Care home and NHS transport fleet finance covers wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs), accessible minibuses, and patient transport service (PTS) vehicles for care providers, domiciliary care companies, and NHS-contracted transport operators. Lenders familiar with the regulated care sector understand the stable, contracted income streams that support these applications.
Vehicle Types Covered
- Wheelchair accessible minibuses - 8-16 seats with ramp or lift, typically Ford Transit or Mercedes Sprinter based
- WAVs (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles) - individual converted vehicles for domiciliary care transport
- Patient Transport Service (PTS) vehicles - for NHS-contracted non-emergency patient transport
- Standard care home minibuses - for resident outings and appointments
Regulatory Context
Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration is required for providers delivering regulated care activities. DBS checks are mandatory for drivers transporting vulnerable adults. These compliance requirements are viewed positively by lenders as they demonstrate professional standards. PSVAR compliance, while not always legally required for care home use, is increasingly expected by commissioning bodies.
Rate Guide - October 2026
| Vehicle Type | Rate Range (APR) | Term | LTV |
|---|---|---|---|
| New WAV minibus (8-16 seats) | 5.5-8% | 3-5 years | 85% |
| Used accessible minibus (under 4yr) | 7-11% | 2-4 years | 80% |
| PTS vehicle fleet (3+) | 5.5-8% | 3-5 years | 85% |
| Individual WAV conversion | 6.5-10% | 2-4 years | 80% |
| Adverse credit / new provider | 11-16% | 2-3 years | 65% |
Worked Example - Care Home Accessible Minibus Fleet
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Assets | 3x 2023 Ford Transit 16-seat wheelchair accessible minibuses |
| Total value | £150,000 |
| Deposit (15%) | £22,500 |
| Amount financed | £127,500 |
| Term | 48 months |
| Rate | 7% APR |
| Monthly payment | approx. £3,060 |