Shop paths
How the service path works
The service template should clarify the customer path before the CTA.
Explore
Broker and concierge pages
Broad broker links stay on broad broker/concierge owners; lease-broker links are reserved for lease-specific intent.
01
Phase 1: Discovery
Discovery is where the broker takes the buyer's parameters: make, model, trim, drive type, term and mileage if a lease, target month, geography, credit profile context, and any constraints (color, options, configuration). A clean discovery phase produces a written scope the buyer can keep. The broker is not yet quoting at this phase; the work is framing the deal precisely enough that any quote that follows is comparable to any other quote the buyer might solicit. Discovery usually fits in one or two emails.
02
Phase 2: Sourcing and quote
Sourcing is where the broker reaches into regional dealer relationships and identifies the configuration in pipeline or in stock. The quote that comes back has the standard line items: agreed price or cap cost, any cap cost reduction, residual percentage and money factor on a lease, term, mileage, acquisition fee, and due at signing. Regulation M's pre-contract disclosures will name the same items at signing on a lease; the broker quote should match the eventual contract closely. A quote that arrives with missing line items is not yet ready for a credit pull.
03
Phase 3: Agreement, credit, paperwork
Agreement is where Vehicle Code section 11735 takes effect. The autobroker agreement names the make, model, accessories, vehicle price ceiling, autobroker fee, and the buyer-agent role, and it must be provided before the buyer becomes obligated. Once the agreement is signed, the credit application goes to the captive lender or bank. The lender's pre-contract disclosures arrive in writing under Regulation M. The dealer of record prepares the lease or purchase contract. The broker is the connector; the lender and dealer execute their respective parts.
04
Phase 4: Pickup, delivery, post-sale handoff
Pickup is where the buyer signs the contract and takes the vehicle. In person at the selling dealer of record is the cleanest path; arranged delivery is possible with the logistics in writing. The walk-around inspection at delivery establishes the condition baseline that any future excess-wear charge under Regulation M would compare against. After pickup, the broker's role is essentially complete except for occasional follow-up logistics. Ongoing service, warranty claims, and end-of-lease obligations are not part of the broker engagement; those flow through the manufacturer service network and the lender of record.
05
What a car broker service typically does NOT include
Several things sit outside a typical broker service scope. Tax advice on deductibility of fees - that goes to a tax professional. Legal advice on contract interpretation - that goes to an attorney. Ongoing lease servicing or end-of-lease return logistics - those run through the lender of record. Warranty claims and recall handling - those run through the manufacturer's authorized service network. F&I product re-evaluation - those are between the buyer and the dealer of record at signing. A clean broker service tells the buyer what falls outside scope before the section-11735 agreement is signed, not after pickup. 021 Auto Leasing operates as a California-based broker channel and is not the lender of record on any quote; live monthly figures appear only on the active deal feed when a current dated program is alive.
FAQ
Common Questions
Does the broker handle DMV registration?
The selling dealer of record handles the first registration through California DMV. The broker arranges the transaction but is not the registrant on the lease or purchase.
Does the broker stay involved during the lease term?
Generally no. Lease servicing flows through the lender of record. The broker is available for new business and post-sale logistics but is not the ongoing lease account contact.
Is the autobroker fee refundable if the lender does not approve?
Refund policy varies by practice. The section-11735 agreement should state the refund terms explicitly; ask in writing before signing if it matters.
Can the broker negotiate F&I products at the dealership for me?
F&I products are presented by the dealer of record at signing. A buyer can arrive with a clear list of which add-ons to accept or decline. The broker can advise but is not on the F&I contract.
Explore
Choose your next step
Start here
More research
Next steps
021 Auto Leasing
talk to an advisor
Use this page as a decision support path, then move into a quote request when the vehicle, mileage, and payment structure are clear.