FAQs

If you have not already done so, you will need to create an account. Simply click here to create an account. Once completed, you will need to login using your username and password.

If your employer offers salary sacrifice, you will be asked to provide your salary details so we can generate an accurate quote. You can select from relevant filters to narrow down your vehicle search before choosing your car from a dropdown menu.

Your initial quote will be produced with just your paint selection. You can then amend the quote to include accessories or adjust the mileage. All quotes can be saved and returned to at any time.

Your quote is based on the gross salary and tax code you provided. If your salary or any other aspect of your pay changes e.g. pension band, this will impact the savings calculated. Your sacrifice savings may change throughout the term of your agreement due to other factors such as pay point increments, promotion, changes in working hours and inflationary pay awards.

The table below is from the NHS Business Services Authority and shows how pension bands affect pension contributions and therefore, savings. However, your band is set locally based on several factors, so we recommend checking your tier before entering any arrangement.

Please note that when your gross salary falls into a pension band, the employee rate applies to the whole salary.

This means that if a sacrifice reduces your gross salary from band D to band C, your pension contribution will reduce from 9.3% to 7.1%. Similarly, if you are in band D and a pay increase takes you into band E, your contribution will increase from 9.3% to 12.5%. This can happen at any time during your contract because of inflationary pay increases and incremental pay points.

It is very important that you make sure you understand the pension savings for each year of your contract.

Salary Deduction

If you opt to take a vehicle from your employer under a salary deduction (from net pay) agreement then your pensionable pay will not be impacted.

Salary Sacrifice

If you opt to take a vehicle from your employer under a salary sacrifice (from gross pay) agreement then your pensionable pay may be impacted depending on the pension scheme you are a member of.

When you generate a quotation on the portal if your pensionable pay is reduced considering the sacrifice then it will show under “pension saving” on the cost breakdown.

Our quotations team will be able to confirm for you if your employer's salary sacrifice offering will impact your pensionable pay and are contactable via telephone, live chat, video conferencing and e-mail.

We have listed below some of the most popular schemes for reference.

National Health Service

Your quote is based on the salary information that you provide. Our system will calculate your pre and post-sacrifice remuneration arrangement and then calculate the difference in your take-home pay, the difference being the net cost.

Please note that If your salary or any other aspect of your pay changes e.g salary, contracted hours, other sacrifices then this may impact the savings calculated.

The current NHS Pension scheme is what is classified as a Career Average Earning Scheme (CARE), this means that entering into a salary sacrifice arrangement will reduce your pensionable pay.

Current NHS pension contribution rates:

N.B the contribution rate is based upon actual annual pensionable pay and not Whole Time Equivalent (WTE)

If you were in previous pension schemes operated by the NHS such as the final salary scheme then your pension entitlement will be calculated by the NHSBSA considering your contributions to legacy schemes.

Further information on the NHS pension scheme can be found on the NHSBSA website: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/member-hub

Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

This scheme is in operation across various sectors within the public sector including Councils, Police forces and Universities.

The current LGPS Pension scheme is what is classified as a Career Average Earning Scheme (CARE), this means that entering into a salary sacrifice arrangement will reduce your pensionable pay.

Current LPGS pension contribution rates:

If you opt to reduce your contributions such as the 50/50 offering then you will need to inform our quotations team to enable a recalculation of your savings.

Further information on the LPGS pension scheme can be found on the Government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/police-pension-schemes

Police Officers

If you are a member of the police officers' pension scheme then your pension contributions will be calculated based on your nominal (pre-sacrifice) salary.

This means that the pension contributions made after joining the scheme will not be reduced.

Further information on the Police Officer's pension scheme can be found on the LPGS website: https://www.lgpsmember.org/

Universities

Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

Please see above

Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS)

If you are a member of the USS pension scheme then your pension contributions will be calculated based on your nominal (pre-sacrifice) salary.

This means that the pension contributions made after joining the scheme will not be reduced.

Further information on the USS pension scheme can be found on the Universities Superannuation Scheme website: https://www.uss.co.uk/

Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS)

The current TPS Pension scheme is what is classified as a Career Average Earning Scheme (CARE), this means that entering into a salary sacrifice arrangement will reduce your pensionable pay.

Current TPS pension contribution rates:

Further information on the Teacher's pension scheme can be found on the TPS website: https://www.teacherspensions.co.uk/

Private Sector

The impact on pensionable pay will depend on the pension scheme that your employer operates and how they wish to treat the salary sacrifice.

Your organisation will have a dedicated webpage set up for their scheme and that will include specific information regarding the calculation of pensionable pay,

If you are unsure as to the website address please contact our quotations support team.

If you are unsure as to the impact on your future pension entitlements we strong recommend you seek independent financial advice.

If you receive a salary from your employment, you pay income tax through the PAYE system. If you receive goods or other non-cash items, you are receiving a ‘benefit in kind’ (BIK) which is taxable. A car that is provided by your employer, whether by salary deduction or salary sacrifice, is classed by HMRC as non-cash income.

The BIK value of the car is calculated by multiplying the list price of the car by its CO2 emissions percentage. BIK rates are published annually by HMRC. The percentage applicable to your car will update each year and this will amend the amount of tax you pay.

N.B. The CO₂ percentage values apply to petrol engines. There is an additional 4% supplement for diesel engines which is capped at 37%. If your diesel engine meets the Real Driving Emissions 2 (RDE2) standard, the supplement will not apply.

An estimate of each year’s BIK is detailed on your quote. This is for information purposes only. For further details, please seek independent advice.

Salary sacrifice payments are a salary swap and not payments for the private use of the car. Therefore, the tax calculation is based on the greater value of either:

Car list price x CO₂% or

Annual sacrifice e.g. £20,000 list price x 15% CO2 percentage = £3,000 benefit x 20% tax rate = £600 per annum BIK

Payments made by salary deduction are classed as payments for the private use of the car and HMRC discounts the BIK by the value of the private use contribution. Therefore, the tax calculation is:

Car list price x CO₂% - private use contribution x tax rate e.g. £20,000 x 15% = £3,000 - £1,000 = £2,000 x 20% = £400 per annum

Please note that the BIK calculated by HMRC is classed as taxable income and may impact any income-related state benefits you receive. If you think you may be affected by this, we recommend you seek independent financial advice.

No, BIK is a separate payment to HMRC which is collected through the PAYE system in one of two ways:

• Via an adjustment to your personal tax code. HMRC will reduce your tax code by the value of the benefit. This simply means that if you pay tax at the standard rate, the tax you pay will increase by 20% of the car benefit. When you apply for a quote, we will calculate the estimated tax charge for you and inform HMRC to adjust your code if you decide to lease a car under the scheme.
• By payrolling. Your tax code won’t change but your employer will collect the applicable tax from your pay each month and this will be paid to HMRC. You will see a payslip note detailing the amount that has been taxed. Please note this is not the amount of tax you pay, but the amount on which tax is applied.

The method used will depend on your employer. If you are unsure which method your employer uses, please call us on 03300 536 536.

Quotes are based upon the best price available at the time you obtain your quote and will fluctuate over time

As our website constantly generates live prices, quotes can change daily. However, if you save a quote, it is valid for 14 days so you benefit from the best price. However, quotes are subject to change if supply costs, interest rates, government grants or legislation change.

Your quotes are based on your individual circumstances and mileage which is why they may differ to your colleagues.

Quotes are calculated based on the prevailing manufacturer list price, discounts, expected future value, Repair, Maintenance and Tyre costs, interest rates and any special offers. As any or all of these costs change, so do the lease costs.

It may be possible to amend your order although a charge may apply. Please contact our order team on 03300 536 536.

If you choose to cancel your order a fee may apply. Please contact our order team on 03300 536 536.

Unfortunately, prices may change for reasons outside our control. These can include quotes expiring, manufacturer price increases or legislative changes. We will always try to source a new price as close to your original quote as possible and contact you to discuss any increase.

All orders will be placed with our preferred supplier network. We have long standing relationships with each of our preferred suppliers who fully understand our business and can offer an exceptional service.

However, if you wish to support your local dealership, you can use them for all your vehicle servicing and maintenance requirements.

If you have a vehicle on order and need a temporary vehicle while you wait for delivery, we may be able to help with a lead in car. Please call us on 03300 536 536 to discuss.

We can put you in touch with an approved installer who will contact you directly to carry out a survey on your home prior to installation. Please note that not all properties are suitable for a home charging point.

If you would like to discuss this option, please call the quotes team on 03300 536 536

The government sets an advisory electricity rate which can be paid to fully electric vehicles. The rate is currently 5p per mile. Your employer may choose to pay more than this rate and if they do, any value above the advisory rate is subject to income tax and National Insurance contributions.

You can view the quickest available vehicles on our Featured Cars page.

Most cars are factory orders and will take around 16 - 24 weeks from order to delivery so please take this into account when you make your choice. Due to current industry challenges, the wait time can be significantly longer.

We will contact you once your vehicle arrives in stock to make delivery arrangements. Vehicles can be delivered to a UK mainland address of your choice on any weekday.

If your vehicle breaks down, you will need to call the breakdown number for your lease company. Please call 0333 222 3000

We recommend you save the breakdown number to your mobile contacts in case you break down in an area without internet signal.

If you breakdown, the following tips may be helpful:

• Try to avoid coming to a stop where you are obstructing the road.
• If stopped on a carriageway or motorway, turn your steering wheel inward away from the road to avoid being pushed into traffic.
• If stopped by the side of the road, exit your car and stand somewhere away from the traffic.
• If you must remain in the vehicle, sit on the side of your car furthest away from the traffic.
• If you have a warning triangle, display it if safe to do so.
• If you have a smart phone, use a map service to pinpoint your location before calling the breakdown service or look for landmarks or signs to help the breakdown team find you.
• If the breakdown provider is unable to repair your car, have it towed to the nearest franchised dealer.
• Ensure your locking wheel nut key is available (you will usually have one of these if you have alloy wheels) in case your tyres need to be replaced.
• Keep something warm in your car i.e. coat, fleece, blanket to keep you warm if you break down in cold weather.

Replacement vehicles are not guaranteed unless you have opted to add a relief vehicle at the start of your contract. If your vehicle breaks down and cannot be repaired, the breakdown company may give you a vehicle for 24 hours but this is not certain. If your vehicle is towed to a garage, the garage will endeavour to give you a courtesy car if they have one available.

Please note that courtesy cars will not be on a like for like basis and are usually a small car. Garages are also unlikely to have automatic courtesy cars so you will need to make alternative arrangements if you have an automatic only licence.

If you need to arrange servicing then call our Athlon365 driverline on - 0333 222 3000 or visit https://athlon.service.driveronline247.com/

Servicing and MOTs carried out by at servicing site authorised by Athlon.. If you take your vehicle to an independent garage, the lease company may not authorise the work and you may be liable to pay the full cost.

Call the tyre and breakdown numbers provided to access the relevant services. These will usually be a mainstream provider such as Kwik Fit, ATS, AA or RAC.

Courtesy cars are not a guaranteed part of your lease car contract unless you have chosen this option at the start. Where a vehicle is taken to a franchised dealer for service, MOT, recall or other maintenance issue, they will try to give you a courtesy car if one is available.

We advise early booking with the garage to increase your chances of a courtesy car. Please note that courtesy cars will not be on a like for like basis and are usually a small car. Garages are also unlikely to have automatic courtesy cars so you will need to make alternative arrangements if you have an automatic only licence.

AdBlue is used in some diesel engines to comply with Euro 6 emission standards because it reduces harmful nitrogen oxide emissions. Please check your vehicle handbook to confirm if AdBlue is required. If it is, in most cases you will see an additional filling point next to your fuel filler cap.

Topping up with AdBlue is simple but always consult your car handbook first. Typically, all you need to do is open the AdBlue filler cap, screw on the connecter of the refill bottle and let the AdBlue drain into the tank. Many larger refill containers require a connecting nozzle which you may want to buy from a dealer if you’re a high-mileage driver as this can save you money in the long run.

Before you make your vehicle selection, please be aware that diesel cars have a DPF fitted. If you make frequent short journeys, you should consider whether a diesel car is right for you as the DPF may not reach the temperature needed to regenerate, causing a blockage that could lead to a breakdown. For more information, please call us on 03300 536 536.

Most manufacturers recommend that the car is serviced every 12,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first. Many cars feature a self-diagnostic system which will tell you when a car service is due but this should not be relied on alone. Please consult your vehicle handbook or contact your local franchised dealer to confirm the service intervals.

Drivers are advised not to ignore any in-vehicle warning signs even if they occur before 12 months or 12,000 miles have been reached.

Not servicing your car increases your chance of breaking down which could be costly and inconvenient if you then have to rely on hire cars or public transport while your vehicle is fixed.

Any charges to repair the vehicle due to failure to service will not be covered under the lease arrangement and you will be liable to pay the full cost.

For any tyre-related queries, call our Athlon365 driverline on 0333 222 3000

The first MOT on a new car is due when the vehicle is three years old. You will receive an automated reminder from our system one month before the MOT is due. It is important that you have the MOT completed before the expiry date. Once the MOT has expired, you will not be able to legally drive the vehicle.

If your vehicle is due to be returned around the MOT due date, you will need to ensure it has a valid MOT before collection. Failure to do so may result in an aborted collection and you will be liable for any fees charged.

It is usually possible to add items during the contract but call our customer service team on 0333 222 3000, option 6 to discuss your requirements. If you add any items to the vehicle during the contract, they must be removed before the car is returned and any damage caused made good.

Our Fleet Administration team will automatically renew your road tax on an annual basis. To ensure they can do this you will need to have a valid MOT (the first MOT is due when the vehicle is three years old). It is your responsibility to ensure the MOT is completed on time.

To report an accident click here. You will need to enter your registration number and login to your account before completing an accident form. Please include as many details as possible to prevent a delay in processing your claim. Once you have completed the form, you will have the opportunity to select a local repairer who you will need to contact to arrange a repair estimate.

For a copy of your insurance certificate, please call vist our webiste here.

If you have a chipped or cracked windscreen, please contact the ontact our servicing team on 0333 222 3000 as soon as possible. You will need to provide your employer’s account number to arrange a repair or replacement. Details of the contact telephone number and account number can be found here

Your vehicle is covered under a fleet insurance policy. Like most insurance policies, an excess is payable for claims. The excess that applies to the claim will be made clear at the point of claiming and may be higher for younger or inexperienced drivers. If the excess is recoverable from a third party, this will be paid back to you on receipt.

It may be possible depending on your employer. Please contact us on 03300 536 536 to check. To add an additional driver, we will need a copy of their driving licence and a licence check code from the DVLA.

This will depend on your employer. Please contact us on 03300 536 536 to check.

You will not be automatically entitled to a relief vehicle while yours is being repaired unless you added this option at the start of your contract. In practise, it is likely that a courtesy car will be available if you book your vehicle in for repair with enough notice.

Please note that courtesy cars will not be on a like for like basis and are usually a small car. Garages are also unlikely to have automatic courtesy cars so you will need to make alternative arrangements if you have an automatic only licence.

If your vehicle is declared a write off, any courtesy car will need to be returned to the repairer immediately. If a third party is at fault, we may be able to arrange a credit hire vehicle. In other cases, we may be able to provide a hire car if authorised by your employer.

In almost all circumstances you;ll be able to take your car abroad but you will need a VE103 form to do so.

If you wish to take your vehicle abroad, please call us on 03300 536 536 and we will advise you of the procedure. Please ensure you contact us at least one month before your travel date.

You will need to display a Great Britain (GB) sticker on the rear of the vehicle and trailer even if they have a number plate with the Euro symbol or a GB national identifier.

You do not need to display a GB sticker to drive in Ireland.

You may need an IDP to drive in some EU and EEA countries. You will still need to carry your UK driving licence with you. The type of IDP will depend on the countries you drive through.

You will not need an IDP when visiting Ireland if you have a UK driving licence.

You can get an IDP over the counter at the Post Office.

An IDP costs £5.50 and drivers must:

• be a Great Britain or Northern Ireland resident
• have a full UK driving licence
• be 18 or over

You may be insured to drive another leased or owned vehicle from your employer but you would need to call us on 03300 536 536 to check. You are not insured to drive any other vehicles.

If you want to opt in or out of a salary sacrifice arrangement, your employer must alter your employment contract with each change.

Generally, you cannot swap between cash earnings and a non-cash benefit whenever you like. However, it may be possible to change the terms of a salary sacrifice arrangement where a ‘lifestyle change’ occurs that significantly alters your financial circumstances. Examples of a lifestyle change include:

• marriage
• divorce
• pregnancy
• redundancy of a partner or spouse
• ill health
• change in role (forced)
• change in legislation that impacts the employee’s net earnings
• change of employer

If you wish to leave your sacrifice agreement before the end of your contract, you will need to provide evidence to satisfy HMRC that a lifestyle change has occurred. Should HMRC audit and feel that a lifestyle event did not occur and issue a tax charge, we will assist you as much as possible but Athlon cannot accept liability.

When an employee has an extended period of maternity or sick leave, the full employer’s contribution may be removed at the employer’s discretion. As a result, you will pay the full cost of the lease car.

If you are on a period of low or no pay, you may be recharged monthly or you can discuss and agree an alternative repayment plan. On return to work, your contribution will be reinstated based on a new estimate of the annual business mileage (if applicable).

If you choose to return the vehicle, in all but exceptional circumstances, you will be liable for a financial penalty as this is classed as early termination of the contract.

If your maternity pay is calculated using your pre-sacrifice salary, you will continue to sacrifice the full amount during the period of full and half pay. When you go on to statutory maternity pay or no pay, your employer will discuss and agree a repayment plan.

If your maternity pay is calculated using the post-sacrifice salary, the sacrifice will be stopped for the period of your maternity leave and your employer will discuss and agree a repayment plan.

Your first payment will depend on your employer’s processes but it is usually the next pay run following delivery of the vehicle. Your payment may be calculated on a pro-rata basis to take into account the delivery date.

When your contract ends you can choose to either:

• Return your car
• Buy your car
• Choose another car under a new agreement.

If you are interested in buying your vehicle, please call us on 03300 536 536. You will need to provide your most recent odometer reading and we will give you a price.

In most circumstances you should be able to extend your current contact. To discuss this option, please call us on 03300 536 536.

You can login to your online account at www.athlonsalaryexchange.co.uk and select ‘My account’ where you will see your personal details including your work and home address. You can update any of these details then select ‘Save and exit’ before leaving the page.

To update your address, select ‘find address’, search for your address and select the relevant result. Please ensure you press ‘Save and exit’ before leaving the page.

You can email your mileage readings to us at any time at customerservices_uk@athlon.com. Please ensure you provide readings on a regular basis and include your registration number in the email.

Business mileage should be reported monthly by completing a mileage claim form. Depending on your employer, this may be via our system or an external system. If you are unsure where to complete your mileage, please contact your employer.

If you exceed your contract mileage you will receive an excess mileage bill at the end of the contract. The rate per mile will be detailed on your original quote.

If you know you are likely to exceed your contracted mileage, you can contact us for a requote to reduce the end of contract bill.

You can find out when your contract is due to expire by logging in to your online account and selecting ‘Contract details’. Alternatively, please call us on 03300 536 536.

Vehicles that meet the required Clean Air Zone and Ultra Low Emission Zone standards will be exempt from any charges.

To check if your car meets the required emissions and safety standards to drive in London’s ULEZ, click here

If you are planning on driving in a CAZ, visit the government’s Clean Air Zone website.

For details on how much you will be charged to drive in a Congestion Zone, visit Transport for London’s Congestion Zone webpage.

If you are changing jobs within your current employer, in most cases it will be possible to keep your vehicle. To discuss, please call us on 01206 255425.

Where you are changing employer, it may be possible to transfer the vehicle if you are remaining in the public sector. If you are moving to the private sector, you will most likely have to return your vehicle and pay any termination costs that apply.

To find out if your vehicle can be transferred, please contact us on 03300 536 536 before handing in your notice so you can make a fully informed decision.

If we are not advised of a potential transfer until just before or after the required transfer date, or if there are any gaps in employment, the transfer may not be possible and you will be liable for any early termination costs. Therefore, early notice of a possible transfer is essential.

If you are unable to transfer your vehicle, you have the following options:

• Stay in your current employment and continue with the contract
• Hand the vehicle back and pay the relevant early termination fee
• Purchase the vehicle and pay the applicable termination charge.

If you request a transfer of your vehicle, a new quote will be produced for you under your new employer’s scheme. In most cases you will see a change to the cost.

If you have a vehicle on order it may not be possible to transfer it. If it is not, you will be liable to pay any cancellation fees. Please contact us to discuss your options on 03300 536 536.

You may be charged a fee due to the administration work involved. If this is the case, we will inform you.

Yes, the vehicle is owned by the lease company and they have the final say on whether the vehicle can be transferred to another organisation/ employer.

A liquid solution used in some diesel engines to comply with Euro 6 emission standards by reducing harmful nitrogen oxide emissions.

Any journey undertaken by you on behalf of your employer such as visits, meetings, training courses etc.

A payment made to you for the completion of business journeys.

A tax imposed by HMRC when a vehicle is provided by your employer for private use.

The process of ending your lease car contract before it’s natural end date.

The amount of carbon dioxide a vehicle emits, expressed in grams per kilometre (g/km).

Any vehicles that are not owned or leased by your employer but are used for employer’s business. These might include a vehicle that is privately owned by an employee or a privately leased vehicle.

Your salary before any deductions such as tax, National Insurance and pension contributions.

Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.

Rates set by HMRC which you can be paid tax free for business mileage undertaken in your private vehicle. Any payments over and above these rates are subject to tax and National Insurance deductions.

A dedicated charging point for an electric vehicle installed at home as an alternative to using a three-pin plug. These usually charge at a faster rate than a three-pin plug.

The amount you will need to contribute towards the cost of an insurance claim. The remainder is paid by the insurer.

The company that owns your lease vehicle.

An annual test for most UK road vehicles over three years old that checks the safety, roadworthiness and exhaust emissions of a vehicle.

National Health Service Business Services Authority

A system where your employer calculates deductions from your tax and National Insurance and pays this directly to the government.

The rate at which you pay your monthly pension contributions. This is usually expressed as a percentage of your salary.

Any journey completed during your workday that does not fall under the definition of a business journey i.e. commuting. Any journey completed in your own time.

A replacement vehicle if yours is off road due to a mechanical failure. You can add a relief vehicle at the start of your contract but not during.

An arrangement where payments are taken from your net pay after deductions for tax, National Insurance and pension contributions have been calculated.

An arrangement where payments are taken from your gross pay before deductions for tax, National Insurance and pension contributions have been calculated.

A set of maintenance tasks conducted at specific time intervals or after the vehicle has travelled a certain number of miles. The intervals are specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Some modern cars display the due date for the next service electronically on the instrument panel.

Vehicle on Hire certificate - Proof of permission to take your vehicle abroad.