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It’s time to return your leased car back to the company. But, before you return it, BVRLA (British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association) recommends you to take certain steps, which involves inspecting your car 10-12 weeks before to save yourself paying fees, and heavy charges for the damages you have made during the period.
To save yourself Money, Car Cosmetics – The Car Body Specialists has you covered when handling minor to heavy car damages before you return the car to your lease company.
Get a FREE Estimate go to https://www.carcos.co.uk/
In this article, you’ll find an easy guide on how you can save money when you return your car to the lease company.
Let’s get started!
Inspect the car yourself
Everyone can self-inspect the car before returning it back to the lease company. And this is where you can save money.
● Firstly, get your car washed and dried so you can see clearly.
● Check the body exterior for deep paint scratches, if a scratch is deep, you’ll be able to get your fingernail inside.
● Check alloy wheels for scuffs greater than 1 inch, anything less than 1 inch will usually be classed as fair wear and tear.
● Check for any dents greater than 1cm in diameter, anything less than 1 cm will usually be classed as fair wear and tear
● Check for loose parts like trims, mouldings etc…
● Make sure the headlights and signal lights are working properly.
● Check the tread on the tires and air pressures are correct.
Fill out the form here www.carcos.co.uk/get-a-quote you’ll receive a free no obligation estimate. Just send your photos with a description and within a few hours you should get a response. You could even send a short video on WhatsApp. You’ll find the number on the above link.
FAQs
Will the inspection team from the lease company detect the car repairs?
You should seek a professional repair company to keep the inspection team from detecting the repairs. At Car Cosmetics – The Car Body Specialists, we understand what they’ll be looking for and what damages will charge you more than you expected. We will complete our repairs to a high standard, so you can be sure you won’t get any surprises when returning your vehicle to the lease company.
Whether your leased car has dents or deep scratches or needs an alloy wheel repair, we can provide you with the best car repair services. You can also count on us for additional services such as Collision and Accident Damages even if you go through your insurance, just let them know Car Cosmetics – The Car Body Specialists is your preferred Body Shop.
Checking your lease end agreement
Checking your lease agreement before returning a leased car can solve half of your problems. Whether you have leased a car for your personal or business use, It will provide you with a clear understanding of the terms and conditions of your lease.
For example, your lease agreement may specify that the car must be returned in a certain condition, with a certain number of miles on it, or on a specific date. It may also outline any fees or penalties for returning the car late, exceeding the mileage limits, or failing to maintain the car in good condition.
By reviewing your lease agreement before returning the car, you can ensure that you understand your obligations and take any necessary steps to avoid any penalties or fees. This can help you avoid any unexpected expenses or disputes with the leasing company.
Once you have understood the agreement details, it’s time to move forward to prepare your car for returning.
Arranging the return in advance
The lease company will usually contact you four months before to ask on the return whether you want to extend the lease period, replace the lease with a brand-new model, or simply return it on time?
If you have made up your mind to return the lease car, make sure to arrange the car return about 30 days before the lease period is ending.
Scheduling the return of the car in advance can also help you avoid any last-minute scramble to return the car on time.
if you are unable to return the car on the agreed-upon date, contacting the leasing company as soon as possible can allow you to negotiate an extension or new return date, which may help you avoid any late fees.
Thus, whether or not your lease provider calls to remind you for the lease return, make sure to return the car on the agreed-upon date.
This will help you avoid any unexpected expenses or disputes with the leasing company, and will make the return process go more smoothly.
After you know the date the car needs to be returned, it’s time to check your car condition to make it ready for the inspection day.
Clean and maintain the car
For cleaning and maintaining a leased car, BVRLA provides a complete guidance to do it accurately. Most lease companies follow BVRLA’s guide as a standard to inspect the leased car conditions. According to BVRLA’s guidelines, leased vehicles should be returned in a clean and tidy condition, both inside and out. This includes:
- Inspect the exterior
Walk around the car and look for any visible damage, such as scratches, dents, or chips in the paint. Make a list of any damages you find and take pictures to document them. You can always ask a friend for this.
- Inspect the interior
Check the inside of the car for any stains, rips, or other damage to the seats, carpets, or dashboard. Look for any other signs of damages, such as worn pedals or a damaged steering wheel.
- Check for fluid leaks
Look under the car for any signs of fluid leaks, such as puddles of oil or coolant. If you find any leaks, have them repaired before returning the car.
- Check the tyres:
Check the tread depth of the tyres and look for any visible damage, such as cuts or bulges. If the tyres need to be replaced, have it done as soon as possible.
- Clean the car:
Thoroughly clean the exterior of the car, including the windows and mirrors. Vacuum the interior of the car, including the seats, carpets, and dashboard, and remove any rubbish or personal belongings.
It is important to note that specific requirements for returning a leased car may vary based on your lease agreement and the policies of the leasing company.
Besides that, it is a good idea to review the Fair Wear and Tear guide provided by the leasing company before returning the car. If the car meets the standards set out in the guide, you may be less likely to be charged for excess damage.
Understanding the fair damage.
Fair damage refers to the normal deterioration of a vehicle that occurs as a result of normal and reasonable use, given its age and mileage. In context of leasing a car, it is used to determine what condition the vehicle should be in when it is returned at the end of the lease.
Typically, it does not include damage to the vehicle that is caused by abuse, neglect, or accidents.
Examples of fair damages on a vehicle might include:
● Minor scratches and dents that are consistent with normal use
● Fading or discoloration of paint or upholstery
● Wear on the tyres that is consistent with the mileage on the car
The standards for what are considered fair wear and tear may vary based on the type of vehicle, the length of the lease, and other factors.
Inspecting the unacceptable damages
Unacceptable damages on a leased car are the ones that go beyond what is considered fair wear and tear. Examples of unacceptable damage on a leased car might include
● Extensive scratches over 25mm
● Deep scratches when the bare metal is visible.
● Accidental dents
● Ripped roof
● Broken windscreens or lights
● Visible tyre damage
● Damage to the engine or other mechanical components
● Stains or damage to the interior of the car, such as torn or heavily soiled seats or carpets
Here are some other things you must take into account before returning a leased car:
● Missing sets of keys
● Missed services
● Missing documentation
Seek a professional car repair service
When your car has some unacceptable damage that you cannot handle yourself, Car Cosmetics – The Car Body Specialists can help you. So you don’t have to worry about any damages or repairs to your leased car, you’ll be able to return it without bearing a heavy financial bill.
Being a professional car body repair service provider, it could be a good idea to contact us before returning it to a leasing company.
Contact us by filling in a form www.carcos.co.uk/get-a-quote it should only take 5 minutes make sure you have your photo ready. Car Cosmetics – The Car Body Specialists will normally respond within a few hours.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
