and delivery terms.

Start-up or early-stage companies

• Supplier quote and detailed specification (very important).
• Cashflow forecast and brief business plan explaining how the equipment will generate revenue.
• Director CVs and evidence of relevant experience may speed acceptance.
• Personal ID and proof of address for directors.

By finance product (what’s different)

• Hire Purchase: Supplier invoice/quote, business bank statements, deposit evidence (if any), accounts.
• Finance Lease: Supplier quote, business accounts, bank statements; ownership remains with the funder.
• Chattel Mortgage: Asset valuation or details, company accounts and sometimes security deeds if larger deals.
• Vendor / Supplier Finance: Supplier contract and invoice, and standard business trading documents.

Tip: if you cannot provide a specific document, tell us on the enquiry — brokers may accept alternatives or provide tailored solutions.

How UK Business Loans makes the quote quick

Our process is built to reduce wasted time:

1. You complete a short enquiry and upload the supplier quote and basic documents via our form (Free Eligibility Check).
2. We match your request to a small number of lenders and brokers with the right sector expertise.
3. Selected partners review the documents and contact you directly — many respond within hours during business days.
4. You receive quotes and can compare terms, pricing, deposit and ownership conditions.

Providing clear, legible documents (PDF or good-quality photos) and a supplier quote with itemised pricing will usually result in the fastest and most accurate quotes.

Practical tips to speed up your quote + common pitfalls

• Get a supplier quote with full details: model, serial numbers, warranty, delivery costs and VAT treatment. Lenders price to the exact figure on the supplier invoice.
• Bank statements: supply the correct business account statements. If multiple accounts exist, tell us which account pays your supplier.
• Make documents readable: scanned PDFs are best; photos must be clear and uncut.
• Avoid mismatched names: ensure the trading name on the supplier quote matches the company name on Companies House and bank statements.
• Used equipment: include a condition report and photos — lenders are more cautious about used assets.
• VAT: clarify if you want to include or exclude VAT from the financed amount; VAT-registered businesses often reclaim VAT, which affects structure.
• Common delays: incomplete supplier quotes, missing director ID, or bank statements that do not clearly show incoming/outgoing transactions.

Most brokers respond within 24 hours for straightforward deals; more complex or high-value transactions may take longer and could require valuation or additional security documentation.

Data protection, consent and important compliance notes

UK Business Loans is an introducer that connects businesses with lenders and brokers — we do not lend directly. By submitting your enquiry you consent to UK Business Loans sharing your details and the documents you upload with a limited number of selected lenders and brokers for the purpose of obtaining finance quotes. We will only share information necessary to obtain quotes and will request your permission before broader distribution.

Your enquiry does not affect your credit score. Individual lenders may carry out credit checks later if you choose to proceed with an application. For details about how we handle data, please review our Privacy Policy before submitting documents. Start Your Enquiry — Free Eligibility Check.

What happens after you submit documents

After you complete the enquiry and upload documents:

• We match you to appropriate lenders/brokers and send them the documentation you consented to share.
• Selected partners review and typically contact you to confirm details and run any necessary checks.
• You receive quotes — these will include term, repayments, any deposit, fees and ownership details. Compare APR, total cost and end-of-term options (e.g., ownership vs return).
• If you accept a quote, the chosen lender will handle the formal application and any final checks (e.g., inspections or valuations for specialist equipment).

Ready to be matched to lenders who specialise in financing machinery, vehicles, IT or other business equipment? Get Quote Now.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum paperwork needed for a fast quote?

Minimum: a clear supplier quote/invoice and the last 3 months’ business bank statements, plus basic company details and ID for directors. More documents may be required to finalise credit terms.

Can I get a quote for used equipment?

Yes. Lenders often require a condition report, photos, vendor details and sometimes a valuation. Provide as much detail as possible to speed the decision.

Will enquiring affect my credit score?

No. Submitting an enquiry through UK Business Loans does not affect your business or personal credit score. Lenders may perform credit checks later if you decide to proceed.

Do I need to be VAT-registered to get equipment finance?

No — you can get quotes whether or not you’re VAT-registered. However VAT status affects how the finance is structured and the financed amount, so state your VAT position on the enquiry form.

What if I don’t have company accounts?

If you haven’t filed accounts yet, provide management accounts, cashflow forecasts or bank statements. Brokers can often work with alternatives for newer businesses.

How quickly will lenders respond?

Many lenders/ brokers respond within hours during business hours; simple, fully-documented requests often get same-day quotes. Complex or high-value cases may take several days.

Ready to get a tailored equipment finance quote? Upload your supplier quote and supporting documents and we’ll match you with suitable lenders and brokers. Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now.

---

Content provided by the UK Business Loans team — specialists in matching UK businesses with equipment finance brokers and lenders. For more about equipment finance options see our equipment finance overview: equipment finance.

1. What documents are required to get a fast equipment finance quote?
Typically you’ll need a supplier quote or invoice, the last 3 months’ business bank statements, company registration and recent accounts (or management accounts), plus director ID and proof of address.

2. How quickly will I receive equipment finance quotes from UK Business Loans?
Many lenders and brokers respond within hours during business days and straightforward, fully-documented enquiries often get same-day quotes.

3. Will submitting an enquiry through UK Business Loans affect my credit score?
No — completing our enquiry form does not affect your personal or business credit score, though lenders may run credit checks later if you proceed.

4. Can start-ups or businesses without filed accounts get equipment finance?
Yes — lenders often accept management accounts, cashflow forecasts, director CVs and clear supplier quotes for early-stage businesses.

5. Can I finance used equipment and what extra documents are needed?
Yes — used equipment is financeable but lenders usually request a condition report, photos, vendor details and sometimes an independent valuation.

6. Do I need to be VAT-registered to get equipment finance?
No — you can get quotes whether or not you’re VAT-registered, but your VAT status affects the finance structure and financed amount so declare it on the enquiry.

7. What types of equipment finance products are available?
Common options include Hire Purchase, Finance Lease, Chattel Mortgage and Vendor/Supplier Finance, each with different ownership and security arrangements.

8. How much can I borrow for equipment finance through UK Business Loans?
We typically arrange equipment finance from around £10,000 up to multi‑million deals depending on lender capacity and asset type.

9. Is my data and the documents I upload secure when I submit an enquiry?
Yes — UK Business Loans only shares the information you consent to with a limited number of approved lenders and brokers and handles data according to our Privacy Policy.

10. What’s the difference between submitting an enquiry and making a formal loan application?
An enquiry is just information for matching and getting quotes and does not commit you or trigger final credit checks, whereas a formal application follows if you accept a lender’s offer.