07/04/2004
In the fast-paced world of vehicle leasing, managing the complexities of insurance, maintenance, and unforeseen incidents can often be a daunting task. For businesses and individuals seeking a truly hassle-free motoring experience, Arval Total Care emerges as a comprehensive solution designed to alleviate these burdens. It’s more than just a lease; it’s an all-encompassing package that wraps essential vehicle services into a single, convenient offering, ensuring that you can focus on your journey without the constant worry of unexpected costs or administrative headaches.

Arval Total Care is specifically engineered to provide unparalleled peace of mind throughout the entire duration of your vehicle lease. By integrating critical services that typically require separate arrangements, such as insurance, maintenance, and accident management, Arval simplifies the entire process. This integrated approach not only streamlines vehicle operation but also offers significant protection against a myriad of potential issues, from minor dents to major breakdowns. Let's delve deeper into what makes Arval Total Care a truly comprehensive and valuable proposition for modern drivers.
- What is Arval Total Care?
- Key Components of Arval Total Care
- Arval Total Care vs. Standard Leasing
- Who Benefits Most from Arval Total Care?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Arval Total Care
- Is Arval Total Care mandatory when leasing a vehicle from Arval?
- What is considered 'routine maintenance' under the Guaranteed Maintenance cover?
- What should I do if I have an accident with an Arval Total Care vehicle?
- Does Total Loss Shortfall Protection cover the excess on my insurance?
- Can I choose my own garage for maintenance or repairs?
- What happens at the end of the lease term with Arval Total Care?
- Conclusion
What is Arval Total Care?
Arval Total Care is an enhanced vehicle leasing package that bundles a wide array of essential services and protections into your monthly lease payment. Unlike a standard vehicle lease, which primarily covers the depreciation and financing of the vehicle, Arval Total Care extends its remit to include aspects traditionally managed separately by the lessee. This means that from the moment your vehicle is delivered until it is collected, many of the operational and financial risks associated with vehicle ownership are expertly handled by Arval. It’s designed to provide a predictable, fixed monthly cost for your vehicle, removing the uncertainty of unexpected repair bills or insurance premiums.
The core philosophy behind Arval Total Care is to offer a complete, worry-free motoring experience. It’s particularly appealing to those who value simplicity and cost predictability. For businesses, it can significantly reduce administrative overheads associated with managing a fleet, while for individuals, it translates into a stress-free driving experience where the majority of vehicle-related concerns are outsourced to the experts. This holistic approach ensures that your focus remains on driving, rather than on the intricacies of vehicle management.
Key Components of Arval Total Care
Arval Total Care is built upon several pillars, each addressing a critical aspect of vehicle operation and protection. These components work in synergy to provide a truly comprehensive cover, ensuring that you are well-protected against a wide range of eventualities.
Own Damage Protection
One of the cornerstone features of Arval Total Care is its Own Damage Protection. This crucial element ensures that throughout the entire lifecycle of your lease, any damage sustained by the vehicle as a result of an accident, fire, or theft is expertly managed and repaired by Arval. This goes beyond standard insurance policies by integrating the repair process directly into your lease agreement. Furthermore, specific glass protection is also included, covering incidents such as chipped windscreens or broken windows, which are common occurrences that can often lead to unexpected costs.
The convenience here is immense. Instead of dealing with insurance claims, finding approved repairers, and managing deductibles, Arval takes on this burden. This means less paperwork, less stress, and a quicker return to full mobility for you or your drivers. It's a significant departure from traditional vehicle ownership where the responsibility for sourcing and overseeing repairs falls squarely on the owner.
Third Party Liability Cover
Another vital inclusion within Arval Total Care is comprehensive Third Party Motor Insurance. This cover is automatically activated upon the delivery of your vehicle and remains active until the vehicle is collected by Arval at the end of your lease term. The benefit of this automatic inclusion is that it eliminates the risk of your policy expiring prematurely or you inadvertently driving without adequate cover. It provides essential protection against claims from other parties for damage to their property or injury to individuals, should your vehicle be involved in an incident.
This seamless integration of third-party liability insurance is a huge advantage. It removes the need for you to source, compare, and manage a separate insurance policy, saving both time and potential administrative complexities. It ensures continuous, compliant coverage, allowing you to drive with complete confidence knowing that the fundamental legal requirement for motor insurance is thoroughly handled.
Accident Management
Should the unfortunate event of an incident occur, Arval’s dedicated Accident Management service steps in to take control. This means that instead of you having to navigate the complexities of accident reporting, vehicle recovery, and repair arrangements, Arval handles the entire process. From the initial reporting of the incident to coordinating necessary repairs, their team manages all the logistical aspects, leaving you with one less significant worry during a potentially stressful time.
This service is invaluable for minimising downtime and ensuring that your vehicle is repaired to the highest standards. It streamlines communication with all involved parties, from repair garages to potentially third-party insurers, ensuring a swift and efficient resolution. This proactive management approach highlights Arval’s commitment to providing a truly seamless experience.
Total Loss Shortfall Protection
In the unlikely but possible event of your vehicle being declared a 'total loss' – meaning it is written off due to severe damage, fire, or theft – Arval Total Care includes Total Loss Shortfall Protection. This highly beneficial feature ensures that Arval will terminate your lease without any financial shortfall to you. In standard leasing agreements without this protection, a total loss scenario could leave you liable for the remaining lease payments or the difference between the vehicle's market value and the outstanding finance.
With this protection, you are safeguarded against such an adverse financial impact. Once the lease is terminated, you are then free to discuss and arrange a replacement vehicle, allowing for a smooth transition without the burden of unexpected debt. This provides crucial financial security and significantly reduces the risk associated with long-term vehicle leasing.

Breakdown Cover
To ensure you are never stranded, Arval Total Care incorporates comprehensive Breakdown Cover, expertly provided by the AA. This service guarantees that in the unlikely event of a mechanical breakdown, assistance is readily available to get you back on the road as quickly as possible. Whether it's a flat tyre, a dead battery, or a more serious mechanical issue, the AA's nationwide network of patrols is equipped to provide roadside assistance, recovery, or onward travel solutions.
The inclusion of robust breakdown cover means that you have a reliable safety net, offering reassurance that help is just a phone call away, regardless of where you are in the UK. This service minimises disruption to your schedule and ensures your journeys remain as smooth and uninterrupted as possible.
Guaranteed Maintenance
Perhaps one of the most appealing features for many lessees is the Guaranteed Maintenance package. Arval covers the costs of all routine work that is due to occur during the contract term. This includes scheduled servicing, necessary repairs due to fair wear and tear, and potentially items like replacement tyres (depending on specific terms, but routine maintenance generally covers these). The significant advantage is that you never have to worry about booking your vehicle in for a service or budgeting for unexpected maintenance costs.
Arval takes care of ensuring routine maintenance is performed when due, often coordinating directly with approved service centres. This not only simplifies vehicle upkeep but also contributes to the vehicle's reliability and longevity. It transforms maintenance from a potential financial drain and logistical headache into a smooth, effortless process, providing ultimate convenience.
Arval Total Care vs. Standard Leasing
To fully appreciate the value of Arval Total Care, it's helpful to compare it against a standard vehicle leasing agreement. The differences highlight the comprehensive nature of the Total Care package.
| Feature | Standard Vehicle Lease | Arval Total Care |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance Cover | Lessee must source and pay for separate comprehensive insurance. | Own Damage, Third Party Liability, and Total Loss Shortfall Protection included. |
| Maintenance | Lessee responsible for all servicing, repairs, and MOT costs. | All routine maintenance and fair wear and tear repairs covered by Arval. |
| Breakdown Assistance | Lessee must arrange and pay for separate breakdown cover. | Comprehensive Breakdown Cover provided by the AA is included. |
| Accident Management | Lessee manages all aspects of accident reporting, repairs, and claims. | Arval manages the entire accident process, from incident to repair. |
| Financial Risk (Total Loss) | Potential financial shortfall if vehicle is written off; lessee may owe outstanding lease payments. | Total Loss Shortfall Protection ensures no financial shortfall to the lessee. |
| Cost Predictability | Monthly lease payment fixed, but variable costs for insurance, maintenance, and accidents. | Fixed monthly payment covers vehicle, insurance, maintenance, and incident management, offering high predictability. |
| Administrative Burden | High, managing multiple providers and processes. | Low, as Arval handles most vehicle-related administration. |
Who Benefits Most from Arval Total Care?
Arval Total Care is an ideal solution for a diverse range of users who prioritise simplicity, predictability, and peace of mind:
- Businesses: Companies looking to streamline fleet management, reduce administrative overheads, and ensure consistent budgeting for their vehicles will find Total Care invaluable. It simplifies compliance, ensures vehicles are well-maintained, and protects against unexpected fleet costs.
- Individuals: Private lease customers who prefer a single, predictable monthly payment that covers almost everything related to their vehicle will highly benefit. It removes the stress of unexpected bills for repairs or insurance renewals.
- High-Mileage Drivers: For those who put a lot of miles on their vehicle, the included maintenance and breakdown cover offers significant value, as wear and tear items and potential breakdowns are more likely.
- Budget-Conscious Individuals/Organisations: The fixed monthly cost of Arval Total Care allows for precise budgeting, eliminating the financial surprises that often come with vehicle ownership or basic leasing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arval Total Care
Here are some common questions about the Arval Total Care package:
Is Arval Total Care mandatory when leasing a vehicle from Arval?
No, Arval Total Care is an optional add-on to your vehicle lease. While standard leases only cover the vehicle's finance, Total Care is designed for those who desire a more comprehensive, all-inclusive package for ultimate peace of mind.
What is considered 'routine maintenance' under the Guaranteed Maintenance cover?
Routine maintenance typically includes all manufacturer-scheduled services, MOT tests (where applicable), and general wear and tear items such as tyres, brakes, and exhausts, provided they are worn as part of normal use. It aims to keep your vehicle in optimal running condition without extra cost to you for these standard items.
What should I do if I have an accident with an Arval Total Care vehicle?
In the event of an accident, you should contact Arval's dedicated accident management team as soon as it is safe to do so. They will guide you through the necessary steps, arrange for vehicle recovery if needed, and manage the repair process, ensuring minimal hassle for you.
Does Total Loss Shortfall Protection cover the excess on my insurance?
Total Loss Shortfall Protection is designed to cover the gap between the insurance payout for a written-off vehicle and the outstanding lease balance. It does not typically cover the excess amount you might be liable for on the initial insurance claim; that is usually a separate term of the insurance component.
Can I choose my own garage for maintenance or repairs?
Under the Guaranteed Maintenance and Own Damage Protection elements, Arval typically works with an approved network of garages and repair centres to ensure quality and compliance. While you may have a preference, Arval usually directs you to their preferred partners to manage the process efficiently.
What happens at the end of the lease term with Arval Total Care?
At the end of your lease term, Arval will arrange for the collection of your vehicle. With Total Care, the vehicle should be in a condition reflecting fair wear and tear. Any damage beyond this would be assessed, but the included Own Damage Protection should have covered significant incidents during the lease.
Conclusion
Arval Total Care represents a significant evolution in vehicle leasing, moving beyond mere financing to offer a truly holistic and worry-free motoring solution. By consolidating essential services like comprehensive insurance, routine maintenance, accident management, breakdown cover, and crucial financial protection against total loss, it provides unparalleled convenience and cost predictability. For anyone seeking to simplify their vehicle management, eliminate unexpected expenses, and enjoy the utmost peace of mind throughout their lease term, Arval Total Care stands out as an exceptionally valuable and comprehensive package. It’s an investment in simplicity, security, and stress-free driving, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: the journey ahead.
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