Car & Ute Finance for Electricians

Who we help

• Newly licensed sparkies on a new ABN: moving from apprentice or employee to contractor
• Subcontractors to builders: domestic and commercial fit-out work
• Electrical contractors with a team: adding a vehicle for an employee or apprentice
• Solar, data and air-con installers: needing roof racks and room for panels, cable and units
• Maintenance and service electricians: running a van as a mobile stock room
• Self-employed without current financials: low doc options may suit

Typical vehicles and set-ups

• Single or dual cab utes with a tray, canopy or toolboxes
• Ladder racks and conduit tubes for long lengths and ladders
• Vans with shelving and drawer systems for stock, fittings and test gear
• Roof racks for solar panels or extension ladders

Canopies, racks and drawers fitted by the dealer or listed on the vehicle invoice can often be included in the same loan. A dual cab used for both work and family is common. Just keep in mind that tax claims are limited to the business-use portion.

From apprentice or employee to your own ABN

Many electricians buy their first work ute around the time they leave an employer and start contracting. That's when the paperwork is thinnest: no tax return on the new ABN and maybe one BAS. Lenders that consider new ABNs often look at:

• Time licensed and in the trade, including your apprenticeship
• Recent payslips from your previous job, showing what you've been earning
• Work lined up, such as regular work from a builder or a subcontract agreement
• A deposit or trade-in, and whether you own property
• A clean credit file, which matters more when trading history is short

If you're planning the move, talk to a broker before you resign. They can tell you whether applying before or after the switch suits your situation, as long as the application reflects how the vehicle will really be used.

Tax notes

With a chattel mortgage, your business owns the ute and may claim interest and depreciation for the business-use portion, plus the GST credit upfront if you're registered. For passenger cars, the car limit (depreciation capped at $69,674 for 2025–26 and $69,883 for 2026–27) applies, but utes designed to carry a tonne or more generally aren't treated as cars for that limit. Check your vehicle with your accountant.

How it works

1. Tell us about your work and the vehicle in the short form below.
2. A licensed broker calls you, usually within one business day, to talk through your options.
3. If it suits you, they handle the application with a lender that fits your circumstances.

What you'll usually need

• Photo ID and driver licence
• Your electrical licence details
• Your ABN, and GST registration details if registered
• Recent BAS and business bank statements, or tax returns if they're up to date
• For a new ABN: recent payslips from your previous employer and any subcontract agreements
• Vehicle and fit-out details: price, year, and dealer or fit-out invoice

Every lender has its own criteria, so your broker will tell you exactly what's needed for your situation.

Electrician vehicle finance guides

• Financing a ute: what tradies should know
• Car finance options for apprentices
• Low doc car loans for startups
• How long do you need an ABN to get car finance?
• Claiming tax deductions on ABN car finance
• Small business car loans
• Low doc car, ute and van finance

Common questions

I've just finished my apprenticeship. Can I get ute finance?

Possibly. If you're employed, lenders will look at your payslips and job like any other employee. If you've gone straight to an ABN, some lenders consider your time in the trade, a clean credit file and a deposit in place of a long trading history.

Can the canopy, racks and drawers be included in the loan?

Often, yes, when they're fitted by the dealer or listed on the same invoice as the ute. Fit-outs bought separately later may need their own finance.

Can I put the ute in my company's name?

Yes, if you trade through a company, the company can be the borrower. Lenders will usually ask the directors to personally guarantee the loan.

Can I use a dual cab for work and family?

Yes. Many electricians do. Your tax claims are limited to the business-use portion, so keep a logbook, and tell your broker how the vehicle will be used.

Does enquiring affect my credit score?

No. Filling in our enquiry form isn't a credit application. A credit check only happens if you choose to go ahead with an application through the broker.