Southern Finance
Access Alternatives do not provide vehicle finance, however we have a partnership with Southern Finance who are specialist providers of finance for WAV’s. Please contact Southern Finance direct on 023 8022 6745and ask to speak to Joe Barker or Derek Hannah.
Q; Who are they ?
A; Southern Finance is the principal brand name for the Lending division of Raphaels Bank. Originally, Southern Finance was first established in Southampton in 1957, from where operations are still based today, and it became part of the Banks parent group in 2004. Its core business is in providing credit facilities to help private and business customers purchase new and used vehicles.
Q; Who are Raphaels Bank ?
A; R. Raphael & Sons plc, one of the oldest independent banking houses in the United Kingdom, established in 1787.
Q; Is Raphael Bank regulated ?
A; Yes, they are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Q; Are they members of any industry trade bodies ?
A; Yes, members of both the Consumer Credit Trade Association (CCTA) and The Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) whose Lending Code can be inspected at www.fla.org.uk
Q; What credit facilities and products are available ?
A; New and used wheelchair adapted vehicles, for private individuals, groups of people wanting to combine their allowances, business users, including Care Homes, Charities, Community Transport operators. Credit is provided under traditional Hire Purchase where ownership of the vehicle passes to the customer upon full completion of the terms of the agreement
Q; Is a credit scoring system used to make lending decisions ?
A; No. A credit search will be undertaken, but each application is considered on an individual basis.
Q; What if I am not in full time employment, retired or receiving Allowances ?
A; You do not need to be in full time employment to apply. Your ability to meet the monthly payments is the most important factor. Southern take their role as a responsible lender very seriously and endeavour to structure a financial repayment and term to suit your circumstances.
Q; Do I have to pay a deposit ?
A; As a responsible lender, they will always seek to structure the transaction to suit individual circumstances, so please ask about the deposit payment applicable when making an enquiry.
Q; What periods can I repay over ?
A; Between 12 and 60 months.
Q; What are the minimum and maximum amounts I can borrow ?
A; Minimum £1000 and there is no maximum amount-this will be linked to the profile of the private, or corporate applicant.
Q; What happens if my DLA award ceases during the term of the agreement ?
A; Nothing, your finance agreement continues, as normal.
Q; Can my allowance be paid directly to Southern Finance?
A; No, they will collect payments from your bank by Direct Debit .
Q; Will I still be eligible to apply if I do not receive DLA ?
A; Yes
Q; Can I settle my finance agreement early ?
A; Yes. You can either partially, or fully settle the finance agreement at any point, in line with the contractual terms of the agreement and current legislation.
Q; What happens if my financial affairs are handled by an Appointee (private or corporate) or under a form of Power of Attorney, or Court of Protection arrangement?
A; All of these circumstances can usually be handled without problem.
Q; Is there a limit to the number of individuals allowed on a finance agreement ?
A; No.. Agreements can usually be transacted with both multiple customers and/or Guarantors and can take into account multiple allowances, so please ask.
Q; How long must I wait for a decision on my finance application ?
A; A decision can normally be confirmed within 24 hours of receiving an application.
Q; How do I obtain a finance quotation, or additional background information ?
A; Contact Southern on 02380 215733 and speak to Jacqui Wilkins, or speak to their specialist Mobility Divisional Manager, Derek Hannah, on 07899 066099, or send an email to jacqui.wilkins@southernfinance.co.uk or derek.hannah@southernfinance.co.uk
All enquiries are in complete confidence and without obligation or cost.