Which lease type suits you?
Operational lease, private lease, financial lease or short lease: the types look similar, but they differ in term length, monthly price and whether you end up owning the car. Take the quiz and see in just a few questions which type fits your situation.
Not sure which type suits you? Take the quiz below.
Find your lease type in 4 questions
Not sure which lease type you need? The difference is often in the details: how long you're tied in, whether you can cancel early, what's included in the monthly price and whether the car eventually becomes yours.
You answer up to four short questions about term length, usage and how much ownership matters to you. You'll then immediately see which type fits best, with an explanation.
Torn between two types? It usually comes down to flexibility versus price. If you know you'll drive the same car for years, you'll often choose a longer term for a lower monthly price. If you're not sure yet, or your situation might change, a short, cancellable type is usually the wiser choice.
How it works
✓ Up to 4 questions
✓ Instant advice with an explanation
✓ No details needed, you're under no obligation
What types of lease are there?
There are four lease types: short lease, operational, financial and private lease. You can also rent or buy a car. Below you'll read what each option involves, who it suits and when to choose it.
Short-term Lease
With short-term lease, you lease a car for a short, fixed period, starting from one month. You agree on a term, for example, three or six months, and pay a fixed monthly price that includes almost everything: depreciation, maintenance, insurance, roadside assistance, tires, and road tax. After the agreed term, the contract can be terminated weekly, so you are never tied down longer than you want. You do not become the owner, and there is no upfront investment, apart from a deposit. Short-term lease does not appear on your balance sheet and does not result in a BKR registration.
Choose short-term lease if your situation is changing or uncertain: a temporary employment contract, a bridging period, a peak in your fleet, or if you want to try out a car before making a longer-term commitment. For entrepreneurs, you arrange this via business short-term lease. Short-term lease is similar to a car subscription; you can read how they differ in the FAQ.
Operational Lease
With operational lease, your company rents a car for a fixed, longer period, usually 36 to 72 months. You pay a fixed monthly price with everything included, and the leasing company remains the owner. You do not become the owner, and the car typically does not appear on your balance sheet. Early termination is usually not possible without a buy-out fee, as you consciously commit for several years. A longer term generally lowers the monthly price.
Choose operational lease if you want to drive the same car for years with predictable costs and you know your situation will remain stable in the coming years. Undecided between the two? See the difference between short-term lease and operational lease.
Financial Lease
Financial lease is a business financing method. You purchase the car with a loan and pay it off in fixed installments, often with a down payment. You are the economic owner from the start, the car appears on your company's balance sheet, and at the end of the term, it is fully yours. Unlike operational lease, maintenance, insurance, and road tax are not included in the monthly price; you arrange those yourself. For businesses, financial lease usually does not lead to a BKR registration.
Choose financial lease if you are an entrepreneur, want to build equity, and benefit from tax advantages such as investment deductions. Also read the difference between short-term lease and financial lease.
Private Lease
Private lease is the consumer variant: a long-term car rental contract, often 12 to 60 months, for a fixed monthly price with everything included. You do not become the owner and return the car at the end of the term. Early termination is usually only possible by paying a buy-out fee. Private lease is typically registered with the BKR.
Choose private lease if you, as a private individual, want to drive the same car for years and know exactly what your monthly costs will be in advance. If you want to remain more flexible as a private individual, then short-term private lease is an option. See also the difference between short-term lease and private lease.
Car Rental
Car rental is designed for the short term, ranging from a single day to several weeks. You pay per day, and some costs are included. For a brief period, this is the simplest solution, but if you need a car for more than a month, renting is typically more expensive than a short-term lease.
Opt for car rental for individual days or a single week. If you're unsure whether you'll need the car for a longer period, then check out the difference between short-term lease and car rental.
Buying
When you buy, you own the car outright and pay the full amount upfront. There's no contract term or monthly payment, but you are responsible for all costs and the full risk of depreciation. The car will be listed on your balance sheet.
Choose buying if you intend to keep the car long-term, have the budget for a one-time investment, and want to own the car outright.