What is your company vehicle worth? A complete guide for self-employed professionals

As a self-employed professional, your company vehicle is often one of the biggest investments in your business. Whether you're considering selling, trading in, or simply want to know where you stand: insight into its value gives you control. We distinguish two types of value: the current market value or resale value (what a buyer pays for it) and the tax value (the benefit in kind or BIK, which affects your taxes). Both depend on different factors, and it's useful to understand both.

Current market value: what can your company vehicle yield on sale?

The current market value is the amount you can realistically get if you sell today. It is often lower than the new price, but is determined by a combination of objective and market factors:

• Brand and model: popular brands like Volkswagen, Ford, or Mercedes often hold their value better.
• Year of manufacture and mileage: a younger vehicle with fewer kilometers is obviously worth more. As a rule of thumb, value drops fastest in the first three years.
• Maintenance history: a fully stamped service book from an authorized garage gives confidence and increases the price.
• Overall condition and equipment: damage, interior wear, but also options like air conditioning, navigation, or a tow bar play a role.
• Fuel type and emission standard: diesel remains popular for company vehicles, but the rise of electric models is changing demand. Note: low-emission zones (LEZ) sometimes make older diesels less desirable.

Want a quick indication? Use online tools like a current value calculator for company vehicles or compare similar models on sales sites. Keep in mind that a real appraisal always requires an expert who can physically inspect the vehicle.

Residual value: how much is your vehicle still worth at the end of the road?

The residual value is the expected value at a certain point in the future, for example at the end of a leasing contract or after a predetermined usage period. Leasing companies calculate this in advance to determine the monthly payment. As a self-employed professional, you can estimate the residual value yourself by looking at the historical depreciation curve of your model. Brands with a strong reputation on the second-hand market often retain a higher residual value. Check for example how to determine the residual value of a company vehicle for more details.

BIK: the benefit in kind and your tax burden

Besides the market value, there is also the tax value of your company vehicle. The benefit in kind (BIK) is the amount the tax authorities add to your income as 'non-cash remuneration' for the private use of the vehicle. That amount depends on the list price (the new price including options and VAT) and the CO₂ emissions. The formula changes annually: the reference CO₂ emission is redefined every year. As a result, your BIK can rise or fall from year to year. For an accurate calculation of your company vehicle BIK we offer a separate tool, but it comes down to: (list price × CO₂ percentage) × 6/7 × an age coefficient. The impact on your net income can be substantial, especially for high-emission vehicles.

Seasonal influence: why January is the best month to sell

From experience, we notice that January is a peak month for selling company vehicles. Many self-employed professionals and businesses renew their fleet at the start of the new year, which increases demand for young second-hand vehicles. April is traditionally a weaker month, perhaps due to the focus on tax returns and spring. So if you want to get the maximum selling price, consider offering your vehicle at the end of the year or in January. This is purely based on years of observation, not a guarantee, but the pattern is clear.

Selling to a company vehicle buyer: when is that interesting?

Want to get rid of your vehicle quickly and without hassle? Then a specialized buyer is a smart choice. You get a market-based offer, often within 48 hours, and you don't have to negotiate or advertise endlessly. Especially if your vehicle has damage or high mileage, a buyer can offer more than you expect, because they can often easily repair or export the vehicle. Moreover, we handle the paperwork and pick up the vehicle for free. That way you stay focused on your business. Simply request a no-obligation valuation and you'll know exactly where you stand.