EXISTING FINANCE CUSTOMERS.

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YOUR MINI FINANCE QUESTIONS + THE ANSWERS.

If knowledge is power, then this page is race-tuned with all the answers to the most frequently asked questions about MINI finance.

 

If you have another question we haven’t answered here, or you need any help with your agreement, just call the nice people at MINI Financial Services on 0370 5050 123, or email them at: customer.services@MINIfs.co.uk with your finance agreement number or vehicle registration.

 

We’re open 8:00am to 7:00pm Monday to Friday and 9:00am to 5:00pm on Saturdays.

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GENERAL.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT HOW MUCH OF MY FINANCE HAS BEEN PAID OFF?

To find out details of your payment history, the balance outstanding, breakdown of future repayments and a settlement quote please call us on 0370 5050 123.

I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE, WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

Your local MINI Centre will be happy to assist you. If they’re unable to help you please contact the Quality Standards Department on 0370 5050 123.

HOW CAN I CHECK WHETHER THE VEHICLE I’M THINKING OF BUYING HAS FINANCE OUTSTANDING ON IT?

Speak to your local MINI Centre who will be able to check this for you or you can check directly with HPI at www.hpicheck.com.

CAN I TAKE MY CAR ABROAD?

Subject to your motor insurer's terms and conditions, you can take your vehicle to any country in the EU for a continuous stay of up to 30 days. The total number of days the vehicle can be abroad cannot exceed 60 days in any calendar year. If you plan to travel abroad, please let our Customer Service Team know on 0370 5050 123 and contact your insurer.

how do i update my personal details?

If your personal details have changed, please let us know so that we can keep your details up to date. Simply submit any changes to us via our online contact form. Alternatively, you can call us on 0370 5050 123 or email us at customer.services@MINIfs.co.uk.

Please note that if you have changed your name, we will need to see documentary evidence before your agreement can be updated.

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making changes to your agreement.

HOW DO I move my payment date?

Simply call us on 0370 5050 123. We can move the date of your direct debit to within 15 days of your original payment date free of charge the first time you request a change. Each subsequent change will cost £50.00.

HOW DO I UPDATE MY PERSONAL DETAILS?

If your personal details have changed, please let us know so that we can keep your details up to date. Simply submit any changes to us via our online contact form.

 

Alternatively, you can call us on 0370 5050 123 or email us at customer.services@MINIfs.co.uk. Please note that if you have changed your name, we will need to see documentary evidence before your agreement can be updated.

CAN I TRANSFER MY AGREEMENT TO SOMEONE ELSE?

All of our agreements are non-transferable.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO EXTEND MY AGREEMENT?

Under certain circumstances it might be possible to extend your agreement. Please call us on 0370 5050 123 to discuss this further.

HOW DO I UPDATE MY bank DETAILS?

If you would like to change the details of the bank account we collect payments from please contact us on 0370 5050 123 and we can arrange this for you. Alternatively if it is more convenient please complete a new Direct Debit Mandate Form and send it to us at the following address:

MINI Financial Services
Customer Services Department
Selectapost 56
Sheffield
S97 3GJ.

 

Once we have received the updated mandate form, it will take 5 working days for this to be set it up with your bank. It may be necessary for you to make alternative arrangements for your next payment if this is due within 5 days of submitting the request.

Please note we cannot collect any money due under the agreement from anyone other than you.

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ROAD TAX.

DO I STILL NEED A TAX DISC FOR MY MINI?

From 1 October 2014 the paper tax disc will no longer be issued and no longer have to be displayed in your vehicle. However, as the Registered keeper of a vehicle you’ll still need to purchase Vehicle Excise Duty (VED).

HOW DO I CHECK MY VEHICLE HAS VALID ROAD TAX?

You are able to check this in real-time by entering the vehicle registration number on HM Government's check vehicle tax website vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER CHANGES THAT MAY EFFECT ME?

The DVLA is making two other changes to legislation. Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) will no longer be transferable and any un-used tax will be refunded automatically when the DVLA is notified that a vehicle has been sold, disposed of into trade or SORN’d.

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PAYMENT QUERIES.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST ME TO PAY OFF MY AGREEMENT EARLY?

This will depend on a number of factors. To request a settlement or voluntary termination figure please use our online contact form  or call us on 0370 5050 123. Voluntary Termination Definition: Under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 you have a right to end any regulated hire purchase or conditional sale agreement at any time before the final payment under your agreement falls due.

MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN WRITTEN OFF/STOLEN AND I AM WAITING FOR THE MONEY FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY. SHOULD I STOP MY PAYMENTS?

If your vehicle has been written off or stolen, please notify us on 0370 5050 123 as soon as possible. You must continue making your monthly payments until the matter has been resolved with your insurance company. Please note, if you do not maintain your monthly payments this could have an adverse affect on your credit rating and may affect your ability to obtain credit in the future. Interest may be charged on any amounts unpaid.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN WRITTEN OFF/STOLEN AND MY INSURANCE PAY OUT DOESN'T COVER WHAT I STILL OWE ON MY FINANCE AGREEMENT?

If the amount paid out by your insurance company is insufficient to cover the outstanding balance on your agreement, you will be required to pay the difference between the insurance company settlement figure, and the amount due to us in settlement of your agreement. If, however, you have MINI Shortfall insurance and paid all the premiums, this will pay the difference between the insurance company settlement and the amount due to settle your agreement.

CAN I TAKE A PAYMENT HOLIDAY?

MINI Financial Services does not operate a payment holiday policy. If you are having payment difficulties, please see below.

I'M HAVING DIFFICULTY MAKING MY MONTHLY PAYMENTS, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

If you are experiencing difficulty making your payments please contact us on 0370 5050 123 selecting option 5 and we will try to assist you. Alternatively you can email us at customer.accounts@MINIfin.com.

 

Whilst a balance remains outstanding, late payment interest may be charged on overdue sums. Please note, we report outstanding charges and arrears with credit reference agencies if they are not paid within 28 days of falling due, which may affect your ability to obtain credit in the future. More information is available in the  MINI financial difficulty information sheet.

I’VE MISSED A PAYMENT(S)/ONE OF MY PAYMENTS HAS BEEN RETURNED, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

If you make your monthly payments by Direct Debit, you should call your bank in the first instance. For all other methods of payment you should contact us immediately on 0370 5050 123. It is important that you keep in contact with us to discuss the situation and also to discuss how your payment(s) can be brought up to date. Please note you can make a credit or debit card payment using our 24hr Automated card line by calling 0370 5050 123. If you are experiencing difficulty making your payments please contact us on 0370 5050 123 and we can discuss the options available to you.

 

Whilst a balance remains outstanding, late payment interest may be charged on overdue sums. Please note, we report outstanding charges and arrears with credit reference agencies if they are not paid within 28 days of falling due, which may affect your ability to obtain credit in the future. More information is available in the MINI financial difficulty information sheet.

HOW CAN I BRING MY PAYMENTS UP TO DATE?

Direct Debit - To make payment by Direct Debit or update your account details please call us on 0370 5050 123. You will need to complete a Direct Debit Mandate Form and send to us. Please be advised that we may ask for additional information if the bank account is not in your name.

 

Card Payment -This is the quickest way to make a payment. Payment by credit card may be more expensive for you than other methods of payment, as interest may be charged by your card issuer, however a credit card charge may apply. Simply call our card payment line on 0370 5050 123. We accept the following credit or debit cards at no additional cost to you – Solo, Switch, Maestro, Visa Electron, Visa Debit, Visa, Mastercard, American Express.

 

Bank Transfer - Please call us on 0370 5050 123 and we will provide you with our bank details.

 

Standing Order - Please call us on 0370 5050 123 and we will provide you with our bank details, together with the instruction you need to complete and take to your bank.

 

Cheque Payments - Please make all cheques payable to MINI Financial Services, and send to the following address quoting your agreement number on the reverse of the cheque:
MINI Financial Services
Customer Services Department
Selectapost 56
Sheffield
S97 3GJ

 

Direct Debit Mandate Form

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looking after your mini.

To take care of your vehicle, you'll need to make sure that you carry out the regular vehicle checks advised in your Manufacturer's handbook. That includes ensuring:

  • Your tyre pressures are correct.
  • Antifreeze is added to your vehicle cooling system. Please note, if this is not done, your vehicle might suffer from frost damage therefore you might be charged for the cost of repairs associated with this.
  • Petrol and lubricants are topped up in-between services.
  • Tyres damaged by punctures and accidents are repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
  • The body work and interior are maintained. If you return the vehicle to us, you'll be charged for any damage that is not considered to be fair wear and tear. In determining 'good condition' we apply British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA) standards. You can find more information on this in both your MINI agreement or by viewing the BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Guide.

tyres.

We recommend that you replace your tyres when the tread has reached 2mm (the legal minimum is 1.6mm).

MINI Tyre Insurance helps contribute towards the unexpected cost of repairing or replacing tyres if they are damaged either accidentally or by a malicious act, regardless of your annual mileage.

BODY WORK.

The beauty of a MINI lies as much on the surface as it does in its driving dynamics. You want the perfect good looks of your new MINI to last forever: yet the constant scuffs, scratches, chips and dents of everyday driving say otherwise.

 

MINI Cosmetic Repair Insurance  will insure you against the minor damages created by day-to-day motoring. It brings the finest MINI craftsmanship, fast repairs and state of the art techniques, to keep the appearance of your MINI as perfect as the day you bought it.

GLASS AND WINDOW REPLACEMENT.

Every MINI windscreen is laminated, so it's highly unlikely to shatter. If your windscreen is chipped or suffers minor damage, it can be easily repaired at a MINI Centre while you wait. Sometimes these repairs or subsequent replacements are covered by your motor insurance policy, check with your insurance provider to see if you are covered.

 

We recommend a MINI Centre fits a new windscreen, and for more serious and potentially dangerous windscreen damage, you should contact MINI Emergency Service for immediate assistance on 0800 777 101 (Calls cost £1 per minute plus your phone company’s access charge).

 

Please note, for Contract Hire customers, repairs to damaged window and light glass are not covered under your agreement.

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END OF YOUR AGREEMENT.

We'll write to you as your end of agreement approaches.

mini select.

At the end of your agreement, tell us which of the following options you intend to choose: 

  • Pay the optional final payment and keep your MINI.*
  • Part-exchange your MINI for a new one.**
  • Return your MINI to us.***
mini purchase.

Simply make the final payment which includes the option to purchase fee and providing that all other payments have been made, you will become the owner of your MINI.

 

If you pay by direct debit, this amount will be debited automatically from your account when the agreement ends.

 

Please find below some frequently asked questions when approaching the end of your agreement.

I’D LIKE TO CHOOSE ANOTHER MINI. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

The easiest way to drive away a new MINI is to part exchange your current vehicle for a new one. Any surplus in the vehicle’s part exchange value over the optional final payment and option to purchase fee can be used as a deposit towards a new MINI. Simply visit your local MINI Centre who will be able to explain the options available and give you all the help you need in finding a new vehicle and the right finance solution.

I’D LIKE TO CHOOSE ANOTHER MINI. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

MINI Select Customers

Simply make your final balloon payment, which includes the option to purchase fee and the vehicle is yours to keep. If you pay by direct debit, this amount will be debited automatically from your account when the agreement ends. If you don't pay by direct debit please ensure that we receive cleared funds before that day.

 

MINI Contract Hire Customers

Unfortunately you are not able to keep the MINI, however it might be possible to extend your agreement, therefore please call us on 0370 5050 123 to discuss this further. Please call us at least 60 days prior to the end of your agreement.

 

CAN I KEEP THE VEHICLE AND RESCHEDULE MY FINAL PAYMENT?

If you have a MINI Select agreement it may be possible to reschedule your final payment subject to our underwriting criteria. Initial enquiries can be handled by your local MINI Centre. Alternatively please call us on 0370 5050 123. Restrictions around term and mileage will apply.

CAN I KEEP THE VEHICLE AND RESCHEDULE MY FINAL PAYMENT?

- At least 10 days before your end of contract date call us on 0370 5050 123 to arrange a date for the inspection and collection of your vehicle. You can also request a collection via our online contact form  by contacting MINI Financial Services.

 

- We will charge you a daily rate (your original monthly payment pro rated) if your vehicle is not collected by its end of contract date. 

 

- Our appointed logistics company will then inspect your vehicle. You'll be charged for any damage that falls outside the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association's BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear guidelines.

 

MINI Select customers

 

- In order for us to collect your vehicle, please send us the V5C (registration document) and the MOT certificate (if applicable) seven days before the collection date. Please complete, sign and retain the yellow section 9 of your V5C as you will need to send it to the DVLA on the day we collect your vehicle. If you cannot find your V5C, contact the DVLA immediately on 0300 790 6802 and they will send you a duplicate.

 

- Once we receive your V5C your vehicle can be collected on the agreed date. Please leave your service history booklet in your vehicle upon collection. If we have not received your V5C by the date your vehicle is due to be collected, we will automatically order a duplicate V5C document, which we will charge you for.

I AM HANDING MY VEHICLE BACK, BUT I’VE EXCEEDED MY MILEAGE. WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

You will be charged at the excess mileage rate shown in your agreement. If you would like an indication of what this charge will be please make a note of your current mileage and contact us on 0370 5050 123. Once you have returned your vehicle and we have verified your mileage we will send you an invoice.

I HAVE A PERSONALISED PLATE AND I AM RETURNING MY VEHICLE, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

MINI Select customers

 

If you would like to keep your personalised plate, please call the DVLA on 0300 790 6802 to obtain a retention certificate. You will receive a new V5C containing your vehicle's new registration number and then you must fit new plates at your own cost. Once this is complete please call us to arrange collection. This can take up to eight weeks so please allow plenty of time to do this, as your vehicle must be returned to us by the end of your agreement and you cannot return it until you have the new V5C.

 

MINI Contract Hire customers

 

If you would like to keep your personalised plate, please call us on 0370 5050 123 to obtain an Application to Retain a Vehicle Registration Number form V317. This form needs to be completed by you and returned to us with the appropriate DVLA fee. We will then send this to our local Vehicle Registration Office who will then put your plate onto retention. Please note that this can take up to eight weeks. We will receive the new V5C from the DVLA. We will also receive confirmation of the replacement registration number and will forward this to you. Please note that once you receive this you must fit new plates at your own cost. Once this is complete please call us to arrange collection.

 

If we do not receive any notification from you and your plate is still on your vehicle when you return it, the vehicle will be sold on that registration number.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO ON THE DAY OF RETURN?
  • We highly recommend that you are present when our appointed logistics company inspects your vehicle, as you will be asked to sign the report to confirm that you agree to the vehicle’s return condition. Please ensure your vehicle is clean and accessible (with 2 metres access on all sides), road legal, and complete with all documentation including the spare keys and any other items supplied with your vehicle. Your vehicle must be taxed, insured and have a valid MOT up to the point that we collect it.
  • Please ensure that the vehicle has a quarter of a tank of fuel to enable the logistics company to complete the collection.
  • Our appointed logistics company will assess your vehicle to the standards laid out in the BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear guidelines and you will be charged for any damage outside of these guidelines.
MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN DAMAGED. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

You should have your vehicle repaired under your motor insurance policy before returning it to us. Any repairs must be in accordance with manufacturer recommendations. If there is unrepaired damage when your vehicle is inspected and collected, you will be invoiced for the cost of repair. You must also tell us about any accident damage you've had repaired during the agreement.