Car financing or leasing: Which to choose?

Updated Aug 30, 2024
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To the point Do you want to know how financing or leasing a car affects your car insurance in Canada? That's what we're going to find out in this article.

Buying a car is one of the most important purchases we make in our lives. This requires a great deal of research, testing and financial planning. Before going any further, weigh up the pros and cons of each option: financing, leasing or buying a car outright. What impact will this have on your car insurance? Before making a decision, consider the differences between financing and leasing a car, as each option has its advantages and disadvantages. That’s what we explain in this article.

Car financing or leasing: what's the difference?

If you’re in the market for a new car and can’t afford to buy, you can also opt for financing (car loan) or leasing (finance lease).

Leasing involves renting a car over a long period, making monthly payments until the end of the lease. A leasing contract generally lasts two to four years (24 to 48 months), after which you return the car. At the end of the lease period, you may be able to purchase or finance the vehicle, depending on the residual value and your needs at that time.

Another option is to finance the car (car loan). In a way, it’s comparable to a mortgage, i.e. financing for the purchase of a home. Here, too, you make monthly payments, but the car belongs to you once the loan has been repaid. Although you’ll be responsible for repairs and maintenance, you won’t have any monthly payments to make up for it.

Advantages of renting a car

Here are the main advantages of renting a car:

  • Car still under warranty
  • No initial payment
  • Lower initial costs
  • Easy to switch to a new car after the lease term
  • Lower monthly payments
  • No obligation to sell the car when the lease expires
  • Lower repair and maintenance costs (newer model car)
  • Option to purchase the car at the end of the lease (depending on market value and residual value at the end of the lease – to be discussed with the dealer)

Disadvantages of car rental

Here are the main disadvantages of renting a car:

  • Early termination costs
  • Not the owner of the car
  • No modification or customization allowed
  • Less flexibility (limited mileage)
  • Maintenance to avoid additional costs
  • Additional damage and excess kilometer charges
  • Interest payments (from monthly payments)
  • Car insurance premiums sometimes higher

Advantages of car financing

Here are the main advantages of car financing:

  • Car owner
  • No more monthly payments to make once the loan is paid off
  • No mileage restrictions
  • Possibility of selling the car
  • Possibility of keeping the car for as long as desired
  • Generally the most profitable option
  • Possibility of customizing or modifying the car
  • Lower car insurance premiums in some cases

Disadvantages of car financing

Here are the main disadvantages of car financing:

  • Higher monthly payments
  • Higher initial costs
  • Higher borrowing costs and interest rates due to loan duration
  • Responsibility for repairs and maintenance after warranty expires
  • Depreciation in the value of the car
  • Responsibility for selling the car (if applicable)

How does financing or leasing a car affect your car insurance?

When it comes to insurance, there’s no difference between financing or leasing a car, so your car insurance premiums won’t be affected. However, insurance companies base your premiums on specific criteria, such as your choice of car, your age, your gender, your place of residence, your driving history and so on. To get a better price, you can contact an insurance broker like YouSet, which has access to several insurance companies and personalized offers.

If you have decided to finance or lease your car, be aware that the lender will be named on your insurance policy.

In general, if the car is involved in an accident, your insurer will first pay the amount due to the lender (finance or lease). If the value of the car is higher than the amount due, you will receive the difference. The GAP insurance (guaranteed auto protection) covers costs if the value of the car is less than the outstanding balance.

Bottom Line

In short, financing or leasing a car has advantages and disadvantages, and generally has no impact on your car insurance premiums. Ultimately, it’s up to you to make the choice that best suits your personal and financial situation. Whether you choose to finance or lease a car, it’s essential that you read the terms of your contract before signing.

Don’t forget to compare car insurances with our tool to find the perfect car insurance for your needs and budget.

Frequently asked questions

What's the best way to finance a car?

If you can’t afford to buy a car, you can opt for financing (car loan) or leasing (finance lease). In both cases, you’ll have to make monthly payments. But with car financing, you’ll own the car once the loan has been repaid.

Is car rental profitable?

As a general rule, buying is more profitable than leasing. But there are many factors to take into account, such as the value of the car, interest rates, the length of the lease or financing (car loan), taxation, and so on.

What credit rating should I use to rent a car?

As a general rule, dealers require a minimum credit score before granting a loan. This score is between 550 and 600. If necessary, you can improve your credit score by following the tips and tricks on our site.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!

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