Frequently Asked Questions

The following sections should provide the answers to all the questions that you might have about the DriveAZ.co.uk scheme. If there you have any questions that aren't dealt with here, then please don't hesitate to call GE.

About the quote and order
About the scheme and paying for the car
About the dealer and the vehicle
About the delivery
During the life of the agreement

About the quote and order

How do I obtain a quote?: Please refer to the 'Scheme Process' page on this website.

Under what circumstances do I have to declare a mileage?: If you create a quote with a buyback we will need to know your approximate annual mileage to allowe us to accurately predict the value of the vehicle at the end of the term.

How long is a quote valid for?: Quotes will be valid to proceed to order for 14 days, but these are subject to credit approval, vehicle availability and the manufacturer's price changes.

Do I have to pay a deposit to purchase the vehicle?: You do not have to pay a deposit, unless you have chosen cash payment when a deposit of 10% of the purchase price will be requested.
: If you wish you could pay a deposit on a repayment loan and this will reduce your monthly payments.
: You can also pay a deposit on a 'buyback' loan but please be aware that you will not receive back any equity you put into the car if you choose to exercise the buyback option.

Is the scheme available on 'nearly-new' cars?: No, however we strongly believe that our discounts will make the scheme more attractive to buy new vehicles than used ones. We are also keen to protect you from the risks that come with buying 'nearly new' cars. Therefore, for the moment, only new cars are available through the DriveAZ.co.uk scheme.

How long are my loan documents valid for?: Once your loan documents have been raised by GE, you will have 10 working days to send them back to us, only when we have received your signed documents will we place your order with a supplier.

Can I get regular updates regarding the status of my order?: Yes, during the course of your order, you will be able to access a live update from the online system. This will keep you apprised of the expected delivery date of the vehicle and any anticipated change.

Will there be a cancellation fee if I cancel my order?: The supplying dealer will only charge a cancellation fee if they are unable to readily find another buyer prior to registration of the vehicle. This ability will depend on the Make, Model and specification of the vehicle ordered, together with the timing of any cancellation. GE and the dealer will try to keep cancellation charges to a minimum.

About the scheme and paying for the car | back to top

What if I exceed the mileage allowance?

You will be required to pay an excess mileage charge for each additional mileage covered at a rate detailed below:

Engine Size (cc)	Excess Mileage rate (per mile)
0 - 1400	6p
1401 - 2000	9p
2001 +	12p

When do my payments start?: If you use GE's credit facilities, your first monthly payment will be due in the month following delivery of your new vehicle. Thereafter, payments will be made monthly. Initially the payment date will be determined by the delivery date of the car, but you may change this date if you so wish by contacting the DriveAZ.co.uk Helpline on 0870 6008998.

How are my payments made?: GE will collect monthly Direct Debit Instalments.

Do you accept part exchange as a deposit?: No, however we may be able to assist with the disposal of your existing vehicle, ask the Help Desk for details on 0870 600 8998.

Do I have to complete a loan application?: Yes, if you elect to finance the vehicle using one of GE's financing options.

If my application for credit is successful, what proofs will I need in order to complete the application?: Depending on your Credit Score we will require 'Readable' photocopies of:

How long does it take to find out if my loan application has been accepted? And when can I expect to receive the Credit Agreement documents?: Where your application is successful you will not be notified and your documents should be with you within 3 working days. Should your loan application prove unsuccessful you will be notified by the DriveAZ.co.uk Help Desk within two working days.

What if I have a low credit score?: This is a matter for discussion between you and GE. GE will advise you of any options you may have to secure the purchase of you chosen vehicle such as whether an additional deposit would help. However the final credit decision lies with GE Underwriters, who may ultimately decline your application.

What if my application for credit fails?: GE will advise you in writing that you have been unsuccessful in applying for credit. If you believe that GE has declined your application due to an unfavourable credit rating, you will be provided with details such that you can take the matter up directly with the credit rating agency, Experian or Equifax.

Does the Credit Agreement affect other loans that I have?: No, not directly. However in undertaking a search to propose the credit agreement a footprint will be registered on your credit profile and will be taken into account if you apply for other credit facilities

Will my personal details be safe?: Yes, your data will be kept securely and only used in accordance with the Data Protection Act. This legislation means that your data will not be released, accessed or passed on to any parties unless you have advised us otherwise. GE will share some of your personal data to the supplying dealer, enabling them to efficiently fulfil your vehicle delivery.

Will I be credit-searched if I buy with my own cash funds?: No, but GE will carry out an address verification to verify your identity (name, address and DOB), the nature of this search does not affect your credit rating in any way.

If I order a car through GE can I change my choice of vehicle?: After order, there is a possibility that the vehicle choice can be changed, but this will depend on the status of the order and the nature of the vehicle ordered. If you do want to change your choice after ordering you should discuss your options with GE who will endeavour to assist you wherever possible. However, if you do decide to change your choice and the order is well advanced, and then you may incur a cancellation charge (cancellation charges will vary depending on the model and specification of the vehicle ordered).
: Once the vehicle has been delivered, the vehicle is yours and you are free to dispose or change the vehicle as you see fit provided the vehicle is more than 12 months old and that if you have taken out a credit agreement and the credit agreement is settled in full.
: You may only sell car within 12 months as a result of unforeseen personal circumstances. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to:

Where will the scheme be available?
: We can only offer the scheme within the UK Mainland and Northern Ireland.

Is the picture shown on the website and in the Drive AZ Newsletter the car that I will get?: No, the car models pictured XXXXXX are purely to indicate the particular model for sale. We may include a picture that shows optional extras, but this should not be taken as representing any car you may choose. We advise you to carefully check the specifications for your particular choice of car to be sure that it meets your particular needs.

About the dealer and the vehicle | back to top

Can I specify the dealer?: No, DriveAZ.co.uk has a preferred dealership network. Using this network enables GE to measure, manage and control the service levels you receive, whilst ensuring that the preferential discounts are passed to you.

Will the new vehicle I purchase have full UK current specification?: Yes, all our cars are UK-supplied vehicles from our UK dealers - and so they have full UK specification.

Do all your vehicles come with a manufacturer's warranty?: Yes, all our cars come with their standard UK manufacturer's warranty from new. If you wish to purchase an extended warranty these can be added to the cost of the car. GE will discuss your requirements with you.

Why are the discounts so attractive?: AstraZeneca and GE's dual buying power has made it possible to offer you a combined Manufacturer and Dealer discount.

If the car is purchased using a buy back arrangement can I fit Accessories?: Manufacturer and dealer accessories can be fitted, as part of all car orders. This will add to the cost of your car and any resultant monthly payments. You can also arrange to have accessories fitted after the delivery provided that, if you opt for GE's guaranteed buyback, they are either left on the vehicle or removed with no damage to bodywork or fascia. Specifically, GE offers the following advice concerning accessories:

Can I pick my own number plates / Can I have a local registration?: No, the numbers on the number plates are predetermined by the DVLA and the location of the supplying dealer so unfortunately; you can't pick your own letters or numbers.

Can I register the car with a 'cherished' number plate?: Yes, you will need to advise GE of this requirement and, in due course, contact the supplying dealer.

Do I have to pay Road Fund Licence (Road Tax)?: The first year's Road Fund Licence is included in the initial cost of your new car. Subsequent year's Road Tax will need to purchased by you in the normal way.

What about the Registration Document?: The vehicle belongs to you from day one, even if you use GE's credit facilities. The vehicle will therefore be registered in your name c/o GE Commercial Finance Fleet Services Ltd at your home address. The vehicle is registered c/o GE, so that the manufacturer and dealer can apply the correct level of discount to the purchase.

Will I be covered by Roadside Recovery?: Yes, all cars will have their own breakdown cover included in the manufacturer's warranty. However the level of cover varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and you are therefore advised to review the level of cover provided to ensure that it is adequate for your needs. Details of the cover provided are normally contained in the driver's manual supplied with the vehicle.

Will my local dealer be able to service and maintain my car after delivery?: Yes, you can choose where you would like to have the car serviced. However, in order to maintain the warranty we would recommend that you use a recognised dealer in order to maintain the vehicle's warranty

Is servicing and maintenance included within the cost of the vehicle?: No, you will need to meet the costs of servicing and general maintenance yourself.

About the delivery | back to top

How will my car be delivered / transported to me?: GE with the dealer will make arrangements to deliver the car to you at a convenient time and location. In all events, we will ensure that delivery mileage is minimal.

Can I collect my car?: It may be possible for you to collect your new car. Please advise us of this when you order or at least 2 weeks before delivery. You must be able to show photographic identification at the time you collect the vehicle.

For Finance Options do I need to arrange insurance for my car?: Yes, on delivery of the vehicle it will be your responsibility to fully insure the vehicle. It is a mandatory requirement of GE Finance that Vehicles purchased under loan are insured fully comprehensively.

What do I need to do during the delivery process?: Firstly, before the vehicle is handed over, you will be required to provide proof of your identity. Then we encourage you to inspect the vehicle carefully and record on the delivery note any remarks that you may want us to follow up later. The delivery driver will familiarise you with your new car and talk you through some of the commonly used features.

During the life of the agreement | back to top

What should I do if I change address, contact number or bank details?: Where you elected to utilise GE's credit facilities, you will need to inform GE of any such changes, this can be done by contacting the DriveAZ.co.uk Helpline on 0870 600 8998.

What if I cannot meet a payment?: You have taken out a personal commitment, however if you experience financial difficulty it is recommended that you discuss this with GE as soon as is practical.