Self-employed car finance

We specialise in self-employed finance. We work with trusted lenders who understand how self-employed people earn and operate. We help you collect the right documents and match you with finance options that suit your business. You can choose from different types of car finance, including PCP or HP car finance.

We help self-employed people get finance without stress, delays, or unnecessary checks. Car finance as a self-employed person doesn’t need to feel complicated, you just need the right team behind you.

Can I get car finance if I’m self-employed?

Of course! At Carplus, we help people get approved for self-employed car finance every day. Being self-employed doesn’t stop you from buying a car. You just need to prove you earn a stable income, usually with tax returns from the past 1 or 2 years.

Some lenders may ask more questions when you’re self-employed, but that’s where we step in. We work with car finance companies that understand how self-employment works. We help you prepare the right documents, choose the right lender, and avoid options that could negatively impact your credit.

If you're looking for self-employed car finance, we’ll make the process clear and straightforward. We support drivers with a poor credit history, irregular income, or no deposit saved. Our goal is simple: help you get finance that suits your budget, lifestyle, and the car you need.

How does car finance for self-employed customers work?

To get approved for car finance when you’re self-employed, you need to prove you earn a stable income. Lenders look for documents like tax returns, bank statements, or business accounts to assess your loan amount and affordability.

Some lenders ask for up to 3 years of accounts. That can feel frustrating, especially if you’ve only recently started trading. At Carplus, we work around that. We help self-employed drivers compare finance options available, from lenders who understand the nature of self-employment.

We match your income history with the right finance provider. You don’t need a perfect record to secure car finance. If you're a self-employed worker looking to buy a car, we’ll guide you through every step and help you find the best way to finance your vehicle.

Why is it more difficult to get vehicle finance for the self-employed?

When you’re self-employed, your income can go up and down. Lenders see this and worry you might struggle to keep up with payments. That’s why car finance when self-employed sometimes feels harder to access.

You might have busy months with plenty of income, and quiet months with less work. That doesn’t mean you can’t afford a car — but some lenders see it as unstable. This is where we step in.

At Carplus, we know how to present your income clearly. We help you include tax returns, recent bank statements, and any business records that show you can afford the monthly payments. We work with lenders who offer finance to self-employed drivers, and we guide you from the first check to the final approval.

How to prove your income if self-employed?

At Carplus, we make it easy to show lenders that you can afford to repay the loan. When you're getting car finance when self-employed, lenders need to see a steady income. That doesn’t mean it’s difficult — you just need to provide the right documents.

Most lenders ask for at least three months of bank statements. Some might request access through open banking. Don’t worry — we’ll explain exactly what’s needed and guide you through it step by step.

If you use your car when self-employed — as a taxi driver, delivery courier, or tradesperson — we include that in your application. Let your account manager know how you use the car. We’ll make sure lenders understand your income clearly and match you with the right deal.

We’ve helped thousands of people with bad credit, new businesses, and long-time sole traders. We know how to present your income in the best way, so you can move forward with confidence.

What do I need to be eligible?

To verify your income, you will need to provide three months' worth of bank statements. Another option is open bank statements, which will help the lender understand your monthly income and expenses.

In addition to this information, you will need to provide the following information:

• Your full first and last name and age (you must be between 18 and 75 years old)
• Driver's license
• Employment details
• Your residential status and address (you must have been a UK resident for at least 12 months)
• Cell phone number and email address

If you plan to use your vehicle for business, be sure to let your manager know. This may change the options available, so we should know in advance.

Car finance for self-employed with bad credit

At Carplus, we help self-employed customers with bad credit get approved for car finance. You might worry that missed payments, defaults, or a County Court Judgment (CCJ) will hold you back. They won’t, not with the right help.

We work with lenders who understand bad credit. They look at your full situation, not just your credit score. Some of our customers have no credit history at all. If you’re just starting out or recovering from financial issues, we can still provide finance that works for you.

We might suggest a guarantor, someone close to you, like a family member, who supports your finance application. This can strengthen your case and help you secure the car you need. Many of our clients use their car loan to build trust with lenders and improve their credit score over time.

You’re not alone in this. We guide you step by step and help you apply for car finance with confidence.

Advices for self-employed

If you're getting car finance when you’re self-employed, a few simple actions can make a big difference.

1. Clean up your credit file
   We help you check for errors or outdated records that could impact your credit score. Removing these improves your chances of approval.
2. Clear old debts
   Paying off previous loans shows lenders that you manage money well. If you share finances with someone who has bad credit, we’ll help you remove that link.
3. Register on the electoral roll
   This confirms your address and identity. Most lenders check this first, so it’s a quick win.
4. Show your income clearly
   We’ll help you gather tax returns or trading accounts to prove you can repay your car loan after expenses. This is key when you want to finance a car when self-employed.
5. Add a larger deposit
   A bigger deposit reduces your monthly costs. It also shows lenders you're committed and lowers their risk.
6. Use a guarantor or joint application
   We can help you include someone with a good credit score to support your application. This makes it easier to get the right car on a better deal.