How to Lease a Car in Canada

In addition to getting to-and-from work and going about their daily chores, expats arriving in Canada are often eager to lease a car in order to go exploring everything that the country has to offer in terms of beautiful nature and vast National Parks.

However, as a newcomer in Canada, the car leasing process may feel overwhelming. As with everything in life, preparation is the key to success!

By following our 5-Step process, the car leasing process will be much easier to navigate!

1. Have Your Documents Ready!

The good news is that there are leasing companies in Canada who are specialized in assisting foreign professionals with financing their vehicles. To move forward, you will need to provide them with the following documents:

  • Completed finance application
  • Copy of passport with photo and work visa
  • Copy of valid driver’s license
  • Letter of employment stating salary, term and allowances

2. Driver’s License Rules in Canada

Many provinces will require you to have a local Canadian driver’s license to lease a car. In some provinces, an International driver’s license will suffice.

Depending on which country you are from, you may be able to simply exchange your foreign license for a driver license in Canada without the need to sit any road tests. However, many newcomers to Canada need to sit a theory test and road test before they can obtain a Canadian driving license, even if they already have years of driving experience outside Canada.

3. Know What You Want and Your Budget

How long do you need the car?
Car leasing in Canada typically starts at 24 months. However, talk to your lease provider about short-term lease solutions if your assignment is shorter.

What is your budget?
The first thing any car leasing specialist will ask you is “what is your budget?” For this reason, it’s good to have an idea of what you are willing to spend on your monthly car payments.

When do you need the car?
Usually, the more flexible you are with your car selection, the faster you can obtain your lease. Many times, vehicle providers have popular cars in stock that could be available on short notice. On the other hand, if you opt for a factory-ordered vehicle of a make not common in Canada, you could be in for a long wait.

Delivery times vary considerably on new cars, and you want to be out in good time to ensure that you can get the car you want at your desired time. The usual process time is one to two weeks if the car is available in stock.

4. The Terms and Conditions

Typical lease/payment terms
Payment due at delivery is usually the following:

  • Registration fee and taxes
  • Lease inception fee (bank fee)
  • First full month finance payment
  • Down payment may be required

Auto Insurance
Insurance is usually paid for separately in Canada. Make sure to read the print in small to make sure you and the passengers are covered in case of an accident. Also, find out how much you’re expected to pay in the event of an accident or damage to the car.

Terminating the lease early
If you have to return your vehicle earlier than expected, the lease agreement will state exactly how any remaining payments or penalties are calculated. So be sure to consider the termination terms when comparing offers.

Vehicle registration
The leasing company will handle the vehicle registration as part of their service.

5. Expat Specialized Car Leasing Company

A company that can assist is ExpatRide International. They have experience with assisting expats across the globe and service many Fortune 1000 companies’ employees in Canada.

ExpatRide can assist with most vehicle makes and models available in Canada, such as Audi, BMW, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, SEAT, Škoda, Suzuki, Volkswagen, and Volvo.

They service all areas of Canada such as Toronto, Ontario – Montreal, Quebec – Vancouver, British Columbia – Calgary, Alberta – Edmonton, Alberta – Ottawa–Gatineau, Ontario/Quebec – Winnipeg, Manitoba – Quebec City, Quebec – Hamilton, Ontario – Kitchener, Ontario – London, Ontario – Victoria, British Columbia – Halifax, Nova Scotia – Oshawa, Ontario – Windsor, Ontario – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – St. Catharines–Niagara, Ontario – Regina, Saskatchewan – St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador – Kelowna, British Columbia, and many more cities…

Need assistance with leasing a car? Let ExpatRide lead the way

Contact us at CARS@ExpatRide.com for more information or visit www.expatride.com/countries/canada-expat-car-lease/

We offer leasing nationwide, in all cities and provinces: Toronto, Ontario – Montreal, Quebec – Vancouver, British Columbia – Calgary, Alberta – Edmonton, Alberta – Ottawa–Gatineau, Ontario/Quebec – Winnipeg, Manitoba – Quebec City, Quebec – Hamilton, Ontario – Kitchener, Ontario – London, Ontario – Victoria, British Columbia – Halifax, Nova Scotia – Oshawa, Ontario – Windsor, Ontario – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – St. Catharines–Niagara, Ontario – Regina, Saskatchewan – St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador – Kelowna, British Columbia and many more cities…