As your lease agreement nears its end, you’ll probably find yourself wondering which steps you need to take before receiving an inspection and finally handing the vehicle back. After all, you don’t want to find yourself racking up unexpected charges because you didn’t take proper care of the vehicle.
That’s why we at LeaseLoco are giving you a rundown of all the things that you need to do, saving you time, hassle and expenses.
So amigos, here are our top tips for preparing your lease car for collection.
Don’t Exceed the Agreed Mileage
You’ll be charged on a pence-per-mile basis if you go above your annual mileage allowance. This is to cover the cost of the added depreciation that you’ve put on the vehicle, as driving more miles means that the vehicle has depreciated more in value. The exact amount per mile differs by each finance company, but it should be outlined in your contract.
To calculate your excess mileage, it’s a simple case of subtracting the total allowed mileage from the actual mileage on your odometer counter. Simples. (Not that we want you to have to calculate it.)
Examine the Interior
Have a thorough check over the upholstery for any stains or bad odours, as well as making sure that the dashboard features and equipment are all in perfect working order.
Have the Car Professionally Cleaned
This is something that you could just attempt on your own, but paying for a professional valet service could be worth the trouble (usually costing somewhere between £30 and £100), ensuring that the vehicle is returned in the very best shape possible.
Remove All Personal Items
Bit of an obvious one here, but do make sure that you remove all of your personal possessions from the car before you hand it back.
Be Aware of Fair Wear and Tear
Okay, although you might not own a leased car, it is still very important to treat it as if you do and to look after it accordingly. Otherwise, you might just find yourself having to pay to fix damage or risk getting penalised by the leasing provider.
When inspecting your car, all reputable leasing companies follow the general standards set out by the Fair Wear & Tear guidelines of the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA). These outline what kind of damage or deterioration is and is not acceptable on your returned lease car. As such, you will be expected to cover the cost for any damage or deterioration that isn’t deemed ‘acceptable’ as per those guidelines.
Acceptable Wear & Tear
Obviously, nobody expects a lease car to be returned in absolutely perfect condition. Road use and the elements naturally wear a vehicle down overtime, meaning it’s bound to lose some of its original shine and running power. That’s just par for the course.
This being the case, lease providers are pretty accepting when it comes to a certain amount of wear and tear that could occur to your lease vehicle. Here’s what’s deemed acceptable:
- Slight wear on upholstery from normal use
- Light bodywork scuffs (no larger than 25mm)
- Small windscreen scratches beyond the driver’s line of sight
- Worn tyre tread depth, but no more than the legal minimum requirement of 1.6mm
Unacceptable Wear & Tear
However, what isn’t acceptable is the following:
- Windscreen glass chips
- Tyres with a tread depth less than the legal minimum requirement of 1.6mm
- Multiple deep dents on a single exterior panel
- Permanent stains on the upholstery
As long as a dent hasn’t flaked or gone through the paintwork, it can be fairly easily fixed by a professional paintless dent repairer, usually costing around £100 for several dints, depending on position.
You have the right to dispute any charges that the leasing company decides to impose on you. However, this would involve paying for an impartial engineer to examine the vehicle. Their assessment is final, and you can’t appeal for a second time if the decision doesn’t go in your favour. However, if the engineer agrees with your dispute, the examination costs will be fully refunded.
What Documents to Have When Returning Your Lease Car
You will need your original documents, service history and a valid MOT certificate (if required).
Oh, and don’t forget the keys!
What to Expect on Collection Day
Before your agreement ends, the leasing provider will contact you to book a time and a place for collection. That way, there’s no need to worry about bringing the car back yourself.
Don’t Return the Leased Car Late
This almost goes without saying, but if for some reason you miss the arranged collection date and the leased car can’t be collected, you may be charged a late fee as a consequence. Again, this fact should be outlined in your contract.