PCP ending but finance company can't collect

SteveAW71

We have decided to hand back our Nissan regretfully at the end of the 37 month term. We contacted Nissan Finance and the date of 30th March was set for it's inspection and collection. We have gone to every expense to ensure that it's ready to be collected in more than reasonable condition. A few days before the collection we were contacted by the company who carry out the inspections / collections to inform us that due to Coronavirus they would not be able to collect it and would contact us when they were able to. Before this I purchased another car and we are keeping the Nissan on our driveway. Our insurance no longer covers this car against damage (i.e falling roof tiles or theft as we are not using the car) as we have switched it to cover us on the car we are now using. However,I have been informed by Nissan Finance that we are responsible for it's insurance. I think this is an unprecedented situation and our contract states that we are responsible for this during the contract.......however this contract has expired according to the dates on it. There is obviously nothing in the contract to state who is liable for the upkeep of the car if the finance company are unable to keep to their part of the contract by collecting it within set dates or anything about a deadly virus!! Please could anyone advise me regarding the cost of upkeep to this car (mainly insurance) as I feel it is shameful of a finance company to take such a stance in these times. I'm self employed and so not currently earning. Thanks

SteveAW71

Anybody else in the same position?

Jonesya

Just a thought but some of the responsibilities like need for tax, MOT and insurance apply to the registered keeper of the car regardless of any contract with the finance company. Are you currently or will you remain the registered keeper until it is collected?

fred246

How much will you be charging for storage of the vehicle?

Supersonos

Look through their Ts&Cs and see what they'd charge you per day over your contract, and charge them that for storage. And ask them to ensure the vehicle is taxed and insured.

SteveAW71

The contact actually expires on 9th April. It was scheduled however for collection on 30th March until they postponed. I can't find anything about a daily charge if we failed to meet their deadline but I take your suggestion on board for storage charge. 
My contract reads "I will not own the vehicle unless I pay the OPTION TO PURCHASE FEE shown in section 3 of SECCI and I have made all the payments due under the credit agreement and I am not in breach of the credit agreement. Until then RCIFS will own the vehicle"
I am thinking could I park the car on the street, tell the finance company where it is and then the respnosibily is on them for tax and insurance ? Obviously after 9th April when the contract expires. Advice appreciated

SteveAW71

The thing is I don't really want to be unreasonable in these unprecedented times but I do feel that the finance company are being unreasonable telling me I am responsible for the cost of insurance when I am not using the vehicle anymore. The road rax is zero so that's not costing me any extra

twhitehousescat

they will try and get out of it , your term is up, you contacted them to arrnge collection , they failed to collect , i think you said 36 mths or 37 mths , if it was a newcar , then the car cannot be driven untill its moted , no 6 mth extension as it did not have a mot 
TELL them your contract is up and tell them to collect there car as there is no parking and its not insured 

they will wiggle , all the way , but its not your responsability , past the point of them arranging collection

marlot

twhitehousescat said:

...no 6 mth extension as it did not have a mot ...

The first MOT will not be required until 3 years + 6 months.

Martin_the_Unjust

Just make sure you take lots of photos of the car just in case it suffers any damage after it is no longer your responsibility.

Norman_Castle

Ask them to direct you to the specific part of the contract making you responsible after their failure to collect.