What is fair wear and tear on a lease car?

Is there damage to your leased car and not sure what to do? This handy guide explains what you’ll be liable for and what steps to take if your car is damaged.

When you return your leased car at the end of your lease agreement, it will be inspected to make sure any damage to the interior and exterior falls under ‘fair wear and tear.’ But what does that mean exactly?

This guide explains what car lease fair wear and tear is, how it works, and the guidelines and issues that could result in penalty charges at the end of the lease.

What is fair wear and tear?

Fair wear and tear refers to the normal deterioration of a car’s condition from regular use during the lease term. When you return your car to the finance company at the end of the lease, they’ll expect it to be in good condition, though not necessarily perfect. Fair wear and tear is not to be confused with damage caused by accidents, neglect, or poor treatment.

How does fair wear and tear work on a lease car?

At the end of your car leasing agreement, the vehicle will be inspected to check for any major issues that should have been addressed before returning it. The inspection will be carried out based on BVRLA guidelines.

What is the BVRLA? The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association is a governing body for car leasing in the UK. They play a key role in setting standards for fair wear and tear and have set out guidelines to define what is considered acceptable wear on a leased car. These guidelines help determine if any damage goes beyond normal use and whether you’ll need to pay for repairs.

If the car is found to have damage beyond the allowed fair wear and tear, you may have to pay for repairs or face a penalty charge. But if everything falls within the BVRLA guidelines, no additional charges will apply. The inspection makes sure that both you and the leasing company have a clear, shared understanding of what is considered acceptable damage when you return your leased car.

Can I contest the inspection?

Yes, but there’s a specific process to follow. If you believe that the fair wear and tear falls within the guidelines, hire an independent engineer agreed upon by both parties. They will reassess the car and determine if the wear and tear meets BVRLA guidelines.

If the engineer rules in your favour, the inspection cost will be refunded to you and you won’t pay for the incorrectly assessed damage. If not, you’ll cover the costs. Keep in mind, the independent engineer’s decision is final, and no further action can be taken.

What is fair wear and tear on a lease car?

Damage to leased cars is typically classified as either acceptable or unacceptable. Typical acceptable damage includes:

• Small light scratches of up to 25mm
• Damage to the light lens, but not if the glass has been cracked and there’s water ingress
• Scratches to the windscreen that don’t obstruct the driver’s line of vision
• Light tyre wear, as long as the tyres meet UK legal requirements
• Light staining to the driver seat, but no rips, holes or tears
• Scuffs up to 25mm on alloy wheels

What is unacceptable wear and tear on a lease car?

Some of the most common issues that result in drivers have to pay lease-end charges include:

• Damage to wheels and trims
• Chips or dents on the bodywork
• Scuffs, scratches and scrapes to the paintwork over 25mm
• Rips, burns or holes in the car’s seats
• Not repaired impact damage
• Adhesive residue
• Windscreen chips

Tips to keep the leased car in good condition

Here are seven practical tips to keep your car in tip-top condition throughout your lease:

Do the scheduled maintenance checks

Regular maintenance checks are important for identifying and addressing potential issues before they get worse. Stick to the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule, and ensure that oil changes, tyre checks, and other routine inspections are done on time.

Handle wear and tear promptly

Minor wear and tear is expected during the lease term, but it’s important to address issues quickly to avoid additional costs when returning the car. Fix any dents, scratches, or interior damage to prevent them from getting worse.

Keep the car clean

While you don’t have to return a lease car spotless, it’s a good idea to wash the exterior every few weeks. Regular cleaning helps maintain the car’s appearance and prevents minor damage. It’s also worth vacuuming the interior occasionally to keep the car well-maintained and visually appealing.

Fix kerb damage

It’s easy to kerb the wheels and scratch the rims, especially when parallel parking. Most leasing companies don’t consider this fair wear and tear, so it’s wise to have the rims refurbished before returning the car to avoid repair charges.

Fix door dings and dents

While scratches and deep dents are obvious, minor door dings – often caused by other cars in parking lots – can also result in charges. These can often be repaired by a professional painless dent repairer, as long as the paint hasn’t been damaged.

Mind your mileage

Most lease agreements come with mileage limits. Exceeding these limits can result in extra charges at the end of the lease. Keep an eye on your mileage and consider adjusting your lease if you’re likely to go over the agreed limit.

Store all your maintenance records

Keep a detailed record of all maintenance and service work done on the car. These documents can show your commitment to caring for the car and may be useful in case of disputes or inquiries when returning the vehicle.

Car lease fair wear and tear FAQs

Who will collect and inspect my leased car?

At the end of your car lease, an agent of the leasing company or a third-party inspection company will collect and inspect your vehicle.

When is fair wear and tear officially inspected?

Before your lease contract ends, someone from your leasing company will contact you to arrange an inspection of your car. They’ll assess any issues that fall outside the fair wear and tear guidelines and let you know if you’ll likely need to pay for any damages.

What to do if my leased car is damaged

If your car is damaged, contact your insurance company and leasing company right away. They will assess the damage and arrange for repair, which may be covered by your insurance or could result in charges at the end of your lease.

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