What is Guaranteed Future Value (GFV)?
The Guaranteed Future Value (sometimes known as the Guaranteed Minimum Future Value, optional final payment or balloon payment) is when a finance company guarantees what your car will be worth at the end of your finance term, regardless of its true depreciation. The GFV is an important part of a Personal Contract Plan (PCP) agreement.
Guaranteed Future Value
The total cost of your finance throughout your agreement, alongside any remaining costs at the end of it are key considerations when you’re in the market for a new car on finance.
Unless you’re buying a collectible classic or a limited edition supercar, it’s pretty much a given that new vehicles will depreciate in value over their lifetime, particularly over the first two or three years. However, thanks to a part of their agreement known as the Guaranteed Future Value, or GFV, Personal Contract Plan (PCP) customers can be reassured that they are protected against depreciation should the market change more than they predicted.
Also known as Guaranteed Minimum Future Value, the GFV is how the finance provider guarantees the car’s minimum future residual value regardless of true depreciation. This is the estimated figure that will be outstanding at the end of the finance term, at which point you’ll decide whether to keep the vehicle by paying the balance – called an Optional Final Payment or Balloon Payment – or to hand it back, or to trade it in.
How GFV is worked out
The GFV is worked out using factors such as your estimated mileage, the length of your agreement, and the brand and model of vehicle. Your monthly finance payments are then calculated by taking the new car costs, minus any deposit, plus interest.
Do remember to read the small print of your finance agreement, however. The GFV is based on an agreed mileage allowance. This is the anticipated maximum number of miles you have committed to driving in your vehicle throughout the term of the contract with the finance company. Exceeding this figure may affect the value your vehicle might achieve when eventually sold or traded in, and so may have an effect on the GFV or incur penalty payments.
‘Fair wear and tear’ is another consideration to bear in mind. If your car is in less than ‘reasonable’ condition for its age and mileage at end of finance term, or you haven’t kept up with official servicing and maintenance schedules, it could cost you.
You don’t have to do anything extra to organise a GFV; it’s a component part of every PCP, so it is calculated at the same time as setting up the contract via your dealer or finance provider.