Zenith markets itself as the nation’s premier independent leasing, fleet management, and vehicle outsourcing business. Zenith does have extensive experience and industry know-how.
At Zenith, the focus is on delivering innovative and intelligent vehicle solutions. The range of services is comprehensive, covering everything from funding company cars and commercial vehicles to providing flexible benefit schemes. This also extends to fully outsourced fleet management services and direct-to-consumer car leasing options. In essence, Zenith is a one-stop shop for the UK market.
This review explores what the Zenith Electric Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme offers, examining how their product compares to others in the competitive UK market and running through their salary sacrifice pros, cons and features.
- Choose £400 home charging credit, £400 off a home charger or £400 Electroverse credit
- Compatible with Octopus Energy's smart EV tariffs
- Approved Used vehicles available
- Early termination protection built into every lease
Zenith Salary Sacrifice Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comprehensive All-Inclusive Package
- No Deposit or Credit Checks
- Streamlined Implementation Process
- Tailored Solutions
- Options for Early Termination
Cons
- Early Termination Fees
- Eligibility Restrictions
What’s Included With a Zenith Salary Sacrifice?
The Zenith electric car salary sacrifice scheme is an all-inclusive offering that is designed to provide maximum convenience. Here’s what you get:
- Brand-New Car
The Zenith salary sacrifice scheme provides a brand-new car, so you get to enjoy the latest models, complete with the newest technology and optimum efficiency. - Fully Comprehensive Insurance
The package includes fully comprehensive electric car insurance. - Scheduled Servicing and Maintenance
Zenith includes regular servicing and maintenance to keep your vehicle in top condition. - Replacement Tyres
Tyres get worn out and with Zenith’s package, replacing them won’t be a concern. This includes regular tyre checks and replacements when necessary, ensuring your vehicle is always safe to drive. - Breakdown Cover
In the event of an issue, you get breakdown cover included with a Zenith Salary Sacrifice. - Windscreen and Glass Cover
Windscreen and glass damage can happen unexpectedly, with Zenith’s comprehensive all-inclusive package, these are taken care of. - Road Tax
With Zenith, EV road tax is taken care of so you don’t have to worry with the hassle of annual renewals! - Accident Management
In the unfortunate event of an accident, Zenith provides accident management services. This includes handling of the entire post-accident process, from claims to repairs.
How do I apply for a Zenith Salary Sacrifice?
Applying for the Zenith Salary Sacrifice scheme is a straightforward process, this is how it works…
- Consultation
The first step involves reaching out to Zenith. During this initial phase, Zenith’s team focuses on understanding your company’s unique requirements. This is crucial for tailoring a scheme that aligns perfectly with your business objectives. It’s about creating a customised approach that fits your specific needs. - Setup
Once the consultation is complete and a plan is in place, Zenith’s team takes over the setup process. This involves integrating the salary sacrifice scheme into your current HR and payroll systems. The emphasis here is on making the implementation as smooth as possible, with minimal disruption to your existing operations. - Roll-Out
After the setup, the next phase is the roll-out of the scheme to your employees. Zenith assists in this with a tailored communication strategy. This strategy is designed to ensure maximum uptake by clearly explaining the benefits and procedures of the scheme to your employees, making it easy for them to understand and participate.
Throughout these steps, Zenith’s dedicated implementation team will be there to support you.
Zenith Salary Sacrifice Early Termination
When circumstances change, such as resigning from your job, it’s important to know your options regarding the Zenith Salary Sacrifice scheme, particularly in terms of early termination of the vehicle lease.
Zenith provides guidelines to help you navigate this process. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to terminate your lease early, the first step is to contact Zenith immediately. They will guide you through the available options and the specific steps you need to take.
Return the Vehicle
One option is to return the vehicle to Zenith. However, this comes with an early termination charge. The charge will be the higher of either 40% of the outstanding lease costs due to the Owner or four months’ lease payments due to the Owner. If the lease has less than four months to run, the charge will be the remaining lease cost. Additionally, you might have to pay for vehicle movement costs, excess mileage, and/or any damage charges.
Buy the Vehicle Outright
Another option is to purchase the vehicle for its current market value. This can be done after settling the early termination charge and any excess mileage charges. Should you choose this option, you will then be responsible for arranging your own insurance, maintenance and repairs and other related costs.
Transition to a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)
The third option is to transition the vehicle to a Personal Contract Purchase arrangement with Zenith. This allows you to keep the vehicle on a personal lease, subject to confirmation from Zenith, once any termination costs have been settled. Like buying the vehicle outright, opting for PCP means you will need to take care of your own insurance, maintenance, repairs, and road fund licences.
It’s important to carefully consider these options and choose the one that best suits your circumstances. Zenith’s team is available to provide detailed information and assistance.
Zenith Salary Sacrifice Customer Service
For any enquiries related to the salary sacrifice scheme, you can reach out to Zenith’s salary sacrifice sales team directly. They are available to answer your questions, provide quotes, and offer any additional support you may need.
Constant Phone Number
You can speak directly with a Zenith Salary Sacrifice team member by calling 0330 134 8792.
Email
Alternatively, you can email your queries or requests for quotes to [email protected].
What Zenith Salary Sacrifice Does Well
Comprehensive All-Inclusive Package
The scheme includes a brand-new car, comprehensive insurance, road tax, scheduled servicing and maintenance, breakdown cover, replacement tyres, windscreen and glass cover, and accident management. This really is an all-encompassing package.
No Deposit or Credit Checks
Zenith’s scheme is accessible as it requires no deposit and no credit checks, making it easier for more employees to participate.
Streamlined Implementation Process
The process of implementing the scheme is straightforward and well-supported by Zenith’s dedicated implementation team, ensuring a smooth transition for HR and payroll systems.
Tailored Solutions
Zenith offers consultation to understand each company’s unique requirements and tailors the scheme to align with specific business objectives.
Options for Early Termination
In case of early termination, Zenith offers several options, including returning the vehicle with a termination charge, buying the vehicle outright, or transitioning to a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP).
Where Zenith Salary Sacrifice Falls Short
Early Termination Fees
If you need to terminate the lease early, you may face significant charges, either 40% of the outstanding lease costs or four months’ lease payments, plus potential additional costs for vehicle movement, excess mileage, and damage.
Eligibility Restrictions
The scheme’s eligibility varies depending on the organization’s specific arrangement with Zenith.
The Final Word on Zenith Salary Sacrifice
The Zenith Salary Sacrifice scheme has a comprehensive package that covers everything from insurance to maintenance. It has a user-friendly implementation process making it appealing to businesses seeking to implement a salary sacrifice scheme.
The scheme’s flexibility adds to its appeal. Zenith tries to provide tailored solutions which should mean that each scheme participant’s needs are met.
However, potential participants should be mindful of the early termination charges and the subsequent responsibilities if opting to buy the vehicle or switch to a Personal Contract Purchase.
Help if You’re Struggling With Debt from Car Subscriptions or Leases
Late payments on car subscriptions or leases can lead to financial difficulties. If you find yourself struggling with debt from car subscriptions or leases, it is essential to seek professional guidance. Several debt advice services can help:
- StepChange: StepChange offers debt management plans tailored to your situation
- Citizens Advice: Offering free and confidential advice on managing debts.
- National Debtline: National Debtline is a helpline specifically designed to assist with personal debt, including car subscription or lease obligations.
- MoneyHelper (formerly The Money Advice Service): Providing tools and support to help you understand your options and make informed decisions.
Remember, the terms of car subscriptions and leases can vary significantly, so it’s really important to read and understand your specific agreements and obligations.
Zenith Salary Sacrifice Review Methodology
At Electric Car Guide, our review of Zenith Salary Sacrifice was conducted with impartiality and an in-depth understanding of what electric car users value. Here’s how we worked through our evaluation:
- Customer Feedback from Electric Car Guide: We surveyed users from our EV focus group. These insights offered us a firsthand view of real-world experiences and car subscription expectations, allowing us to frame our review around actual user needs and preferences.
- Reviews: We took into account both positive and negative reviews from Trustpilot. This provided a balanced perspective, acknowledging the praises and criticisms Zenith Salary Sacrifice has received from a diverse range of customers.
- Comparison with Competitors: We compared Zenith Salary Sacrifice features, offerings, and customer experience against their nearest competitors in the electric car subscription market. This enabled us to gauge Zenith’s Salary Sacrifice products’ standing in the industry, highlighting its strengths and areas for improvement.
John is the Editor and Spokesperson for Electric Car Guide.
With over 20 years of writing experience, he has written for titles such as City AM, FE News and NerdWallet.com, covering various automotive and personal finance topics.
John’s market commentary has been covered by the likes of The Express, The Independent, Yahoo Finance and The Evening Standard.
