Thinking about wrapping your leased car or van to give it a fresh look or promote your business, but not sure if you’re allowed to? 

The good news is that in most cases, you can wrap a leased vehicle as long as you follow the right guidelines. No one wants an unexpected penalty for not playing by the rules.

In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of vehicle wrapping, what to check in your lease paperwork, how to get approval and more.

What are Vehicle Graphics and Van Wraps? 

Vehicle graphics and van wraps are a fantastic way to promote your brand while on the road. There are plenty of options to choose from, including full vehicle wraps that cover the entire van, lorry, or car; partial wraps that highlight specific areas; and decals or stickers for simpler designs.

For businesses with larger fleets, fleet graphics help maintain consistent branding across all vehicles, whether it’s cars, vans, lorries or buses. We also offer plant and machinery graphics for construction, industrial, or agricultural equipment, ensuring your brand is clearly visible even on-site.

All of these options are designed to be eye-catching and draw attention to your brand without damaging your vehicle.

Branding Options for Leased Vehicles

Wrapping your vehicle is by far the most cost-effective and flexible option. You can choose any colours, logos and finishes to achieve a sleek, professional look that reflects your brand. Prices will depend on your vehicle and ideas, Signs Express Liverpool & Wirral can give you a quote, just get in touch today.

Wraps are temporary but long-lasting, typically lasting several years, and can be removed without damaging the original paintwork when applied and removed by professionals.

While it’s technically possible to respray a leased vehicle in your brand’s colours, this can be both expensive and impractical, as you’ll usually need to restore the vehicle to its original condition before returning it. Additionally, there’s no guarantee the leasing company will permit this.

Another option is to paint your vehicle in your brand’s colours, then respray it to the original finish before the end of the lease. This can be very costly, particularly with complex designs or larger vehicles.

Benefits of Vehicle Wrapping for Local Businesses 

Vehicle Wraps Protect Paintwork 

When you fully or partially wrap a vehicle, a protective layer is added between the environment and the original paintwork. Vehicle wraps act as a barrier against UV rays, helping to prevent fading, as well as chemicals like road salt, everyday wear and tear and stains. This protection can help maintain the value of the car or van at the end of the lease, reducing visible signs of use.

The Advantage of Removable Wraps

High-quality vinyl wraps are designed to be easily removed without causing damage to the paintwork, especially when applied and removed by a professional team, like Signs Express Liverpool & Wirral. This makes them a smart, flexible option for businesses that may need to update branding, change messaging, or return leased vehicles in their original condition.

Vehicle Wraps are Cost Effective 

Advertising with vehicle wraps is highly cost and time effective. They are a one-off investment with long-term benefits, allowing you to promote your brand effortlessly while running daily errands, travelling to new jobs or even when parked at the side of the road. Additionally, vehicle wraps require very little maintenance and can be removed easily at the end of your lease.

Advertise your Business in Style

Whether you are a one-person organisation or have a whole fleet of leased vans, a professional wrap on your vehicle helps you catch the eye of potential customers when you are out and about. Whether you want to make a bold statement with a full wrap or add a subtle touch with decals or stickers, your vehicle becomes an on-the-go billboard that attracts attention wherever it goes.

What to Look Out for in Your Lease Paperwork 

Leasing vehicles is the ideal choice for many businesses, offering flexibility without the commitment of ownership. However, it’s important to check your lease agreement carefully, as some contracts include restrictions on modifications, customisations and wrapping. Some agreements may allow wraps with certain conditions, while others might prohibit them entirely.

Generally, you can modify your leased car or vehicle with vinyl wrapping, window tinting or tyre upgrades, but this will depend on your leased vehicle provider. 

• Modification or alterations clauses: Review your lease to see if changes to the vehicle’s appearance are allowed.
• Return condition: Make sure you understand the condition the vehicle needs to be returned in.
• Bodywork warranty: Check any bodywork warranty terms that might be affected by adding a wrap.
• Wear-and-tear fee: Look for any fees that might apply if the vehicle is returned with marks or damage that could be linked to the wrap or its removal. 
• Repossession for breach: Ensure that modifying the vehicle won’t lead to repossession or breach of your lease terms.

How to Get Clarity if Clauses are Missing

• Contact fleet manager: Get in touch for guidance on vehicle modifications, including vehicle wraps. 
• Check manufacturer’s policies: Some manufacturers will have published guidelines on what modifications are allowed.
• Get it in writing: Ask for confirmation that the vehicle wrap won’t breach your lease agreement, giving you peace of mind.
• Speak to your lease owner, provider or car dealership: Contact the provider directly to confirm whether you can wrap your vehicle.

Does Vehicle Wrapping Affect Insurance Policies?

It’s important to notify your insurance provider when you make any modifications to your vehicle, including wraps. This ensures that they’re aware of the changes and can confirm whether the wrap affects the vehicle’s value or cover. In some cases, your policy might already include modifications like wraps, but informing your insurer avoids any future conflict that may make them take away your policy.

Top Tips on How to Maintain Your Vehicle Wraps

Vehicle wraps need a careful touch and specific care techniques to keep them looking their best. Here are our top tips to help maintain the colour’s vibrancy, keep the edges secure and ensure your wrap lasts as long as possible without cracking or lifting.

Handwashing 

Regular, gentle handwashing is the best way to maintain your vehicle wrap. Automatic car washes can lift the vinyl due to their high-pressure equipment and harsh chemicals. Instead, wash your vehicle by hand using clean water (bucket or hose), a mild vehicle detergent that is safe for vinyl, a soft sponge and a dry microfiber towel for drying.

Avoid Stiff Brushes 

Harsh brushes can scratch, scuff or lift the edges of the vinyl, leaving it vulnerable to damage. Always use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth when cleaning your wrapped vehicle to keep it looking its best.

Avoid Pressure Washing

Pressure washing can damage the laminate and cause the vinyl to peel away. The high-pressure water can get under the wrap, weaken the bond and cause lifting. This is similar to the risks of automatic car washes that use strong chemicals. Stick to gentle hand washing to avoid these issues.

How Signs Express Liverpool & Wirral Can Help With Vehicle Wrapping

At Signs Express Liverpool & Wirral, we offer an extensive range of vehicle wrapping services to help your business stand out. Here are some of the ways we can help: 

• Full vehicle wraps are a vinyl graphic that completely covers the surface of your vehicle, transforming it into an eye-catching, on-the-go advertisement. This is the best option for maximum brand visibility, giving you the largest advertising space possible.
• Partial wraps cover specific sections of your vehicle, such as the doors, bonnet or rear, making them fast to install and remove, ideal for temporary branding or promotions. They also require a lower investment than a full wrap.
• Modular wraps are a cost-effective, easy-to-install solution with a lower carbon footprint than traditional wraps, perfect for businesses looking for flexible, sustainable signage.
• Vehicle stickers and decals provide a quick and easy way to add branding to your vehicle in a professional way. Ideal for temporary advertising or smaller budgets.
• Magnetic vehicle signs are a cost-effective option that lets you brand your vehicle without the full commitment of a wrap. Perfect for temporary signage as they’re removable and reusable.
• Branded window film enhances the look of your vehicle, while also offering added security and UV protection.
• Reflective markings are a legal requirement that boosts visibility and safety, especially for night-time use or roadside operations.
• Fleet graphics ensure consistent branding across all your vehicles, building recognition and visibility.